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—1808.— 



■•^>^<^=^,&?^i 






>UAP 



^/r 



ecs^' 



HISTORY 



OF 



/ 



THE FIRE LANDS, 



COMPRISING 



URON AND Erie Counties, 



OHIO 



WITH 



Illustrations and Biographical Sketches 




PRESS OF LEADER PRINTING COMPANY, CLEVELAND, O. 



.\V5VV7 



^ to>«HMH«» 

OCT 7 1915 




Prefatory Note, 



~^ERJIAI'S there is no otliei- disti-ich in Ohio, nl' e(|UMi exicni., th;il h;is ^iveii S(i much ;ittentiiiii lo iiioueer 
liistory as that, whicii einhraoes the Fire-lands. An historical society lias been in active l)ein,ir .since 
1857, assemhlinj"-. for (lie most part, four or live times cacli year; ami thn.s the interest in hical history 
has not been ])ermitte(l to i^now (h)rmant. This .society lias i.ssued thirteen volumes, conlaininj; for tiie most 
l)ai-t nuitter pertinent to pioneei' liislory. This matter is set fortli in print in the form in which it. was first 
|ircpai-c<i — some of it in townsliip histories — mucli of the iiiyiily valuaJdi' in puldisiied addicsscs. Had the 
liuiilications referred to contained full and accurate iiistories of all the t(>wnslii[)s on tiie Fii-e-lands tiiere would 
still have existed one defect which a volume such as the author now )daces in the hand.s of its readers is in- 
tended to su])ply, viz: a. lack of careful revision and editing. However, the township histories, as published 
in Till- I'iiiiiriT. though excellent in some resjjects, are greatly lacking in other essent ials. JIan\ of thcni fail 
to treat of subjects that are eiititled,to weighty consideration; many of them contain irrelevant matter; some 
of them were prepared by writers who are unaccustomed to woi-k of this nature — additional points that show 
the ilesiraldeness of a carefully conii)iled history. However. tlieaiilh<ir of this volume has not relied iipmi 
T/ir J'iiitiiTi- ati ]u!i chief source of information. The facts have been gathei-ed anew. (Original doeuiuents 
and records li;ive been consulted: old settlers and their descendants personally interviewed and the hisicuv of 
the various townships made as comjilete as practicable. The first one hundred ])ages „v more, are devoted 
to topics of a general interest in connection with the history of the Fire-lands, while the remainder of the 
book treats of matter pei-tainiug to the history of the various townsiii))s mcluiled in the I'ire-lands" district; 
while at the close of the \idunie is aijpended a bi-ief account of the islands of Saiiduskv IJay. 'i'he book 
embraces at. least one hnmlred |iages moi-e of reading matter thaM any jirevious similar j)nblicat ion with 
which the publisher has been identitied. His lu)p(' is that the book, which he is con.seious is not wholly free 
from faults, may nevertheless meet reasonalde expectaiion. 

His thanks are in a si)ecial manner due to .Mr. 1'. N. Siiiu vi.ki;. President of the l''ire-laiids ilisloiie.-d So- 
eietv lor valued suggestions, and for valuable information upon various ti>)iics. That geiitlcmauV Centennial 
Address ])nl)lished in Volume Mil of the I'liuirrr. the publishei- found of great value and made liberal use 
of facts therein sc^j^^fortb. 

The cha])ter on the I're-hisliu-ic l-'ire-lands is from the able pen of S. A. \\l mi.ma N, Esq., of Norwalk, who 
has made this subject ji special study. Through s<ime inadvertence the ]iropei- credit in the propel- place was 
not given. 

In the i)roparation of the history of Lyme, the author had access to the valuable manuscript of Mr. .loiiN 
Srymoik. which treats (|uile fully of the early settlement of the township; to him the ])ublisher is thenYorc 
indebted, as also to Mr. GlCOlKiK W. SHEFflKMi, and .Mrs. i.'ini.vi;]! L. McClKDV, whom he buind it neces- 
sarv freipiently to consult. 

I'.KLLKVtE. Oiiiii. June 26, 1879. 



CONTENTS. 



I3:iSTOK.IO..^Ili. 



HISTORY OP HUEOTf AND EEIE COUNTIES. 

CHAPTER PAGF, 

I. — The Connecticut Western Kcservc .... 9 

ir. — The SiilTei-ing Towns of Connecticut . . .11 

III. — The Fire-Lands — A Li-st of the .Sufferers and their 

Losses . . . . . . . . .14 

I\'.— Indian Title— Copy of the Original Treaty . 20 

V. — The Survey and Partition ..... 23 

VI. — Physical Features of Huron County — Geography and 

Topography 2a- 

VII. — Geology of Erie County — Surface, Features, and De- 
posit 30 

VIII.— The Prehistoric Fire-Lands 34 

IX. — The Moravian Missions ...... 39 

X.— Early Settlement 40 

XI.— Pioneer Times 42 

XII.— Civil History 44 

XIII. — Erie County — Its Eretition and Organizati(Ui . . 47 

XIV.— Civil List 48 

XV.— Political History 50 

XVI.— Statistics 52 

XVri.— The Press 55 

XVIII. — The Fire-Lands Historical Society .... 61 

XIX.— Military History of the Fire-Lands .... 67 

XX.— Roster of Soldiers SI 

HISTORY OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF 
HURON COIINTV. 

Norwalk HI 

Wakeuian ........... 1S2 

llarlland 195 

Peru 202 

Greenfield 214 



PAOE 

lironson 226 

Townsend ........... 242 

Uidgetield 253 

Clarksfleld 274 

Sherman 284 

Uichmond 290 

New Haven 295 ■ 

Kiplcy 319 

Fitchville 328 

Greenwich ........... 337 

Fairfield 351 

New London .......... 362 

Lyme 377 

Norwich 417 

HISTORY OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF 

ERIE COUNTY. 

Sandusky City 431 

Vermillion . ... . . . . . . . . 440 

Florence ........... 445 

Groton ........... 463 i 

Perkins 455 

Milan 458 

O.\ford 466 

Huron 470 

Berlin 475 

Margarelta 490 

Kelley's Island 510 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Kugglcs, Ashland County ........ 501 

Danbury, Ottawa "...,.... 506 

Put-in-I5ay, " - 519 



ILXjXJSTK.^TIOITS. 



Outline Maps of Huron and Erie Counties 
BoUevuc Local News Building . 



PAUR 

between 8, 9 
. 60 



NORWALK. 



Residence of John (-JardiDer 
Portrait of Ashbel «. Post. 
Residence ii u _ 

Portrait of Judge Chas. B. Stickney . 
" Col. Franklin Sawyer 

Hon. John A. Williamson 

Dr. .John Tifft . 

Ansel Baker 

Eri Mesnard 

George Butt 

John Gardiner (steel) 

Piatt Benedict . 

Hi)n. Timothy Baker (steel) 
Residence and Factory of B. Cortritc 
Portrait of David Harlow Pease 
" .John Laylin 

Caleb H. Gallup 



facing 111 

between 122, 123 

" 122, 123 

facing 126 
135 
141 
144 
147 
153 
158 
171 
173 
175 
176 
177 
178 
'■ 179 



HARTLAND. 

Portrait of Benjamin F. McCormick . 

PERU. 

Residence of Richardson Eaton 

Portraits of Richardson Eaton and Wife . 

Portrait of Richard lliiidley 

William N. Mitchell 
Portraits of Ransom B. Ellsworth and Wife 

GREENFIELD. 

Portrait of Samuel McCammon, M.D. 
Residence of llirnm Smitli (double I'age) . 

BRONSON. 

Portraits of A. J. Thomas and Wife 
Residence of A. J. Thomas 
Portrait of Thomas Lawrence . 

" Alvin Brightnuin 

Residence of Leister .Smith (with por 

" N. S. Hakes 

Portraits of N. S. Hakes and Wife 





PAGE 


facing 


196 


facing 


205 


" 


205 


. 


206 


. 


208 




213 


facing 


210 



between 2'2i, 225 



. 


between 228, 229 


, 


228, 229 




facing 230 




. " 233 


•traits) 


. " 235 




. " 236 




. ■• 236 



CONTENTS. 



inijXjTJSTi?.^Tio:^s. 



Portraits of Samuel S. Ncwcomb and Wife 
Kesidence of Edward Conger (with portraits) 
Portraits of Timothy Lawrence and Wife . 
Residence of W, G. Mead 
Portrait of W. G. Mead .... 
*' George Lawrence 



RIDGEFIELD 

Portrait of Isaac Underbill 
Orrin W. Head 

" John S. Davis (steel) 

Portraits of William A. Bishop and Wife 
Portrait of Henry P. Stent/, (steel) . 

" Robert G. Martin " 

" Thomas Dickey 

Portraits of Salmon Drake and Wife . 



CLAUKSFIELD. 

Portraits of Sherman Smith and Wife 
Residence of Andrew J. Blac-kman 
Portraits of " " and Wife 

Portrait of Edwin W. Cunningham . 



SHERMAN, 

Portrait of Lucien .Jones . 

Residence of William S, Purdy . 

Portraits of William S. Purdy and Wife 
'* Ransom Purdy and Wife 

*' Major Purdy antl Wife . 

Residence of Major Purdy 

RICHMOND. 

Portrait of Dr. William Robinson 
Portraits of Iluriah Robinson and Wife 
Residence of Iluriah Robinson . 
Residence of Daniel Sweetiand . 



facint 



rAGF. 

23S 
2SS 
240 
241 
241 
241 



TOWNSEND. 

Portraits of Martin Denman and Wife . . . facing 244 

Portrait of Dudley S. Humphrey . . . between 240, 247 

William Humphrey .... " 246, 247 

Dr. Edgar Miirtin 252 



facing 2oD 

" 262 

" 2119 

. 2711 

between 270, 271 

270, 271 

facing 272 

" 272 



. 280 

facing 2S0 

" 2S0 

. 282 



facing 280 

between 288, 281) 

288, 28!) 

288, 289 

lacing 289 

" 289 



facing 29.-i 
29;! 
293 
295 



fae 



ng 



295 
299 
299 
.310 
310 
313 
317 



NEW HAVEN. 

Residence of William Motson 
Portraits of Thomas T. Mulford and Wife 
Residence of Thomas T. Mulford 
Portraits of R. G. Richards and Wife 
Residence of R. G. Richards 

" John Loveland (with i>(»rtraits) 

** John Skinner " " 

RIPLEY. 

Residence of A. D. Stotts (with portraits), double 

I'lige 

" F. C. Paine (with portraits) . 

FITCHVILtE. 

Portraits of Philiji llawxhurst anil Wife . 
Residence of Philip Ilaw.xhurst 

GREENWICH. 

Residence of Henry 0. Washburn (double page), with 

portraits ..... between 338, 339 

facing 342 

" 345 

between 340, 347 

" 340, 347 

" 340, 347 



between 322 


323 


facing 


325 


facing 


335 


a 


335 



" Chas. A. Sutton (with jutrtraits) 

" William Sutton 

Portraits of John M. Carl and Wife . 
Residence of John M. Carl 
Portraits of David Sutliff and Wife . 



Residence of David Sntliff .... 

" John Ellis (with portraits) . 

" William B. Ellis (with portraits) 

Portraits of Joseph Sutton and Wife 

FAIRFIELD. 

Residence of Clinton McKcllogg 

" Isaac DeAVitt (with portraits) 

Portraits^of William Baker and Wife 

NEW LONDON. 

Portrait of Holsy Hubbard 
Portraits of Zelotus Barrett and Wife 
Residence of the late Zelotus Barrett 

" .lesse Perkins (with portraits) 

Portrait of Dr. A. D. Skollenger 

" Lyman Dunks . 

'* Tracy Case . . 

" E. H. Curtiss . 

LYME. 

Residence of E. L. Dole (with portraits) . 
Portrait of David Williams 

Thomas G. Amsden 

Frederick A. Chapman (steel) 

Gurdon Woodward 

Mary S. Woodward 

Bourdett AVood 

Mrs. Bourdett Wood 

Dr. L. G. Harkncss 

Mrs. L. G. Harkness 

D. M. Harkncss 





PAGE 


between 340 


347 


348, 


349 


348, 


349 


facing 


.350 


facing 


352 


" 


355 


it 


.■;co 




305 


between 306 


307 


366, 


367 


facing 


368 



372 
374 

375 
376 



facing 379 

" 385 

390 

405 

between 406, 407 

400, 407 

412, 413 

412, 413 

414, 415 

414, 415 

facing 410 



facing 
facing 



NORWICH. 

Residence of W. Robinson (with portraits) 
Portraits of John H. Nilcs and Wife . 
Residence of Harvey J. Doolittle 
Portraits of Harvey J. Doolittle and Wife . 

" John S. Hester and Wife 

Residence of John S. Hester . . 

Portrait of Charles T. Hester .... 
Residence of Ebenezer Lawrence (with portraits) 
Portraits of James H. Dailey and Wife 
Residence of James II. Dailey .... 
Portraits of John Bowen and Wife . 
Residence of John Bowen ..... 
Residence of A. B. Gilson (with jiortraits) 

SANDUSKY CITY. 

Portrait of F. D. Parish 

BERLIN. 

l'*ortraits of Benjamin .Summers and AVife 

" Milton McLaughlin and Wife 

" Hudson Tuttlc and AVife . 

Portrait of Hon. Almon Ruggles 
Portraits of P. B. Barber and AVife . 

RUGGLES. 

Portrait of Philctus Ferris 502 



419 

421 

422 

422 

425 

425 

425 

facing 4 27 

between 428, 429 

" 428, 429 

" 428, 429 

" 428, 429 

facing 430 



439 



facing 479 

482 

480 

. 488 

facing 488 



KELLEY'S ISLAND. 

Portraits of Datus Kelley and AVife . 

'• Charles Carpenter and AA'ife . 

Portrait of George AV. AVires . . . . 



facing 



513 
515 
517 



PUT-IN-BAY. 

Portrait of Lorenz Miillor between 520, 521 

Simon Fo.v " 520, 521 

Portraits of Charles DcKay Townsend and Wife . . . 523 



CONTENTS. 



Bioc3-i^7^Fia:ic^^Xj. 



Ashhcl G. Post . 

Judge Cliiis. B. Stickney 
Cul. Frnnklin Sawyer 
Iliin. John A. Williamson 

Dot-tor John TilTt 

Ansel Bilker 

Eri Mesnard 

George Butt 

John Gardiner . 

IMatt Benediet . 

Hon. Timothy Baker 

Gideon T. Stewart 

Barnard Cortrite 
David Ilarlow Pease 

John Laylin 

Caleb II. Gallup 

Benjamin P. MuCorm 

Richard Hindley 

William X. .Mitehell 

Dean Clapp 

Ransom B. Ellsworth 

Samuel MeCammon, M.D, 

Erastus Smith 

Iliram Smith 

A. J. Thomas 

Thomas Lawrence 

Alviu Brightman 

The Neweombs of Bronson 

David Conger 

Leister .Smith 

Noruian S. Hakes 

Timothy Lawrence 

George Lawrence 

John Buffington . 

W. G. Mead 

Martin Denuiau . 
Dudley S. Humphrey 
William Humphrey 
Dr. Edgar Martin 
Isaac Underbill . 
Orrin W. Head . 
John S. Davis 
William A. Bishop 
Henry P. Stentz 
Robert G. Martin 
Thomas Dickey . 
Salmon Drake . 
Reuben Parker . 
Sherman Smith and Wife 
Andrew J. IJlackman 
Edwin W. Cunningham 
Lucien .Tones 
The Purdy Family 
Major Purdy 
Huriah Robinson 



facing 



facing 



PAGE 

between 122, 12.i 

facing 126 

135 

141 

144 

147 

IS.? 

158 

171 

173 

175 

17fi 

17C 

177 

178 

179 

196 

206 

208 

212 

213 

216 

. 225 

. 225 

etweeu 228, 229 

facing 230 

'• 233 

238 

239 

239 

240 

240 

241 

241 

241 

facing 244 

between 246, 247 

" 246, 247 

. 251 

facing 255 

262 

269 

270 

271 

271 

272 

273 

274 

280 

281 

282 

286 

288 

289 

294 



facing 



Thomas T. Mulford 

John Skinner 

Richard G. Richards 

John Loveland . 

William Motson . 

F. C. Paine 

A. D. Stotts 

Samson and Philip Hawxhurst 

Henry G. Washburn 

William Benson Ellis 

John Ellis . 

Joseph Sutton 

William Baker . 

Isaac De Witt 

Clinton M. Kellogg 

Zelotus Barrett . 

Dr. A. D. Skellenger 

Isaac P. and Tracy C 

Jesse Perkins 

E. H. Curtiss 
David Williams 
Thonms 0. Amsden 
Frederick A. Chapui 
Gurdon Woodward 
The Rev. Moses Hamilton 
Am<>s Woodward 
Richard Lord McCurdy 
Bourdett Wood . 
Dr. L. G. Harkness 
Orrin Dole . 
D. W. Harkness . 
Jolin H. Niles 
Charles T. Hester 
John S. Hester . 
Ebenezer Lawrence 
James II. Dailey 
A. B. Gilson 
John Bowcn 
Harvey J. Doolittlc 
Wesley Robinson 

F. D. Parish 
Percival B. Salisbury 
Benjamin Summers 
Milton McLaughlin 
Hudson Tuttle . 
Hon. Almon Ruggles 
Rev. Phincas B. Barber 
Ro.xana S. Barber 
Datus Kelley 
Charles Carpenter 
(Jeorge W. Wires 
Roswell Nichols . 
Lorcnz Miiller 
Simon Fo.v . 
Chas. DeKay Townsend 



facing 



PAGE 

316 
317 
317 
318 
318 
325 
326 
336 
348 
349 
349 
350 
360 
360 
361 

between 366, 367 
facing 372 
. 374 
. 375 
. 375 
385 
390 
405 
407 
409 
409 
410 
412 
414 
415 
41G 
421 
425 
426 
427 
428 
428 
429 
430 
430 
439 
469 
479 
482 
486 
487 
488 
489 
513 
515 
517 
51S 

between 520, 521 

520, 521 

. 524 



facin 



g 



facing 




05 J 

z 'A 



HISTORY 



OF 








BY W. W. WILLIAMS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE CONNECTICUT MTESTEKN KESERVE. 

The Western Reserve of Connecticut lies between 
the parallels of •il'' and 42° 2' of north latitude, com- 
mencing wi.th tiie western boundary of Pennsylvania 
and extending thence westward one hundred and 
twenty miles. The entire tract embraces an area of 
seven thousand four hundred and forty square miles, 
nearly one-third of whieli is covered by the waters of 
Lake Erie. Within its limits are contained, in whole 
or in part, thirteen counties, as follows: Ten counties, 
Ashtabula, Trumbull, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Cuya- 
hoga, Lorain, iledina, Huron and Erie lie wholly in 
the Reserve; two others, Summit and Mahoning, are 
mostly within its limits, the former containing six- 
teen original townships, only two of which, Franklin 
and Green, are south of the line, the latter having 
ten townships north of the Reserve line and five 
south of it. Ashland county is represented on the 
Reserve by Sullivan, Troy and Ruggles townships, 
and Ottawa county by the township of Danbury. 

There have been numerous claimants to the soil of 
the Reserve. In addition to the red man's title,' 
France, England, the United States, Virginia, Massa- 
chusetts, New York and Connecticut have, :it one 
time or another, asserted ownership. 

The claim of France arose by reason of its being a 
portion of the tcrritoiy which she possessed by right 
of discovery. 

England laid claim to all territory adjoining those 
districts lying along the Atlantic seaboard, whose soil 
she possessed by right of occupancy, asserting owner- 
ship from sea to sea. The greatest ignorance, how- 
ever, prevailed in early times as to the inland extent 
of the American continent. During the reign of 
James I., Sir Francis Drake reported tliat from the 
top of the mountains on the Isthmus of Pananni, he 
had seen both oceans. This led to the belief that the 
contment from oast to west was of no considerable ex- 
tent, and that the South Sea, by whicii appellation 
the Pacific then was known, did not lie very far 



removed from the Atlantic. As late as 17-±0, the 
Duke of Newcastle addressed his letters to the "Island 
of New England." This ignorance of the inland ex- 
tent of America gave rise, as we shall see, to con- 
flicting claims of western territory. England's valid 
title to the great west was obtained through conquest, 
compelling France, in 1713 and 170.3, to surrender 
nearly the whole of her American possessions. 

The LTnited States succeeded Great Britain in her 
right of ownersliip in American soil, and thus came 
to have a claim on the lands of the Reserve. The 
claims of Virginia, ilassaehusetts, New York and 
Connecticut were obtained by virtue of charters 
granted to English subjects by English sovereigns. 
The tract of country embraced in the London Com- 
pany's charter, granted by James I. in 1009, whence 
arose Virginia's claim, commenced its boundaries at 
old Point Comfort, on the Atlantic, and extended 
two hundred miles south and two hundred north 
from this point. From the southernmost point, a 
line drawn due west to the Pacific formed the south- 
ern boundary; from the northernmost ))oint, a line 
running diagonally northwesterly through Pennsyl- 
vania and western New York, across the eastern 
portion of Lake Erie, and terminating finally in the 
Arctic Ocean, formed tiie northwestern boundary; 
and the Pacific Ocean, or what was then called tlie 
South Sea. the western boundary. The vast empire 
lying within these four lines included over one half of 
the North American continent. an<l embi-aced all of 
what was afterwards known as the Nortiiwestern Ter- 
ritory, including, of course, the lands of the Reserve. 

The claim of Massachusetts rested for its validity 
upon the charter of 102O, granted by James I. to the 
council of Plymouth, and embraced all the territory 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific lying between the 
fortieth and forty-eighth parallels of latitude. This 
grant comi)rised an area of more than a million of 
square miles, and included all of the i>resent inhaliited 
British possessions to the north of the United States, 
all of what is now New England, New York, one half 
of New Jersey, very nearly all of Pennsylvania, more 

i9) 



10 



HISTORY OF IIUKON AND ERIE COUNTIE.S, OHIO. 



than the northern half of Ohio, and all the countrj- 
to the west of those States. 

la 1630, the Earl- of Warwick obtained a grant to 
a part of the same territory, and, in the following 
year, assigned a portion of his grant to Lord Brooke, 
and Viscounts Say and Seal. 

In 1664. Charles II. ceded to his brother, tJie Duke 
of York, and afterwards King James II. of England, 
the country from Delaware bay to the river St. Croix, 
and afterwards it was insisted that the granted terri- 
tory extended westward to the Pacific. This consti- 
tuted Xew Y^ork's claim to western territory, of which 
the lauds of the Reserve were a portion. 

In 1662. the same monarch granted to nineteen 
patentees an ample charter, from which Connecticut 
derived her claim to a territory bounded by ilassa- 
chusetts on the north, the sea on the south, Narra- 
gansett bay on the east, but extending to the Pacific 
on the west. This grant embraced a strip sixty-two 
miles wide, extending from Xarragansett bay on the 
east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the north- 
ern and southern boundaries of this tract were the 
same as those, in part, which nowform the boundaries 
at the north and south of the Reserve. 

Thus arose conflicting claims. The extent of terri- 
tory to which V^irginia insisted she was tiie rightful 
owner, was the largest, and included all the other 
claims. That of Massachusetts was next in size, and 
included the whole region claimed for Connecticut, as 
did the territory embraced in Xew Y'ork's claim. 

The United States did not appear as a contestant 
until the time of the revolutionary war, when she, 
with good reason, insisted that these disputed lauds 
belonged of right to Great Britain's conquerer: that 
a vacant territory, wrested from a common enemv bv 
the united arms and at the joint expense and sacrifice 
of all the States, should be considered as the property 
of the conquering nation, to be held in trust for the 
common benefit of all the people of all the States. 
To show how groundless were the claims of these 
contesting States, it was pointed out that the charters 
upon which they were founded had in some instances 
been abrogated by judicial decisions, and the com- 
panies to which they had l)een given dissolved; that 
the charters were given at a time when much of the 
territory to which ownership was claimed under them 
was in the actual occupancy of anotiier power; that 
all the various grants were made in the grossest igno- 
rance of the inland extent of the American continent; 
and that George III. had either repudiated the charters 
of his I'oyal predecessors or denied to them the right 
of sovereignty over territory of so vast exteut bv 
issuing a proclamation forbidding all persons from 
intruding upon lands in the valley of the Ohio. 

Popular feeling ran high. Contentions between 
conflicting claimants frequently resulted in bloodshed. 
The prospects of the American Union were darkened; 
the difficulties and embarrassments in prosecuting the 
war for independence were greatly augmented. Mary- 
land would not become a member of the Union unless 



the States claiming western territory would relin- 
quish their title. In the midst of these gloomy and 
foreboding events, in which disaster to the common 
cause was more to be feared at the hands of its 
friends than its enemies, congress made a strong 
appeal to the claiming States to avert the approaching 
danger by a cessation of contentious discord among 
themselves, and by making liberal cessions of western 
territory for the common benefit. 

Xew Y'ork was the first to respond, and. in 1780, 
ceded to the United States the lands she claimed 
lying west of a line running south from the western 
bend of Lake Ontario, reserving an area of nineteen 
thousand square miles. Virginia, in ITS-l, relin- 
quished to congress her title to lands lying northwest 
of the Ohio, reserving a district of land in Ohio lying 
between the Scioto and Little Miami rivers, which 
came to be known as the Virginia Military District, 
which reservation was made in order to enable ^'ir- 
ginia to fulfill pledges to her soldiers in the revolu- 
tionary war of bounties i)ayable in western lands. In 

1785, Massachusetts ceded the western territory to 
which she had been a claimant, reserving the same 
nineteen thousand square miles reserved by Xew 
Y'ork, which disputed territory was afterwards divided 
equally between those two States. Connecticut was 
the most reluctant and tardy of all the contesting 
States in sacrificing State pretensions for the common 
benefit. However, on the 14th day of September. 

1786, her authorized delegates in congress relin- 
quished all the right, title, interest, jurisdiction and 
claim that she possessed to land within her chartered 
limits lying west of a line one hundred and twenty 
miles west of and parallel to the western boundary of 
Pennsylvania. This one hundred and twenty mile 
tract was not conveyed, but reserved, by Connecticut, 
and hence the name of Connecticut Western Reserve. 

As Connecticut's claim included nearly the whole 
of the northern half of the present State of Pennsyl- 
vania, it infringed upon the rights of the people of 
that State, who alleged ownership by virtue of a 
cliarter to William Penn granted by James II. of 
England, in 16S1. Both States strove for the occu- 
pancy of the disputed soil, and Connecticut sold to 
certain individuals seventeen townships, situated on 
or near the Susquehanna river, organized the tract 
into a civil township, and attached it to the i)robate 
district and county of Litchfield, in Connecticut. 
Westmoreland representatives occupied seats in the 
Connecticut legislature. [Pennslyvania protested and. 
when the revolutionary contest closed, sent an armed 
force to drive the intruders from the lauds. The 
shedding of blood resulted. The controversy was 
finally submitted to a court of commissioners ap- 
pointed by congress, on the petition of Pennsylvania, 
as provided in the ninth article of the Confederation, 
which gave to congress the power to establish a court 
for the settlement of disputed boundaries. This 
court sat at Trenton, Xew Jersey, in 1787, when the 
case was tried and decided against Connecticut. The 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



II 



title to lauds lying west of Pennsylvania was not in- 
volved in this adjudication, and Connecticut still 
insisted upon the validity of her claim to lands not 
ceded by her to the United States. 

At a session of the Connecticut l^islature held at 
New Haven, in 1T80 and 1TS7, it was resolved to offer 
for sale that part of the Reserve lying east of the 
Cnyahoga, the Portage path and the Tuscarawas, and 
a committee of three persons was appointed to cause 
a survey to be made and to negotiate a sale. Nothing, 
however, was immediately done. On the 10th of 
February, 1T8S, however, certain lands lying within 
the limits of the Reserve were sold to General Samuel 
H. Parsons, then of Middletown, Connecticut. This 
was afterwards known as the salt spring tract. General 
Parsons having explored the country and had found 
the location of a salt spring near the Mahoning. He 
selected a tract including the spring and containing 
about twenty-five thousand acres. 

In Mav, 1795, the legislature, in session at Hart- 
ford, appointed a committee of eight j)ersons to 
negotiate the sale of the Reserve excepting the "suf- 
ferer's lands ■' and the salt spring tract. Tiiey effected 
a sale in separate contracts with forty-eight different 
individuals, realizing for the State the sum of one 
million two hundred thousand dollars. The money 
thus realized was set apart as a common school fund. 
The following were the original purchasers of the 
Reserve, not including the Fire-lands: 



Joseph Rowland I 

Daniel L. C'oit t 

Elias Jlorgan I 

Daniel L. C'oit ( 

Caleb Atwater 

Daniel Holbrook 

Joseph Williams 

William Law 

William Judd 

ElishaHyde j. 

Uriah Tracey f 

James Johnson 

Samuel Mather. Jr 

Ephraim Kirby | 

Elijah Boardiiian v 

Uriel H<:'lme9. Jr ) 

Luther Loomis I 

Ebenezer King, Jr f 

William Lyman 1 

John Stoddard > 

Davis Kin^ 1 

Moses C'leaveland 

Saiiniel P. Lord 

Roger Newbury J 

Enoeh Perkins" • 

Jonathan Bruce I 



S 30,46: 

51,4(12 

a2,fi4« 
8,T50 



60,(XK) 
44,318 



Oliver Phelps 

Gideon Granger. . . 

Solomon Griswold 

William Hart 

Henry Champion, 2d. . . 

Ashur Miller 

15,331 ' Roberto. Johnson 

10,51)11 Ephraim Post 

16,250 Xehemiah Hubbard, Jr. 

-„ ,rtn Solomon Cowles 

5i,4W Oliver Phelps... 

30,000 Asahel Hathaway 

18,461 John Caldwell I 

• Pele^ Sanford ( 

Timothy Burr 

Ephraim Starr 

S.vlvanus ( iriswold 

J'abez Stt 'Cking I 

j Joshua Stow t 

24,T30 Titus Street 

James Bull 1 

32,600 I Aaron Olmstead ■ 

14,092 John Wyles \ 

Pierpont Edwards 

38,1X10 



!■ 8 80,000 

10,000 
30,462 
85,675 
.34,000 
60,000 
42,000 
10,039 
10,000 
168,185 
12,000 

!■ 15,000 

15,231 

17,415 
1,683 

11,423 

22,846 

30,000 

60,000 



Grand total $1,200,OIX) 

These gentlemen formed themselves into a body 
corporate, under the name of '"The Connecticut Land 
Company," and proceeded to survey and divide their 
lands. The survey of the lauds east of the Cuyahoga 
was made in 170G, and partition effected, by draft, 
January 39, 1798. The lands of the Reserve west of 
the Cuvahoga were divided in 1S07. 



CHAPTER II, 

THE SUFFfiKIWG TOWNS OP CONNECTICUT. 

Though her sons were not wanting in patriotism, 
and freely offered up their lives in the cause of inde- 
pendence, the soil of Connecticut was not the theater 
of any of the great battles or campaigns of the revo- 
liitidiuiry period, and was, for tiie most part, remote 



from the scene of hostilities. None of the historic 
battles — Lexington, Bunker Hill, Monmouth, Tren- 
ton, Yorktown — were fought within her borders. Yet 
the war did not terminate without leaving here, as 
elsewhere, the evidence that it is its mission to cause 
suffering and death. On many different occasions the 
British troops, who occupied New Y'ork City for the 
greater part of the war, sent out expeditions to de- 
stroy stores and shipping in the towns of Connecticut. 
The object of these expeditions, or forays, was best 
attained by landing in the nigiit, destroying and burn- 
ing what they could, and then retiring and putting to 
sea before any considerable force could be gathered to 
prevent them from carrying out their plans, but in 
nearly every instance there was skirmishing, resulting 
in loss of life, the most notable being the massacre at 
Groton.. Nine towns were thus visited, burned, jilun- 
dered, laid waste, or despoiled. The account of the 
misfortunes that befell these towns and their citi/.eus 
furnishes some of the most deei)ly interesting chap- 
ters of the history of the Revolution; doubly interest- 
ing to the people of the Fire-lands, as it is from these 
occurrences that the land of their occupancy derives 
its name and being, and it is therefore a]ipro])riate 
that space be given to their recital in the present 
work. 

NEW LONDON. 

The following account of the burning of New Lon- 
don is mainly, and often literally, taken from Caulkin's 
history of that towp and county. More s])ace is given 
to the incidents attending the destruction of New 
London, and the massacre at Groton, not only on 
account of their greater relative importaiu-e, but be- 
cause many scenes related as transpiring here were 
common at other places, and are therefore mentioned 
but once. 

The writer referred to says: "It may be observed in 
general terms, that dui-ing the whole war New London 
was a den of serpents to the British — constantly send- 
ing out its sloops and schooners, well manned by skill- 
ful and daring seamen, to harass the boats and ten- 
ders along the shore, or to cutoff merchant vessels on 
the high .seas. Rich prizes, in si)ite of their vigilance, 
would run into this open port, and if pursuit was ap- 
prehended, they might be hurried up to Norwich, 
entirely out of reach. The year ITTT forms, indeed, 
an exception to the universality of this a.s.scrtion: so 
great was the vigilance of the British squadron on 
this coast, that between the summer of ITT'i and that 
of 1778, not a single prize was brought into the harbor 
of New London. 

"Althrough New London iiad been reiieatedly 
threatened, no direct attack was made upon the town 
till near the close of the war in 1781. (Jen. Arnold, 
on his return from a i)redatory descent upon the coast 
of Virginia, was ordered to conduct a similar expedi. 
tion against his native State. A large (piantity of 
West India goods and European merchandise, brought 
in by various ]irivateers, was at this time collected in 



12 



HISTORY OF HUKOK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



New London; the quantity of shipping in port was 
very considerable, and among the prizes recently taken 
was the Hannah, C'apt. Watson, a rich merchant ship 
from London, bound to New York, which had been 
captured a little south of Long Island, by C'apt Dud- 
ley Saltonstall, of the Minerx'a privateer. The loss 
of this ship, whose cargo was said to be the most val- 
uable brought into America during the war, had exas- 
perated the British, and more than any other single 
circumstance, is thought to have led to the expedition. 
At no other period of the war could they have done 
so much mischief; at no otlier had the inhabitants so 
much to lose. 

"The expedition was fitted out at New-Y'ork, and 
consisted of thirty-two sail, including twenty-four 
transports, and the troops numbered eighteen hundred. 
Late in the evening of the 5th of September, 17S1, 
information was received in New London, of the pres- 
ence of a British fleet on tlie sliore of Long Island. 
So many false demonstrations of attack had been 
made during the war that this intelligence caused but 
little alarm. No public notice was given of it, and 
no unusual precaution taken against surjirise. At 
nightfall tlie fleet began to move, and ari'iving on the 
coast at one o'clock would undoubtedly have accom- 
plished its design, which was to descend suddenly 
upon the town, under cover of darkness, with such 
expedition as to destroy the fortifications, shipping, 
stores, etc., and depart before any considerable force 
could be collected to oppose them. As they were 
about making preparations to land the wind shifted, 
the fleet was obliged to stand off until morning, and 
it was ten o'clock before the troops deljarked. They 
were in two divisions, about eight hundred landing on 
the Groton side, and nine hundred or a thousand on 
the New London side. A considerable ]iortion of the 
troops weri? loyalists. 

" In the meantime confused and hasty preparations 
had been made to receive them. At early dawn the 
fleet had Ijeen discovered lying off, becalmed, but the 
ti-ansports were making preparations to beat in to the 
mouth of the river. Signal guns were fired to call 
assistance from the neighboring country. * * 
* , * * In the town consternation and frisht 
were suddenly let loose. No sooner were the terrible 
guns heard, than the startled citizens made haste to 
send away their families, and their jjortable and most 
valuable goods. Throngs of women and cliildren 
were dismissed into the fields and woods, some without 
food, and others with a piece of bread or a biscuit in 
their hands. Such was the confusion of the scene, 
that families, in many cases, were scattered upon dif- 
ferent roads; children eight or ten years of age were 
sent off into the country, their parents lingering to 
bury or conceal some of their effects. Grouj)s of 
fugitives gathered on the high hills afar off, watching 
with intense interest the movements of the enemy, 
whose course might be traced by their gleaming arms 
and scarlet coats, until the sun hid them from their 
view. Colonel William Ledyard was the military com- 



mandant. The garrisons were small, barely sufficient 
to keep the posts in order, and in cases of emergency 
they depended on volunteers from the neighborhood 
or details of militia. These were coming in now and 
the commander ^confidently anticipated the arrival of 
sufficient aid to warrant a defense. 

"In the meantime great efforts were made to secure 
the shipping in the harbor by getting it up the river, 
but at first neither wind nor tide favored tlie attempt. 

"Toward noon, however, before the enemy had got 
possession of the town, a favorable breeze came in 
from the water, and a considerable number of vessels 
escaj)ed up tlie river. * * * * * Such con- 
fusion reigned in the town, every householder being 
engaged in the care of his family and effects, that it 
was difflcult to form any concerted jilan of action. 
But when the women and children had departed, the 
men began to gather in groups, and consult respecting 
the course to he pursued. They could muster but few 
effective men; flight and concealment seemed the only 
prudent course for them to adoi)t."" 

But about one hundred, hastily armed, and indig- 
nant at the thought of abandoning their homesteads 
without a blow, collected on Tower Hill, with a view 
of obstructing the course of the enemy. They were 
without a commander, and as the advancing files of 
regular soldiers, in tirni array, with glistening steel, 
appeared in sight, they saw the rashness of their de- 
sign, and scattering into the fields, concealed them- 
selves l>ehind rocks and fences, and annoyed the troojis 
whenever they could. 

No serious resistance was, however, made to the 
entrance of the troops, and once in the town the de- 
struction of ])roperty was begun. ''\'engeance and 
destruction had no check; shops, stores, dwellings, 
piles of lumber, wharves, boats, rigging and v^jssels 
were soon enveloped in smoke and flame. Hogsheads | 
were knocked in, sugar and coffee lay in heaps, and 
rum and Irish butter,* melt in the fire, trickled along 
streets and filled the gutters. * * * On the pa- 
rade all was destroyed. The market, wharf, the old 
magazine and battery, the court house, jail and jail 
house, the Episcopal church, and several contiguous 
shops and dwelling houses, were soon a heap of 
ashes. The western part of this street was left 
unluirt. The ancient, dilapidated old building, still 
extant near the corner of Green street, was then, 
as it since has been, a well known tavern stand. 
The landlady, like many other American women in 
those disastrous times, had her nearest friends ar- 
rayed on opposite sides. Her husband, as sergeant 
in the militia, was at his post in the field annoying 
the invaders, and her brother Wiis one of those in- 
vaders, an officer under Arnold's command. Before 
mounting her horse to escape, she had her talfle spread , 
and furnished bountifully with provisions. Though 
fleeing with her patriot husband, she could not refrain 
from leaving a dinner for her tory Itrother. That 
officer eagerly sought the threshold of his relative, 
and though he found her not, refreshed himself and 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



13 



his brother ofScers with the collatiou." The enemy,- 
however, did not, in general, spare the dwellings 
of their reputed friends. This, instead of ])eing 
a favor, would have marked them out for ])atriot 
vengeance. Arnold himself took some refreshment 
that day at the house of an old actjuaintance in Bank 
^^treet, hut even beft)re they rose from the talde. the 
building v/as in flames over them. It has been often 
stated that some whose property was destroyed, re- 
ceived in the end double compensation; that is, from 
the British, on account of their loyalty, and from 
Congress, in the grant of Fire-lands, by which repar- 
ation was made to the sufferers. Arnold was l)oru 
within fourteen miles of New London, and had lived 
so long in the vicinity that he had many acquaint- 
ances in town; some of these, it was well known, had 
held secret intercourse with him, and otticiated as 
counsellors and guides in this expedition. 

It is doubtless a fact that the wanton Inirning of 
dwellings had not Ix-eu at first intended. Arnold 
6a3's in his report: " The explosion of the powder and 
the change of wind soon after the stores were fired, 
communicated the flames to part of the town, which 
was, notwithstanding every effort to prevent it, un- 
fortunately destroyed." Sir Henry Clinton, in his 
otticial letter to England, expresses his concern that 
the town was burned, but says it was unavoidable, 
and occasioned by the exp'osion of gunpowder. 

"It ought to lie stated as a general fact that Ar- 
nold's orders appear to have been given with some 
reference to humanity and the laws of civilized wai'- 
fare. Private houses were to be spared, unless in 
some few instances where the owners were inirticularly 
obnoxious. It was afterwards well understood that 
most of the sjioil and havoc in private houses was the 
work of a few worthless vagrants of the town, who 
prowled in the wake of the invaders, hoping in the 
general confusion not to be detected."' The loss of 
life was not great, being a half dozen killed and a 
dozen wounded on each side. A few of the inhab- 
itants were carried off as prisoners. 

The next morning at eight o'clock the fleet made 
sail. " By this timet he whole surrounding country 
was in motion. All the militia, all who had friends 
on the seaboard, all who hated the British, all who 
were impelled by curiosity, came rushing to the scene 
of desolati.on, mingled with the fugitives returning 
after a night of terror and anxiety, to their forlorn 
homes. On the bights, in view of the town, they 
paused and gave vent to lamentations and cries of an- 
guish over the smoking ruins." 

That the enemy suffered so little annoyance on the 
New London side, and were allowed to retire unmo- 
lested to their ships, has been attributed to the want 
of an efiicieut leader to concentrate and direct their 
force. But even under the ablest commander, no 
position of attack or defense could have been sus- 
tained. What could be effected by a motley assem- 
blage of two hundred citizens against a compact army 
of one thdiisand disciiilincd soldiers!-' It was well 



tiiat no daring leader came forward to germinate and 
encourage rash attempts, whose only result must have 
been a duplicate of the slaughter on the other side of 
the river. A single spark more, to kindle indignation 
to a flame, and the inhabitants had come rushing down 
on the enemy to i)our out their blood like water. 

The loss of New London, from this jiredatory visit 
can only be given in its main items: sixty-tive dwell- 
ing houses were burnt, occupied by ninety-seven fam- 
ilies; thirty-one mercantile stores and warehouses; 
eighteen mechanics shops, twenty barns, and nine 
other buildings for puljlic use, including the Episco- 
pal church, court house, jail, market, custom house, 
etc. Nearly all the wharting was destroyed, except 
sixteen sloops wiiich escaped u|) the river. 

(;roT()N. 

While at New London the loss of life was inconsid- 
erable, it was different on the other side of the river, 
at Groton; and the occurrences of the 6th of Septem- 
ber are among the most sad and tragic of the revolu- 
tionary period. A small body of brave men, hastily 
gathered together in the morning, occujiied Groton 
fort. They numbered only one hundred and fifty men 
all told, and were commanded by Colonel Ledyard. 
They were assaulted by an overwhelming force of 
eight hundred British, under command of Lieutenant 
Colonel Eyre, and though they made a heroic de- 
fense it was all in vain, the fort was taken, nor did 
the work of butchery stop even after the surrender. 
The few remaining brave men were mostly massa- 
cred. Arnold says eighty-five were killed and sixty 
wounded, most of them inortally; about thirty of the 
least injured were taken away as prisoners. The 
others were jiaroled, taken out of the fort, the maga- 
zine of which was then set on fire, but it was extin- 
guished, before the explosion, by an American who 
approached the fort soon after the British had left, 

"As soon as it was known that the British had re- 
emljarked, all Groton was move.d. enquiring for her 
sons. Women and children assembled before the 
morning dawn, with torches in their hands, examin- 
ing the dead and wounded in search of their friends. 
They passed the light from face to face, but so bloody 
and mangled were they — their features so distorted 
with the energy of resistance, or the convulsion of 
pain, that in many cases the wife couUl not identify her 
husband, or the mother her son. Forty wives had 
been made widows that day, all residing lu'ar the 
scene of action. A woman, searching for her hus- 
band among the slain, cleansed the gore from more 
than tiiii'ty faces before she found the remains she 
sought." 

The wounded men left, in a house at the foot of the 
hill, were given attention. Two had already died, 
but most of the others finally recovered. Fourteen 
among the dead, and three among the wounded, bore 
the title of captain, .some having served in the army, 
others in the militia, while others commanded vessels. 
Of till' killed, sixty belonged to Groton and twelve to 



14 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



New London. Eleven bore the name of Avery and 
six that of Perkins. 

The Britisli loss is stated to have been fifty-fonr 
killed and one Inmdred and forty-three wounded. A 
granite monument one hundred and twenty-seven feet 
in height, bearing the names of the heroic dead, com- 
memorates the scene of the bloody encounter. 

D.VXBURY. 

In the latter part of the year 177G, this town was 
selected as a place for the deposit of military stores 
for the Continental army. A large (juantity having 
been collected, Govei-nor Tryon, with a detachment 
of two thousand British troops, set out to destroy 
them, in which attempt they were successful, as the 
inhabitants were not ])repared to defend the town 
against such odds. They entered the town in the 
afternoon of April 26, 1777, and left the next morn- 
ing. The amount of stores destroyed was about three 
thousand barrels of pork, one thousand barrels of 
flour, several hundred barrels of beef, one thousand 
six hundred tents, two thousand bushels of grain; 
also, rum, wine, rice, etc., a considerable amount. 
Nineteen dwelling houses, a meeting house, and 
twenty-two stores and barns, were destroyed by fire. 

NEW HAVEN. 

The attack on New Haven was j^receded by a proc- 
lamation, or address, to the inhabitants of Connecti- 
cut, dated July 4, 1779, and signed by Commodore 
George Collier, commander-in-chief of his majesty's 
ships and vessels on the coast, and also by Major 
General William Tryon, commanding his majesty's 
land forces on a separate expedition. Three sentences 
of the prochimation will indicate its character: "The 
ungenerous and wanton insurrection against the sov- 
ereignty of Great Britain, into which this colony has 
been deluded by the artifices of designing men, might 
well justify in you every fear which conscious guilt 
could form, respecting the intentions of the present 
armament. Your towns, your property, 3'ourselves, 
lie within the grasp of the ])ower whose forbearance 
you. have ungenerously construed into fear, but whose 
lenity has persisted in its mild and noble efforts, even 
though branded with the most unworthy imputatio4i. 
The existence of a single haljitation on your defence- 
less coast, ought to bo a subject of constant reproof 
of your'ingratitude." 

On the following day a descent was made upon 
New Haven. The fleet consisted of forty-eight sail, 
under command of Commodore Sir George Collier. 
There were on board about three thousand troops un- 
der command of General Tryon. Tlie'y soon got full 
possession of the town, not without oiijiosition on the 
part of the hastily collected militia, who soon deliv- 
ered it up to promiscuous plunder and destruction. 
A number of stores were burned, and eight houses in 
East Haven. The conduct of the troojis was brutal, 
and many needless cruelties and indignities i)raeticed 
upon the persons of the inhabitants. Wtuinded men 



were put to death, women were ravished and aged 
people murdered. Twenty-seven of the inhabitants 
were killed, and some thirty or forty carried off as 
prisoners. Among the wounded was Rev. Naphthali 
Daggett, president of Yale college, who was maltreated 
after he was taken prisoner. 

FAIRFIELD. 

This place was laid in ashes by Governor Tryon, in 
the revolutionary war. The event took place July 8, 
1770. A few militia assembled to oppose the advance 
of the British troops, but the invasion was so sudden 
and unexpected that their efforts were fruitless. The 
town was plundered; a great part of the houses Inirnt, 
and the inhabitants turned out into the world almost 
literally destitute. Eighty-four dwelling houses, two 
churches, an elegant court house, fifty-five barns, fif- 
teen stores, and fifteen sho])S were destroyed by fire. 

NORWALK. 

After having laid Fairfield in ashes, Governor Tryon 
and his forces, crossed the sound to Huntington Bay 
and remained until July 11, 1779, when they sailed 
over to Norwalk and landed in the evening. In the 
morning they proceeded to burn the town. Only six 
houses were left standing, eighty being consumed, as 
well as two churches, eighty-seven barns, four mills, 
and five vessels. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE FIRE-liANDS-A LIST OP THE SUFFERERS 
AND THEIR LOSSES. 

From the preceding chapter the reader has learned 
how the inhabitants of the suffering towns sustained 
losses during the revolutionary war. To make com- 
pensation for these losses, the State of Connecticut, 
prior to the sale to the Connecticut Land Company, 
released and quit-claimed to the suffering inhabitants 
five hundred thousand aci'cs, to be taken from the 
western end of the Reserve. The tract so granted 
embraces the present counties of Huron and Erie, the 
township of Ruggles in Ashland county, and of Dan- 
bury in Ottawa county. The name "Fire-lands" had 
had its origin in the fact that the lands were donated 
because of losses which occurred by reason of fire. 

Frequently did the inhabitants of the nine suffering 
towns appeal to the Connecticut legislature for some 
material recognition of their claims for relief. The 
State afforded limited aid by the abatement of taxes, 
but no adequate eomjiensation was provided for some 
years. 

In 1787, at the May session, the memorialists made 
another and a strong appeal, asserting the justness 
of their claims and com]ilaining of tlie neglect their 
previous petitions had suffered. They earnestly 
urged the attention of the legislature to their prayer, 
which was signed for the petitioners of the several 
towns as follows: By Charles Chauneey, of New 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



15 



Haven; Philip Burr Bradley, of Kidgefield: Daniel 
Tavlor, of Dauburv; Thomas Fitch, of Norwalk; 
Jonathan Sturges, of Fairfield: John Mead, of Green- 
wich; Joiin Deshon, of New London; and Andrew 
Ward, of Groton. The assembly referred this memo- 
rial to a special committee, consisting of Hon. Andrew 
Adams, of the upper house, and Colonel Jeremiah 
Wadswortli, Major Charles Phelps, Major Wm. Hart, 
Colonel Charles BurrcU and Captain Moses Cleave- 
land, of the lower house. [See documents relating 
to revolutionary war, volume XXXVI. iiumljer tliree 
hundred and fifty-one.] 

In October of tlie same 3'ear, tliis committee re- 
ported that, for want of exhibits, certificates and 
voueiiers, they were unable to present either a correct 
statement of the amount of losses, or of tlie relief 
already granted by the State; that the houses, build- 
ings and furniture destroyed by the enemy '•oiiylit to 
bi\ hy this State, paid for at tiieir just value;" and 
tiiat the only means in the power of this State at 
]u-esent to pay tiie same, is in western lands." [lb.. 

Doc. ii;.] 

The report, after discussion, was approved, and 
with this the matter rested. Further action being 
jjostjioned from session to session, Thaddeus Burr 
and others, at the December session of 1790. presented 
a new jietition. Thereupon a committee, consisting 
of Hon. John Treadwell, Ashur Miller and Captain 
Jolm Chenwood, was appointed to ascertain the 
amount of the losses of the memorialists and others 
who had undergone similar misfortunes. This com- 
mittee entered upon its work without delay. At the 
May session of 1T91, farther time was asked and 
given. It was not until May, 1T93, that the labors 
of tlie committee were so far completed as to enable 
tlic asscmljly to take action, which it then did as fol- 
lows: 

"At a general assembly of the State of Couneeticut holden at Hart- 
ford on the second Thursday of May, A.D., 1792: 

"Upon the memorial of the inhabitants of the towns of Fairfield and 
Norwalk, shewing to this assembly that many of the inhabitants of said 
towns sviffered great losses by the devastations of the enemy during the 
late war, praying a compensation therefor, and a report of a committee 
appointed by the assembly at this session held at Hartford in May, 1791, 
to ascertain from documents in the public offices the amount of the 
losses of the said memorialists, and others under siniilar circumstances, 
which had been estimated ci»nformably to acts of tliis legislature, being 
such as were occasioned by excursions of the enemy during the late 
war, distinguishing the losses of buildings and necessary furniture from 
those of other articles, by said documents or otherwise, and also to 
ascertain the advancements which have been made to sufferers by 
abatement of taxes or otherwise, and to report the same, with their 
opinion relative to the ways and means of affording for the relief, as 
per memorial and report on file. 

"Resotveit, By this assembly, that there be and there hereby are re 
leased and quit-claimed to the sufferers hereafter named, or their legal 
representatives where they are dead, and to their heirs and assignees 
forever, five himtlretl thousand acres of land belonging to this State 
lying west of the State of Pennsylvania, and bounding northerly on the 
shore of Lake Erie, beginning at the west line of said lands and extend- 
ing eastward to a line running noi-therly and southerly parallel to the 
east line of said tract of land belonging to this State, and extending the 
whole width of said lands, and eastei'ly so tar as to make said ((uanlity 
of five hundrecl thousand acres of land exclusive of any lands within 
said bounds, if any be. which may have been heretofore granted to be 
divided to and among tlie said sutTerers, and their legal representatives 
w-here they are dead, in proportion to the several sums annexed to their 
names as follows in the annexed list." 



The total amount of losses awarded was one hun- 
dred and si.Kty-one thousand live hundred and forty- 
eight pounds eleven siiillings and si.v and a half pence 
New England currency, equivalent to live hundred and 
thirty-eight thousand four hundred and ninety-five 
dollars and twenty-six cents. The board of commis- 
sioners ascertained that the number of sufferers was 
about eighteen hundred and seventy. The follow- 
ing table will show in what proportion tiiese sufferers 
and their losses were distributed among tlie suffering 
towns: 

Greenwich aSJ persons, £12,000 Os. H^d 

Norwalk- 289 " 2S,889 ISI 2^ 

Fairfield 269 " 34,3.5M 11 

Danbury 187 " 8.2-38 10 7M 

New and East Haven 410 " IB.tWO .5 4 

New London 275 " M,.59S 7 3^ 

Ridgefield 65 " 1.7:36 1 in 

Groton 92 " 7,739 15 r, 

Total 1,870 " £llil..54S U.S. C^d 

The names of the sufferers are classified by towns, 
and the amount of loss sustained by each is given in 
pounds, shillings and pence. The following list is 
taken from the "Classification Record," an old liook 
in the oflice of the recorder of Huron county, and, 
though tar from being well arranged, the names have 
been copied in th« order there given. Even where a 
cursory glance might seem to show the list alpha- 
betical, further examinaticm will disclose many ex- 
ceptions. The largest amount awarded to any one 
individual was to Jeremiah Miller, of New London, 
in the sum of two thousand five hundred and thirty- 
five pounds eighteen shillings and ten pence, or eight 
thousand eight hundred and forty-five dollars and 
thirty-one cents; the smallest on the list is that of 
Marah Kilby, of New Haven, two shillings six pence, 
or forty-one and two-thirds cents. 

Tlie names on the list are familiar ones. Many of 
them and their descendants settled on the Fire-lands, 
and their posterity are numerous here to-day. The 
family names are almost exclusively of English deriva- 
tion, there being a notable absence of the Irish, 
Scotch, French and German names so common at 
the present day. But the baptismal names were 
peculiar, and, in this respect, time has wrought 
changes. Amos, Abijah, Ephraim, Ebenezer, Eleazar, 
Hezekiah, Joshua, Justin, Jedediah, Jotham, Oba- 
diah, Nehemiah, Titus, Timothy and Uriah were as 
common as Abraham, Benjamin, John, James. Mat- 
thew, Moses and Solomon, while Eliphalet,' Eliakim, 
Shadrach, Shubael and Zechariah and many more 
names now unheard of are of fretiuent occurrence. 
The names of (ieorge. Charles. .Vlbert, Edward, Wil- 
liam, Henry, Frederick and Richard were not alto- 
gether wanting, but were less esteemed tiiau, those 
taken from scripture. In the names of women, Anna, 
Abigail, Charity, Deliveranci', Deboraii, Prudence. 
Priscilla, Ruth, TJiaiikful and Temperance, are as 
easily jiickcd out as Lucy, Mary, Jane and Sarah. It 
is needless to say there were no Allies or Bessies, 
Jennies or Minnies. 



16 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Another feature will strike even the most casual 
reader, and that is the absence of middle names — 
scarcely one person in a hundred is so provided — 
while Jr., 'M, and even 3d, are common suffixes used 
to distinguish those of the same family having the 
same name. 

LIST OF ORIGINAL SL'FFEKEKS CLASSIFIED BY TOWKS 
WITH THE AMOrNT OF EACH INDIVIDUALS LOSS. 



£ 
Elkanah Mead 7 

John Mesnai-d 14 

Andrew ^lead 36 

Jothani Mead 2G 

Eliphalet and Ichiel 



GREENWICH. £ 

John Addington 10 

Samuel Ask 11 

Abigail .\rmour 8 

Lauren Bruniall 4 

James Brown 1.5 

William Bush 41 

John Bush 10 

James Barnes 51 

Samuel Banks i 

Roger Brown 147 

Isaac Bush 4 

Nehemiah Brown 94 

William Blake 3 

Mary Austin 3 

Isaac Anderson 44 

Obediah Banks 41 

Peter Cyphus 22 
James Cunningham 12 



Joseph Chambers 
DeViorah Close 
Daniel Carter 
Hannah Close 
Thomas liavis 
Stephen I'aTis 
Daniel Darrow 
Humphrey Denton 
Bazaleel iSrown 
Charity Banks 
Silas Butts 
David Bush 
James Brundage 
Janxes Brush 
Samuel Brush 
Deborah Brush 
Walter Butler 
Charles Brundage 
Elisha Belcher 
William Brundage 
Peter Brown 
Jolin Clapp, Jr. 
Thomas Clapp 
Odel Close 
Jacob Conklin 
Nevil Conklin 
Odel Close (Admin- 
istrator) 
Keid)en Coe 
Abraham Close 
Joseph Close 
Jonathan Coe 
Jeremiah Chapman 
Odel Close. Jr. 
Horse X. ('hurch 
Episcopal C^urch 
Jonathan Connery 
Abraham Hays 
Thomas Hobby, Jr. 
Hannah Havs 
Joseph Hobby, Jr. 
Jonu Hobliy 
Isaac Holmes 
David Hallcock 
Isaac Hitlmes, Jr. 
William Hubbard 
Nathaniel Hubbard 
Thomas Hitchcock 
Nat Huested 
Ebenezer Howe 
Jona. Hubbard, Jr. 
Benjamin Hubby 
Ebenezer Hubby 
John I)uun 
Isaac Davis 
James Ferriss 
Urial Fields 
Oliver Fairchild 
Jabez Ferris 
Jonathan Finch 
Nathaniel Fincli 
Timothy Ferris 
Solomon Finney 
Joslnia Franklin 
Sylvamis Ferris 
Jabez Filch 
Josiuli Ferris 
Timothy Finch 
Joseph Ferris 
Moses Ferris 
Ezra Finch 
Joseph Ferris 
Park Ferris 
John Gregg 
Chttiies Green 
Anne fJreggs 
Jabez Hnlmes 
Renlieii Holmes 
Mills Hobby 
Isaac Howe 



9 
12 
4 

3S 

8 

112 

19 

73 

07 

8 

217 

159 

30 

is 

31 

3 
39 
49 
5 
129 
333 
25" 
03 



4U 
33 
17 
114 
40 
3 
15 



27 


10 


10 


10 


17 





20 


10 


42 


14 


41 


3 


20 


3 


00 


H 


11 








n 


Hti 


II 


t 








10 


213 


H 


1H7 


12 


43 


12 





5 


32 


10 


(i 





K) 


19 



03 








■£i 


10 


10 


18 


13 


4 


1 


13 


3 


25 
40 


10 
4 


5 
9 


1)3 


10 


10 





15 


9 


05 


10 


11 


16 


.1 


3 


3 


2 





33 


.^ 





41 


7 


.T 


13 


12 


4 


31 


9 


7 


34 


13 


.J 


39 


11 


11 


15 








15 


10 





42 


13 


3 


'12 


15 


1 


K 


1(1 


H 


28 


5 


7 



s. ''. j £ s. d. 

Mindwell Hitchcock 18 7 10 

18 2H : Jonah Knapp 44 13 7 
Nathaniel Knapp 15 8 

Eunice Knapp 14 15 3 

5 oH Joshua Knapp 125 9 3 

6 9^4 John Knapp 23 3 7 
10 9 Charles Knapp 11 2 9 

9 10!4 William Kinch 5 14 2 

15 IH Jonathan Knapp 20 9 7 
13 10% Ezekiet Knapp 25 7 5 
10 Abraham Knapp 2 

16 2 Widow Kinch 8 10 

1 3 Samuel Lockwood 108 14 4 

3 7 Israel Lockwood 51 4 10 
10 OJ^ Philip Lockwood 

17 8 Enos Lockwood 13 15 

13 Thaddeus Lockwood 54 18 5 
Peter Heusted 86 8 11 

Abraham Heusted 

7 11 Moses Heusted. Jr. 8 3 
10 Ebenezer Holmes 9 6 8 
15 11 James Hounam 208 17 

5 I Meeting House 30 

14 6 Thomas Hobbv 69 19 3 

4 4 Benjamin Hue'sted 

19 10 Nathaniel Hubby 12 

15 8 , Sarah Hait 3 18 
4 : Joseph Hubbv, Jr. 31 9 

4 1 , Elizabeth Ing'ersoU 68 14 4 

5 11 Nathaniel Ingersoll 59 16 7 

1 4 I William Jacobs 60 

.\nne Ingersoll 14 15 6 

13 8 ' Job Ireland 4 1 

5 1 Amos Jessop 20 6 

Thomas Johnson 41 15 1 
19 4 William Johnson 8 

1 James Johnston S 10 
10 11 Israel Knapp, Jr. 4 15 5 

5 Ebenezer Knapp 147 17 6 

2 3 Jared Mead 08 7 
17 7 Daniel Marshall 22 1 4 
10 3 Elizabeth Moore 7 2 

1 3 Martin McDonald 4 111 
19 3 Ezra Marshall 

Benjamin ?Iead 111 5 5 

3 10 Rachel Marshal! 10 5 5 
10 4 Peter Mead, Escj. 138 19 9 

II John Mead 102 9 9 

15 2 Hannah Mead 2 15 

10 5 Sarah Mead 71 5 4 

12 11 Ebenezer Mead 5 18 4 

7 11 Charles .Mead 4 . 10 

2 10 , Eliphalet Mead, Jr. 95 10 6 
lehiel Mead 5 12 10 
Abraham Mead 17 19 5 
Eliphalet Mead 5 2 8 
Nehemiah Mead 55 2 
Mathew 31ead 61 18 8 
Titus Mead 95 5 2 
Nehemiah Mead, Jr. 9 8 3 
Daniel Merritt 36 6 9 
John Loudon 7 10 
Caleb Lyon 9 9 11 
Joseph Lockwood 30 19 
William Lee 7 10 
Timothy Lockwood 10 4 8 
Hannah Lockwood 29 4 10 
William Lockwood 18 19 2 
Gilbert Lyon 10 17 5 

Abraham Lockwood 

Amos Lyon 19 5 4 

James Lyon 58 12 5 

Ezekiel Lockwood 9 13 1 

James Lyon, Jr. 7 10 

Caleb Lyon, Ji-. 29 7 9 

TheophilusLockwood 2 

Jonas Mead 20 4 1 

Andrew Marshall '^0 14 3 

3 Peter Mead, Jr. 41 4 10 
Caleb Mead :S3 17 7 

Reuben Merritt 25 7 9 

1 John Mead, Jr. ,54 16 3 

4 Nathaniel Mead, 3d 18 3 5 
1 Jeremiah Mead, Jr. 92 15 7 

4 Gilbert Marshall 

5 Deliverance and Ja- 
red Mead 200 
Henry Marshall 25 12 
Joseph .Mead 39 15 3 
Shatlrack Mead 42 

Caleb .Mead, -.d 70 11 7 
7 Abigail Mead 6 
4 Jonah Mead •.') 12 

1 Enos Mead 18 13 5 
Sibil Mead H6 12 

2 Angus McCall 13 2 7 
Zacheus Mead 9 14 7 
7 Ezra Marshall 56 i 9 



Isaac Wood 
John Willis 
John Weeks 
Francis Wilmott 
JefTrey Wilmeten 
Isaac Whelpley 



188 

47 

9 

6 

9 

21 



NORWAI.K. 

Thomas Benedict 779 
Josiah Thatcher 400 
James Fitch, Jr. 319 
Thomas Fitch 387 

James Fitch 219 

John Lockwood. Jr. 249' 
Abraham Camp's 

heirs 142 

Seth Sevmour's h"i-s 157 
Nath 1 Raymond.Jr. 144 
Fountain Smith 158 
John Seymour, Jr. 101 
Abraham Benedict 73 



10 



10 


16 

15 

8 

16 




Mead 85 

Robert Nutt 14 

Francis Nash 646 

Daniel Ogden 115 

Silas Mead 02 

Thomas Mesnard 6 

William Marshall 14 

Deliverance Mead 39 

Jemima Mead 18 
Rev. Jonathan Mur- 

dock 79 14 

Jesse Mead 82 8 

Henrv Mead 105 

Elizabeth Mead 13 

Dr. Amos Mead W) 

Joshua Mead 11 

Jerusha 3Iead 7 

John 3Iesnard, Jr. 

James Moe 32 

Nathaniel Merrit 46 

Edmoiid Mead 11 

Titus Palmer 3 
Jereand John Wood 

Palmer 9 
Hoiton Revnolds 65 
William Riindall 81 
Susannah Reynolds 18 
Anne Reynolds 22 
Nath. Reynolds, Jr. 10 
John Rich 21 
Hannah Rundell 45 
Hannah Pitch 9 
Mary Pitch 44 
Reuben Randall 44 
Anny Rundall 4 
Joanna Reynolds 12 
Solomon Rundall 39 
Th( mas Pitch 45 
Timothy Rundall 7 
Jonathan Reynolds 18 
Abigail Rundall 3 
Samuel Rnndal' 4 
Ambruse and Jona- 
than Reynolds 18 
Nathaniel Reynolds 47 
Shubael Rundall 9 
Joseph Sackett 13 
Samuel Seymour 195 
Joshua Smith 149 
Jonah Smith 70 
Justus Sackett 223 
Daniel Smilh 70 
Ciliver Sherwood 10 
Drake Seymour 123 
Jabez Shei wood 47 
Henry Sieedwell 85 
Gilbert Sherwood 7 
Rev, William Seward 25 
Benjamin Sutton 5 
David and Joshua 

Smith 218 

Thomas Steedwell 2 

Joseph Palmer 100 

Stephen Palmer 6 

Sarah Parsons 5 
TheophilusPeck.Jr. .50 

Solomon Purdy 8;j 

James Phillips 20 

Denham Paimer, 2 

John Palmer 4 

Mary Peck 8 

Catharine Peck 16 

Beth Peck 9 

John Purdy 10 

Winans Palmer 6 

Daniel Palmer 35 

Benjamin Peck 20 

Samuel Palmer 77 

Gould John Sellich 13 

Roger Sutherland 10 

Jesse .Sutton 

John Town 15 

William Town 3 

Ciliver Tompkins 7 
Michael C. Tempany 70 

Marv Town 4 

Zehediah Taylor 10 

William Walros 11 

Ebenezer Whelpley 1 



4 

14 
4 
8 


6 

13 
9 


9 
15 

16 
2 

10 
3 


2 
2 

15 
.1 

19 
15 
11 

2 
6 

1 
15 
12 
18 
15 

4 
16 

3 


19 

3 
17 
13 

8 
11 

18 
6 
9 

16 

16 
6 

18 

6 
8 
8 



14 

19 

16 

4 

18 
12 
8 
4 
3 
14 
14 
10 

12 
8 

18 
14 

12 
8 



1 
6 
16 
14 
9 
14 

13 
4 
5 

15 

19 

3 



11 


6 


4 



6 
11 
3 




6 
3 
4 
3 
5 
4 

5 
5 
6 
8 
10 



10 
5U 

<H 

5^4 
5 

ay. 

3 
1 

IH 

10 

1 





£ 


s. 


d. 


Thomas Betts 


167 


16 


% 


John and Daniel E\ 








ersley 


1.54 


9 


6^ 


John Benedict 


172 


12 


8^ 


Daniel Hyatt 


85 


6 


7 


Peter Betts 


160 


6 


lOH 


Ebenezer Whitney 


108 


13 


9 


Gould Hays 


195 


8 





Uriah Raymond 


124 


11 


m 


-Abigail Raymond 


144 


4 


3 


Jabez Saunders 


31 


13 


11 


John Cannon 


1943 


8 


m 


Lois Whitney 


88 


11 


iH 


Stephen Smith 


48 


a 


11 


Ezra Rickett 


82 


11 


5!4 


John Saunders 


241 


18 


10 


William Seymour 


93 


1 


9 


Nathaniel Benedict .359 


13 


3 


Eliphalet Lockwood 721 


8 


na 


Hannah Hooker 


211 


13 


9 


HezekiahLockwood 176 


4 


^ 


John Gregorj'. Jr. 


221 


11 





Ebenezer Gregory 


57 


2 


9 


Daniel Smith 


99 


5 


1)4 


Peter Quintard 


401 








Noah Smith 


89 


11 


10 


John Darrow 


192 


19 





Thaddeus Betts 


254 


9 


3 


Maihew Mallery 


87 


4 


11 


John St. John 


51 


16 


3 


William St. John 


318 


11 





John Hays 


72 


5 


2 


Daniel Jackson 


53 


2 


5 


Josiah Thatcher, Jr 


193 


17 


K 


Elizabeth Rogers 


228 


14 





Eliakim Raymond 


297 


7 


11 


Lemuel Brooks 


2S7 


15 


4 


Richard Camp 


241 


19 





.\sa Hays 


381 


17 





Catharine Bonghton 23 


11 





Elizabeth Ketchum 


45 


10 


6 


John Kellog 


76 


9 





John Seymour 


345 


5 





Josiah Wentworth 


151 


16 





Daniel Hauford 


.303 


16 


4 


Jesse Benedict 


114 


7 


6 


Samuel Fairchild 


131 


3 


11 


Simeon Raymond 


428 


7 


m 


Jedediah Hanford 


39 


1 


11 


Enock Benedict 


fil 


1 


8 


David Handfoid's 








heirs 


41 


13 


9 


Matthew Keeler 


165 


10 


10 


Mary Benedict 


40 








David C<.mstock 


313 


18 





The mas Fitch's h'rs 


415 


3 





Jc'hii Rich 


72 


6 





Ebenezer Hyatt 


76 


15 


6 


Nathan Mallerv 


157 


18 





Daniel Thatch's h'rs 


•215 


17 





Samuel Grummond 


30 


8 


6 


Ebenezer Lockwood 82 


2 


2 


Isaiah Marvin 


158 


10 


1 


Eliakim Smith 


203 


16 


4 


Daniel Seymour, Jr 


. 87 


16 


5 


Dan Finch 


no 


14 


7 


Hezekiah Raymond 


1.52 


14 


4 


John Belts 


.30:j 


16 





Edward Wentworth 


80 


13 


1 


Isaac Scudder 


661 


10 





John Lockwood. 3d 


218 


4 





Nathan Jarvis 


279 


7 


6 


Jabez Raymond 


293 


13 





Nehemiah St John 


89 


9 





Hezekiah Hanford 


26,1 


13 


8 


Jonathan Fitch's 








heirs 


195 








Nathan Hays 


180 


4 





Daniel Fitch's heirs 


259 


9 


1 


John Beldeli 


:»3 


14 


6 


Nathan Beers 


195 


1 





Benjamin Isaac's 








heirs 


406 


8 


9 


Samuel Marvin 


319 


3 


10 


Th'.'Uias Grummond 205 


11 


4 


Jacob Jennings 


■» 


5 


6 


Jedediah Brown 


162 


7 





Sarah Jr.hnson 


3:i 


18 


10 


Joseph Whitney 


1.*,' 


11 


o 


Susanah Butler 


6 


10 





-Vbraham Gregory 


50 


9 


8 


Lydia Ct>mstnck 


9 








Nath'l Benedict, 2d 


158 


1 


3 


Josiah Raymond 


239 


9 


3 


Col. Stephen St. John 
I'aniel \v. ..Vuley 


713 


6 


7 


218 


7 





Daniel Seymour 


11 


18 


10 


Deborah Dickinson 


17 


2 





Jane Hitchcock 


19 


8 


6 


Elizabeth Rogers, 8d 1 


5 





Hnmiah Hanford 


60 


3 


1 


Deborah Pickett 


22 








Mary Resco 


2 


19 





Rebecca Smith 


3 


2 


9 


Obadiah Liscat 


3 








.•Abigail Weeks 


3 


10 





Anne Sevmour 


3 


1 


6 


Piatt Townsend 


8 


17 





Ji'hn Piatt 





15 





Stephen Lockwood 
Nathan Hyatt, Jr 


18 


12 





29 


19 


n 


John Rogers 
Stephen Whitney 


41 


1 


9 


19 


5 





Jesse brown 


44 








Hannah Fitch's hrs 141 


o 


7 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



17 





£ 


.s. 


(/. 


e 


9. 


rl. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


cl. 


Jacob Arnold 


■u 


11 


8 


Simeon Stewart. .Ir. 8 


6 





John Raymond and 

E. Cooley 








Free Negn) Ned 


7 


4 





David Hyatt 


9 





6 


Benjamin Steward 14 


19 


7 


.56 


•J 


7 


Sanuiel Osboni 


36 


13 


6 


John Eversley 


11 


1 


2 


John Filleo 1 


15 


•» 


Samuel Rowland 


476 


10 


7 


Nehenuah Phinpeny 
James Penlield 


12 


12 





Syphflx, (ufgro) 
David Whitney 





7 





Col. Matthew Mead 4 


19 


4 


Andrew Rowland 1,565 


15 


11 


6 


12 








12 





David Webb 1 


10 


8 


Samuel Stpiire 


412 


15 


4 


Jabez Perry 


2 


18 





Anne Seymour 


6 


17 


5 


John Rockwell 3 


16 





John Smedley 


763 


10 


4 


John Perr.y 





17 





John Lockwood 


!) 


12 


B 


Elizabeth Gaylord 5 


8 





Seth Sturges 


431 





1 


.\brahani'Parrott 


4 


14 





David Judah 


9 


19 





Nathan Hicock 2 


5 


3 


Joseph Squire 


65 





6 


Sarah Penfield 


15 


16 





Timothy Whitney 





17 


c 


Jas. Small Olmstead 2 


18 


8 


Thomas Staples 


217 


4 


7 


Benjamin Rumsev 





15 





Thomas Betts, Jr. 


13 


14 





Samuel Stewart 12 


2 





Joseph Sttuves' h'rs 


*19 


15 


2 


Lucretia Redfield 


28 


3 


4 


Haynes Fitch 


la 


1 


3 


Mich'l Morehouse. Jr. 7 


7 


4 


Jonathan Sturges 


748 


2 


6 


Widt>w Sarah Red- 








Michael Judah 


13 


9 


6 


Andrew Jlorehouse 1 


16 





Hezekiah Stur-ges 


532 


8 


3 


field 


•is 


15 


6 


Uriah Smith 


33 


9 





Michael Jlorehouse 4 


3 





Samuel Sturges 


■»4 


18 


1 


Robert Ross 


2 


17 





Samuel B\irral 


30 


18 


6 


James Keeler 8 


4 


s 


Samuel Smedley 


415 


19 


7 


Rev. Hezekiah Rip- 








Hannah Brown 


6 


3 


6 


Josiah Ta.vlor. Jr. 4 


9 


10 


Eliphalet Thorp 


401 


6 


1 


ley 


■■m 


19 


■2 


James Halt's heirs 


•26 


3 


6 


Thatldeus" Keeler 2 


5 


10 


Jabez Thorp 


147 


18 





Josepli Sprague 


•) 


3 


8 


Stephen Keeler 


•,'5 


1 


3 


Sarah Morehouse (i 


4 


4 


John Turnev 


.526 


12 


2 


Grace Spaldmg 
Francis D. Sword 


90 


4 


4 


David Bott 


5 


19 


9 


Ebenezer Fitch 2 


10 





Stephen Thoip 


513 


1 


8 


3 


3 


6 


Eleazer Scott 


IB 





SI 


Nathan Burrall 2 


17 


4 


Ansel Treeby 


96 


11 


7 


Benjamin Squire 


1 


7 





James Crowley 


3 


14 


7 


Jeremiah Webb T 


5 





John Wasson 


161 


3 


10 


Samuel Squire, 2i\ 


S3 


6 


8 


Stephen St. John 
Nathaniel StruU 


■20 


1 





Elizabeth Dunning 7 


1 


4 


Andrew Wakeman 


2or 


14 


2 


Seth Smitli 


66 


7 





m 


12 


9 


Scilcimon Morehouse 5 


n 





Ebenezer Wakeman 08 


12 


1 


Zecheriah Sanford 


2 


.5 





Moses St John 


3 


5 





Rebecca I>ef';)rest 7 


15 


8 


Joseph Wakeman 


167 


3 


8 


Marv Smith 


16 


14 


3 


Isaac Waring 


3 


10 





Mary Fleet 15 


10 





Thomas Hanford 








Ebenezer Squire 


14 


14 


4 


Giles Mallery 


12 


4 


10 


Benjamin Beets, Jr. 3 


10 





Wakeman 


239 


6 


10 


Stephen Turney 


88 


5 


4 


David Seymour 


3 


19 





James Olmstead 7 


9 





Mary Cutler 


48 


18 


1 


Samuel Taylor 


9 


17 





Mary Harvey 


14 


11 





William St. John 35 


12 





David .Vnnible 


43 


18 


10 


William Thorp 


■24 


18 





Rebecca W.Vsron 


4 


8 


3 


Daniel Gregory 18 


18 


8 


Neb. Budilington 


1.5 


1 


7 


Ruel Thi.rp 


n 


6 





Jarvis Kell'.'gg 


■i 


3 


9 


Thaddeus Morehouse 2 


3 





Andrew Bulkley 


33 


10 


11 


Widow Hannah Tay 








William Mott 


10 


14 


6 


Joseph Olmstead 2 
Thaddeus Betts 18 


8 





James Bidkley 





15 


5 


lor 


40 


4 





Mary .\very 


11 


•2 


6 


8 





Walter Buddington 


20 


19 


8 


Jehiel White Head 


6 


16 


2 


Peter HittOicock 


11 


13 


6 


Eliphalet Lockwood 23 


18 





Widow AliigaiUBurr 58 


17 


9 


Richard AVane 


5 


8 


3 


Joshua Rogers 


14 


15 


3 


Jabez Ravmond 38 


16 





William Buddington 37 


7 


9 


Abigail Whitear 


111 


13 


11 


Desire Liscat 


s 


7 


u 


Charles Pope 6 








Walter Carson 


27 





7 


Samuel King 


5 


7 





Robert Waters 


11 


15 


4 


Haynes Fitch 47 


10 





Jonathan Darrow 


254 


5 


2 


Gideon Wells 


■29 


8 


8 


.Tedediah Ra.vmond 


10 


« 


3 


Hezekiah Hanford .59 


10 





Isaac Jarvis 


23 


10 


9 


John Willson 


3 


4 





Xehemiah St. John 








Daniel Hanford 20 








Abigail Jennings 


49 


16 


1 


Nathaniel Willson 


10 


17 


6 


and. 


Ij 


11 





James Fitch, Jr. 23 


12 





Justin Jennings 


31 


7 





John Whitehead 


17 


8 





Esther St. John 


•2 


2 





Rebecca Fitch 63 


3 





Levi .Mallery 


21 


18 


6 


Abigail Wynkoop 


39 


13 





Mary Lockwood 


2 


8 


6 


Robeit Waters 6 








Abigail Osborn • 


106 


9 


9 


Joseph Wiikeman 


4 








James Smith 


21 


13 





Dan Finch 3 








John Parsons 


22 


1 


2 


Inciease Bradley 


180 








Betsey Hall 


22 


9 


11 


Uriah .Smith 4 








Ephraim Bobbins 
Elaenezer Sturges 


106 


14 


10 


House of Peter Bulk 








^lary Brown 


9 


18 





Simeon Raymond 14 








.89 


4 


3 


ley anil Jos. Stur 








Silas Bessey 


12 


16 


3 


William Raymond 5 








John Squire. Jr. 


15 


16 


8 


gess 
Edward Buddingtoi 


91 








.\braham Lockwood "2 


12 





Moses Ravmond 5 








Jiidson Sturges 


128 


16 


7 


SI 








Abner Booth 


40 


1 


6 


Timothy Hoyt 








Isaac Tucker 


6,S 


17 





.\ndrus Jennings 


210 








Charles Pope 


7 


10 


T 


Benjamin Merrit 5 








Samuel Smith 


19 


16 


9 


-\aron Jemiings 


1(10 








liersham Hyatt 


32 


5 





Jedediah Raymond 15 








Isaac Turney 


20 


3 


5 


William Levesay 


152 








Pomp Learning 


14 


10 





Hannah Iiickenson 23 


19 


9 


John Williams, Jr. 


13 


19 





Heirs of Benjamin 








Banley Arnold 


12 


8 





Moses Dickenson's 






John Williams 


116 





9 


ijsborn 


152 








Sarah' Eversley 


26 


13 


5 


heirs 259 


16 


10 


Ruth Wakeman 


22 


8 


1 


Benjamin Allen 


3 


3 


3 


Marv Smith 


17 


5 





Silas Bartow 4S 


12 





Wright White 


46 


8 





Ephraim Burr 


95 


17 


10 


Thohias Darrow 


17 


5 


2 


Samuel Ketchum 4 


1 


6 


Mary Alvoid 


20 








Gilbert Bryan 


19 


17 





Nathan Hendrich 


19 


18 


3 


Evert Ellison 13 


10 





Isaac Burr 


23 


5 





Ebenezer Baker 


21 


18 





William Garner 


11 


4 


3 


Michael .ludah 


2 





Amelia Burr 


10 








Gersham Banks 


14 


15 





Stephen G. Thatcher 


13 


1 


5 


J"lm Read 9 


10 


11 


Ruth Burr 


3 


19 


6 


George Bui r 


15 


16 


10 


Stephen and Hookei 








Retty Javiss 2 


8 


2 


Charles Burr 


24 


16 





John Banks 


22 


12 


2 


St. John 


a) 


1 


6 








Luce Burr 


4 


13 





Epluaim Bun-. Jr. 


4 


18 


11 


Nathaniel Raymont 


4 


4 





FAIRFIELD. 






George Batterson 


35 


13 


3 


Nathan Bennit 


15 


2 





Susaimah Filch 


24 














Dudlej- Baldwin 


7 


13 





Josej'h Bennit 


56 





7 


Thomas Hays 


18 








Abraham Andress 430' 


6 





William Batterson 


16 


3 





Francis Bradley, 3d 


2 


10 


6 


Aulev W. Auley 


30 


19 


3 


Sarah Andress 192 


9 





Samuel Burr, Jr. 


2 


14 


6 


Pinkney Burr 


14 








Joseph Allen Wright 


9.1 


18 


8 


Col. Elijah Abel 719 
John .\llen .545 


14 


4 


Samuel Burr. 3d 


14 


14 





Elias Bennett 


19 


15 


5 


Dr. Uriah Rogers' 








12 


6 


David Burr 


10 


5 


4 


Job Bartran 


13 


10 





heirs 


225 








David .\llen 476 


9 


8 


.\bigail BuiT, Jr. 


.50 


2 


6 


Thcpinas Bennitt 


3 


2 


3 


Jesse Ravmond 


147 


2 


2 


George Allen 231 


3 


11 


Nathan Bulklev 


11 


14 





Sarah Bryant 


17 


10 





John Richards 


7 


6 


8 


Anthony .\nniball 155 


5 


•J 


Olive Bulklev 


30 


5 


3 


James Bennitt 


■26 


3 





Joseph Waring 


14 


18 


1 


Peter Burr 282 


9 


1 


Wid Abigail Bulk 








Abigail r>esl»row 


9 


n 


8 


Isaac Richards 


44 


10 


10 


Reuben Beers 510 


4 


2 


lev and Jiuiathan 






Jason Deslirow 


16 


2 


4 


Eli Read 


58 


10 


11 


David Beers 164 


4 


6 


Biilkley 


.54 


17 


3 


Hezekiali Cooley 


3 


6 





Jesse Read 


3 


11 


6 


Samuel Beers 96 


8 


5 


Ebenezer Bulkley 





7 


2 


John Crosman 


5 


12 


2 


John Bigsley 


7 





6 


Ebenezer Bartran 144 


10 


3 


Neberaiah Banks 


4 


15 





Caleb Desbrow 


8 


16 


4 


Benjamin Read 


42 


14 


li 


Joseph Beers 90 


17 





David Barlow 


.374 


14 





Jabez Desbrow 


5 


9 


6 


Daniel Richards 


12 


5 


1 


David Burr 388 


•2 


9 


Priscilla Burr 


S82 


8 


6 


John Desbrow 


15 


14 





Solomon Whitman 


17 


17 


6 


Wakeman Burr 3t)3 


14 


9 


Nathaniel Burr 


22 


18 





Sliubael tiorham 


4 


15 





I>avid Read 


126 


7 


4 


Samuel Burr 481 


3 


10 


Nathan Burr 


4 


9 





Solomon (iray 


1 


3 


6 


Nathan Waring 


32 


14 


7 


Job Bartran 962 


17 


5 


William Carter 


16 








.\nn Godfrey 


3 


18 





Richard Youngs 


31 


."> 


11 


Gersham Burr 300 


10 


4 


Ann Caldwell 


8 


s 


1) 


Hezekiah Hull 


10 








Mary Read 


47 


17 





Thaddeus Burr 1,373 


18 


1 


Thomas and Simon 






Isaac Hays 


■28 





7 


Gersham Richards 


31 


13 


1 


Simeon Couch, 3d 227 


9 


3 


Couch 


10 





(1 


John Hyde 


47 


11 


3 


Clapp Raymond 


34 


3 


19 


John Davis • 62 


14 


11 


Abigail C'hapman 




11 





John Hy.le. Jr. 


7 


6 


3 


John Ricliards 


35 


9 


10 


Ann Dimou 317 


18 


4 


John Cake 


1) 


9 


"2 


Joseph Hyde 


45 








Seth Abbott 


.55 


7 


3 


William Dimon 625 


8 


1 


Caleb Disbrow 


18 





6 


Ebenezer Jessup 


3 


1 


6 


Capt. Eliakim Ray- 








N.TliompsonNichols 67 


18 





Rev. Andrew Elliot 


.549 


11 


6 


Josei>h Lyon 
Seth Meeker 


31 


15 


9 


mond 


80 


17 


4 


Elizabeth fiold 246 


IB 





Francis Forgue 


151 


16 





■22 


5 


8 


Simeon Stewart 


69 


10 


10 


Nathan (Jodfrey 309 


12 


2 


Abigail Thonipson 
Nathan T. Nickols 


8 


10 





John Morehouse 


15 


13 





Capt. Phineas Han- 








David Jennings, 2d 2.55 


3 


5 


81 


16 





Benjamin Meeker 


15 


17 


4 


ford 


43 


14 





Rebecca .lennings 127 





4 


Hannah McKensey 


1 


4 





Rebecca Nash 


6 


7 


5 


Azor Mead 


36 


6 


8 


Moses Jennings 599 


12 


4 


Jemima Gould 


6 


2 





Sarah i.igden 


19 


6 


1 


Phineas Hanford.Jr. 


25 


19 


2 


Isaac Jennings 2'^*1 


1 


4 


Abel Gold 


113 


iii 


9 


Daniel (i>liorn 





13 


6 


Richard Dunning 


26 


10 


U 


Peter Hendiick .'J99 


6 


9 


Abel Gold, Jr. 


3 


17 


6 


Cornelius St ration 


1 


5 


3 


Matthew Marvin 


19 





8 


Abigail Hubliell 176 


13 


4 


Daniel Gorham 


20 


2 





John Stnitton 


1 


13 


6 


Elizabeth Whelpley 


17 


17 


8 


Stephen Jennings 195 


3 


5 


Jos. Gold, deceased 


17 








Ebenezer Stierwood 


2 








Lydia Fitch 
Elijah Fitch 


19 


19 


10 


Jeremy Jennings 196 


12 


11 


Martha Fairchild 


44 


8 


2 


Joseph Sherwood 


9 


15 


6 


10 


.1 


2 


Ebenezer Jessup 282 


19 


3 


Justin Hobart 


15 


10 


9 


Jebicl Shci-wood 


4 


14 





Samuel Keeler 


.30 


14 





Moss Kent 185 





7 


Jabez Hubbell 


32 


16 


9 


Joshua Squire and 
Sauuiel Burr 








Samuel Midcllebrook 14 


9 


11 


Latbrop Lewis 27 


5 


2 


Isaac Hubbell 


18 


16 


1) 


35 


17 


6 


Ezra Waterbury 


11 


I) 


4 


.Sturges Lewis .52 


11 


o 


Isaac Haves 


86 


17 


8 


Andi-ew Sturges 


13 


18 





Hannah Gregory 


13 


3 


4 


Jonathan Lewis 921 


11 


7 


.\nna Hull 


64 


16 


6 


Gershiun Thorp 


9 








Ebenezer Bennit, Jr. 


14 


2 


8 


Widow Kutiice More- 






John Hickling 


20 


8 


9 


'William Thorp 


3 








Nathan Adams 


14 








house 68 


7 





Sarah Hews 


15 


9 


6 


Jessup Wakeman 


12 


9 


11 


James Betts 


17 


o 





(iideitn Jbirehouse 66 


10 


6 


Peter Jennings 




8 


3 


Samuel Whitney, Jr. 


26 


10 


'2 


-Benjamin Keeler 


10 


19 


4 


Ebenezer Morehouse 83 


8 


3 


L}*man .lennings 
Hezekiah Jennmgs 


5 


10 


6 


Peter Whitney 


7 


9 





Nathan Keeler 


3 


7 





(irammonMorehonse 6 


11 


6 


1 


1 





Widow Elizabeth 








.lames Whelpley 


4 


.') 


4 


John Mor.-liouse 2;i3 


11 


5 


Daniel .lennings 


32 




1 


Sturges 
MosesBulkley 


150 








Capt. Sam'l (.'omstock 2 








Hez.-kiah Nicolls 394 


10 


7 


David Jennings 
Martha Jennmgs 


27 


18 


10 


.50 








Benjamin belts 


2 


11 


11 


Daniel Osborn Ki5 


5 





27 


18 





Josiah Bulkley 


10 








Rev. Isaac Lewis 


5 


1 


4 


Eleazer Osborn. Jr. 181 


.» 


9 


Ephraim Jennings 


6 


9 


6 


Nathan Beers 


1 


17 


6 


Daniel St urges 


1 


15 


•S 


Widow Mary Pen- 






Margaret Keeler 


13 


2 


I 


Ebenezer Munro 


1 


15 





Peter Sturges 





14 





flcld 139 


14 


1 


Esther Lord 


7 


4 





Adm'r of Nehemiah 








Esther Wasson 


5 





8 


Solomon Sturges 319 


3 


9 


Jonathan Maltbie 


47 


5 


10 


Buddington 





10 





Capt. Josiah Thateherlfl 


7 


4 


Mabel Osborn 605 





2 


Jona. Miildlebrook 


4 


4 


10 


Mary Alvoid 


8 








Ephraim Stewart 


5 


4 


4 


Samuel Penfleld 1,065 


9 


4 


Jesse Morehouse 


16 


« 


2 


Jonah Bulkley 





6 





Silas Hicock 


3 


12 


6 


John Parrot 86 


9 


8 


Hannah .^lorehouse 


.33 


18 


8 


George Cable 


400 








Jesse Birchard 


7 


12 





Nathaniel Parsons 8ft 


7 


7 


David Osborn 


21 


9 





County House 









18 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



s. 



d. 



Goal and Goaler's 

House 
School House on the 

Green 
Meeting House 
Old School House 
Church House 
Meeting House at 

Green's Farm 
Church, Glebe House 

and Barn 



DAXBrRV. 

Daniel Taylor, Esq., 656 
Major Taylor 462 

John McLean 528 

Zadock Benedict 6? 
Joseph Wildman 27>* 
John Wood 362 

Matt. Benedict. Jr. 218 
David Wood 288 

Abigail Wood 18 

Jonah Benedict 206 
Rer. Ebenezer 

White 218 

Jos. P. Cook, Esq., 5-3 
Ezra Starr 1214 

Matthew Benedict 176 
Benjanun Sperry 113 
Jabez Rockwell" 15.S 
Thaddeus Benedict, 

Esq 349 

Eli Mrgatt, Esq. 542 
James Clark 524 

Comfort Hoyt 50 

Comfort Hoyt. Jr. 478 
Sarah Benedict 40 

Daniel Church 40 

Eliphalet Barnum 42 
Maiy Barnum 22 

Eluathan Gregory 31 
Rev. Noah Wetmbre 28 
Elizabeth Henries 18 
Christian Rose 

Matthew Barnum 2 
Comfort Barnum 2 

Joshua Benedict 12 
Matthew Crowfeet 3 
Ann Shepherd 8 

Darid.Iudd » 

Charles Heck 6 

Joseph Benedict, Jr. 7 
Preserve Wood 3 

Joseph Gregory 8 

Hannah Lockwood 2 
Isaac Callin 4 

Christian Starr 6 

Kathan Taylor, 3d 15 
Samuel Taylor. Esq. 22 
John Taylor U 

Rachel Gregory 4 

Samuel Lambert 3 

Horace Kuapp 2 

Nathaniel Lockwood 7 



Seth Crowfeet 
Samuel Andruss 
Wait Desbrow 
Isaac Davis 
Hannah Andniss 
Timothy Ketchum 
Caleb Baldwin 
J')hn Knapp 
Abijah Benedict 
Thomas Wildman 
Samuel Wood 
Hannah Wood 
Thomas Starr 
Jonas Benedict 
Seth Shove 
Elias Taylor 
Rebecca Crofeet 
Phmeas Peck 
Eliphalet Peck 
Benjanun Shove 
William WiUe 
Comfort Wildman 
Aaron Stone 
Sarah Peck 
Jonathan Taylor 
Abijah Barnum 
Oliver Taylor 
Abial Philijis 
Daniel Hicock 
Benjamin Wood 
Ezra Stevens 
Uelhuel Judd 
.John Peck 
.Joseph Brnedicl 
ATine Xorlhorp 
Benjamin Hicock 
Benjanun Curtiss 
Samuel Benedict 
William Griffin 
Elisha Dibble 
Patience Guthrie 
Benjamin Boughton 
Andrew Comstock 
Nathaniel Stevens 
Josepli Beebe 
Jonathan Hays 
Nathaniel Gregory 
Daniel Millson 
Stephen Trowbridge 
Justus Hovt 




12 

13 
5 
15 

14 

6 



6 
11 
16 

4 
10 



18 
9 
8 
13 
14 
1 
5 
1 
.3 

19 
15 
14 
11 

8 
11 
12 

8 

6 


10 

1 
11 

5 
11 

5 
10 
14 

o 

11 
4 
5 

11 
8 

14 

11 
9 
1 
4 

iU 

11 
4 
5 



3 


4 


1 


H 


2 


3 


7 


15 


3 


« 


9 


14 


4 




4 


5 


3 


14 


4 


(1 


3 


19 


2 


2 


6 


4 


a 


« 


12 


10 


11 


10 


18 


17 





13 


7 






2 
1 
4 
4 
11 
4 

4 
Hi 

4 
8 
4 
5 
2 
9 

4 
11 
4 


10 
10 

8 



Ik 



8 
4 
8 

8 
4 


4 

4 
10 
8 

>> 

5 
2 

8 

4 


3^2 

8 





8 

' 

u 

4 
4 
4 
4 
1 
8 
4 

4 

IH 



o 


4 
6 

n 

10 
4 
3 
4 


4 
8 

4 
4 



£ s. 

Matthew Gregory 12 7 

Jacob Fintch 2 16 

James Fielding 3 

Matthew Wilks 3 9 

John Barnum 5 17 

John Porter 2 

Nathan Taylor, Jr. 4 

Timothy Northrum 2 6 

Timothy Benedict 2 5 

Timothy Wildman 2 13 

Alesander Stewart 5 17 

Stephen Scofleld 6 5 

Thomas Benedict 13 10 

Roger (negro) 6 

EbenezerBenedict.Jr. 4 14 

Joseph Broadbooks 4 

Oliver Benedict 4 14 

Ebenezer Benedict 5 16 

David Northrop 3 14 

Enos Camp 3 19 

Ephraim Barnum 3 10 

Daniel Stevens 2 12 

Elijah Wood 2 7 

Thaddeus Barnum 17 9 

Philip Corbin 10 4 

Nathaniel Benedict 4 10 

Thomas Tayler 11 18 

Thomas Tayler, Jr. 10 2 

James Trowbridge 7 1 

Daniel Wildman 31 19 

Benjamin Tavlor 2 15 

John Elhot ' 2 5 

Matthew Starr 2 12 

Thomas H. Benedict 8 15 

William Stone 7 2 

John Stone 4 16 

Lemuel Benedict 2 10 

Nathaniel Starr 4 7 

EbenezerMunsou.Jr. 21 8 

John Gregory 4 

Jeremiah Dunning 2 2 

James Crary 4 14 

Amos Northrop 2 9 

David Northrop 4 6 

Abial Pickett 3 14 

John .Sturdevant 4 11 

Sallie Pell 6 13 

Eleazer Hoyt 1 19 

Caleb Church 3 19 

Thomas Benedict.Jr. 10 1 

Josiah Starr 9 3 

Joshua Kuapp 43 3 

Moses Knapp 4 6 

Ebenezer Manson 83 6 

Hannah Robertson 2 6 

Josiah Starr 13 5 

Isaac Benedict 4 4 

Thomas Benedict 1 11 

Robert Benedict 2 9 

Samuel Benedict, Jr. 7 16 

Mary Greenstale 9 12 

Antony Anguine 3 6 

Samuel Brown 1 3 

John Coach 5 10 

Stephen Jarvis 43 .S 

Ezra Dibble, Jr. 17 7 

Joseph M. Wliite 31 7 

Aaron Knapp 4 18 

Joseph Gunn 4 8 

Thomas Tayler .32 5 

Benjamin Darley 1 14 

Shadrack Morriss 10 6 

Noah Hoyt 3 5 

Samuel Gregory 61 16 

David Pierce 3 12 

Richard Smith 6 6 

Henry Peek 2 2 

David Comstock 9 6 

John Shephenl 1 1 

Joseph Burchard 1 12 

Judith Tavlor 1 8 

Sarah Basset 18 

Amos Collins 4 17 

J'.Jshua Starr 4 16 

Matthew Tavlor 33 19 

William B. Alger 19 7 

Caleb Hovt 4 13 



NEW H.WEN ANO EAST 
HAVEN. 



8 

8 


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4 

4 





Abraham Augur 
HezekiaU Augur 
EUiad Atwater 
David Austin, Esq. 
Timothy Atwater 
Phineas Andiiiss 
Joseph Adams 
John Allen 
Christopher Allen 
Samuei .\ustin 
Al)nor .\ustin 
Abiah ^Vllen 
Oliver .Vllen 
Samuel Bird 
Abraham Bradley 
Joseph Bradley 
Benjamin Brown 
Israel Bishop 
Isaac Bishop 
Abel Burret 
John Bradley, Jr. 
Stephen Ball 
Frauds Brown 
Peter Bontion 



60 

29 

52 

276 

8 

18 
13 
15 
6 
69 
66 
13 
40 
42 
101 
403 
30 
31 
37 
27 
31 
86 
12 
70 



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8 

4 





8 
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4 

4 

4 



8 

4 



4 
10 

8 

4 









3 

4 

4 
4 

9 
6 
8 
4 
4 

1 

8 

8 
6 

4 
8 
4 
4 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 
6 
6 
4 
8 



10 
8 
6 

11 
8 

8 
4 
6 
8 
4 

10 


8 
8 


10 






£ 


s. 


d. 


1. 


£ 


a. 


d. 


Phineas Bradley, Jr. 19 


13 


6 


Elias Shipman 


10 


19 


6 


Daniel Bishop 


79 


5 


6 


Caleb Trowbridge 


1-25 


15 


3 


John Beeoher, Jr. 


23 


9 


10 


J ere Trowbridge. J 


r. 7 


3 


3 


Gurden Bradley 


66 





10 


Daniel Tuttle 


13 


2 


2 


Azariah Bradley 


19 


2 





Isaac Towusend 


11^ 


16 


10 


Samuel Barnes 


13 


16 


8 


Benajah Thomas 









Stephen Bradley 


4 


3 


3 


Robert Townsend 


15 


19 


6 


Thomas Burrall 


17 


2 


11 


Hezekiah Tuttle 


M 


3 


3 


Timothy Bartique 


Hi 


7 


5 


Richanl Tuttle 


13 


4 





James Bradley 


48 


8 


10 


Michael Todd 


7^3 


16 


11 


Buckminster ferint 








Jeremiah Towusend 36 




8 


naU 


51 


7 


10 


Jacob Thompson 


60 


19 


8 


Eleazer Brown 


8 


12 


3 


Timothy T'.wnsend 


11 


5 


8 


Nando Cambridge 


14 


11 


4 


Abraham Tuttle, Ji 


. 27 


2 


6 


Charles Chauncey 


47 


15 


8 


.lohn Townsend 


3 








Samuel Candy 


51' 


4 


6 


Stephen Trowbridg 


s 8 





10 


John Chandler 


108 


5 





Samuel Tuttle 


270 


19 


6 


Timothy Dwight 
Samuel Dwight 


10 


13 


6 


James Tuttle 


93 


3 


6 


9 


6 


6 


Timothy Tuttle 


79 


9 


5 


Thomas Davis 


21 


1 


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Noah Tucker 


99 


17 


4 


Jacob Dagget 


50 


9 


7 


.Tesse Upson 


47 


13 





Amos Doolittle 


11 


6 


6^ 


Jotham Williams 


2 


19 


9 


Nathan Duminer 


6 


2 


9 


-John Woodward 


838 


17 


3 


Jonathan Fitch 


170 


3 


4 


John Wooilward,.Jr 


740 


19 


11 


Jehiel Forbes 


17:3 


13 


1 


Sloses Wells 


856 


7 


4 


Levi Forbes 


5 


17 


6 


Samuel WiUmott 


62 


16 


2 


Samuel Green 


54 


4 


6 


William Ward 


82 


11 


7 


Samuel Griswold 


21 


11 





John Wise 


31 


15 





Caleb Gilbert 


48 


18 


8ii 


Daniel Willmott 


42 


16 


3 


James Gilbert 


12 


o 





John White, Jr. 


2:3 


18 


3 


Stephen Gorham 


27 


• 14 


11 


Rev, Chauncey Whit- 






Hezekiah Gorham 


81 


5 


7 


tlesey 


326 


6 


3 


\Vilham Greenough 


27 


14 


6 


Thomas Wooster 


o'XI 


15 


1 


Samuel Gills 


58 


4 


3 


John Whitney. Esq. 


158 


16 


3 


Timothy Gilbert 


3 


10 


3H 


Titus Beecher 


5 


8 





Samuel Gorham 


9 


8 


3 


Hannah Bingley 


10 


5 


6 


Richard Hood 


36 


15 





Isaac Beecher 


3 


15 


9 


Nathan Howell 


10 


8 


iii 


Sarah Brown 


12 


11 


6 


Samuei Huggins 


91 


16 


9 


Peter Buckley 


2 


11 





Ezekiel Ha.vs 


72 


17 


6 


Joseph Bishop 


8 


4 





Josiah Hollv 


52 


17 


3 


Elias Beech 


3 


10 





Abiah Hall 


3 


19 


9 


Archibald Blakeley 


11 


5 


11 


Amos Hotohkiss 


:U 


3 


9 


Tilly Blakeley 


13 


7 


2 


Samuel Hortou 


77 


6 


6 


Abraham Barnes 


3 


10 





Jonah Hotchkiss 


19 


6 


2 


Atkins Broughton 


8 


1 





Ebenezer Hiiggings 


47 


12 


8 


George Cook 


45 


10 


7 


Mary Hulibard 


5 


17 


11 


Cornelius (.'unuing 








Joseijh Howell 


75 


12 


5 


ham 


20 


11 





Samuel Howell 


39 


5 


3 


John Catliii 


S 


7 





.Susannah Hotchkiss 14 


8 


6 


Nathan Catlin 


8 


16 


6 


Obediah Hotchkiss 


69 


3 




Zachariah Candee 


7 


19 


2 


Caleb Hotchkiss 


9 


7 


6 


Levi Clinton 


6 


8 





Henrv F. Hughes 


38 


1 





David Cook 


29 


13 





Elijah Hill 


16 


11 


6 


Russell Clark 


1 


18 


10 


Stephen Herrick 


15 








Samuel Clark 


7 


14 


9 


Jabez Johnson 


13 


9 


4 


Samuel Cook 


19 


7 


9 


Timothy Jones, Jr. 


:38 


4 


11 


Samuel Chatterton 


m 


13 


8 


Timothy and Wil- 








Jolm Clause 


3 








liam Jones 


167 


13 


6 


John Carcu 


8 


14 





Isaac Jones 


148 


19 


9 


Sarah Davenport 


1 


2 





Levi Ives 


46 


1 


4 


Isaac Doolittle 


26 


17 





Peter Johnson 


20 


18 


9 


Samuel Dunwell 


34 


2 





Silas Kimberley 


9 


18 


6 


Henry r)oggett 


37 


14 


4 


Azel Kimberley 


52 


10 





Rhod'a Denison 


10 


6 





Mary Kimberley 


18 


10 





Hamlin Dwight 


2 


19 





Elam Luddington 


408 


6 


7 


Doct. Naphtali Dog 








Daniel Lyiiiaii. Esq. 


36S 


7 


8 


gett 


32 


11 





Jesse Leavenworth 


14:3 


9 





Isaac Dickerman 


32 


4' 





AVilUam Lyon 


92 


8 


5 


William Dock 


15 


9 


6 


Ebenezer Lewis 


20 


11 


6 


Rev. Jonathan Ed 








John Lathrop 


71 


17 


2 


wards 


57 


15 


4 


Jeremiah McCumber 20 


5 


8 


William Eyers 


5 


t; 





Amos Morris 


12-35 


15 


4 


Robert Fairchild 


10 


12 





Williara Mansfield 


47 


17 


9 


Ezra Ford 


16 


17 





Jonah Mi.x 


15 


19 





Abel Frisby 


25 


15 





Stephen Munson 


22 


12 


4 


.Samuel Goodwin 


14 


1 





Joseph Mix 


11 


15 


10 


John Goodi'icli 


140 


17 


4 


William Miles 


5 


19 


8 


Timothy Gorham 


10 


19 


6 


Joseph Munson 


10 


14 


6 


Ruth Gord.tu 


7 


10 





.John Miles ^ 


48 


5 


9 


Heury Gibbs 


4 


8 





William JIunson 


73 


6 


8 1 


Amos (lilbert 


13 


7 





Samuel Munson 


41 


17 


10 


Sarah Goldsmith 


53 


1 





Israel .Munson 


27 


6 


6 


Joel Gilbert 


2 


9 





Alliss Miles 


5 


8 





Daniel Goodsell 


12 








Edward :Maloy 


265 


18 


9 i 


David Gilbert 


8 


2 


6 


Amos Munson 


18 


15 


6 


Martin Gattee, de- 








Paul Noyes 


2 


18 


11 


ceased 


19 


6 


7 


David O'sborn 


30 


14 


5 


John Goodsell 


8 


13 





Nathan Oaks 


1!) 


6 


4 


Stephen Hotchkiss 


4 


~ 





JIahittibal Osboru 


3 


12 


3 


Christian Hanson 


21 


3 


6 


William Pluginait 


32 


14 


11 


Ebenezer Hull 


5 


5 





.Jacob and Elijah or 








Hannah Hotchkiss 


4 


12 





.\bijah Pardy 


402 


8 


2 


Sarah Hunt 


3 


4 





Mary Pardy 


134 


14 


1 ^ 


Frederick Harding 


12 


4 





Hezekiah Parmely 


109 


5 


t Eleaiiore Hoy 


1 


17 





Jlostin Parr.itt 


27 


18 


8 


Joseph Huits 


1 


5 





William Punchard 


20 


1 


9 


Jared Hemmingway 


5 


4 


6 


J acob Pinto 


22 


13 


11 


Hannah Howe 


13 


3 


6 


Ichabod Page 


59 


9 


6 


Sarah How,' 


14 


7 


1 


Sarah Parmely 


8 


17 


2 


William Holmes 


43 


7 





James Plant 


94 


17 


10 


David Hull 


19 


14 





.1 eremiah Parmely 


18 


17 


» 


James Hull 


9 


6 





Charles Prindle 


47 


4 


6 


Silas Hotchkiss 


3 


1 





John Pease 


18 


13 


4 


Neheniiah Hotchkiss 


14 


11 


6 


Benjamin Pardy 


88 


18 





Nehemiah Higgins 


2 


8 


11 


John RolJertson 


26 


15 


2 


Enos Hotchkiss 


3 


17 


8 


John Richards 


13 


6 





Mary Horton 


5 


14 


9 


Philemon Smith 


53 





3 


Stephen H.pneywell 
Abigail Hughes 
Stephen Jidiuson 


1 


19 


6 


Benjamin Sanford 


32 


5 


11 


37 


12 


5 


William Shei-inan 


37 


3 


3 


14 


3 


9 


Francis Sage 


.34 


1 


10 


Simeon Joulin 


10 


15 


6 


Jonathan Sabin 


64 


18 


6 


Amaziah Joulin 


85 


16 


3 


Timothy Sperry 


30 


1-3 


2 


Abraham Johnson 


5 


16 


10 


Charles Sabin 


29 


5 


6 


Mabel Johnson 


6 








Jesse Stephens 


18 


17 


4 


Eiios Johnson 


I 


17 


9 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



I'J 



Jark ami wife 
Jareil InjjfrsoU 
Richard Johnson 
Lvdia Johnson 
Elijah King 
Sarah Kirnl)erley 
Marah KiUiy 
Lydia Kimbfrley 
Nathaniel Kiinberley 
James Lyni.les 
Edward Larkins 
Samnel Little 
Major Lines 
James Lane 
Mark Leavenworth 
Gad Ltike 
Susannah IMahon 
John Mix, Jr. 
Daniel Mansfield 
Elisha 3Iix; 
Mary Miles 
Anu'S Morrison 
Roljert Matthews 
Esthel'.Mansfleld 
Kirsted Mansfield 
James Murray 
Nathan Mansfield 
Silas 3Ierriman 
David Mulford 
Hannah Mansfield 
Patience Mix 
Phehe Miller 
David Murison 
Hannah Mix 
Dr. Timothy Mix 
Moses Mansfield 
Nathaniel Mix 
William Nnyes 
Ann Plait 
Marv and Lydia 

Pardy 
Williaiii Pvmchard 
Ebenezer Peck 
Thomas Purdersnn 
Tho's Punderson, Jr. 
Mai'y Pease 
David Phipps 
.John Pierpont 
Abitrail Potter 
Moses Pajxly 
Solomon Phipps 
Lambei-ton Painter 
Elijah Painter 
Martin Patehin 
Levi Pardy 
Jonas Prentice 
Sarah Pomeroy 
.lames Prescott 
Philip Rexford 
Samuel Robinson 
Rachel Russell 
Zechariah Read 
James Rice 
Hannah Russell 
Martin Ray 
Hannah Sackett 
.\donijah Sherman 
.lohn Scott 
James Sherman 
Leveret Stevens 
Sarah .Stevens 
Elizabeth Stillman 
Widow Scijvil 
William Sherman 
Moses Strong 
Abigail Starr 
Benjamin Smith 
Nehemiah Smith 
George Smith 
Nathan Smith 
Mary Stilhvell 
Hezekiali Sabin 
ilezekiali Sabin 
Edmond Smith 
Amos Sherman 
Joseph Smith, :^d 
.lohn Storer 
Hannah Sloper 
James Thompson 
John R. Throop 
.losejdi Thompson 
John Townsend 
Thankful! Thompson 
Isaac Thonijison 
Abraham Tuttle 
Abraham Thompson 
Stephen Tuttle 
Timothy Talmadge 
Joseph Trowbridge 
Ebenezer Townsend 
William Trowbridge 
John Trowbridge 
Cornelius Thayer 
Closes Thompson 
William VanDiierson 
M'jses Ventures 
Michael Vaun 
Thomas Willson 
Lois Wells 
Thtimas Willniott 
Allice Wise 
John Ward 
Rev. McWllliston 
Samuel White 
John Warner 



, Jr. 



11 


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19 
10 
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11 


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14 
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3 
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14 

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18 
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9 
14 
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16 
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17 
16 
18 
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Newton Whittlesey 
Heurv Y'irk 
Davi.l Abliott 
Joseph Allintr 
James Alliug 
Samuel Ailing 
Ebenezer Ailing 
Lorrain Ailing 
Hezekiah Ailing 
l>avid Atwater 
David Austin. Jr. 
Abit'ail Andruss 
Jedediah Andruss 
Jeremiah Atwater 
J"nali Atwater 
Archibald Austin 
William Alley 
John Austin 
Stephen Austin 
Joei Atwater 
Samnel Bishop, Esq, 
Phebe Brown 
Timothy Benticon, 

Jr. . 
Eleanor Benticon 
Stephen Brown 
Jonathan Bridglen 
Abraham Bradley, 

Jr. 
WJllard Bnntnal! 
Lemuel Benliam 
Thomas Bill 
Hanover Barney 
Lucy Barker 
Israel Buniiel 
Xaihan Beers 
William Brintnall 
David Beecher 
David Bniwn 
Timothy P. Bonti- 

con 
Lamberton Painter 
Silas Kimberley 
Mary Kimberley 
.lohn Eeecher 
Tliomas Beuham 
Jotham Williams 
Andrus Smith 
William Trowbridge 
Anna Clinton 
Rev. Noah Williston 
Azel Kimberley 
John Mi.c 



4 
24 

193 

•20 

26 

10 



14 

7 

4 



NEW LONDON. 

Phillip Allen 

James Angell 

Lvdia Beebe 

Abigail Bill 

William Brooks 

John Barr 

Ann Bulkley 

Samuti-l Brown 

Stephen Babcock 

J'inah Bfljee 

David Byrne 

Jolm Barna 

Jeremiali Brown 

Hannah Beebe 

Hannah Bolton 

Walter Beebe 

Percy Beer 

Nathan Bailey 

Cornelius Cunning- 
ham 

Joannah Culver 

Richard Chapman 

Esther Cutler 

Joseph Cheds 

Joseph (_'oilins 

John Critchelt 

Joseph Coit 

William Coit 

James Culver 

Joseph Cocks 

L*>dwick Champliu 

Elizabeth Christo- 
pher 

Rebecca Church 

William Comstock 

Thomas Coit 

Nathaniel Coit, Jr. 

Joshua Coil 

Joseph Champlin 

Jimathaii <_'niefax 

Ji>hn McCurdy 

.Sanuiel Coit 

John Clark & Sons 

John Deshon 

Deshon A Co. 

Henry Deshon 

Joseph Deshon 

Richard Deshon 

Mnns'r Diininnt 



9 
lti9 
•i4 

ij 

t;5 

71 
493 
493 

34 

236 

33(J 

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134 



32 

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41 

6 

1298 

44 
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11 

40 
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3 
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15 
40 



15 

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lit 

135 

1177 

556 

900 

100 

•,'li<) 

!63 



JonathanDouglass 14-16 
Sarah Daviss 8 

Richard Douglass i'i'i 
Robert Douglass 200 
Ebenezer ]>ouglass 17 
Peter Darrow 10 

Nathan Douglass 941 
Nicholas Darrow 9 

.Tames Darrow 2 

Nathaniel Dickinson 15 




10 


15 
14 
12 
6 
S 

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11 

10 

13 

4 




13 




10 
10 

11 

12 
16 

14 



4 
6 
9 

18 
1 
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17 
3 

14 
15 
I 

11 

6 
18 
17 
9 



8 

9 8 
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15 



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6 

8-K 



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10 

1 

3 
10 

6 
10 

4 
10 

9 
3 

6 
5 
2 




Timothy Durfey 
Lsaacit'hamplin 
Clark Elliot 
John Champlin 
Sarah Edmunds 
John Crocker 
Abigail Elliot 
John Jrevin 
Jacob Finch 
AnnFosdick&Sons 



20 

142 

296 

104 

20 

:14 

, 496 

800 

i:iO 

1045 



15 

5 

22 

8H4 
12:^ 

11 
1 

21 

10 

1012 

965 

198 

03 



212 
5 

229 
3 



Ebenezer Goddard 
Marv Goodfaith 
Elizabeth Grimn 
Thomas Gardiner 
Roger Gibson 
Mary Gardiner 
David Gardner 
John Gordon 
George Gibbs 
Matthew Griswold 
Russell Hubbard 
Joseph Hurlbut 
Thomas Hopkins 
Ruth Harris 
ElizabethHolesworth46 
Thomas Hancock 148 
Mary Hurlburt 
Joseph Harris, Jr. 
Stephen Holt 
Nathaniel Harriss 
ElizbethHoIesworth46 
Edward and John 

Hallam 310 

Edward and George 

Hallman 215 

Edward Hallam 10 

William Higgins 4 

Daniel Hurlburt 126 
Sarah Harris 177 

John Harris, 2d 33 

John Hempstead 

and others 30 

Jolm Hallam 417 

Benjamin Harris 19 
Abigail Holt 18 

NathanielHempstead 7 
John Hartle 44 

Joseph Holt 2 

Lvdia Harriss 60 

Thomas Holt 4 

Bridgett Harriss 24 
James Holt 21 

.lohn Harriss. 1st 
Walter Harriss 17 

Grace Harriss 29 

Ebenezer Holt 15 

Daniel Harriss 5 

Eliphalet Harriss 20 
Daniel Holt 32 

.Jonathan Holt 35 

Ann Hancock 140 

Titus Hurlburt 1961 
Stephen Hempstead 70 
Moses Jeffrey 36 

Lydia Johnson 21 

Robert Kennedy 3.50 
Mary Lewis 5 

Christopher Lefflng- 

well 25 

■Tames Lampher 233 
L,vdia Lattimer 27 

James Lamphier, Jr. 42 
Pickett Lattimer 565 
Samuel Lattimer 910 
Amos Lester 12 

Ebenezer Lester 8 

John Lester 35 

Edgcomb Lee 48 

Diodate Little 207 

Samuel Lattimer 24 
Michael Love 2;3 

Richard Lattimer 26 
Rnsman Lawrence .54 
Peter Lattimer 317 

.John Lathrop 1 

Anutsa Lamed 18 

.Teremiah Miller 2.535 
JamesJlcEver'sh'rs600 
2!) 
21 
93 
39 
44 

55 

348 

12 

23 

318 

,500 

51 

71 

40 



James Matthews 
Robert ]\lanwaring 
James Miller 
John Morriss 
Giles Mumford 
James Minor 
Lawrence Marling 
Ephraim Minor 
Lvdia Green 
Antony iMitchell 
David MuTuford 
Isaac Moseley 
David IManwaring 
Lewis Minor 
Thomas Jones 
Elizabeth Newcomb 12 
George Newcomb 238 
Widow Nelson 68 

Mary Newbuig 14 

Nathaniel Overton 27 
Isaac Oliver 40 

Owen Neal 91 

Joseph Owen 75 

Richard Potter 382 

Christopher Prince 512 
Abl^ailPotter 573 

Zuriah Preston 21 



14 





.Joseph Plumb 


3 


._» 


Green PUuub 


11 


3 


Ichabod Powers, Jr. 


8 


5 


Andrew Palmer 


■> 


6 


Widow Finer 


13 


2 


Simeon Peck 


13 


10 


.James Parker 








Sarah Pool 


8 


10 


Joshua Powers 


10 


11 


W^illiam Packwood 








Ichabod Powers 








John Penwert 








John Potter 


2 





Joseph Packwood 


18 


6« 


Joshua Potter 


10 





.John Prentice 








Elizabeth Plumb 


16 





.Tanies Pittman 


~ 


1) 


Stephen Rongett 








Mary Rogers 





3 


Patrick Robinson 


8 


3 


Ann Richards 


17 


9 


.lames Rogers 








Guy Richards and 


8 





Son 




5 


Mary Richards 


13 





Benjamin K<)gers 


15 





Jabez Richai-ds 


5 


2 


Solomon Rogers 


5 





Amos Rogers 


8 





Sanuiel Roberts 
George K'>gers 


9 


8 


David Richards 
James Rogers 








Harriss Rogers 


10 





Peter Rogers 


11 





William Rtigers 


14 


7 


Peter Rogers. Jr. 


7 


5 


Peter Roliiuson 


1 


4 


.lohn Rogei-s 
David Roberts 


18 





William Rogers 


10 





James Penniman 


9 


5 


Daniel .Stale 


11 


2 


Gurdon Salton- 


1 


10 


stall. Es(i. 1 


19 


4 


Thomas Smith 


13 





William Skinner 


3 


11 


Selh Sears 


18 




Jonathan and I. Star 


19 





Balhsheba Skinner 


18 


6 


Bathsheba Smith 


11 


1 


Ehza Shapely 


15 


10 


Adam Shapely 








Lydia Spinck 


5 


1 


Ann Squil'e 


6 





Nathaniel and 


12 


5 


Thomas Shaw 2 


a 


6 


John Shepherd 


13 





Robert Smith 


3 


6 


Starr & Tallman 


3 





John Springer 


6 


1 


Ann Simmonds 


3 


6 


Peter Perry 


15- 





John Coster 








Widow Dorsett 


12 





Judas P. Spooner 
Richard Stroud 








James Smith 


9 





Jane Stewart 


8 


6 


Lucv Starr 





7 


William Stark 


7 


8 


Sarah Sitchell 


19 


5 


John Spencer 


11 


9 


Joshua Starr 1 


12 





Roswell Salton- 


19 


7 


stall, 


4 


7 


Winthrop Salton- 


.5 





stall 1 


7 





Nathaniel Thorp 








Bethiah Tallman 


19 


8 


Daniel Tinker 








James Tilley 1 


1 


6 


John Tilley 


11 


9 


Mary Tayloi- 


1 





Daniel Truman 


18 


10 


Edward Tinker 








John Welch 


19 


2 


Walter Welch 


8 


8 


Ebenezer Way 


8 


6 


John Ward 


16 





Lucretia Wolfe 








Anthony Wolte 


10 


7 


Simon Wolcott 1 


18 


6 


Elizabeth Westcott 


17 


4 


James Young 


16 





Temeranee Moore 


11 


6 


hamu.-l lielden 1 


5 


9 


Joanna Shoi-t 





(1 


James Thompson 
Michael Melally 


3 





7 


4 


John Way 


4 


10 


Thonnis Bowhay 








Joshua Hempstead 
Nathaniel Salton- 


1 


9 


10 





stall 


5 





John Thompson 



£ 
34 
43 

188 

105 

48 

19 

21 

4 

4 

12 

620 

223 

&3 

817 

8 

3 

197 

145 

37 

8 

3 

234 

455 

811 

258 

9 

4 

101 

31 

94 

11 

1 

1 

128 

16 



5 

17 

56 

58 

,250 



14 
18 
2 
4 
4 
13 



11 




Spere Liouglass 
Cnapnuiu Simmons 
Elizabeth Bi-ebe 
John Hallam and 

Benjamin Harriss 
Mary Wai-d 
Stephen Culver 
Mahltabil Leet 



146 
69 
8 
22 
16 



16 

19 

16 

10 



16 

19 

19 

17 

6 

8 

8 

13 

5 

14 

16 

19 

8 

6 

13 



15 

16 

8 
17 
19 
4 
4 
1 
6 
14 
4 
16 
13 



9 
16 
15 
18 



d. 

3 











6 
3 
4 
5 


4 
1 


10 
5 



5 

3 
8 

10 

9 


10 
4 



18 


3 





1 


12 


9 


81 


12 


2 


81 


8 


10 


17 


16 





4 


19 





137 


10 


7 


27 


14 





.440 


I) 





11 








15 





11 


13 


19 


7 


r5:j 


2 


3 


180 








465 


14 


10 


.382 


5 





20 


17 


16 


9 


13 


9 


' 


10 





,S34 


5 





76 


14 





24 


18 





150 








17 


19 





13 


18 





9 


18 





14 


9 





2 








21 


12 





23 


15 





4 


7 


8 


13 


18 


6 



9 10 

16 

8 

11 1 





181 


16 


8 


3 


13 


5 


6:j 


5 





22 


17 


6 


N33 


10 


3 


6 


12 


6 


26 


15 


10 


6 








25 


15 


9 


46 


10 





.59 


19 





15 


16 


1 


17 


6 


4 


4 


16 





4 


14 





083 


9 


1 


87 


6 





13 


2 


u 


24 


3 





771 


15 


6 


276 


14 





350 





7 


94 


4 


7 


590 


3 


11 


49 


17 


1 


62 


15 


3 







16 





20 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



RIDGEPIELD. 

£ 
Samuel Olmstead T4 
Ebenezer Olmstead 5 
Tliaddeus Rockwell i6 
Samuel Olmstead. 3il ','3 
Philip B.Bradley.Esq 20 
Lydia Gilbert 34 

Timothy Keeler. 2d 51 
Gamaliel Northrop 87 
BeiiiaQiin Northrop lo^ 
' - • ■ 183 

142 
Bo 
18 
100 
3(i 
19 
30 
10 
11 
12 
2 



Daniel Smith 
John Northrop 
Thomas Seymour 
Hannah Seymour 
Sarah 3Iorehouse 
David Olmstead 
Joseph Stebbins 
Daniel Smith, 3d 
James Sturges 
John Douche}' 
George FoUcott 
Daniel Smith, 2d 
Ebenezer Jones 
Bartlett Folcott 
Ebenezer Stebbins 
Jesse Benedict 
Joun Abbott 
Bartholomew Weed 
Hope Rhodes 
Stephen Smith 
Blartha Keeler 
John Watrous 
David Perry 
James Scott 
Philip Dauche.v 
Matthew Keeler 
J":)hn Smith 
Samuel Smith 
Benjamin Smith 
.leremiah Biirchard 
Samuel Camp 
Isaac Keeler 
Lemuel Abbott 
James Northrop 
Abraham Rockwell 
John Keeler 
Timothy Benedict 
lohabod Doolittle 
Jemima Keeler . 
David Rockwell 
Samuel Keeler 
Ebenezer Sherwood 
Stephen Norrice 
Daniel Coole}' 
Mary Hays 
Abijah Rockwell 
Abijah Smith 
Jonah Foster 
Sai-ah Silsby 
Elihu Deforest 
Price Nortnrop 
Nathan Foster 
Mary Gray 
David Rf.ckwell, 2d, 
Abner Wiilson 
Samuel Keeler, 2d, 



.5 
1 
11 
i 
3 

8 

2 

3 

3 

2 

3 

6 

13 

18 

4 



38 

liU 

5 

10 
23 
li 
5 




16 
19 
11 
4 

i; 

13 
4 
10 
19 
10 
2 

13 
10 
5 



12 
8 
16 

15 

14 

12 

17 



16 

17 

4 



18 

15 

IS 

4 

13 

13 



18 

16 

5 

14 

3 

13 



4 

10 

6 

2 





•J 
4 



6 

7 
6 
6 
5 
6 
3 
9 



10 
s 

4 
4 
8 

10 
8 

.) 

8 
4 


4 


8 





10 


4 
4 
4 
6 
4 
8 

a 


4 


8 


a 


10 

8 


8 
8 
10 




N. B.— The sums advanced to the 
town of Ridgefleld, by grants of 

feneral assembly are deducted 
rom each man's respective sum 
and the neat balances ascertained. 



GROTON, 



Amos .\.very 
Prudence Avery 
Thankful Avery 
Rnfus Aver.y 
Lydia Avery 
Latham Avery 
Ebenezer Avery 
Phebe Avery 
Peter Avery 
George Avery 
Hannah Avery 
Elizabeth Avery 
Benjamin Avery 
Caleb Avery 



12 

270 

263 

1.32 

157 

103 

30 

2 

4 

8 

15 

3 



2 

U 
16 
18 
13 
5 
4 

a 

13 
8 
6 
6 

19 




Ezekiel Bailey 
Stephen Billings 
James Bailey 
Sainuel Chester 
Eldridge Chester 
Jfdeiiiah Chester 
Benjamin Chester 
Benjamin Chester, 

as executor 
Charles Chester 
Thomas Chester 
Daniel Chester 
Jason Chester 
Esther Conklin 
Simeon Chester 
Nathan Darrow 
Mary Dodge 
Chas. Eldridge, Jr. 
Daniel Eldridge 
Sergeant Daniel El 

d ridge 
Thomas CTriffin 
Robert Gallup 
Andrew Gallup 
John Hioks 
•Jonathan Havens 
Ruth Holliday 
Edward Jeffrey 
Alexander Kyild 
Thomas Mumford, 

Esq. 
Elizabeth 3Ioore 
Henry Mason 
Nancy Moore 
Prudence 3Iinor 
Rebecca Minor 
Elisha Morgan 
Joshua and Isaac 

Morgan 
Mary Moore 
Frederick Sloore 
Shoram, ( negro i 
Ebenezer Ledyard, 

Esq. 1151 

John Latham 94 

Bridgett Ledyard 397 
Youngs Ledyard, 

dec'd To 

William Leeds 360 

Benjamin and Caleb 

Ledyard 3()0 

Anne Ledyard 142 

Anne Leeds 57 

Benajah Lester 

Capt. Edw'd Latham 4 



2 


19 


7+ 


« 


2 


10 


1(1 


fj 


6 


11 


21 


13 


412 


3 



301 
6 

19 
20 
39 
8 
9 
14 



1 
3 

U 
14 

11 
43 
158 



15 

19 

15 

15 

18 

1 

15 

1 

6 

6 

14 

1 

8 
6 
8 
8 
9 
11 
5 
5 



604 


11) 


62 


10 


27 


18 


W) 


1(1 


17 


19 


1 


6 




13 



4 

10 

269 

li 



Thomas D. Lavis 
Widow A. Latham 
Capt. William La- 
tham 
Lydia Latham 
WTary Latham 
Jonathan Latham 
Elizabeth Latham 



Amos Prentice, Esq.566 
Elisha Piior 34 
Abigail Palmer 6 
Alexander Reed 60 
Thomas Starr 1 
Nathan Seabury 3 
Thankful Stanton 
Jabez Sholes 
Nathan Sholes " 
John Starr 
Sarah Stedman 
Lucretia Sholes 4 
James Smith 6 
E-vperience Ward 2 
Eunice Williams 15 
Samuel Walsworth 10 
Christopher Wood- 
bridge 1 
Peter Williams 27 
Benjamin Vose 6 
Ezekial Yenington 2 
Elizabeth Seabury 177 
-lohn Brown 29 
Daniel Williams 7 
Elisha Avery 10 



3 

18 
14 



4 

4 
12 

1 

12 
19 
13 

1 
18 

8 

9 
15 
19 
14 

9 

2 
19 

9 
11 



d. 

5 

i 


6 




9 

6 



3 
4 
11 



9 


10 
11 






.10 

2 



10 
. 

2 

6 

8 
6 
6 
11 
4 
1 
6 

9 
9 
3 
6 
2 


5 

6 


B 
6 
6 

8 

5 



en APT EH IV. 

INDIAN TITLE.— copy OP THE ORIGINAL TREAT?. 

Whatever may be thuught of the liberality uf the 
State iu making provision for the benefit of the suf- 
ferers, it may be said that the territory disposed of 
was not such as that to wjiich Connecticut had a 
clear, unquestioned title. In tlie first place, it be- 
longed to the Indians, and secondly, subject to their 
right of occupancy, it was claimed by the United 
States, and, at the treaty of Green\ille, August 3, 



1795, by which the Cuyahoga, the Tuscarawas and 
the Portage path between them was in part fixed as 
the Indian boundary, the entire consideration was 
paid by the United States without a pro rata remun- 
eration from either the State of Connecticut or the 
land company; and up to this time, at least, the 
United States had not by direct act acknowledged 
the State's title to the Reserve. But the State of 
Connecticut not only asserted a right to the fee, but 
claimed also the right of enacting and enforcing laws, 
and otherwise exercising jurisdiction the same as if 
its own title were undisputed. 

At the close of the revolution, the general govern- 
ment sought, by peaceable means, to acquire the red 
man's title to tlie soil northwest of the Ohio. On tiie 
21st of January, 1785, a treaty was concluded at 
Fort Mcintosh with four of the Indian tribes, the 
Wyandots, Delawarefi, C/iippewas and Ottawas. By 
this treaty the Cu\'ahoga, the Tuscarawas and the 
Portage, between tliem, were agreed as the boundary 
on the Reserve between the United States and the 
Indians. All east of this line was ceded to the United 
States. But the Indians soon became dissatisfied and 
refused to comply with tlie terms of the treaty, and, 
on January 9, 1789, another treaty was concluded at 
Fort Harmar, at the mouth of the Muskingum, be- 
tween Arthur St. Clair, acting for the United States, 
and the Wyandots, Delawares, Chippewas and Sac 
nations, by which the terms of the former treaty 
were renewed and confirmed. But only a short time 
elapsed before the Indians violated their compact. 
Peaceful means failing, it became necessary to compel 
obedience by the use of arms. Vigorous means for 
the relief and protection for the white settler were 
called for and enforced. At first the Indians were 
successful; but in 1794, General Wayne, at the -head 
of three thousand five hundred men, encountered the 
enemy on the 20th of August on the Maumee, and 
gained a decisive victorv. Xearlv every chief was 
slain. The treaty of Greenville was the result. Gen- 
eral Wayne met in grand council twelve of the most 
powerful northwestern tribes, and the Indians again 
yielded their claims to tlie lauds east of the Cuy;ihoga 
and made no further effort to regain them, and the 
line tlien fixed remained as the Indian boundary until 
the treaty of Fort Industry in 1805, when the Indian 
title to the remaining portion of the Reserve was ob- 
tained by purchase. 

In May, 1795, an act was passed l)y the legislature 
of Connecticut, requiring that deeds conveying any 
of the lands so granted, siiall be recorded in tiie town 
clerk's ofiice where the loss or damage of the original 
grantee mentioned in said grant was sustained. 

In October, 179G, on the petition of the proprietors, 
the assembly passed "An act for incorporating the 
proprietors of the half million acres of land lying 
south of Lake Erie." By the terms of the act a body 
politic was created, with jiower to appoint otlicers ami 
to levy taxes or assessments, and [irovided for the 
sale of rights to i)ay delinquencies. The powers 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



21 



granted by this act were exercised to a greater or less 
extent until a new cliarter, in almost the same words, 
was obtained from the State of Ohio. 

It must be remembered that at this time the West- 
ern Reserve was within the limits of the northwestern 
territory, which had been duly organized under the 
famous ordinance of 1T8T, and that these claims of 
Connecticut were inconsistent with those of the sov- 
ereign iiower of the United States. The controversy 
that followed on this point resulted in a compromise. 
Congress, in 1799, proposed to Connecticut to release 
the right of soil to the grantees of that State, pro- 
vided the State would releuquish her claim of juris- 
diction. On May 3(t, 1800, Connecticut acceded to 
these terms, and thus the cloud upon the title of the 
lands of the Western Reserve was removed, saving the 
right of the Indians to occupy that piirti<ui west of 
the line fixed at the treaty of Greenville. 

When the* State of Ohio was organized, a new 
charter was obtained from the legislature of that 
State. This act (approved Fetiruary 1.5, 18(i;3.) recites 
the resolution of the legislature of Connecticut pre- 
viously ipioted, and also further recites: 

".\ND Whereas. Tte general assembly of said State, at their sessions 
hoiden at New Haven in said State of Conueeticut on the second Thurs- 
day of October. Aiino Domini. 1796. incori>orated the fiwners and pro- 
prietors of said half million acres, with full power to do and transact all 
business of said company necessary to be done ; 

"A.ND Whereas, Said State of Connecticut, by their proper deed, have 
since duly ceded to the United States all their judicial right in and to 
said half million of acres, which cession has been duly accepted by the 
congress of the United States, and said land annexed ,to the government 
of the State of Ohio; 

"AND Whereas, Said half million of acres of land are now within the 
limits of the county of Trumbull, in said State, are still subject to Indian 
claims of title: 

"Wherefore, To enable the owners and proprietors of said half mil- 
lion acres of land t'> purchase and extinguish the Indian claim of title 
to the same (under the authority of tlie United States when the same 
shall be obtained), to survey and locate the said land, and to make par- 
tition thereof to and among said owners and proprietors, in propor- 
tion to the amount of losses which is or shall be by them respectively 
owned," etc. 

After this preamble follow the different sections of 
the act, the first section constituting the owners and 
proprietors of said tract a body corporate under the 
name of "The proprietors of the half million of acres 
of land lying south of Lake Erie, called sufferers' 
lands." 

The second section provides for a board of nine 
directors, one of whom is to represent each of the 
.-JuSering towns, except in case of New London, 
which was allowed two directors. These directors 
were authorized to take steps to extinguish the Indian 
title, to survey the land into townships, and partition 
the same among the owners and proprietors according 
to the amount of their .several interests, to defray 
expenses, con.sequent upon these and other necess.uy 
acts, and were allowed to levy a tax ou said laud and 
enforce the collection of the same. 

The third section of the act names Jabez Fitch, of 
Greenwich; Taylor Sherman, of Norwalk; Walter 
Bradley, of Fairfield; Philip B. Bradley, of Ridge- 
field; .James Clark, of Danbury; Isaac Mills, of New 
Haven and East Haven; Elias Perkins and Guy 



Richards, of New London; and Starr Chester, of 
Groton, as the first board of directors, and pro- 
vides for the manner of organization, calling of 
meetings, etc. 

The next section })riivides that, after the first meet- 
ing, the directors shall lie chosen once in two years 
by the proprietors of said lands, holding losses sus- 
tained. Other .sections following provide for appoint- 
ment of clerk, treasurer, collector of taxes, etc., and 
specify the manner of selling land for non-]>ayment of 
taxes. 

The eighth section authorizes the directors to insti- 
tute suits against trespassers on the land.s, and to 
adjust and settle the accounts of former incurpora- 
tions. 

The ninth section makes sales by collector, of 
rights sold for non-payment of taxes. \;did unless 
redeemed within six months, by paying tax, twelve 
per cent, interest, and cost of sale. 

The ninth .section authorizes directors "to do what- 
ever shall to them appear necessary and i)roper to be 
done for the well-ordering of said owners and pro- 
prietors, not contrary to the laws of this State." 

The eleventh section requires the directors to make 
an annual report, and directs them to dispose of any 
surplus funds remaining "after the Indian title shall 
be extinguished, and said lands located and parti- 
tion thereof made, shall be used by said directors 
in laying out and improving the public roads in said 
tract." 

The twelfth and final section states that the act 
shall be and remain a juiblic act during the pleasure 
of the assembly. 

Tlie first meeting of the directors was hoiden at 
the dwelling house of Marcus Miles, inn-holder, in 
the city of New Haven, Connecticut, on the second 
AVednesday of February, is04, eight of the nine 
directors being present. Philip B. Bradley was 
chosen chairman, and Isaac Mills, clerk. 

On the 14th of September, 18ii-t, William Dean, of 
Easton, originally of the county of Bucks, m the 
commonwealth of Pennsylvania, submitted to the 
directors a proposition in writing to extinguish "the 
Indian right of soil at six cents per acre (or thirty 
thousand dollars), and deliver the possession in due 
form of law (as relates to Indians) in the presence of 
a commissioner of the United States, to be appointed 
for that purpose before the 1st of September of the 
next year, 18i>5. I will, at my own expense, pay the 
consideration to the Indians, the presents to be made 
to them at the treaty, the pay of the commissioner 
and all other expeiLses incident to the same (except 
those of the agent of said company)." Mr. Dean also 
specifies the time aiul nuinner of payment and other 
particulars. 

The directors, at their meeting on Sei)tember 30, 
considered the matter and voted to accept the proj)©- 
sition, specifying at .some length various conditions, 
which were immediately accejited by Mr. Dean. At 
this meeting a tax of twenty-five cents to the pound 



22 



HISTORY OF HrEO>J AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



of original loss was levied. September 25, the chair- 
man was directed to make application to the Presi- 
dent of the United States, to appoint a commissioner 
to treat with the Indians, as provided in agreement 
with William Dean. 

On March 27, 1805, Isaac Mills, the clerk of the 
board, was appointed agent, in behalf of the directors 
of said comjiany, to attend the Indian ti-eaty to be 
held by William Dean, and was also authorized to 
take steps towards running and establishing the 
boundary lines, and was to be allowed five dollars per 
day for his services, and his own expenses. 

On October 31, 1805, Isaac Mills, agent for the 
directoi-s, submitted his report, reciting that on May 
7, he left New Haven for Cleveland, Ohio, the point 
originally selected to hold the treaty with the Indians. 
On his arrival at Cleveland, he found that the In- 
dians could not be collected at that place, and that it 
was decided to hold it at Fort Industry, on the 
Miami of the lake. In order to carry out the treaty, 
Mr. Dean, not having the specie, drew checks on 
the United State; Bank at Philadelphia to the amount 
of six thousand dollai's, on which specie was obtained. 
On the 4th day of July, 1805, the CJiippewa, Ottawa, 
Pottawatoiiiiv, Wyandot, Delaware and Munsee, to- 
gether with the Shaioanese nations of Indians, exe- 
cuted a treaty by which all the lands belonging to the 
Conapany were ceded by said nations to it, and Charles 
Jewett, commissioner for tlie United States, certified 
that William Dean had procured the proper convey- 
ance fTOin the Indian tribes, which would become 
absolutely vested in the company when the treaty 
should be ratified by the United States senate. Here- 
with is the treaty referred to: 

"To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting: I certify. That 
the annexed writing contains a true copy of a treaty concluded with 
certain Indian tribes at Fort Industry, on the 4th day of July, IsOo, the 
original whereof remains in this ottice. In faith whereof. I, Robert Smith, 
secretary for the department of state of the United States of America, 
have signed these presents, and caused the seal of my office to be affixed 
hereto, at the city of Washington, this 'J-id day of March, A.D., ISdi), and 
in the thirty-third year of the independence of the said States. 

li,. s,] R. SMITH. 

Thomas Jefferson, President of the i'nited States of America : To all to 
irhom these presents shall come, greeting: 

" Whereas, A treaty was held on the 4th day of .Tuly. A D., one thou- 
sand eight hundred and five, under the authority of the ITnited States, 
with the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the ^yyan(lot, Ottntra, Chip- 
petra. ^fntlsee, and Delaivare^ Shairanee and Pottawatomie nations or 
tribes of Indians at Fort Industry, on the Miami of the lake, in the pres- 
ence and with the approbation of Charles Jewett, the commissioner of 
the United States, appointed to hold the same, the following agreement 
was made between the said nations and tribes of Indians and the agent 
of the land companies hereinafter mentioned. 

"A treaty between the United States of America and the sachems, 
chiefs and warriors of the Wyandot, Ottawa, Chiiipeira, Munsee and 
Delavare, Shaieanee and Pottairatomie nations, holden at Fort In- 
dustry, on the Miami of the lake, on the 4th day of July, A.X)., one thou- 
sand eight hundred and five. 

"Whereas, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, did ap- 
point Charles Jewett, Esquire, a commissioner to hold a treaty with said 
Indian Nations, for the purpose of enabling the agents of the Connecti- 
c\it Reserve, to negotiate and conclude a cession of their lands; and. 

"Whereas, The company incorporated by the name of the 'Proprietors 
of tlie half million acres of land lying south of Lake Erie, called 'Suf- 
ferers' Lands,' and the ownersand proprietors of one half million acres 
of land, part of said C<mnecticut Reserve, lying on the west end thereof, 
and sovith of the shore of Lake Erie; and. 



"Whereas, The Connecticut Land Company, so called, are the owners 
and proprietors of the remaining part of said Reserve lying west of the 
river Cuyahoga: and. 

"Whereas, Henry Champion. Esquire, agent of the said Connecticut 
Land Company, and Isaac Mills. Esquire, agent of directors of the com- 
pany, incoi'porated by the name of the "Proprietors of the half million 
acres of land lying south of Lake Erie, called 'SulTerers' Lands." were 
both duly authorized and empowered by their respective companies and 
the directors thereof, to treat tor the cession and purchase of said Con- 
necticut Reserve: 

''Now, know all men by these presents. That we, the sachems, chiefs 
and warriors of the Nations aforesaid, for the consideration of eighteen 
thousand nine hundred sixteen and sixty-seven one-hundredths dollars 
received of the companies aforesaid, by the hands of their respective 
agents, to our full satistaction, have ceded, remised, released and quit 
cla med. and by these presents do cede, remise, release and forever quit 
claim to the companies aforesaid, and the individuals composing the 
same, and their heirs and assigns forever, all the interest, right, title 
and claim of title of said Indian Nations respectively, of, in and to all 
the lands of said comjianies lying west of the river Cuyahoga, and the 
Portage between that and the Tuscarawas branch- of the Muskingum' 
north of the northernmost parr of the forty -first degree of north lati- 
tude, east of a line agreed and designated in a treaty between the United 
States and said Indian Nations, bearing even date herewith, being a line 
north and south one hundred and twenty miles due west of the west line 
rf Pennsylvania, and south of the northwestemmost part of the forty- 
second degree and two minutes north latitude, for theai the said compa- 
nies respectively, to have, hold, occupy, peaceably possess and enjoy 
the granted and quit claimed premises forever, free and clear of all let, 
hindrance or molestation whatever, so that said Nations, and neither of 
them, the sachems, chiefsand warriors thereof, and neither of thera, or 
any of the posterity of said Nations respectively, shall ever hereafter 
make any claim to the quit claimed premises, or any part thereof, but 
therefrom said Nations, the sachems, chiefs and warriors thereof, and 
the posterity of said nations shall be forever barred. 

*'/7i witness whereof. The commissioner of the United States, the agents 
of the Companies aforesaid, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors of 
the respective Indian Nations aforesaid, have hereunto interchangeably 
fixed their seals and set their names. 

"'CHARLES JEWETT. [l. s.] 
""HENRY CHAMPION, [l. s.] 
'"ISAAC MILLS, [l. s.] 
"'NEKIK. or Little Otter, [l. s] 

Here follows the names of the 
other sachems, etc., of the afore 
said Indian TriV es. 
"In presence of William Dean, C. F, L. C, 
"J. B. Mower. 
"Jasper Parish. 
"A'b»". be it kiunni. That I. Thomas Jefferson. President of the United 
States of America, having seen and considered the said treaty, do, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, accept, ratify 
and confirm the same and every article and clause thereof. 

"/n testimony u-hereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to 
be hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand. 

" Done at the City of Washington, the "iMh day of Januarj-, A. D. one 
thousand eight hundred and six, and of the independence of the United 
States of America the thirtieth. 

"'TH: JEFFERSON. 
" By the Pi'esident. 

"JA.MES M.\DISON, Secretary of State. 
"Recorded and examined by Isaac Mills, Clerk." 

By virtue of this treaty, the title to all the lands of 
the Reserve which was not obtained by the treaty of 
(rreenville, was perfected, and the Indians made no 
further attempt to assert ownership. The two com- 
panies agreed to pay the Indians, by reason of this 
relimiuishment, sixteen thousand dollars, one fourth 
in cash, and the remainder in annual jiayments of two 
thousand dollars each, and a perpetual annuity of one 
hundred and seventy-five dollars, the interest at six 
percent of two thousand nine hundred sixteen and 
sixty-seven hundredths dollars, which two sums were 
secured to the President of the United States by the 
companies. The consideration luimed in the treaty 
is made u)i from the two anujitnts above named, six- 
teen thousand dollars, and two thousand nine hun- 
dred and sixteen and sixty-.<even hundredths dollars. 



ULSTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



a3 



The Indians were the first owners of the soil, and 
were tlie last to relin(iuisli their claims. Tiie suffer- 
ers were deeply interested in the above treaty, for 
upon its successful termination depended their ability 
to possess and settle tlieir lands. 



CHAPTER V. 



THE SURVEY AND PABTITION. 

The treaty referred to in the preceding chapter, was 
not ratified by the United States senate until January 
25, ISOIJ; still the Fire-lauds Company felt so sure of 
its final ratification, that they authorized one of their 
number, Tayloi'Shernian, at a meeting held Novem- 
ber 1, 180.1, to make an arrangement for the survey 
of the tract. In jutrsuancc of the jiower thus vested 
in him, Mr. Sherman, on the Kith of Decemljcr fol- 
lowing, closed a contract with John McLean and 
James Clark, of Danbury, Coni.ecticut, to make the 
survey — these persons to employ Almon Ruggles, or 
some other competent surveyor, to do the work. The 
contract stipulated that the boundaries of the five 
hundred thousand acres should be ascertained and 
fixed, and that then the tract should be divided into 
townships five miles snuare, and each township sub- 
divided into four equal divisions. The price which 
the contractors were to receive was two dollars per 
mile, with an additional sum of fifty cents per mile 
should the survey prove to Ije entirely satisfactory. 
Care was taken to have the contract stipulate that all 
hills and monufains should be particularly described. 
The work was to be completed within one year, un- 
less delay should occur in the ratification of the treatv, 
or the labors of the surveyoi-s interrupted or hindered 
by the Indians. 

On account of une.Kpected delay, on the part of the 
United States, in running the south line of the Re- 
serve, the time for finishing the survey was extended 
to June 1, 18l>T. 

On the 6th of February, 1800, it was agreed be- 
tween the Connecticut Land Company and the Fire- 
lauds Company that the five hundred thousand acres 
granted the latter company should include the island 
in Sandusky bay (Johnson's Island), but not the 
waters of the bay itself. 

The survey was l)egun in the spring of 1800. Fifty 
six miles of the base line of the Reserve, westward 
from I'enn.sylvania, was run in 1T9C, In' Mr. Seth 
Pease, a surveyor in the employ of the United States, 
and Mr. Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, appointed 
him to run the remainder of the line, whicla he per- 
formed, commencing June 24, 1800, and starting at 
the terminus of the first line on the Tuscaraw;is. The 
southwest corner of the Reserve and B'ire-lands was 
fixed at a distance of one hundred and twenty miles 
from the Pennsylvania line, and thereujion township 
and section lines were run, and the survey was com- 
pleted in about one year. 

Although the base line was run on the true parallel 



by Mr. Pease, yet an error had been made in starting, 
the point of beginning being too far to the westward, 
which carried the point of ending beyond the real 
western limit of the Reserve. 

Amos Spafford, as agent for the Connecticut Land 
Company, made a survey in tlie interests of the com- 
pany in the year 1806, l)ut his chain men purposely 
made the base line longer than it should have lieen, 
the object being to include more land in the Reserve 
tlian it was entitled to. Oljjections being made to 
Spatt:ord"s survey, the Connecticut Land Company 
employed Joshua Stow to run the line anew, which 
he did, establishing the southwest corner of the Re- 
serve a full halt n;ile east of the point determined by 
the Spafford survey. 

In 1808, the government having learned of the mis- 
take made by Mr. Pease, commissioned Mr. Maxfield 
Ludlow to run the base line of the Reserve anew, 
which was done, and the western terminus was found 
to be a trifle more than a mile east of that fixed l)y 
Mr. Pease's survey. The Ludlow and the Stow sur- 
veys were in accord, and a post sunk in an almost 
impenetrable swamp was made to designate the south- 
west corner of the Fire lands and of the Reserve. 

Almon Ruggles had made a division of the five 
hundred thousand acres into townships and sections, 
beginning at the southwestern terminus as established 
by Mr. Pease. After the Ludlow survey, this division 
had to be made anew, and Ruggles was again em- 
ployed. Beginning, in the year 1808, at the proper 
point as fixed by Ludlow, he ran east on the base 
line of the Reserve to such a proljable j)oint as that 
from which, if a line were run north to the lake parallel 
with the west line of the Reserve, the included area 
would be equivalent to five hundred thousand acres. 
It was extremeiv difficult to find this i)oint, owing to 
the irregularity of the northern Ijoundary caused by 
the trend of the lake. Mr. Schuyler, in his centennial 
address, says: "He fixed the southeast corner of the 
Fire-lands on the Ludlow line twenty-eighty chains 
and sixty-eighty links west from the ninety-fourth mile 
post from the Pennsylvania line. The line ran-from 
that point north four degrees forty seconds west to 
the lake to a point forty-three links east of a black oak 
tree marked J. Stow, on the east side, and A. R., on 
the west side, and standing near the bank of the lake, 
and near the first perpendicular bluff of rocks, east 
of the Vermillion river. On comiiutation of the 
survey afterwards, it was found that the quantity of 
land so cut off was five hundred thousand and 
twenty-seven acres." The length of the land, from 
east to west, thus set off to the sufferers', is twenty- 
five miles, fifty-one chains, and thirty-two links. 
When the tract was surveyed into townships, the 
breadth of each, from east to west. was. therefore, 
about two-fifteenths of a mile more than live miles. 

l'.\KTlTIO.\. 

Joseph AVakeman, Isaac Mills, Taylor Sherman and 
William Eldridge were apjiointed a committee l)y tiio 



24 



HISTORY OF HURO]S AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



directors of the Fire-lands Company, September 13, 
1808. to devise a mode of partition of the lands. 
November 8, 1808, this committee submitted a some- 
what lengthy report, reciting first that Almon Rug- 
gles had completed his survey whereby the tract was 
divided into five ranges of townships from south to 
north, numbered the twentieth, twenty-first, twenty- 
second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth ranges. The 
report goes on to enumerate facts already given. 

The townships in each range were numbered from 
south to north, the one- adjoining the south line of 
the Reserve being number one, and were intended to 
he five miles sfjuare, except those adjoining Lake Erie, 
which were fractional. 

The townships generally were further divided into 
four parts or sections, the southeast cpiarter being 
designated as section one; the northeast quarter as 
section two; the northwest ((uarter as section three, 
and the southwest ([uarter as section four. 

In the twentieth range there are five townships 
about five miles square, and containing about sixteen 
thousand four hundred and eighty-one acres each, 
leaving between town five and Lake Erie a fraction 
containing twelve thousand and forty-nine acres. 
The twenty-first range also contains five towns of the 
same dimensions with a fraction on the north of six 
thousand five hundred and thirty acres. The twenty- 
second range, five towns and fraction of thirteen 
thousand seven hundred and sixty-six acres. The 
twenty-third range, six towns and fraction of two 
thousand seven hundred and eighty-three acres. 
The twenty-fourth range contains the same number 
of square towns, as the twenty-third range, with a 
fraction of three thousand two hundred and sixty- 
eight acres. 

The peninsula lying north of Sandusky bay, eon- 
tains sixteen thousand three liundred and twenty-one 
acres, and the island (Johnson's) adjacent thereto in 
said bay contains three hundred and twenty acres, 
the whole amounting to five liundred thousand and 
twenty-seven acres. 

In order to equalize the fractions adjoining the 
lake, the following combinations were made: 

To eiiualize town six in range twenty were added 
four thousand one hundred and twenty-three acres 
from the east part of the fraction in range twenty- 
one: this now forms Vermillion townshi]) in Erie 
county. The remaining fractional part of town six in 
range twenty-one, amounting to two thousand four 
hundred and seven acres, was added to town six in 
range twenty-two, and is now called Huron town- 
ship. 

The peninsula and island in the bay were put to- 
gether not being considered as being equal to more 
than a townsliip. 

To section one, in town one of range twenty-four, 
(Richmond), were annexed seventeen hundred and 
eight-three acres off the east end of the fraction of 
two thousand seven hundred and eighty-three acres 



lying between township six of the twenty-third range 
and Sandusky bay. 

To section four of the same township, were added 
five hundred acres taken from the same fraction, and 
the remaining five hundred acres were annexed to 
section four of township one of the twenty-third 
range, (New Haven). 

To section one of township six in the twenty-fourth 
range, were added four hundred acres off the east 
end of the fraction lying between said township and 
the bay. To section three of said township were 
added twenty-two hundred and sixty-eight acres taken 
from the same fraction, and the rest of it — six hun- 
dred acres — was added to the fourth section of the 
same town.ship. 

The peninsula and island were divided into four 
equal sections or quarters. 

Bv using in this way sundry tracts for annexation 
purposes, the different townships were made equal in 
value in the opinion of the committee. 

The mode of partition was ingenious and interest- 
ing. There were jnst thirty townships (equalized,) 
to be distributed. There being four sections to each 
township, there were one hundred and twenty sec- 
tions. The whole amount of loss was therefore 
divided into one hundred and twenty equal parts, 
each part representing one thousand three hundred 
and forty-four pounds seven shillings. This sum was 
therefore the value of each section or one-fourth of a 
township. One hundred and twenty tickets were 
pi'epared. On each ticket were written the names of 
various sufferers, classified in such a way that their 
lo.sses aggregated one thousand three hundred and 
forty-four pounds seven shillings. Four of these 
tickets numbered respectively one, two, three, four, 
representing five thousand three hundred ami seventy- 
seven pounds eight shillings, equivalent to the value 
of a whole township, were taken and rolled up 
together, forming a package. In this way thirty 
])ackages were formed, or as many as there were 
townships. These thirty jiackages of classifica- 
tions were placed in a box, and in another box 
were placed thirty tickets, each containing the four 
sections of one township. Then some disinterested 
person drew from the box of township tickets, and 
some other disinterested person drew from the other 
box a package of classifications. The package was 
then opened, and the four tickets opened. Ticket 
number one corresponded to section number one; 
ticket two to section two; ticket tlire^ to section 
three, and ticket four to section four. The names on 
each of these tickets constituted the owners for each 
of tliese sections respectively. In like manner were 
all the other townships drawn, and each proprietor 
knew at once in which township and section his land 
was located. The draft was made November 9, 
1808. 

Names were given to the different townships, 
which, with tiie following exceptions, have not been 
changed to the present time. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Jesup since change<l to Florence. 

Canterbury Hartland. 

ElclridKe " " 'Berlin. 

Aveiy " " "Milan 

Vredenburg " " "Peru. 

Canuon " " "Richmond. 

Patterson " " " Margaretta. 

Wheatsborough " " " Lyme. 

KOADS ESTABLLSHED. 

October 19, 1809, the directors ordered that a road 
be laid out and cut through Huron county, from 
nortli to soutli, i)assing from, or near tlie shore of 
Lake Erie, on the east side of Huron river, running 
thence on tlie most suitable route until it strikes near 
the center of the north line of the township of 
Norwalk, and thence .southward on a line as near the 
center of tlie other township as the ground will admit; 
that William Eldridge be appointed agent to cause 
the road to l)e laid out and cut, causewayed, logged 
and bridged in the best and most prudent way regard- 
ing tlie interest of the Fire-lands Company; to be cut 
and cleared off at least sixteen feet in width, and the 
stumps to be cut down smooth with the surface of the 
ground at least twelve feet in width. The sum of 
eight hundred dollars was appropriated for the work, 
the agent to receive no compensation for his services. 

A second and similar road was ordered laid out 
nortli and south through the county, on or near the 
line between tlie twentieth and twenty-first ranges. 
Six hundred dollars was appropriated for the work, 
and Ebenezer Jesup, Jr., appointed agent to carry it 
into effect, and to serve without compensation. 

A tliird, leading east and west in the county, to 
commence on the east side thereof, at the termination 
of the road already laid, marked or cut through the 
lands of the Connecticut Land Company, leading 
from the Portage in the southerly jiart thereof, but- 
ting on said east line, and extend to, or near the 
middle or center of the south line of the town of 
Norwalk until it intersects the road already voted to 
be laid out, or as near as the nature of the ground 
will admit. 

That a fourth road be laid out to commence at or 
near the south line of Norwalk, where the north and 
south road crosses it, then running west on township 
lines, or as near the same as practicable, to the west 
line of the county. 

Another similar road to begin on the south line of 
Fairfield at the north and south road and running 
west, following town lines as near as practicable to 
the county line. 

Five hundred dollars were a)i])roiiriated for the 
construction of the first road and six hundred dollars 
for the other two roads, and Isaac Mills appointed agent 
to construct them,' to serve without compensation. 

FINAL PROfEEUINUS. 

The report of .Tos('])h Darling, treasurer, was sub- 
mitted, showing the total receipts uj) to October 10, 
1809, as forty-seven thousand seven hundred and 
seventy-five dollars and seventy-seven cents, with a 

4 



balance in the treasury of thirty-five hundred aud 
sixty-nine dollars and eleven cents. This amount 
was reduced at subsequent meetings of the directors, 
by payment of the sums appropriated for making 
roads, salaries of directors, etc, until the balance 
in the treasury was reduced to one hundred and 
twenty-two dollars, which was by vote at the final 
meeting appropriated: sixty-two dollars to cut a road 
fi»m Norwalk to Sandusky bay, and sixty dollars to 
cut a road or roads in the to\vn of Danbury, on the 
peninsula. The last meeting of the Ijoard of direc- 
tors was held at the county house in New Haven, 
Connecticut, August 28, 1811, the full board Iteing 
present. Their names were as follows: (ruy Richards 
and William Eldridge, of New London;- Ebenezer 
Avery, Ji\, of Groton; Ebenezer Jesup, Jr., of Fair- 
field; Taylor Sherman, of Norwalk; Philip B. Brad- 
ley, of Ridgefield; and Epiphras W. Bull, of Dan- 
bury. 

The board then drew up a petition to the general 
asseml^ly of Ohio, reciting that they had performed 
the duties required of them by the act of incorpora- 
tion, and asked that their records be legalized, so that 
they may be forever kept as a part of the records of 
Huron county, and that they, or duly certified tran- 
scripts, be received as legal evidence. 

It was voted that upon the payment of outstanding 
orders already drawn, the bond of the treasurer shall 
be cancelled. 

" Voted, That this meeting be adjouriie<l without 
day, and never to be lioldeii again. 

"Attest: Isaac Mills, Clerk.''' 



CHAPTEK VI. 



PHYSICAL FEATUKES OF HURON COUNTY-GEOO- 
RAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY. 

Huron county lies at the southwest portion of the 
Connecticut Western Reserve, and originally and for 
many years after its settlement it comprehended all 
of the Fire-lands, or five hundred thousand acres. 
Its southern boundary is the forty-first parallel of 
latitude, and until 1838, when Erie county was 
formed out of its territory, it extended northward to 
the shores of Lake Erie, including the peninsula and 
islands north of Sandusky bay. The present territo- 
rial limits of Huron county embrace, with the excep- 
tion of Ruggles township, which was set off at the 
time of the formation of Ashland county in 1S4:(5, 
towns number one, two, three and four in the twen- 
tieth, twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third and 
twenty-fourth ranges of townships in the Connecticut 
Western Reserve. These townships were laid out as 
nearly five miles square as possible, but owing to the 
fact that the breadth of the Fire lands' tract, from 
east to west, is twenty-five miles, fifty-one chains and 
thirty-two links, each township, from east to west, is 
a fraction more than five miles in extent. 



26 



HISTOKY OF HUEOX AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The county is, then, generally speaking, a rec- 
tangle, twenty-five miles long by twenty miles in 
width — its greater length being from east to west. 
By the original survey, each township was to contain 
about sixteen thousand acres of land. This would 
give the area of the county as four hundred and 
seventy-five square miles, or three hundred and six 
thousand acres. The auditor's duplicate for 1'877 
has three hundred and six thousand and ninety- 
seven acres, which, however, does not include lands 
regularly laid out into town lots. Land occupied by 
roads is sometimes, but not generally omitted, as are 
public grounds, cemeteries, &c. ; so that probably 
two or three thousand acres are thus left out. 

The county is bounded on the north by Erie 
county, on the east by Lorain and Ashland, on the 
south by Ashland and Eichland, and on the west by 
Seneca and Sandusky counties. It has nineteen 
townships, as follows: Wakeman, Clarksfield, Xew 
London, Townsend, Hartland, Fitchville, Greenwich, 
Norwalk, Bronson, Fairfield, Riijley. Ridgefield, 
Peru, Greenfield, Kew Haven, Lyme, Sherman, Nor- 
wich and Richmond, Its principal towns and vil- 
lages are Xorwalk, Bellevue, Monroeville, Plymouth, 
Wakeman, N'ew London and Collins. The popula- 
tion of the county in 18T0 was as follows: 

Bronson 980 Norwalk city 4498 

Clarksfleld W«-3 Xonrich 1172 

Fairfield 13:32 Peru 1297 

Fitcliville 795 Richmond 880 

Greenfield 954 Ridgefield 1189 

Greenwich 881 MonroeWlle village 1^44 

Hartland 953 Ripley 1089 

Lvrae, exclusive of village. . 1161 Sherman 1260 

Lyme part of Bellevue 1219 Townseud 1300 

New Haven 1221 Wakeman 1216 

New London township 797 

New London village 678 Total 29,616 

Norwalk township 1234 

The village of Bellevue lies partly in Sandusky 
county, and that of Plymouth partly in Richland 
county. 

Huron county has no lakes or considerable ponds; 
no large or navigable streams; no high hills, rocky 
ledges, nor ravines or gorges of considerable depth or 
extent, and yet the surface is far. from an itnbroken, 
monotonous plain; on the contrary, it is pleasantly 
diversified with hills and dales of often picturesque 
beauty and attractiveness. The slope of the county 
is to the northward, the numerous streams that are 
found within its limits all bearing tribute to Lake 
Erie. On its southern boundary these streams are 
well nigh insignificant in size; in fact, within five 
miles, the divide is reached, south of which the streams 
arc tributary to the great Mississippi basin. Huron 
county is drained by two principal water courses — 
Huron and Vermillion rivers — at the mouth of each, 
especially at the former, there are good harbors; but 
the streams themselves are too small to be navigable 
to any distance. However, by the aid of a canal the 
former stream was at one time ascended by lake craft 
as far as tiie village of Milan. 

Vermillion river has its source in Savannah lake, 
Ashland county, wliere it connects with streams 
which are tributary to the Ohio, the valleys uniting 



at the divide in a continuous channel, now deeply 
filled with drift, indicating that the drainage of both 
valleys was formerly southward. The connection of 
the head waters of Huron river with the streams run- 
ning south is not so distinctly marked, yet it can be 
easily traced between them and the two valleys, one 
to the east and one to the west of Mansfield, in Rich- 
land county, where the drainage is also to the south. 
This is indeed a general characteristic of the streams 
in this part of the State, which have their oi-igin near 
the divide, between the waters of Lake Erie and the 
Ohio river. They are not separated by a water shed, 
and fed by springs flowing from opposite sides of it, 
but have their common origin in valleys having a 
northerly and southerly direction, and usually com- 
mence in marshes or small lakes, now occupying the 
summit of the pass. Here they receive the surface 
drainage from the higher lands on each side, which 
accumulates in the pond or marsh, and gives rise to 
streams flowing in opposite directions. The valleys 
of these streams are filled with alluvium, resting 
upon drift deposits, and they have rocky beds only in 
places where obstructions have diverted the stream 
into new channels. 

There is one peculiar feature of Huron county, 
through rarely, if ever, mentioned in print: it is the 
eastern limit of the prairies. Here the adventurous 
explorer, making his way westward, first saw indica- 
tions that there was anything within the country be- 
sides interminable woods and forest jungles, and soon 
became aware that these little openings, or "savan- 
nas," sometimes but little better than marshes, were 
the precursors, or forerunners, of the vast treeless 
plains of the farther west, on which the rank grass 
grew and swayed in the wind, wjiich, though gentle at 
times, often sweeps over them like the tempest on the 
open sea. But Huron county was mostly in the 
heavily wooded region. Here grew the giant oaks, 
the spreading beech; the sturdy majjle yielding its 
saccharine sweets; the drooping and graeeful-boughed 
elm; the slender, smooth, strong hickory with its 
gnarling limbs, its shaggy bark and its plentiful sup- 
ply of nuts; the walnut, white and black; while the 
stately shining trunks of the sycamore and ash, sym- 
bolic of toughness, were not wanting. On the sandy 
ridges grew the chestnut, blooming in midsummer, 
and furnishing the early settler with rail timber, easily 
wrought, light to handle, and resisting decay for a 
geiieration. Here, also, was found the wild cherry, 
with its not unpleasant, though bitter and medicinal 
fruit, and its close-grained and handsome wood, suita- 
ble for cabinet work, but now superseded by the black 
walnut. Tiie dogwood, with its broad -jjetaled blos- 
soms and its clusters of glistening crimson berries; 
the juneberry, its flowers apjiearing before the frost 
and snow are fairly gone, and its pleasant tasting fruit, 
ripening at the time of strawberries; the sassafn.s, 
with its tender and fragrant boughs, its strong-scented 
bark and roots; the grape-vine, climbing among the 
saplings of the forest, and with its broad leaves 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



27 



thickly massed forming overhead a canopy which shut 
out the sun and ahnost defied the rain to penetrate. 
There were not wanting scenes of sylvan beauty, and 
no wonder the wild Indian and the scarcely less wild 
■white hunter loved the forest better than the corn- 
field and meadow, and at their apiiruach fled west- 
ward where they would be undisturbed by the echoes 
of the ringing axe, and the crushing, cracking sound 
that was heard when a great tree was felled. 

GEOLOGY.* 

SURFACE DEPOSITS. 

The underlying rocks are sandstone, argillaceous 
and bituminous shales, with a strip of lime rock in the 
northwestern border of the county. These rocks have 
been broken up and pulverized by nature's vast ice- 
plow. The finely comminuted debris has been in- 
timately mixed with that of the granite of the north 
and of all the intervening rocks, and the whole spread 
out over the surface of the county. As the waters 
which covered the surface at the close of the glacial 
epecli receded, terraces were formed, and each, for a 
long period, constituted a shore swamp, in which the 
decomposing vegetable material accumulated to form 
a soil of unsurpassed and permanent fertility. 

The material composing the upper terraces were 
long subjected to the action of shore waves, and in 
places the surface is occupied by sand dunes and as- 
sorted gravel. The lower terrace is a broad prairie, 
with swampy muck soil. "When the country was first 
settled, some of tjiis was not reclaimed from water, 
but the greater part of it is now remarkably fertile 
farming land, especially adapted to the cultivation of 
corn. 

The general elevation of the level prairie land- in 
Lyme township is one hundred and twenty-five feet 
above the lake. Here is a succession of remarkable 
sand dunes, which rise to the height of thirty feet. 
These sand hills were formed, as was much of the 
main sand ridge of the county, by wind and wave 
action along the lake shore, and on the margin of a 
shore swamp, caused by this barrier, in which vege- 
table debris accumulated for a long time. The north 
side of the ridge exhibits the irregular winding out- 
line of the lake beach, while on the south it is usually 
bordered by irregular, billowy dunes of sand — the 
ridge, apparently formed by the waves, the dunes by 
the wind. West of Monroeville, the ridge is a regu- 
lar, well marked beach line, rising about ten feet 
above the plain, at the south of it, and fifteen above 
that, at the north. On the south side are the irrregu- 
lar dunes, and on the north a wide stretch of level 
prairie. 

At Four Corners, the ridge becomes less conspicu- 
ous but maintains the same elevation, the marginal 
swamps of the old lake having become quite shallow. 
■Beyond this, to the limit of the county, the ridge has 
an elevation of only from ten to fifteen feet above the 

* From Geological State Survey of Ohio, volume UI . 



level plain, which stretches away to the north of it. 
At a point near where the Bellevue road crosses the 
county line, the limestone rock, in beds, may be seen 
cropping out of the sand ridge, indicating a low rock 
bluff, formerly the shore of the lake, which the ■waves 
have buried beneath the sand. Where the ridge does 
not rest upon the bed rock, the materials below it are 
here fifteen to twenty feet of silicious, blue clay, with 
abundance of granite bowlders and pebbles, and frag- 
ments of shale, with ([uicksaud below, resting upon 
the rocks, and in which a supply of water is reached 
by wells. 

While the great body of this level land, reclaimed 
from the old swamps, is exceedingly fertile, there is a 
remarkable exception in a large tract north of Monroe- 
ville, and extending into Erie county. The soil is a 
fine, black, peaty mold, presenting nothing to the eye 
to distinguish it from the productive corn lands sur- 
rounding it. It was cleared and put under cultiva- 
tion, but it refused to tolerate grain, or corn, or any 
valuable crop. Here and there an apple tree sprang 
up, spontaneously seeded, and grew vigorously. Ef- 
forts at thorough drainage were unavailing. The soil 
is comparatively thin, the bed rock coming near the 
surface; but equally thin soils, in adjacent places, are 
productive, so that this cannot be the real cause of its 
infertility. A washing of the soil showed, with lit- 
mus paper test, a decided acid reaction. The vege- 
tation also indicates the presence of acids. This is, 
undoubtedly, the sole cause of its sterility. The un- 
derlying rock is Huron shale, ■ndiich is filled with 
concretions of the bi-sulphide of iron; wherever this 
is exposed to the joint action of air and water, it is 
decomposed, the sulphur eet free, which uniting with 
the oxygen of the air, produces sulphuric acid. These 
changes are facilitated by cultivation, so tiiat steps 
taken to imin-ove the soil only aggravate the evil. If 
this is the cause of the difficulty, the remedy is easil}' 
found. A generous application of ashes, or of quick- 
lime, will be sufficient. The lime, uniting ■with the 
acid, ■(vill form sulphate of lime, or jdaster, itself a 
good fertilizer. The alkali must be well mixed with 
the soil, and the application may have to be rejieated, 
itntil all the pyrites within reach of atmospheric in- 
fluences has decomposed, and yielded uj) its sulphur. 

East of Norwalk the sand ridge has a gently wav- 
ing contour on the north, and is bounded by a broad 
water plain, except as modified by recent erosion. 
On the south it is very irregular in its outline, the 
billowy dunes being of varying height and form, and 
often extending a long distance from the ridge. The 
materials of the ridge are, at the top, finely washed 
sand, resting upon gravel, with a profusion of granite 
bowlders, and below this, bowlder clay or bed rock. 
This is the only well marked and continuous sand 
ridge in the county, a winding highway, thrown up 
by the action of the waves, resting in places directly 
upon the bed rock, in others upon the coarser ma- 
terials of the drift clays, sometimes burying beneath 
it the debris of the old shore swamps, and at others 



28 



HISTOEY OF HUfiON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



extending over cliasms one hundred or more feet in 
depth, filled to the general level with drifted naaterial. 

Granite bowlders of various sizes may be oceasion- 
•dUy seen projecting through the sand of the ridge, 
and through the peaty marsh soil between the ridge 
and the lake, presenting the appearance of having 
been dropped from floating icebergs. About one 
mile southwest of Mouroeville a granite bowlder, eight 
and one-half feet long and five feet in breadth, pro- 
jects four feet ten inches above the black mould of 
the prairie soil; otliers, somewhat smaller, are foiuid 
here and there, and in places the surface is dotted with 
them. Careful examination revealed tlie fact tliat 
these bowlders, except in cases where they had been 
moved by human agency, rested upon tlie rock, or 
upon tlie clay or gravel underlying tlie ridge. Every 
fact thus far observed tends to the conclusion that all 
the bowlders were dropjjed before the sand ridge or 
pi-airie soil was formed. However, near the south- 
west corner of Berlin township, in a primitive forest, 
composed mainly of large oaks, a great number of 
bowlders was discovered resting upon the undisturbed 
vegetable mould. 

Remains of other sand ridges than that described 
can be detected in other pai'ts of the county. Be- 
tween Norwalk and Olena, on the line which sepa- 
rates Bronson and Hartland townships, the surface 
presents to the eye the appearance of a broad, level 
plain of rich sandy loam, but it rises imperceptibly 
to the height of two hundred and fifteen feet above 
the sand ridge of Xorwalk, or three hundred and 
sixty feet above the lake. About one-half mile east 
of Olena, a long, sandy and gravelly ridge rises to 
the height of three hundred and ninety-five feet 
above the lake. Xear the northeast corner of Hart- 
land township there are also the remains of another 
sand ridge, fifty feet lower than the last, which has 
suffered much from erosion, and is cut up by irregular 
valleys leading down to the west branch of "\'erniillion 
river, exposing the coarse drift below, with many 
large striated bowlders. In the western part of 
Fitchville township, a long, sandy ridge, trending 
nearly north and south, rises in the highest parts to 
four hundred and twenty-five feet above the lake, 
rising ten to fifteen feet above the level land to the 
east, and twenty to twenty-five feet above that on the 
west. 

In iVru township the bed of Huron river is about 
one hundred and thirty feet above the lake, the bluffs 
generally composed of modified drifts. These bluffs 
rise to a height of from one hundred and eighty to 
two hundred feet above the lake, and are modified by 
surface erosion. 

At Greenfield Center the barometer marked an ele- 
vation of two hundred and ninety feet above the lake. 
The surface of most of tiie township is covered with 
irregular undulating hills of gravel and drift. 

In Greenwich township the north and south center 
road, south of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati 
and Indianapolis railroad, passes over clay lands at an 



altitude of four hundred and eighty-five feet above 
the lake, presenting the appearance of a broad water 
]>Iain, and resembling in all respects the heavy clay 
lands in northeastern Ohio, which are underlain by 
the Cuyahoga shales. 

(TYAHOttA 8H.VLES. 

About one hundred feet of the lower part of the 
Cuj'ahoga shale underlie the southeastern part of the 
county. This formation is frequently exposed in the 
Ijauks of the Vermillion river and its tributaries, 
where the harder layers are quarried for local use and 
furnish building stone of fair quality. The rock is a 
compact, fine grained sandstone, in rather thin strata, 
containing what the (|uarrymen cull "turtle-backs." 
These show contorted lines of cleavage, which cause 
the rock to b/eak up in rounded, flattish masses, 
bearing a rough resemblance to the animal which has 
given them this name. The dip of the strata is 
irregular. At the quarry worked by W. R. Starr, 
south of Clarksfield village, along the line bearing 
south sixty degrees east, the rock dips to the north 
eleveu degrees. Fifteen rods north the dip is seven 
degrees in the opposite direction. 

BEREA (iRIT. 

This important quarry rock covers much of the 
county, but its value is greatly impaired by local dis- 
tuvbances. At Jefferson's quarry, near the town line 
at the northeast corner of Townsend, on a long ridge 
running north and south, the surface of the Berea is 
two hundred and seventy-five feet above the lake; the 
dip is southwesterly seventeen degrees; the line of 
strike north sixty-seven degrees west. The upper 
layers only are exposed; these are thin, but strong, 
and less broken than in most places in the coiinty, 
indicating that here good quarries could be oj>eued. 
A half mile further north, the dip is fifteen degrees; 
the surface marked with glacial stria?, bearing north- 
east and southwest. At Mr. Milliman's quarry, near 
the northwest part of Townsend, the dip of tiie Berea 
is twenty degrees south, and south by southwest the 
stone is of good quality: glacial strife northeast and 
southwest. East of the two last exposures, and on 
the east bank of the Vermillion, the surface of the 
Berea is twenty -five feet below the last. Fifteen feet 
of the rock are exposed in large, nuissive blocks, 
nearly horizontal, but dipping slightly in different 
directions. Xear Plymouth village the Berea crops 
out on the banks of the stream, showing massive rock 
aljout twelve feet in thickness, nearly horizontal, and 
of good quality. At Edgar Bovier's quarry, ju.st east 
of tlie village, the rock is in thin horizontal layers, 
becoming thickei' as the opening is carried downward; 
color, grayish blue, many of the layers affording a 
sharp grindstone grit. Here, and at oitenings further 
north on the river, streaks of coaly matter, derived 
from plants, are not infrequent in the Berea. The 
rock is here unaffected by glacial action, but the dis- 
turbance Ijecomes verv marked further down the river. 



I 



HISTORY OF III RON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



29 



At G. Griiliam's nuarry, in GreentielJ township, the 
rock dips thirteen and a half degrees southwesterly, 
with the line of the strike south thirty-five degrees 
east, is in very even layers, all finely ripple-niarkc'(l, 
some with the puzzling niannuary siirfaue, probably 
caused by the action of eddies where "two seas met" 
on the old ocean shore. 

At Cole's quarry, one and onc-lialf miles south- 
east of Norwalk, the livven is only two hundred and 
five feet above the lake, and in its ijosition and sur- 
roundings afl'ords a renuirkable illustration of tlie 
superficial disturbance which prevails over a large 
part of the county. The rock is in thin, evenly- 
bedded layers, dipping twenty-seven degrees south- 
easterly, the line of strike being twenty-two degrees 
east. Directly north some fifteen or twenty rods, 
:»ud on the opposite side of a small stream, the 
black shale is in a position at the same level; the 
strata horizontal and undisturbed. About two rods 
north, and a little cast of the quan-y, the Bedford 
siiales are exposed, dipping south about twentj'- 
seven degrees north from the last, and on the 
opposite side of the stream, a bluff, twenty-five feet 
high, shows a mixtui'C of Erie and Bedford shales. 
In the immediate neighborhood the Berea is exposed 
in several places, dipping in various directions, and 
varying from twenty to forty degrees. These dis- 
turbances have left the Berea here resting on the 
Cleveland shales, and have so broken up and crushed 
the strata as to greatly impair the value of the quar- 
ries in the county. In a few places, even where the 
rock is tilted up to quite a sharj» angle, the strata are 
still entire, and excellent rock can be ijuarried. At 
many of the openings the broken, worthless rock 
largely exceeds that which is suitalde for Imilding 
purjioses. 

BEDFOKD SHALES. 

These are exposed only in the ditt'erent branches of 
the Huron and ^"ermillioll rivers. Where undis- 
turbed they range from forty to seventy-five feet in 
thickness, and consist of hard, fine grained sand 
rock in thin layers, alternating with thinner bands 
of argillaceous shales; the thicker strata of the sand 
rock are frequently composed of a mass of the pecu- 
liar contorted rock called "turtle-back," rendering 
it quite worthless. Sometimes, however, this forma- 
tion yields a fair Ijuilding stone. In places where 
<iuite a heavy bed of the Berea constitutes the surface 
rock, these sholes are entirely wanting, the Berea 
resting upon the Cleveland shales. 

CLEVELAXD SHALES. 

These have the ordinary characteristics of this 
formation, as described in the reports of the nortii- 
eastern counties of the State, dift'ering materially only 
in two particulars. The deposit is thinner here, 
varying from fifteen to thirty-two feet at the points 
where measurements could be obtained. It also con- 
tains less carbonaceous matter and more iron, passing 



into the red shale which gives its name to the Ver- 
million river, and furnishes an inexhaustible sujjply 
of war paint to the native inhabitants of the region. 
The Cleveland shale rests upon the 

ERIE SHALES. 

The largest measurement of these shales in the 
county, thus far obtained, is thirty-two feet. They 
are composed of soft, argillaceous, bluish shades, with 
hard calcareo-silicious l)ands a few inches in thickness. 
The great changes in the thickness of this formation, 
and its position between the two beds of carbonaceous 
shales, are of interest, as showing the topography of 
the region, and the changes of level at the time of the 
introduction of the carbonifer^yns vegetation of tlie 
coal measures. These two deposits of carbonaceous 
shales are as well defined and as easily distinguished 
from the including strata, as beds of coal. They may 
in one sense be called coal, containing from eightv- 
five to ninety per cent, of ash, and having an origin 
similai- to that of true cannel coal. The fine homo- 
geneous material of which the shales are composed 
indicate their deposition from quiet water: and the 
wide range of the formation, as well as the remains 
of huge fishes which it contains, forbid the idea of its 
having accumulated in shallow swamps. Whatever 
may have been the coudition under which the Huron 
shales were formed, these conditions were abruptly 
changed; and the epoch was followed by long con- 
tinued intervals, in which the. growth and deimsit of 
this carbonaceous matter were interrupted. 

HrROX SHALE. 

These are highly bituminous Itlack shales having 
somewhat the appearance of cannel coal, containing 
in places the remains of plants accompanied with 
films of true coal. They also frequently include thin 
strata of blue argillaceous shales, containing very little 
bituminous matter. Sjiheroid, and in the lower part 
of the Huron shales, elongated concretions are very 
abu7idant, varying in size from a half inch to fifteen 
feet in diameter. The smaller ones are composed 
almost entirely of pyrites, the larger ones of impure 
carbonate of lime. The shales are so highlv charged 
with sulphur and potash, that in exposures protected 
from the rain an efflorescence of alum is sometimes 
seen three-fourths of an inch in thickness: and occa- 
siijually a nearly pure sulphur of equal thickness may 
be observcfl. 

From the reported boring for water in the machine 
shops, Mr. Read estimates the thickness of the Huron 
shales to be about seven hundred feet above the top 
of the nearest exposure of the Cleveland shale. The 
Huron shale is the great oil-pro<lucing rock of Eastern 
Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. The slow distribu- 
tion of bituminous matter in it has resulted in the 
production of gas and petroleum, which along the 
outcrop of the strata, have steadily escaped. The 
petroleum flowing into the fissures in the rocks, where 
it was retained, has jjarted with its volatile matter. 



30 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



leaving a residnum of asphaltura which by continued 
desiccation has become miniuely cracked, and the 
fissures have been gradually filled with barite. Such 
deposits afford no proof that a valuable deposit of coal 
may be found outside the coal measures. True coal 
in very thin laminis is occasionally found in this shale, 
and in all the formations between it and the coal 
measures, land plants seem to have flourished under 
favorable conditions during the time of the deposit of 
all the upper Devonian, and the sub-carboniferous 
rocks. It has left its record in plant impressions, and 
in isolated thin films of coal which may be found on 
almost any horizon of these rocks; but if taken as 
indications of the presence of workable deposits of 
coal, tliey will unquestionably lead to disappointment. 

HAMILTON GROUP. 

This important group of limestones and shales of 
the New York geologists is here represented by a 
thin and unimportant deposit of bluish, yellow marly 
limestone. This is quite soluble, and therefore much 
honeycombed and eroded at its points of exposure. 
Were it not for the profusion of Hamilton fossils 
contained in it, this would be regarded as the nj^per 
part of the corniferous limestone upon which it rests. 
It is apparently only from ten to fifteen feet in thick- 
ness. 

CORNIFEROUS LIMESTONE. 

This formation contributes the surface rock at 
Bellevue and a small territory adjacent in the north- 
west part of the county. Two and a half miles 
north of the village, and on the county line, it is 
covered with only from eighteen inches to two feet of 
soil, and has been exposed in a ijuarry to the depth 
of eight feet. The rock is in thin layers, hard, com- 
pact, highly fossiliferous, and presenting the ordi- 
nary characteristics of the upper layer of the cornif- 
erous at Sandusky. Its surface is thirty feet above 
the railway at Bellevue. South from this point, and 
three-fourths of a mile north of the south line of 
Lyme township, it is struck as the first rock in sink- 
ing wells at a depth of twelve feet from the surface. 
Still further south, and west of Weaver's Corners, a 
ridge of limestone soil, filled with its debris, crowns 
the west line of the county, at an elevation of fifty 
feet above Bellevue, making the thickness of the 
rock in the county apjjroximately fifty feet. 



(J H A P T E R VII 



GEOLOGY OF EHIE COUNTY— SUKF ACE, FEATUEE8 
AND DEPOSIT. * 

The most interesting features in tlie geology of 
Erie county are the splendid series of glacial mark- 
ings inscribed on the corniferous limestone in and 
about Sandusky City, the lake ridges which traverse 
tJie county from east to west, and tlie remarkable 



♦From the Geological Survey of Ohio, vol. II. 



petrifying fountains, known as the Castalia springs. 
In its topography, Erie county is without any strongly 
marked features. The surface, to the eye, seems 
nearly level; while, in fact, it forms a gentle slope from 
the south line of the county, where it has an eleva- 
tion of one hundred and fifty feet above the lake to 
the lake level. Tliis monotony of surface has been 
produced by the planing action of the great glacier 
that excavated the basin of Lake Erie; not only that 
basin which now holds the water, but the greater one 
of which the southern boundery is the water shed 
between the lake and the Ohio. Erie county, there- 
fore, lies near the bottom of this greater basin, and 
the great ice mass which filled it, moving from the 
northeast to the southwest, ground down the under- 
lying rocks to a nearly uniform surface. The outlines 
of the lake shore have been apparently determined 
by the same great cause. The general bearing of the 
south shore of Lake Erie is essentially the same from 
near Buffalo to the mouth of the Huron river. There 
the coast line forms a large angle with its former 
course, and stretches, with only local variations, 
directly from Huron to the mouth of the Maumee. 
By a glance at the map, however, it will be seen that 
the west end of Lake Erie is blocked up with islands, 
and that a series of these islands stretches northward 
from Sandusky and forms a barrier which must have 
offered serious opposition to the westward movement 
of the glacier. The effect of this i-idge tlii-own 
across the lake basin and struck obliquely by the 
moving ice mass, was to deflect that slightly to the 
south, and to cause it to cut the deejj notch in the 
lake sliore at the mouth of the Huron. The excava- 
tion of this point was also facilitated by the compar- 
ative softness of the Huron shale which underlies this 
portion of the county. 

The drift deposits which overlie the glaciated sur- 
face in most parts of the State have been removed 
from the greater part of Erie county. The bowlder 
clay is, however, found covering the rock surface 
in the southern part of the county. This is, as 
usual, a blue, or where exposed and its iron oxyd- 
ized, reddish-yellow, unstratified clay, thickly set with 
angular fragments of shale taken from the lake basin. 
With tliese arc more or fewer, generally small, bowl- 
ders, usually ground and striated, derived from the 
crystalline rocks north of the lakes. In this part of 
the county are also found beds of sand and the lake 
ridges which rest upon the bowlder clay. These latter 
deposits are evidently the effect of shore waves, and 
are in fact old beaches formed when the lake stood 
much higher than it now does. A good illustration 
of the mode of deposition of such sand banks and 
ridges is seen on the lake shore between Cedar Point 
and Huron. Here the mouth of Sandusky bay is 
partially closed liy a ridge thrown up by the waves 
which will ultimately dike out the lake from and 
reclaim a large area formerly covered by navigable 
water. Between tlie ridges and sand hills which 
stretch east and west, iiortli of Prout's station, is a 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



31 



surface, level to the eye, formed by a fine black soil 
which covers the limestone here, 2)reseuting a remark- 
ably level surface and nowhere deeply buried. This 
district was originally prairie, witli islands of timber, 
and has proved the most fo-tile and productive portion 
of the countj-. We have here a broad surface of lime, 
stone planed down nearly as level as a house floor. 
Tliis was doubtless once covered with drift clay, but 
has been removed by the waves of the lake wlien 
they swept over it. Subseiiuently, when the water of 
the lake had been withdrawn, this tract was left in a 
condition similar to that of the upper end of Sandus- 
ky bay, or to that of the space behind the barrier east 
of the city, viz: covered with shallow, quiet water, 
which was gi-adually replaced by a fine sediment, 
mixed with the remains of tlie luxuriant vegetation 
that grow there. Tlie result was a sheet of remark" 
ably line, ricii soil, having all the characteristics of 
tlie prairie soils of the west, and, like them, covered 
with a growth of grass rather tlian trees. In future 
ages, when Lake Erie shall Ije furtiier drained, what 
is now Sandusky bay will undoubtedly present nearly 
the same appearance as the district under considera- 
tion. 

CASTALIA SPRINGS. 

The phenomena presented by Castalia springs have 
excited considerable curiosity and interest, both on 
the part of tlie residents of the county and of visitors 
from other States, and deserve a few words of descrip- 
tion and explanation. As is known to most persons' 
at Castalia a volume of water which forms quite a 
river, flows u)) from several deep orifices in the lime- 
stone rock, and supplies in its descent to the lake the 
motive power for several mills. The water maintains 
nearly the same temperature winter and summer, and 
its flow is more uniform than that of surface streams 
in the vicinity, though sensibly affected by periods of 
unusual and w'ide-spread drought. Tlie water of the 
springs is highly charged with lime, rapidly incrusting 
any object covered by it, and it has deposited a sheet 
of travertine over an area of several square miles in 
the vicinity. The rock in which the suliterranean 
channels are excavated, through which the waters of 
the springs flow, is the water lime, the uppermost 
memliers of the silurian system. This is a niagnesian 
limestone, in fact, a typical dolomite, containing 
about forty-two per cent of magnesia and fifty-five of 
carbonate of lime. This rock forms on the surface an 
unbroken sheet, reaching from Castalia to Logan 
county, the highest land in tlie State. The true 
theory of tlie fi)rniatioii of tliese springs is simply 
tills: the Helderberg limestone, like many others, is 
soluble in atmosjiheric water containing carbonic acid. 
It forms the slope of the water-shed, and the drainage 
of the country south from Castalia, passing over and 
tiirough it, has dissolved out a connecting system of 
channels which are really subterranean rivers. Casta- 
lia springs are formed at the mouths of one of these. 
Similar springs and undergound streams are met with 



in all limestone countries. The table land of central 
Kentucky affords innumerable examples of tiiem. 
This plateau is underlain by a thick mass of unusually 
soluble limestone. The surface water dissolves it 
away so easily that it dissolves every crack it pene- 
trates, and has formed a connected system of under- 
ground channels by which all the drainage of the 
country is effected. The celebrated Manimotli C!ave 
is only one of these channels. Along the margin of 
this plateau there are a great number of fountains 
like Castalia springs, which mark the mouths of the 
subterranean streams that have been described. Such 
fountains are also common in other countries, and 
the classical Clituninus bursts out at the foot of a 
limestone mountain, forming a fountain precisely like 
that of Castalia. 

GEOLOfUCAL STRL'CXrRE. 

The section of tlie rocks underlying Erie county 
is, in descending order, as follows: 

First, Berea grit (irt feet. 

Second, Bedford shale ^ 75 feet 

Third. Cleveland shale 50 to 60 feet! 

Fourth, Erie shale 50 (?) feet. 

Fifth, Huron shale 300 feet. 

Sixth. Hamilton limestone 21) feet. 

Seventh, Corniferous limestone 100 ( yj feet. 

Eighth, Oriskany limestone 0—5 feet. 

Ninth, Water lime group 100 (;) feet. 

Tenth, Onondaga salt group ' 30 to 40 feet. 

In the oil well, bored at the mouth of the Termillion 
river, the Niagara limestone, the Clinton group, and 
Medina sandstone were penetrated, but they nowhere 
come to the surface, within the limits of the county. 
Of the foregoing strata, the first, the sandstone quar- 
ried atAmherst and Brownhelm, of which the out- 
crop crosses the east line of the county, within less 
than a half mile of the lake shore; thence it sweeps 
round to the south and west, passing through Berlin- 
ville, and a little east of Norwalk, in Huron county. 
Within the area lying to the south and east of this 
line, the Berea grit underlies most of the surface, but 
it is very generally covered by the drift materials; and 
it is only where its more compact and massive portions 
have resisted the action of erosive agents, and these 
have been left in relief, that it 2)rojects above the sur- 
face. The hills in which the Amherst and Brown- 
helm quarries are located, and the elevation known 
as Berlin Heights, are all masses of this character. 
They were once bluffs upon the shore of the lake, and 
everywhere show marks of the action of water and 
ice. Along the outcrop of the Berea grit, its softer 
portions have undoubtedly been most extensively 
eroded, and are now deeply covered Ijv drift deposits, 
so that probably little of this portion of the area it 
occupies will furnish valuable quarries of building 
stone; l)ut as the surface rises, and the rocks dip to- 
ward the south and east, it soon_ passes lielow the 
surface, and there is every probability tiiat within 
the townships of Berlin, Florence, and Vermillion, 
the Berea grit will hereafter bo quarried in many 
localities, precisely as it now is at Berea, 



32 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



BEDFORD SHALE. 

Below the Berea .sandstone is a bed of shale, forty 
to sixty feet in thickness, which is sometimes bine, or 
banded in color, bnt more generally red. This red 
shale is conspicuously shown in the valley of the Ver- 
million, and is exposed at many places in this section 
of the State, immediately underlying the Berea sand- 
stone: it may, therefore, serve as an im^iortant guide 
to those wiio are seeking for the excellent quarry stone 
furnished by that formation. 

Neither the Berea sandstone, nor the red shale, 
have, in Erie county, furnished any fossils; but at 
Elyria, Lorain county, and at Berea and Bedford, 
Cuyahoga county, a large number of remains of mol- 
lusks and fishes have been taken from these strata. 

CLEVELAND SHALE. 

Under the red shale in the banks of the Vermilliou, 
occurs a black, bituminous shale, sixty or more feet 
in thickness. This is a constant member of the AVa- 
verly or lower carboniferous group, and forms the base 
of that series. It is is unusually well exposed in the 
vicinity of Cleveland, and I have therefore called it, 
for convenience sake, "the Cleveland shale." In its 
litliological character, this shale is hardly to be dis- 
tinguished from the great black shale (the Huron 
shale), which is a member of the Devonian system, 
and which here lies only a little below. Further east, 
however, they are separated by an interval of several 
hundred feet, and the fossils which they contain are 
widely different. In the Cleveland shale are bones, 
scales, and spines of fishes of small size, and of car- 
boniferous types. In the Huron shale, on file con- 
trary, we find the remains of fishes of enormous size, 
of most peculiar structure, and such as clearly belong 
to the old red sandstone fauna, so fully described by 
Hugh Miller. 

ERIE SHALE. 

The lake shore from the Pennsylvania line to Erie 
county is, for the most part, formed by a series of 
green and blue shales, which represent the Chemung 
and Portage rocks of New York, and belong to the 
Devonian formation. These shales thin out rapidly 
westward, and seem to l)e recognizable beyond the 
point under consideration. In tlie valley of the Cuya- 
hoga they are exposed tp the depth of one hundred 
and forty feet, and have there yielded the most 
characteristic fossils of the Chcniuna'. 

The up])er layers of the Huron shale are inter- 
stratified with the lower ones of the Erie in the 
northeastern i)ortion of the State, as we learn by bor- 
ings made at Cleveland and further east. Some 
traces of this interlocking may be seen at Monroe- 
ville, where the well sunk at the railroad station cuts 
some blue as well as black shales. South of this 
point, however, the Erie shale has not been recog- 
nized, and it probably reaches but a little way back 
from the lake slioi'e. 



HURON SHALE. 

This is the name we have given to the great mass 
of black shale designated by the first geological board 
as "■ the black slate," and of which the outcrop forms 
a belt which extends entirely across the State, from 
Erie to Scioto county. This is the shale which forms 
the banks of the Huron river at Monroeville and below. 
It is not here a homogeneous black shale, as there 
are some gray, argillaceous layers interstratified with 
the more carbonaceous portions. The greater jiart of 
it is, however, black, and highly bituminous, con- 
taining ten per cent, or more of combustible matter. 
From this bitumen, by slow spontaneous distillation; 
petroleum is evolved, and flows out in oil springs at 
a great number of localities. The process of distilla- 
tion also gives rise to the gaseous hydro-carbons, and 
gas springs are even more abundant than oil springs 
over the outcroj) of this formation. 

The Huron shale in some places contains many 
concretions of impure limestone, of which hundreds 
may be seen at Monroeville, where they have washed 
out of the river banks. These concretions are some- 
times almost absolutely s])herieal; and because of 
their geometric regularity, they have been collected 
as objects of curiosity by the inhabitants of the 
vicinity, often serving as ornamental caps to gate 
posts, etc. Some of these concretions contain the 
bones or teeth of huge fishes, first discovered in the 
same formation at Delaware by Mr. Hertzcr, and 
from its formidalile cliaracter, called Duiichthijs, 
(terrible fish). 

Two species of this genus have been found in Ohio 
— one at Delaware, near the base of the Huron shale, 
and named after its discoverer, Dinichthys Hertzeri; 
the other from the summit of the formation in Shef- 
field, Lorain county, and this I have named Dinich- 
thys Terrilli, to commemorate the service rendered 
to science by Mr. Jay Terrell, to whose zeal and 
intelligence we owe all the best specimens yet ob- 
tained. Both these remarkable fishes will be found 
described in the palaeontological portion of this re- 
port. Numerous fragments of the great bones of 
Dinichthija have been broken out of the concretions 
which have fallen from the shale banks of Huron 
river, but the specimens yet obtained from these are 
too imperfect to show to which species they belong. 
Little effort has been made to collect at this point, and 
it is ])robable that careful search would be rewarded 
by the discovery of some specimens of great interest. 

As nearly as we can determine, the thickness of 
the Huron shale in this part of the State is about 
three hundred feet. 

JIAJin.TON liROri". 

At Prout's station and Deep cut, on the Sandusky, 
Mansfield and Newark railroad, the base of the Huron 
shale is exposed, and beneath it are seen layers of 
light, chcrty, and bluish, marly limestone, which are 
the representatives of the Hamilton group of New 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



:i3 



York. Ileiv the foriiKition has Iji'Cdiik' iiisignitiuaiit 
in dimensions, conijtared witli wliat it is fnrtlier east; 
wliere it is not more tlian twenty feet in tliickness, 
wliile in Centi-ul New Yoi'k tlie Hamilton group is 
twelve hundred feet thick. There i.s no mistaking the 
equivalence of these strata, however, for they are full 
of fossils. At Front's station the following s])ecies 
are found, viz: Spirifem mKcroittta, Ci/r/ia, Hum- 
iltonensis, Sfrfi/)ho(/onft( ile/ni.'i.^ii, Aflnjrus spirife- 
roides, HeJiophijUuDi Hulli, P/iara/in, /mfo, etc., etc., 
the most characteristic fossils of the Hamilton. 
From the softness of the Hamilton limestone in Erie 
county, as well as from its inconsiderable dimen- 
sions, it forms no well marked line of outcrop, 
but it will often be detected in sections which include 
the base of the Huron shale and the toji of the cornif- 
erous limestone. It may be said to underlie a very 
narrow belt of territory, extending southwesterly 
from the lake shore, at a point half way between 
Sandusky and Huron, to the Lake Shore niilroad, 
midway between Monroeville and Bellevue. 

CORNIFEKOrs LI.MESTONE. 

The most interesting, and perhaps the most imjior- 
tant formation in Erie county is the corniferous lime- 
stone. This is the rock underlying Sandusky city, 
that which forms Marblehead, Kelly's Island, Middle 
Island, etc., the source from which the greater part 
of the lime used in northern Ohio is derived, and a 
rock scarcely less extensively employed as a building 
stone than the Berea grit. The upper portion of the 
corniferous limestone is blue in color, and lies in thin 
strata. It is this sulidi vision of the formation that 
is opened in the (piarries at Sandusky, and whicli 
furnishes the blue limestone known as the "San- 
dusky stone," and largely used for building, paving, 
and flagging at Sandusky and elsewhere. The lower 
portion is light colored, and much more massive, and is 
that quarried at Kelly's Island and Marblehead. The 
fossils of the corniferous limestone are exceedingly 
numerous and of great interest. Like most other 
limestones this has Ijeen derived from the decomi)osi- 
tion of organic structures, and in many places it is 
almost altogether made up of corals and shells. In 
chemical composition it is a magnesian limestone, 
containing twenty per cent, or more of magnesia. 
This peculiarity has been (ptoted as ol)jectionable in 
its adaptation to the manufacture of lime; but, on 
the contrary, it is benefited by this ingredient, the 
magnesia making it slower in setting, '• less hot," as 
masons say, and therefore much more manageable. 

The fossil fishes of the corniferous limestone have 
attracted more or less attention from geologists for 
many years. They are now chiefly obtained from the 
tpiarries on Kelly's Island and Marblehead, in the 
lower corniferous limestone; and tho.se of Sandusky 
and Delaware, from the upper member, or Sandusky 
limestone. 

Of MacropetaUclithys, the only portion yet found is 
the cranium. This is composed of a number of geo- 

5 



metrical plates of which the external surface is beau- 
tifully tubercled. It is known to most of the quarry- 
men, and by them it is generally regarded as the car- 
apace of turtle. It is, however, in fact, the cranium 
of a large fish, as any one will plainly see who will 
take the trouble to compare with it the cranium of 
our common sturgeon. 

Oiilirlioilns was an equally large fish, of which the 
cranial bones were much more numerous and easily 
separated, so that they are generally found detached 
and scattered through the rock. The jaws of this 
fish are not unfrequently met with. They are a foot 
or more in length, and are studded with teeth along 
the upper margin. The most singular feature in the 
structure of this fish is formed by a crest of seven 
large, curved, pointed teeth, which, attached to an 
arch of bone, were inserted between the extremities 
of the under jaw, apparently acting like the prow of 
a ram. 

OKISKANY SA>"I>STONE. 

Beneath the corniferous limestone, on the penin- 
sula, and near Castalia, a thin band of limestone is 
visible. This holds the position of the Oriskany 
sandstone in New York, and though it has here 
yielded no Oriskany fossils, they are said to have 
been obtained from it in Indiana; and there is little 
doubt, therefore, that it should be regarded as the 
e(|uivalent of the Oriskany sandstone. 

WATER LIME. 

Tlie upj)er portion of the silurian system is, in 
<lhio, represented by the water lime and Salina form- 
ations. ' Of these, the water lime is the uppermost 
and by far the most conspicuous. It underlies a 
larger portion of Ohio than any other formation ex- 
cept the coal measures. It composes all of Catawl)a 
island, Put-in-Bay, and the other islands of that 
group. Erie county just reaches the edge of the 
water lime area, and, as has been mentioned, it is in 
this rock that the subterranean channel has been 
excavated through which flows the stream of water 
that forms Castalia springs. 

SAUNA OROUl'. 

The water lime is immediately underlain by a 
series of calcareous shales and lieds of gypsum, 
which apjiarently represent the Onondaga salt group 
of New York. The gypsum (piarries worked by Mr. 
George A. Marsh, on Sandusky bay, lie within the 
limits of Ottawa county, and the same formation 
extends under Sandusky, where it has been readied 
in boring wells for oil — at too great a depth, how- 
ever, to be profitably worked. These beds of gyp- 
sum also form the bottom of the lake off the point of 
Put-in-Bay island, so that they apparently underlie a 
large area in this vicinity. They deserve to be care- 
fully sought for, as they may be found in localities 
where they will be readily accessible. From the con- 
tinuity of the surface clays, this exjiloration, how- 
ever, can only be effected by boring. The gypsum of 



34 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Sandusky is of excellent quality, and the quantity is 
apparently inexhaustible. About ten thousand tons 
per annum are produced at tlii' quarries of Mr. 
Marsh. 

BlILDIXG STOXE. 

No portion of the State is more abundantly .•^up- 
])lied with excellent Imilding materials than that 
immediately about Sandusky. The Amherst sand- 
stone, which is known, and I can almost say used, 
all over the United States, reaches into Erie county, 
and, though not yet quarried there to any consid- 
erable extent may, perhaps, Ijecome hereafter an im- 
])ortant contributor to the wealth of the inhabitants. 

The Sandusky limestone is also highly prized as a 
building material, and its cai)ability of supplying 
suitable stone for large and handsome structures is 
illustrated in the splendid high-school Imilding and 
various other edifices at Saiidusky. as well as 
churches, stores and residences at Toledo, Cleve- 
land, etc. 

The (juarries of the corniferous at Marblehead and 
Kelly's Island, are in Ottawa county, but the strata 
worked there underlie all of Erie county, and may 
be reached at various points with little trouble. The 
same beds of the corniferous furnish quick lime not 
inferior to any manufactured in the State, so that 
lime may be specified as one of the important mineral 
staples of the county. 

OIL SHALES. 

The carbonaceous matter contained in the Huron 
shale is equivalent in heating power to that of a thick 
seam of coal, but up to the present time we have not 
discovered any mode of making that source of power 
available, except by distilling oil or gas from it. Both 
these useful suljstances are constantly being evolved 
from this great carljonaceous mass by spontaneous 
distillation, and it is possible that they may be here- 
after, when the supply of petroleum from wells has 
failed, artificially generated from this source so 
cheaply as to pay a profit to the manufacturers. It is 
also worth remembering that further east along the 
lake shore, as at Erie, Pennsylvania, and Fredonia, 
New York, the spontaneous flow of carbureted 
hydrogen gas from the Huron .shale has been exten- 
sively utilized. Fredonia was for many years exclu- 
sively, and still is partially lighted by natural gas, 
and at Erie, wells sunk for the purpose, are siqqilying 
coinl)ustible gas, which is being successfully applied to 
the heating and lighting of residences and manu- 
facturing establishments. 

The gypsum and hydraulic lime of the water lime 
and Salina groups should, perhaps, be enumerated 
among the material mineral resources of Erie county, 
as, though not found ui)on the surface, they lie not 
far below. The quantity and accessibility of these 
materials are, however, yet so much in doubt that no 
one would be justified in anticijiating a great increa.se 
in the wealtli of the county from this source. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE PKEHI8TORIC FIRE-LANDS. 

No PERIOD of history is more fascinating to the 
student than the period in which history has not 
begun. In the study of ascertained and chronicled 
facts there is not much scope for the workings of 
fancy: but the imagination may run riot amid the 
wildest conjectures as to times of which no records 
tell. There may be poetry and romance based u])on 
the sober realities of historic eras, but the mvThs and 
traditions of every land, belonging to ages Ijefore its 
history Ijegan, are not liased upon, Init are themselves, 
poetry and romance. 

This chapter is to treat of the Fire-lands before the 
days of the pioneers. It is not to chronicle events, 
but, rather, to grope in the darkness of forgotten 
times, and attempt to gather up such broken threads 
of knowledge as have not been utterly lost, that they 
may be woven into some semblance of reality. It is 
to search and inquire, rather than to teach. 

The ages embraced in the term, "prehistoric times," 
have an end but no beginning. 

AVho, if any human beings, inhabited the Fire- 
lands before that mysterious people, the Jlound- 
Builders, began to rear their strange structures along 
our river terraces, we have no means of knowing. 
All before their era is an absolute blank, in which we 
find no myth, nor tradition, nor moldering ruin, to 
aid us in our efforts to obtain some knowledge of 
the remotest past. 

THE MOLKD-HIILDERS. 

Our name for the peojile who wrote in our soil the 
fact of their existence, but left us no other records. 
We may know some of their habits of life, we may 
know that they mined copjier about Lake Sujierior 
and mica in the Alleghanies; that they trafficked in 
the markets of the southwest and brought shells from 
the Gulf of Mexico; but their memorable events of 
war and peace, the names of their statesmen and 
philosophers, warriors and poets, have been utterly 
forgotten, and no man knows to-day whether or not 
any remnant of tlie great race remains on the earth. 

In all the valleys of the Mississipi>i and its tribu- 
taries, their works remain in abundance to testify of 
the mysterious workers. Of the origin of these works 
the Indians knew nothing. Their traditions did not 
reacji back so far. 

Accustomed as we have been to the thought of 
primeval forests in all this region, thinly inhabited 
by nomadic tribes of savages, disputing the title to 
the soil with the fierce panther and the howling wolf, 
wc can hardly realize that, ages ago, a dense agricul- 
tural population tilled all our Iwrders, cultivating 
their farms, l)uilding substantial dwellings and lofty 
temples, establishing governments and enacting laws, 
holding commercial relations with different jiarts of 
the continent. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



35 



The erection of tlie tliuusaiuls of artificial moiiiids, 
terraces and earthwork enclosures which still remain, 
with all the other vast works which must have been 
ohliterated by "the waves and weathers of time," 
could only have been possible in a land like Mesopo- 
tamia or Egypt, of great agricultural resources. 
AVhere there were so many toiling hands, there were 
many mouths to be fed, and to supjily the enormous 
demand there must liave been other workers, pro- 
ducers, tillers of the soil. 

Maples and beeches, tough hickories and giant oaks, 
"the green-robed senators of mighty woods," did not 
always darken the face of Ohio as in the days of the 
Indian hunters: but long, long before the red men 
had found their way to the fertile Fire-lands, grain, 
golden as the sunlight which ripened it, was waving 
over myriads of these our fields. Where there was 
grain, there were granaries, and where the builders 
of the terraced mounds toiled day by day, there were 
buying and selling, and there were a hundred trades 
and employments which men have ever found the 
inevitable concomitants of civilized society. 

The character of the earthworks in this region evi- 
dences the fact that the Fire-lands are on the northern 
frontiers of the ancient empire. Nearly all the works 
along our river banks in northern Ohio are manifestly 
defensive fortifications, with external faciie, as in 
modern works of like character; and north of the 
lakes there are no such pyramidal foundations, for 
now lost structures, as abound in the central part of 
the United States. Traveling southward from the 
lakes, one finds mysterious ruins growing in number 
and magnitude, until they are merged in the wealth 
of monumental remains, shadowed by the tropical 
forests of Central America. 

Fascinating as is the study of these relics of an 
ancient empire, this ehaiiter has space but t(.) deal with 
those which belonged to this one of its outlying prov- 
inces. We shall not find on the Fire-lands such great 
pyramidal mounds as those of southern Ohio, West 
Virginia, and Illinois; nor shall we marvel at such 
monolithic images and carven tablets as abound in 
Yucatan and Ouatamala. We shall, however, find 
unmistakable evidences that the same race which left 
these records of an extinct civilization, had out-posts 
along the river banks which are most familiar to us. 

The works upon the Fire-lands were, for the most 
part, circular fortifications on the highlands over- 
looking the river banks, some of them enclosing small 
mounds supi)osed to have been burial places. TJiese 
works hftve been almost obliterated by continual culti- 
vation during the past half century; but we are fortu- 
nate in the fact that some of the observing pioneers 
who came and saw them before the leveling plowshare 
had crossed and recrossed them year after year, have 
put upon paper their remembrances of them. 

By such means we are informed that the Mound- 
Biiilders are believed to have left their traces in at 
least the townships of M irgaretta, Vermillion, Berlin, 
Huron, Milan. Ridgefield, Norwalk, New Haven and 



Norwich. The works which, in the early jjart of the 
century, remained in the localities which have become 
the townships above named, are briefly described as 
follows: 

The township of Margarettta had. when tirst set- 
tled, a numljer of fortifications and mounds, some of 
the latter (juite large and constructed of stone. 

In Vermillion there were two extensive fortitic;:- 
tioiis on the banks of the river of the same name, and 
another in tlie southern part of the township. There 
were, in the same township, a number of mounds in 
in which human skeletons and scattered bones were 
found. 

In Berlin, in the western part of the township, 
there was a mound covering a i|uarter of an acre, with 
large trees growing upon it. Near the center of the 
township, on the farm formerly owned by the late 
Lewis Osborn, was another mound, and in the north- 
ern part of the township, a fortification. 

In Huron township, mounds were found on the 
highlands on both sides of the river. Two of these 
mounds on the west side of the river and about two 
miles from its mouth, were (piite large and nearly 
round. Human bones and "beads of different colors'' 
were found in them. 

In Milan, the pioneers describe "three forts," one 
in the first section, one in the second and one in the 
fourth. Their embankments, when first seen by the 
whites, were from two to four feet high. At differ- 
ent places in the township other earthworks weie 
found, and in some of them human bones and imple- 
ments of stone and clay. 

In Ridgefield townshi)i, Huron county, circular for- 
tifications were found in lot two and lot three of the 
first section, and a small mound containing human 
bones, in lot eighteen of the second section. The 
fortifications are on high liaiiks of branches of the 
Huron river. 

In Norwalk there were three fortifications near the 
Ridgefield line, and crossing it, on the farm now 
owned by Isaac Underhill. That gentleman has pre- 
served reminiscences of his plowing, when a boy, 
through the dry and brittle bones of the men of whom 
these works are the monuments. 

In the western part of New Haven township was a 
circular fortification with large trees growing on its 
embankments when first discovered. 

Excei)t a few "conical monnds" said to have been 
found in Norwich, in the southeast part of the town- 
ship, no record, so far as we know, has Iteen preserved 
of any other traces left by the Mound-Builders on the 
soil of the Fire-lands. 

It may be. indeed, that not all the remains which 
have been mentioned, belong properly to the age of 
the Mound-Builders, for the pioneers were not always 
careful to discriminate between the works of that 
ancient race and those of the later inhabitants of 
these lands, the Indians. But at least this may be 
said with confidence, that some, if not all, these 
works were wrought by the hands of that mysterious 



oh 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



people, whose origin, character and history have been 
a pregnant tlieme for many a delver in the world's 
antiquities. 

It is not the province of tliis locul iiistory to enter 
into extended inquiries of this kind. The evidences 
are many of the great antiquity of the leniains, and 
tlie fact is no less clearly proven that the men wjio 
erected them \rere much higher tlian the red men in 
the scale of civilization. Wlietlier tliey came of the 
Mongolian stock, were a remnant of tiie "lost tribes 
of Israel," or belonged to an original family unknown 
to the old world, we shall not sto]) here to investigate. 
It is enough to say that long ago, ])erhaps many 
ages before the coming of the Indians, the Mound- 
Builders vanished from the Fire-lands, leaving behind 
them neither tradition nor iiistory. 

INDIANS. 

When and whence came the red men to the Fire- 
lands, no research will now inform us. It seems 
most ])robable that they were of Asiatic origin and 
drifted across the country from the northwest, but 
the matter is one of conjecture, and it is not the pro- 
vince of this work to discuss the arguments in favor 
of any particular hypothesis. 

Whenever thev came and whatever their origin, 
the^' found here, on the southern shore of Lake Erie, 
green and fertile lands, drained by the waters of the 
Sandusky, the Huron and the ^'ermillion. 

These were prairie and wood land, well watered and 
abounding in game. It would have been strange if 
no wandering tribes of red men, whose highest idea 
of happiness was embodied in a paradise of well- 
stocked hunting grounds, sliould not have lingered 
along the river banks, where, even in the days of the 
jiioneers the feathered arrow of the Indian seldom 
searched vainly for a victim. 

It is interesting to note, that here, in one group of 
counties, by that process of language-jietrifaction, 
which has left upon our lakes and rivers. States and 
territories, the names which were familiar and ex- 
pressive words to the tribes of peojile whose graves 
are all over the Fire-lands, we have six Indian titles: 
Erie, Sandiiskij and Ottawa, Huron, Seneca and 
Wyandot. 

All these but one w«re tribal designations; but not 
all the tribes whose names have Ijeen so perpetuated 
had any habitation on the Fire-lands at the coming of 
the pioneers. Of fa teas, Hurons or Wyandofs, and 
Senecas, there were in the first years of this century; 
but long before that, naught but a memory remained 
of the Fries, that proud, fierce tribe, whose war with 
the Five Xations of New York forms one of the most 
interesting traditions of prehistoric America. 

The Fries, it is said, dreaded the combination of 
five such tribes as, united, made up the Iroquois Five 
Nations. They endeavored to crush the confederacy 
ill its inception, but were themselves defeated with 
terrible slaughter, between C'anandaigua lake and the 
fteiiesee river. They retired to the far west, but 



tradition says that many years later a war party of 
their descendants returned from beyond the Missis- 
sippi and attacked the Senecas, who had settled upon 
the fatiierland of the Fries; init the result was a 
second crushing defeat, and the annihilation of the 
Frie race, unless a remnant was left to mingle witli 
other tribes in the west. 

As long ago as the middle of the seventeenth cen- 
tury the Fries i)robably occupied northern Ohio, 
along the shores of Lake Erie, and the fanmus pic- 
tured rocks on Kelley's Island, have been supposed 
by Shingwauk, the Little Pine, an Indian arclia?olo- 
gist, to refer to the wars of this lost nation. 

After the destruction of the Fries the greater part 
of northern Ohio seems to have been never so mucli 
the jieculiar territory of any one nation as the com- 
mon hunting ground of many. 

As white settlements increased along the Atlantic 
coast, and the natives were crowded toward the set- 
ting sun, trilies and remnants of tribes whose homes 
had been in the east, wandered into Ohio and lingered 
there, until the advancing army of civilization pressed 
them still further toward their ultimate destiny. 

It is for this reason that in the chronicles of the 
pioneers we find mention of so many diverse tribes. 
They were sojourners, most of them, rather than 
liermanent dwellers on the Fire-lands. The land 
ma}" have seemed almost as strange to tliem as to the 
white settlers. 

On the pages of the Pioneer, the magazine of the 
Fire-lands Historical Society, the earliest of these 
white .settlers have recorded these names vi tribes 
represented here during the first years of the nine- 
teenth century. Of the Algonquin family, the 
Mianiis or Mautnees, the Tawas or Othnvas, the 
Chijipeiras or Ojiljtcays, the Dela /cares, Shawnees 
and Potawafomies; and of the Huron-Iroquois fam- 
ily, the Wyandofs, or Hurons proper, and the Senecas. 
Of these tribes, that of the Wyandofs is perhaps 
oftenest mentioned by the pioneers. The people of 
this tribe lived for tiie most part along the Sandusky 
river for many years after the town and villages of 
the pale faces had sjirung uj) all over the Fire-lands. 
The Wyandofs and Hurons were the same people, 
the latter name ))eing the one bestowed upon them 
by the French. 

In the years when the Iroquois were waging their 
relentless wars against the Fries, the Wyandofs lived 
on the Canada side of the lakes, although tlieir hunt- 
ing excursions seem, sometimes, to have reached the 
regions about tlie inoutli of tlie Miami and that of the 
Sandusky. 

Tiiey akso became involved in war with the power- 
ful Iroquois, and, as in tlie ca.se of the Fries, the 
Wyandofs were, as a nation, almost exterminated i>y 
the seemingly invincible confederacy of New York. 
But in later days, after the Fries had ceased to be 
known in Ohio, and the strife with the Fire Xafions 
had ended, remnants of the Wyandofs hunted and 
planted corn along the valley of the Sandusky. 



HISTORY or HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



37 



There was preserved among them a tradition of their 
migration across the hxkes, impelled by a great fam- 
ine to search for new hunting grounds. They luiilt 
their " big tire " or chief town at Upper Sandusky, 
and a map, puldished in 1755, shows the location of 
others of their villages along the ri\er. These settle- 
ments flourished, and the Wyamlots became, after 
the lapse of years, the most powerful tribe in this 
rearion. There is freiiuent mention in the chronicles 
of the ]iioneers on the Fire-lands, of jiarties of these 
Sandusky river Wi/finddfy who crossed the Fire-lands 
in search of game. 

In smaller numbers on the Fire-lands were the Se»- 
ecas, a remnant of the once powerful nation, which, 
with the other tribes of the Iroquois confederacy, a 
century and a half before, had crushed the Wyaii- 
ilots and the Eries. The white settlements had be- 
come luimerous through the territory where t\\e Five 
Xritions had held dominion. Tlie star of the Seiiecas 
was waning. They had no longer the leadership of 
such chieftains as Red Jacket, the warrior-orator, 
and, driven by the dominant Caucasian race, they 
were drifting slowly across the country towards the 
great plains of the west. 

Besides these two representatives of the Hvron- 
Iroquois family, there were no others on the Fire- 
lands in the days of the pioneers. 

The Alfjonquins, however, were here, not in such 
numbers of individuals probably, but more numer- 
ously represented in names of tribes. Among these 
we note the Deluwures, the Iie>nq)]}i or Lenni-Lenajte, 
as they called themselves, who dwelt along the banks 
of the Huron river, the most of them in Milan town- 
ship. With them were mingled the Ottawas or 
" Taw 'x," as many of the white settlers called them. 
The one people had come from the east, where, for 
years, they had lived among the other Algonquin 
tribes of the Atlantic coast; the other had come from 
the northwest, and, in perfect peace, they had united 
their fortunes in the pleasant valley of the Huron. 
Upon the picturesque site of tlie town of Milan they 
built their village, Pe(iUotting, and there and in that 
vicinity, even after the coming of the pale faces, they 
hunted and tished, and raised corn on the fertile river 

fl:lts. 

Wc believe that it was t\if;se Dela wares and Oltcwas 
of Pequotting who were accustomed to make maple 
sugar, on the river bottom west of Norwalk, and 
whose trail lay along the sand ridge where now is 
Main street, the pleasant, maple-shaded avenue 
which is the pride of the town. 

The other Algonqvin tribes, so far as is known, 
had no fixed residence on or near the Fire-lands, but, 
pursuant to their nomadic habits, they made occa- 
sional visits to this sectimi of the country. This was 
particularly the case with the Chi2)pewas, Aliamis 
and rofawaftomies. They were all inhaliitants of 
the country to the west and northwest. The S/iaw- 
itees were of southern origin. Thev had a tradition 



that their ancestors came from some foreign land, 
across the sea. 

According to French accounts, the trilje of Cliip- 
peivas or Ojibways is worthy of more than a passing 
notice. They are said to have been a powerful and 
brave race, and their war with the Sioux, which was 
waged for one hundred and eighty years after the 
whites first knew them, and we know not for iiow 
long before, is one of the memorable events of Indian 
history, and is the surest proof of the indoniital)le 
courage and haughty pride of both tribes. 

The territory of the Chippewas was on both sides of 
Lake Superior, at the head of which was their chief 
town, Chegoimegon, where, it is said, they kept a 
perpetual fire burning. 

They were a tall, well formed race, and their lan- 
guage was praised by the French as the court-language 
•of the aborigines. 

Bands of Indians of all these tribes, hunted and 
fished over most, and jirobably all, the townships of 
the Fire-lands: Init excei>t Pe(|Uotting, they had no 
village in either Erie county or Huron at the time of 
the first white settlements. 

Technically, the lives and characters, the manners 
and customs of the Indians inhabiting the Fire-laiids 
after the first white settlements, can scarcely be said 
to belong to the period of "prehistory." But one 
can hardly write of the red men without letting his 
pen cross the line on which history begins. We can 
form no estimate of the lives of the inhabitants of 
these woods before a white man's ax began to hew tiie 
way for the march of civilization, without a study of 
the characteristics described by the first white chron- 
iclers, as belonging to the red men who remained 
after those times. 

Thus, even in naming and describing ti'ibes, we 
have trespassed upon the nineteenth century. We 
shall find no instance of individual character recorded 
at any earlier period. 

So many years have now elapsed since the last red 
man vanished from the Fire-lands, like a departing 
ghost of a dead and buried past, that we can now but 
dimly trace even the tribal distinctions and names of 
these strange children of the woods. Few, indeed, 
are the names, and faint the memories, of the individ- 
ual warriors and chieftains which have come down to 
us. But before they are all forever lost in the sliad- 
ows of the past, it should be the duty of the historian 
to rescue and keep bright the names and fame of Sen- 
eca John and Ogontz, the Ottawa, two nol)le repre- 
tatives of the better class of Algonquin and Iroquois. 

In those days the red men were in a transition 
state. They had been savages, with all tlie cruelty, 
the liad passions, and the ignorance belonging to sav- 
agery; but now, from their intercourse with the 
whites, they were learning many of the mean vices 
with a few of the virtues, of civilization. The mis- 
sionary and the trader were working side by side, l)nt 
not in harmony, and too often the good work of the 



38 



riTSTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



one Wiis destroyed i)y tlie liiul work wivuiglit liy the 
other. 

Tn such a ])ei'io(], the cliai'aeters of John, the Seii- 
cm, and Ogontz, tlie Ottaira, stand out in bold and 
pleasing relief. In the fre((uent mention of these two 
chiefs hy the early chroniclers of the Fire-lands, there 
has been found no word of disparagement concerning 
either of them. 

The Seneca was accustomed to hunt in the southern 
and western ])art of Huron county. The early set- 
tlers of that region always gave him a cordial welcome, 
and some of them liave placed on record their appre- 
ciation of his character. He could speak l)nt little 
English, but was always friendly to the settlers, and 
was brave, honest, and trustworthy. 

Ogontz was better known in the I'cgion of San- 
dusky, which was one of his favorite resorts at certain 
seasons of the ycai', for the inirjiosc of fishing and 
hunting, and that locality was for years known, by 
reason of this fact, as " Ogontz place."* 

This chief is described as a man of stately form and 
noble bearing, and, like Seneca John, he seems to 
have been in character a nature's yobleman, while, 
unlike John, he had received, at the hands of the 
French, a high degree of culture. 

The tragedy which ended the life of each of these 
hunter and warrior chiefs, illustrates ihe sanguinary 
character of their race. Seneca John was accused of 
witchcraft, and having been condemned by his own 
tribe, was unhesitatingly slain, — his own brother be- 
ing the executioner. Ogontz, years before his death, 
had killed, in self defense, a rival chief, and had 
adopted the hitter's son, who, even in his boyhood, 
cherished a desire to avenge his father's death. The 
boy grew up, and, when the o]i])ortunity offered, took 
the life of the l)rave, kind Ogontz. who had Ijeen a 
second father to him, better than the first. 

These two men, John and Ogontz, the ScHccn and 
the Oltdira, the InxjKois and the AJf/om/uiii, are the 
type of the aboriginal native of America, uncor- 
rnpted i)y association with the white men. They 
lived and died, the one an ignorant savage, the other 
an educated gentleman, but lioth, by nature, proud, 
noble and manly, the proof that the red man was not 
always in his present state of miserable degradation. 

Any \ lew of Indian life and character is incom- 
plete which fails to take in their surroundings. Be- 
fore we can have vividly before us the life of the red 
nnin of the Fire-lands, we must reconstruct the Fire- 
lands themselves as they were a century ago. We 
must clear away all the marks of civilization; we 
must rear again the mighty woods, and let the 
prairie grasses grow in the rankncss and luxuriance 
of nature; we must rescue frnm ihe overfiowing 
waves of the destroying lake, the fertile lands on 
which they have encr<iached. and I'cstore the marsh 
land along the rivers to the tillalile condition of the 
jiast; we must sweej) all the mill-ilams from the 
streams, and let the lake muscalonge and jiickerel, 
the lawful jirey of the Indian, ascend to the farthest 



limits of Huron county; we must re-people the forests 
with screaming panthers, bears and packs of howling 
wolves; deer must abound and rattlesnakes must 
crawl in the damp and gloomy woods. 

Amid such surroundings as these the Indian war- 
rior reared his family. His daily work was hunting 
and traj)ping game, when he was not on the war 
trail, seeking the scalps of his enemies. According 
to Seneca John, the hunting grounds were, by agree- 
ment, allotted among the tribes, and, doubtless, en- 
croachments on one another's territory, and disputes 
as to boundaries, were the fruitful causes of ipiarrels 
and bloodshed. 

In the autumn of every year the prairies were 
burned over, tliat the abundant deer might be more 
easily tracked and hunted over the bare and black- 
ened soil. 

While the young men were engaged in such pur- 
suits, the other members of the tribes remained at 
home. The old men, doubtless, smoked and dozed 
away the hours; or, not unlike our pioneers, lived 
over their youth in tales of daring deeds when their 
eyes were keen and their arms strong. The half- 
naked children played out of doors by themselves, or 
imjiortuned their grandfathers to make them bows 
and arrows, or, may be, ever insatiable, begged to be 
told innumerable stories, entirely after the manner of 
juvenile palefaces, for children are children the world 
over. 

The squaws, meanwhile, tied up their little pap- 
pooses in bark cradles, which they hung from the 
limbs of trees, to be rocked by. the passing wind- — a 
practice said to be the origin of our lullaby song, 
"Rockaby, baby, on the tree top" — and, then, 
meekly recognizing the existence of a "woman's 
sjihere '" and their wifely duties to their lordly hus- 
bands, which, as in civilized society, had been by the 
latter circumscribed and defined for them, they duti- 
fully brought the water, gathered the firewood and 
hoed the corn, as it Avas the custom for even the 
strongest-minded squaws tn ilo; and, while they toiled i 
with sweating faces and aching backs, they longed for 1 
the going down of the hot sun and the sight of their 
returning braves, with venison-laden ]ionics or belts 
full of reeking scalps. 

But shall we infer from this slavery, into which 
the fashion of the race forced women, that there was 
no affection between husband and wife? At first 
thought, one might almost so believe, but surely 
there is under all the artificial manners and customs 
of the world a substratum of human nature which 
never varies. Let it not be doubted, then, that the 
Indian husband and wife often loved one another 
with an affection not different from that of the I 
jialest-faced Caucasians. 

The iMoravian missionary, lleekewclder, tells a 
touching stoiT illustrative of such tenderness on the 
])art of an Indian husband toward his wife. It was 
in a time of famine, and a sick wonnm exjiressed a 
longing for some Indian corn. .There was none in 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



:J9 



the region where they lived, but a trader had a small 
quantity at Lower Sandusky, a luuidred miles away. 
Thither the woman's husband rode, and, having 
traded his horse for a small quantity of the precious 
grain, he returned on foot along the weary trail, car- 
rying his in-ecious jiurchase with him, that he might 
eladdeu tlie heart of his loved wife. 

The same human nature sometimes shone out in 
the love of parents for tlieir children. The red war- 
rior was, on tlie surface, a stern and taciturn man, 
and perhaps the little ones ofteuer looked up to him 
with fear and awe than with any otiier emotion, but 
there must have been something besides sternness in 
the heart of that Wyandot of Upper Sandusky, who, 
while on a hunting excursion east of Milan, lost a 
child by death, and carried the body home in his 
arms, that the little one might sleep in the grave of 
its mother. By day and by night he carried his bur- 
den and his sorrow, alone in the lonely woods, until 
lie reached his dreary home. He was an Indian, and 
would shed no tears; l)ut every white father, who has 
lost the Urst-born son of his pride and affection, can 
understand the bitterness of the red man's sorrow. 

It is a mystery, how, in this northern climate, the 
Indians obtained the means of living through the 
winter. Even those tribes who did not despise agri- 
culture tilled tlie soil in a superficial way, and often 
had short crops. In such a season, their chief de- 
pendence was on fish and game, and even tliese must 
at times have failed them. It is easy to understand 
that such famines as that which drove the W>i<t)t(hjts 
soutli of the lake, according to their tradition, were 
not an unfrecpieiit occurrence. Pestilence, too, occa- 
sionally swept the country, destroying whole tribes. 
Ogontz has been spoken of as an Oftaivn, but, in 
reality, according to his own statement, he was an 
adopted son of tluit trilie — his own parents having 
died ill sncli a pestilence wliile he was a child. Sam- 
oset, the Wainjianomj, told to the New England colo- 
nists the story of a great plague, which, a few years 
before, had almost denuded the country of its inhab- 
itants, and liad left many tribes in a feeble and deso- 
late condition. 

The tongues and dialects spoken by the aboriginal 
inhabitants of our country have been a fruitful field 
for philologists. As the Algonquin tribes inhabited 
that part of tlie Atlantic coast first settled lay the 
English, tiieir language gave to the colonists several 
words wliich have almost become a part of our Eng- 
lish vocabulary. Tiiey are sucii words as "wigwam," 
"squaw," "wampum," "tomahawk," "sachem," 
etc. Tile words in the Indian vocabularies were few, 
and it became often necessary for them to express 
their- ideas circuitously. by metaphors and otlier 
figures, and l)y such coiniiinatioiis of words, as printed 
in Englisii books, liave given many people the impres- 
sion that the aboriginal languages were full of un- 
lironouncable, polysyllaliic words. 

-Many of the Indian proi)er names were combina- 
tions of expressive words descriptive of the localities 



named. Thus the name Sandusky is a compound 
and corrupted word, meaning, originally, "clear 
water," or, more literally "water not concealing tlie 
ground," or, as another lias translated it, " water in 
pools." Norwalk, which comes from the Connecticut 
town of that name, is another compound word, 
signifying "middle-land," or, like the Greek Meso- 
potamia, "between the rivers." Erie signifies "wild 
cat," ai appropriate title for one of the fiercest of 
the native tribes. 

Many English Ijooks have buen translated intothe.se 
dialects and languages: grammars and dictionaries 
have been written of the tongues of several of the 
tribes, and comparative philologists have sought, by 
means of verbal affinities, to trace the sources and 
beginnings of tlie American races. 

There is no subject connected with aboriginal 
America having more of the interest of unsolved 
mystery than this. As with most mysteries, if we 
could lift the curtain which hides from us the genesis 
of the peojde who inhabited the continent before us, 
the subject would lose much of its fascuiation. 

We have but glanced at the Fire-lands of jire- 
historic times. A hundred things might still be 
said, and yet the darkness which hides from our con- 
ception the state of a country whose people wrote no 
history, would not be changed to twilight. 



CHAPTER I.\. 

THE MORAVIAN MISSIONS. 

The sect known as Moravians originated in Bolie- 
mia, and though always insignificant in point of num- 
bers, and none of them remarkable for their wealtJi, 
or position, or learning, they have never been lacking 
in zeal or enthusiasm in extending tlieir Master's king- 
dom. Indeed, taking into account tlie fewness of their 
numbers, it maybe confidently as.serted that no other 
denomination of christians has done so much for the 
missionary cause. Never excelling in ;ibility or skill 
in elucidating abstruse and ditlicult jn-obU'ins of liulief, 
tliey have sought not to make proselytes among those 
already well groimded in the cardinal doctrines of 
christian faith, but to teach the cli'meiilary gospel 
religion to those races and tril)cs who bad not yet i)een 
converted to Christianity. 

To the i)rosecutioii of this work llicy ba\c freely 
devoted their lives anil fortune-, and no country lias 
been too remote, no shore loo forbidding or inhospita- 
ble to prevent their planting the banner of the cross, 
and seeking to bring under its folds the most savage, 
barbarous and degraded of mankind. 

In 1732, while their number was less llian four liuii- 
dred, they began their missionary work, the first station 
established being at St. Thomas, in the West Indies. 
In 1740, they establishe<l a mission among the Indians 
at Bethlehem, Pennsvlvania : but a> the Indians were 



40 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



being gnuliuilly driven westward, a jierinMiK'nt loca- 
tion was ini]K)ssible. Tlie efforts of tlie missionaries 
never were successful in civilizins- the Indians to the 
degree that they could remain in contact with the 
whites, without iieing corrnjiteil and degradt'd. To 
have any success they ninst kecji in advance of the 
wave of emigration. In 17<iS a new location was 
sought near Oil City. Pennsyhania. and in 1770 the 
Congregation I'cmoved to the Beaver river. After 
reniaiiiing here for a year or nnn'e, they tnrnetl their 
steps westward to the valley (if the Tuscarawas, near 
New Philadelpiiia. (Jhio. 

Here, in this ])leasant and fertile valley, they 
thought themselves so far iu the wilderness that they 
misrlit forever remain undisturbed. Thev built cab- 
ins, cleared away the forests, tilled the soil, and wor- 
shiped <{od in peace and happiness. Their numbers 
increased hv conversions from the Indians until the 
settlement contained three villages named Schoen- 
brunn, Gnadenhutten and Salem. But though exer- 
cising onlv the arts of peace, keeping aloof from war 
and strife, and iiatiently submitting to wrong without 
seeking to bestow punishment or grat^y revenge, tliey 
could not escape persecution and martyrcbim. 

Thev were distrusted by both tlie British and the 
Americans.' The former took steps to break u]) their 
mission and bring the inhabitants to Detroit as pris- 
oners, it was a sad Mow to the peaceful Christians 
to be forced to leave tiieir homes and ungathered 
croj)s, and, in a long Journey througli a jiathlcss wil- 
derness, suffer indignity, cruelty and uiitold hard- 
ships. The fidlowing spring (17S"^) a ))ortion of them 
obtained pei'inission to return to harvest their corn. 
Arriving there, a tt'rrible fate soon hefell them. .\ 
detachment of Americans came amcing them, and, 
seizing a favcn-ahle oj)i)ortuuity, I'uslied ujion the 
defenceless Imlians and slaughtered tiicm in cold 
blood. The details of the nutssacre are sickening aiul 
horrible — it being one of the nnist un]n'ovoked, cruel 
and bloody deeds in the annals of border warfaiv. 

Those that had remained at Detroit sought a home 
in Canada, hut, after staying a few years among the 
Chippeims, their hearts yearned for their old hume on 
the Tuscarawas, and. in 17S(i, they stai'ted (in their 
return. 

Reaching a pnmt nu the Cuyahoga, about ten miles 
from Clevelaiul (in Independence townshij)), they re- 
ceived intelliaence that made them siirink from going 
further, .\fter remaining here for about a year, they 
removed westward, and. in 17S7. made a settlement 
on the l''ire-hinds im tlic ilui'dii river, about two uiiles 
north of Milan, in Krie county. But the country was 
still the scene of war and Iiloodshed, and, after re- 
maining five or six years, thc\ aliandoned their settle- 
ment, and again sought refuge in Canada, where they 
foanded a settleuu'nt on the river Thames. 

In 17'.I7. congress, mindful of thi'ir past wrongs, 
nuide grants to tluMU of their old lands on the Tus- 
carawas; a ]iortiou of them returneil. ami tlu' mission- 
aries continued I heir labors. Hut the contact of the 



whites interfered with their success, and sonic of them 
returned to Cana<la. and others, among them Charles 
Dencke, came to the Huron river and re-established 
the mission. This was in 1804, and they remained 
about five years, until the Fire-lands, having been sur- 
veyed, the white settler Ijcgan to claim the lands jmr- 
eliased from the In<lians by the treaty of Fort Industry, 
ami they, the missionaries and their Indian adherents, 
returned to Canada. 

The mission village was called I'ecpiotting, or Pay- 
nothing, and consisted of a chajiel. mission house, and 
a score or more of caljins, some of which were after- 
ward used by the white settlers. Here, as elsewhere, 
the missionaries taught the Indians not only religion 
hut the rudiments of education, and, to a certain ex- 
tent, were successful in inducing them to get their 
food by cultivating the soil instead of by the chase, to 
live in cabins, and to leave off their paint and feathers 
and clothe themselves in more civilized garl). 

Their missionary, Charles Frederick Dencke. was 
born in Iceland, his father being a missionary to that 
country. Tradition states that he had a library which 
filled a space of not less than ten feet in length by 
six feet in height, and occuining nearly one side of 
his log-cabin at Pequotting. Surely, the man who 
would take the pains to transport these books from 
place to jilace under so nnuiy difficulties, conld not 
have been an ignorant or uncultivated man. 

It is stated that David Zeisberger was here during 
their first stay. For an account of this celebrated 
missionary, and his co-laborers, Heekewelder, Post 
and others, it is only necessary to refer the reader to 
any authentic history of Ohio. They were not the 
heroes of battles, nor Avinners of renown in the noisy 
strife of civic triumjih. They cared not for the a])- 
plause of men, but in a liumlde way, in an obscure 
field, in vears of lonely wandering, with a strong faith 
tiiat sustained them in many a trying hour, they 
sought out the rude savage of the forest, and did what 
they could to civilize and elevate liim. Is it not best 
that hi.story spares them a page, and fame kce]i their 
names alive ? 



CHAPTER .\. 

EARLT SETTLEMENT. 

Thk survey of the Fire-lands having been comjileted 
in ISdS, and the Indian title having been extinguished, 
many people in the old Counei-ticiit began to think of 
emigrating to the new. 'i'he names of the earlier .set- 
tlers, and the dates of their arrival, are given widi 
more or less fullness in the histories of the different 
towushi]is. In some instances, it is difficult to obtain 
aci'urate infornnition, in)t only because of the vague- 
ness of nu'inory, and the imjierfections of records, but 
because it is somewiiat ditfienlt at this ]ieriod to dis- 
tinguish betweeti the h(iii<i-fi<h settler and the mere 
sipiattcr. This latter class were usually first ujion the 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



41 



^TDunil. It was I'Mrt'ly ilitti<'ult to .-(.'curi.' tlii-ir iTiiioval 
wlion (U'sirf<l. ('ivilizril scjcifty :iiiil n'i:'iilar lalmrwere 
nil aversion to tlii'iii. Tliuv hnvd the exciteiiieiit of 
the chase and tlie iii(le])eiiilenee of forest life, and the 
aiivent of cultivated tields was in general the signal 
for their disaii})earance. Here and tliere one remained, 
living in a hand-to-mouth way. doing odd jolis of chop- 
]iing, planting or husking for himself or others, but 
aiwavs ])referring to hunt or tish, and in haliits, tasteiJ 
and character being an intermediate link between the 
Indian and the white man. Doubtless some of this 
class are often ])ut down as regular settlers, though the 
chissitication of rights was not made until November 
iL ISdS. 

The folhjwing carefully pre|iared table shows tiie 
date of settlement of the ditferent townships: 

iirKox ('(irNTV. 



Nnrwalk WW 

Lvm." 1811 

New Haven 1811 

Tonusend 1811 

RiUgefield 1812 

Sherman. 1813 

Bronson 1814 

New London 181.^ 

Peru 18I.i 



Fairfield 181« 

Norwich 181U 

Wakeman 1816 

Clarksfiekl 1817 

Greeuwich 1817 

Hartland 1817 

Kichmond 1823 

Ripley 182.1 



EKIE lOUXTY. 



Huron 1808 

Veraiillion 1808 

Danbiiry (Ottawa County) ... 1809 

Portland 1809 

Groton 1809 

Berlin 1810 



Milan 1810 

Margaretta 1810 

O.xford 1810 

Florence 1811 

Birmingham ISIB 

Ruggles (Ashland County). . . .1833 



It will be seen that the first settlements w-ere made 
ill Erie county. Indeed, some of these townships were 
settled and cleared up while much of the .south jiart 
of Hunm county was yet an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness. The number of inhabitants in Milan township, 
at the outbreak of the war of 1812, is stafed by Mr. 
Fowler to have been two hundred and twenty-five. 

It will already have been noticed that a large ma- 
joritv of the settlers of the Fire-lands, like those of 
other jiarts of the Western Reserve, were of Connecti- 
cut birth. This gave for many years a ti.\eil and 
homogeneous character to the population, and, though 
the old stock has given way to younger generations, 
the old traits of character remain to a great extent 
unchanged. 

Here, then, in ISU'.I, or t wciity-eigbt yeaj's after the 
buriiiiig of New Ijciiidou, and thirty-three years after 
the incursion to Danliury, the sutferers could begin to 
.see the end, and t(j avail themselves to some extent <jf 
the long-sought relief. But the proportion of the origi- 
nal losers and sutferers, finally benefited, was small. 
Death ha<l thinned their ranks, another generation was 
taking their place, and, of those still living, many of 
them with hearts sickened by long-deferred hope, and 
despairing of ever receiving anything, or, comjielled by 
the stre.ss of poverty, had sold their rights for a pit- 
tance. Others, vainly striving to raise the money to 
pay the taxes Icviid (o meet the expenses of purchasing 
the land of the Indians and surveying it. were unable 
to do so, and their rights sold. At best, of those w'ho 
were able to retain their interests, but few would care 
to remove to a <listaiit wilderness, and so, in one wa\' 



and another, much of the smaller interests were ab- 
sorbeil by the larger, and if not, most of the Fire-lands 
])assed into the hands of com])aratively a few indi- 
viduals, who hail the means to profit by the necessities 
of those less favored liy fortune. Indeed, there is l)ut 
little doubt but that, previous to the pa.<.sage of the 
grant, many of the rights had lieen Itonght up on 
sjjeculation for trifiiiig sums. It is certain that iiji to* 
that time immigrants were rapidly arriving. The war 
of 1812 checked for a ti'inporary ])eriod the influx of 
settlers. In fact, many of them abandoned their im- 
provements and Hed to a ])lace of safety, scimc of them 
never returning. 

It would be a difficult task to jiicture, to the mind 
of the reader living in an age of railroads and tele- 
graphs, the difficulties and hardships attending a jour- 
ney from Connecticut t(3 Ohio in the early j)art of the 
jiresent century. A distance that is now traversed in 
twenty-four hours, required, then, a journey of weary 
weeks and months. There w^as no means of instanta- 
neous communication; even the turnjiikt' and stage 
coach were thought of only as among the possibilities 
of the future. Indeed, at this jiresent time, one can 
traverse the globe, not only with greater comfort and 
safety, but consume Intt a little more time than was 
then necessary to travel from Connecticut to the Fire- 
lands. The boat poled uj) the Mohawk; the skiff 
rowed along the shores of Lake Erie, scarce daring to 
venture on its treacherous waters; the wagon drawn 
by the slow jihjdding oxen through pathless foi-est.s, and 
fording, as best they could, the bridgeless streams, — 
these were the means of communication betwt'en the 
east and the west in those days. Xor do tliev, upon 
their arrival, find anything prepared for their comfort 
or their safety. Their lot is cast in the wilderness, and 
toil, danger and privation must be tlieir j)ortion for 
many years to come. The wild beast is yet in the for- 
est, and the Indian still lingers on his old hunting 
ground, generally peaceable, indeed, Imt at times 
spreading consternation along the border, and at best 
an object of suspicion and distrust. Many a night is 
passed in terror, many a day in weary suspense. Stout 
hearts grow weak, and not a few seek safety in removal 
(U- flight. No wonder, then, that among the j)ioneers 
of the Fire-lands were found so many men of strong 
frames, robust health and iiidoniitable will. The 
fittest onlycoiilil stand the journevand the subsei|uent 
life — the weak and imiiy iiiiist rcniain behind. 

The damp woods and marshes were full of malari- 
ous poLsons, and the strongest were not proof against 
insidious fevers which sajiped their strength and laid 
them low on beds of pain and death. 

Did they nvwv repine, and mourn for their old 
homes and associations .so far away, and curse the evil 
hour they were induced to leave them? It would be 
strange if there wciv not those among them that did 
so. But there was little time for the settler to spend 
in vain regrets. He must work or starve. His long 
journey from the east accom])lished. he found himself 
too late to raise any crojis the first yeai-. For his f I 



42 



HISTORY OF HUKON A\D EKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



liL' must depeinl on what he huil hrciught with him, 
what he couM pui-fha<e of his neighbors, ami hist. Vmt 
by no means least, what lie could kill with his rifle. 
He must Iniild a cabin for the shelter of himself and 
his family, inelosures to protect his stock from the 
wolf and the bear: then, for years, with an experience 
only varied In' a little planting and caring for crops, 
an occasional trij) to the distant .store or mill, year in 
and yeurout, he must laljor with his axe, felling the trees 
which covered the land, one by one ; sjilitting some 
into rails to fence his crops. l)ut generally rolling them 
together and burnino-. It is worth while to describe 
his house-building, farming oi)erations and mode of 
life more in detail. 



CHAPTER XI. 

PIONEER TIMES. 

A i)Es(.iui'TioN' of a pioneer log-caVnn and of the 
jiioneer hcmie-life. may not be without its interest to 
the reader of the present day. 

The location of the cabin decided upon, the space 
cleared away, and suitable timber having been selected, 
felled. i)artially hewn, and cut into proper lengths, it 
remained to "raise" the cabin. Word having been 
given out, the settlers for miles around gathered to 
their new neighbor's clearing, glad to lend a helping 
hand. A man of experience in such matters was 
selected as captain or leader; other expert men. axe in 
hand." were posted at the corners to cut saddles or 
notches in the logs that they might lie more firmly 
and closer together, the ends of the logs often over- 
lapping and projecting for a foot or more. The logs 
having been previously drawn to a convenient nearness 
by oxen, to the major part of the company was assigned 
tile duty of conveying the logs to the intended struc- 
ture ; sometimes the combined strength of the party 
sufficed to lift them uj) and carry them, but oftener 
skids and handspikes were called into use; in either 
ease the work was di>ne with a will scarce needing the 
energetic tones and shar[i commands constantly used 
by the leader. Accidents were not uncommon; severe 
strains often resulted from one man trying to out-do 
anothei', while sometimes a log slipped or fell, striking 
a man down in its descent, and breaking his leg or 
ai-m. The log-carriers were sometimes divided into 
scjuads, or parties, each having a particular end to keep 
up, and the resulting rivalry made the task a short 
one, the building being rarely over a single story in 
iieight. The cal)in fairly raised, and the roof poles put 
in position, the remaining work of finishing the cabin 
could be performed more leisurely without the help of 
so nnmy hands. The whisky to which they had re- 
sorted for refreshment during their laliors was drank 
more freely than ever, ami its stimulating effect began 
to be visible on many of the company. Quiet men 
Lrri'w loud and boisterous: modest men boastful and ar- 
rogant : i)eacefiil. orderly men became ipiarrelsoine 



and vindictive, and instance.s occurred where the jileas- 
ant jiarty of the early day ended in a general row: but 
it is simple justice to the early settler to say that 
the evil effects of whisky drinking were much more 
rarely seen than ntiglit be imagined, considering that 
to drink freely was the custom of the times, and such 
a thing as total abstinence alnu)st unheard of. The 
stimulus was rarely s<i potent as to lead them into 
other excesses than rough sports and games and rivalry 
in feats of strength and agility. 

The roof was made by laying small logs or sajjlings, 
the tamarack l)eing often used, which were placed 
lengthwise. These formed a support for the shingles 
or ■•shakes," as they were often called. These were 
much longer than the shingles of later years, and, 
when laid, about three feet was exj)osed to the 
weather. They were generally rived or split out of 
straight-grained, full-grown wliite-oak trees. Nails 
Ix'ing then almost unknown, and tho.se few forged by 
hand, their use was out of the question, and the 
shingles were secured by laying poles or logs to keejt 
them in position. The chimney was often com])(jsed 
of "cats and clay." the cats in (piestion not Ijeing the 
familiar hiniseliold tal)by, but small sticks sjilit to a 
regular size. The base was formed of stone, often 
undressed l)0wlders. and on this sujierstructure the 
chimney was built, generally outside, and at the end 
of the cabin, the cats forming a frame work which 
was heavily daubed and ])lastered with clay. As for 
openings, the door usually was rived planks, unless 
the neighborhood was the happy possessor of a 
"thunder-gust" saw-mill. The hinges and latches 
were made of wood. Glass was a luxury rarely met 
with. Sometimes greased paper .served as a sulisti- 
tute. and the windows were small, the usually oi)en 
door being another medium for the admission of light. 
Often, for months, the ground served for a floor, but. 
after a time, lioards or "puncheons" were split out 
foi' that purpose: they were hewed a little, conse- 
(pientlv they were never very smooth, often ipiite 
shakv. Holes were bored in the logs and pegs driven 
in. on which to hang the various articles of wearing 
apparel and household use — a i)lace to hang the rifle 
not being forgotten. These pegs served as a snjiport 
for shelves and even for beils. Hut regular bedsteads, 
cheaj) anil common enough looking these days, were 
soon introduced, many settlers l)ringing them with 
them from Connecticut, and. for the children, 
"trundle-beds" were in cMimmon use. The i-abin 
generally consisted of but a single room. In the 
warmer months much of the work of cooking, wasii- 
ing. etc., was ]ierformed outside, under the friendly 
shade of some convenient tree. At other tinu's the 
one room .served the jniriRise of kitchen, dining-room, 
jiarlor, closet ami bed-room combined. The larger 
boys generally slept in the garret, access l)eing had by 
a flight of rude stairs or a ladder: and in the winter 
season the snow often ftnind its way l)etween the 
loosely j)laced shingles, so tliat in going to bed they 
"made tracks" with alacritv. Rude i>ene]i<'S. h ii"- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



43 



('ii(iii_i;li to si'iit two or three ])crsoiis. made of ]il:inks 
.«]ilit iiiid sliaved. i^itvimI as i-liairs. In the jilaiik. 
holes were l)ore(l and sticks inscrtud. to survf as legs 
or snjijiorts. Housi'lmld utensils were as seanty as 
the furniture, a single pot or skillet often having to 
do <liity many times over in pivparing a meal. Tin- 
ware was searce and dear, stovfs of ronrsi' unkn<i\vn. 
and as for .saving fuel, that was of hut little moment. 
the huge tire-])laees admitting a stick as long and as 
heavy as a man would care to cari-y. 

The tire on the iicarth is duc of the jijcasant memo- 
ries of early days; on a winter's evening, with familiar 
faces gr()Ui)ed around, the scene is most inviting. Is 
the saerifice of old c<imforts to modern jilans always 
without loss? The hright light of the lilazing logs 
often rendered candles or lamjis unnecessary, and the 
tire lieing ea>ily keiit u]i and rarely suffered to die out 
fo.' montlis together, the modern invention of matclies, 
now indisjicnsahle. was more easily got along without. 
Clocks were the luxury of the few. hut were a few 
Years later introduced and sold at iiigh prices liy })ed- 
(llers. the housewife noting tlie hours hy the sunlight 
streaming through the open door or window and east- 
ing a shadow of the wall upon tlie floor. 

The food of the settler was "johnny-eake" and mush, 
or hrcad of coarsely-ground flour or meal. Milk was 
frcciv uscil. liutter often dis]tensed with and rarely of 
the iiest ipiality. and cheese unknown. Pork and 
venison were always at hand: wild turkey, s(iuirrel and 
other game easy to ohtain. Sugar from the maple was 
f)'ei|uently to he had. and tea and cotfee were often 
replaced hv decoctions of .sassafras, spice-hush and 
parched corn. As for food, the variety and manner of 
cooking wei-e (piite toleral)le to those settlers fortunate 

in having a g 1 start and a little money, otherwise 

they often sntfered for necessaries, and heing ])nt on 
short rations was not an uncommon ex])erience. 

In respect to clothing, the contrast with the ))resent 
time was more noticcahle. Deerskin was largely used 
f<n- men"s clothing. It would w^tir a long time, liut its 
adapt;diility was sadly lessened hy the ease with which i^ 
would ahsorh water. A man getting a ]iair of deerskin 
trousers thoroughly wet would soon find them length- 
ened and dangling at his heels so as to seriously 
interfere with locomotion, and, after hanging tliem uj) 
to dry at night, would, on the following morning.' find 
them almr)st as stiff as if made of cast ircui. 

The loom and s])inning wheel were found in every 
household, and the women. l)esides nniking and knit- 
• ting yarn, made cloth of tlax ami wool, often com- 
bining the different materials into a coarse fahric 
known as linsey-woolsey. 'I'hc harks of trees fur- 
nished coloring matter, and the making of the gar- 
ment.s was eoni])lete(l without calling into reipiisition 
any greater skill than the household afforded. Hut 
these "home manufacturers" could not ■■compete" 
with the '■ pauper lahor" of New England: and tirst 
came the calicoes and hrown muslins, deal- at tii'st, 
doid)ly so from cost of transportation, handling, and 
especially ti'nm the scarcity, hul \i'ry soon so cheap no 



one could affm-d to invest money to make tiiem. Not 
long afterwards satinets and jeans were introduced for 
men's wear, and very soon the loom had no further 
place in the household, and the spinning wliecl was 
soon afterward laid asiile. More recently the sewing 
machine, hooks of jiatterns, and ready-made hoots, hats 
and clothing liave come into general use. — the latter 
commodity no longer content with heconiing the ap- 
parel of men, Ijut of women also. 

The settler provided with shelter, the woj-k of clear- 
ing, gruhhing and hurning away tlu' forest and inclos- 
ing- his fields must he commenced. This is to he his 
main vocation, especiidly in the winter season, for long 
years to come. He must rise early and work late, nor 
is the lajjor itself easy or inviting. As timher and 
wood have no marketalde value, tlu'y are simjily aii 
incuml)iance to lie got riil of: occasionally, however, a 
tine tree is saved for rails or other use. The manner 
of clearing, too. is ditfefent from that of later years, 
A shorter, less lahori(nis method must he adoi>ted — 
the labor of felling the trees is often avoide<l hy "gird- 
ling" or "deadening" them. The ascent of the sap 
heing arrested by cutting notches entirely around the 
trunk, the tree dies, and the trunk becomes dry and 
is burned in much less time than if it was felled in the 
first instance and allowed to lie (m the damj) ground; 
and besides, after a time many of the trunks are blown 
over, and the labor of chopping them down avoided. 
Some trees, the beech and maple for instance, begin to 
tojiple and fall after the third year. 

drain and other crops were often raised in the 
girdling. After a time the number of fallen trunks 
interferes with cultivation, and selecting a dry time, 
they are set fire to. This burning is systematically 
done: a liundred fires are set. and the woods and skies 
are soon darkeneil liy the smoke. To watch and tend 
the fires, to cut down an occasional ■•stul)" which is 
left standing, is the work of the settler, which is pro- 
longed far into the night, when the bright flames light 
up the surrounding forests, and nnike a scene of beauty 
n])on which he loves to linger and look. In order to 
facilitate the burning of the larger logs, tires are set 
at different ]ioints so as to burn them in two. In 
some jilaces this is called •■ niggering." When the 
work is sufficiently advanced, the settler invites his 
neighbors, who turn out with the same alacrity atid 
willingness they would to a raising. With long hand- 
spikes, the burning logs are rolled together into great 
heajis. Working in the .smoke, treading on hot aslies 
and emlx'rs. facing blazing tires, and at the same time 
exerting all the strength they possess, the task is no 
light or easy one; but the work is done with a will, and a 
hearty "now all together" that shows them in earnest. 
The task aceom]>lished. the scene is often changed 
into merry-making: a hearty siijiper is jircpared. aTid 
liquid refrt'shments are not wanting. Though the 
woo(l or timlier has no marketaMe \ahie. the ashes 
are scra]ied u]i and ]ilaced in rude conical boxes, flaring 
at the top. an<l made of staves. Water is poured in 
at the top. ami. leai'hing through, the lye tints foi med 



u 



HISTORY OF HUKOK AND EKIE COUNTIES, OUIO. 



is carefully saved, aud after boiling in huge iron pots 
forms "black salts," from which potash is made. It 
was sold in the form of Ijlack salts, which had 
the important quality of cousidcnil)le value in so 
little weight or bulk that it could lie transported 
to the distant eastern markets. The sale of this i)ro- 
duct was one of the few resources which the early 
Kettler had to obtain money. The sni! nf tlie field 
thus l)urned off was. it is unnecessary to say. of great 
fertility, and enormous crops were often raised. But 
l)lowing and caring for crops was hard work among 
the roots, stones and stum])s; tools and imjilements 
were rudely fashioned and imjierfect. It was the days 
of reaping hooks and hand rakes; and the grain, 
slowly gathered, was taken to the barn, and the work 
of pounding it out with flails remains to be done. 
Xor was the work of converting into flour less formid- 
alde. At first, a pestle and mortar were used, worked 
l)y hand with a spring-])ole. Vint the pioneers of the 
Fire-lands had but little exiierience of this kind. With 
a bag of grain ujjon his horse, the settler would go 
ten, twenty, yes, forty miles through the lonely woods 
to the nearest mill' — a rude affair of small capacity — 
and return ;ifter an alisence of three or four davs con- 
sumed in the slow traveling of the times, and in 
waiting for his turn, and in a few weeks' time he 
•would have to make another trip. Xo wonder then 
that the establishment df a mill in a settlement was 
hailed as a godsend. 

Bountiful crops did nut always reward the husliand- 
man. The raccoon, the sipiirrel and tlie woodchuck 
were sometimes of the opinion that the growing corn 
wa.s their private property. Traps must Ije set. and 
hunts organized to catch them and put a stop to their 
depredations, and high and stout fences must be Iniilt 
to keep out larger animals, hogs, cattle and deer. 

The care of live stock was no small matter. Sheep 
had to be penned every night to keep them from the 
wolves, and every once in a while a bear would carry 
off a pig in broad daylight. Full grown cattle ranged 
the woods with ))ut little fear from attack by wild ani- 
mals. They were generally provided with bells, so 
that they could be the more easily found at night. 
But the forest-covered country furnished Init little 
pasturage. In cold weather the slender supply of hay 
and cornstalks was soon exhausted, and the cattle, 
gaunt as skeletons, were turned into the woods to 
browse among the underbrush and tree-tops of the 
clearings, and in the sjiring and summer were often 
poi.-voned by eating noxious herbs and shrubs. Tiiat 
tcrrilfle mysterious scourge, milk-sickness, sometimes 
made its api>earance. and brought suffering and death 
into tlie settler's ealjins. ilalarioui* diseases were more 
prevalent than now. The damp woods and fresh-turned 
fields were full of fever poisons. Skilled physicians 
A\ere few and often many miles away. But the lot of 
the pioneer was not altogether lonely and cheerless. 
Companionsliij) was not wanting ; other settlers soon 
arrived, and they assisted one another in their toils 
witli light hearts and nierrv rivalrv. The raisins: of a 



cabin, the opening of a road, the log-rolling and burn- 
ing, and tiic husking-l)ee. were the signal for all to 
gather together and turn the hardest tasks into sjwrt, 
while the coon-hunt, the election and the training da)' 
were not forgotten. Xor was the rustic dance neg- 
lected. On the rude floors of the cabins, the pioneer 
youth and his sweet-heart, clad not in In-oadcloth or in 
silks, but in half tanned deer-skin or coarse homespun, 
ranged themselves. Ijright and expectant, for the lively 
notes of tlie violin. A few tallow. candles lent a dim 
and glimmering light, but the bright ciieeks of the 
maidens did not need the shade : the color would l)car 
the strongest light. The dance l^egins. and the cares 
of field and kitchen are soon forgotten. Soft eyes 
met loving glances, and the hours sjied awav as if on 
ffolden winojs. 



CHAPTER XII. 



CIVIL HISTORY. 



Tki'MIULL county was estaUished l)y the territorial 
government, December (i, 1800. It included the 
whole of the Western Reserve. Prior to that time, so 
much of the Reserve as lay east of the Cuyahoga, the 
Portage path and the Tuscarawas river, was included 
in Washington county, wliieh was established July 20, 
i;88. Eight years later. August 1.5. 1T9G. that jiart 
of the Reserve lying west of said line was constituted 
a part of Wayne county. 

Geauga county was erected by an act of tiie legisla- 
ture passed December 31. iJSO.i. l>y which and subse- 
quent acts it is supposed that a part of the Firt'-lands 
was included in its limits. 

Portage county was formed from Trumbull county, 
February 10, ISOr, aitd that i)ortion of tlie Reser\e 
lying west of the Cuyahoga river and south of town- 
ship number five was attached to Portage county for 
judicial purposes. 

Huron county was created by the act of February 
7, 18(t'.t. and included all of the Fire-lands, to be 
t>rganized when the legislature should deem i)roi)er; 
but, for the time, to remain as it then was, attached 
to Portage and Geauga for judicial purposes. By the 
same act. Almon Ruggles was ajijiointed recorder of 
Huron county, and to continue such until tlie county 
organization should be jjerfeeted: ami the recorders of 
Geauga and Trumbull counties Avere to deliver to him 
all liooks and records relating to the county of Huron. 

Cuyahoga county was organized January IG, 1810, 
and Huron county attac^ied to it for judicial ])ur))oses, 

January 22, 1811, the limits of Huron county were 
enlarged, the cast line being moved eastward so as to 
include a considerable part of what is now Lorain 
county, the boundary being changed so as to extend 
from the northeast corner of town four of tlie twenti- 
eth range to the southwest corner of town five of the 
sixteenth range, tlience north to the northwest ciuncr 
of town six in tlie sixteenth range, tlience west to tlie 






I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



45 



middle of Black river, and thence, following that 
stream, to Lake Erie. The Ohio legit-lature, hy a 
resolution a<lopte(l on the "-iOth of Junuarv. ISll. 
appointed Ephraini Quinby of TrumltuU, Joseph 
Clark of Geauaa. and Solomon Griswold of Ashtabula 
count V. as commissioners to locate a county seat. 
They .selected a site on the farm of David Abbott, in 
the township of Avery, and near the present village of 
Milan. 
/ On .Jaiiuarv ;il. ISll. an act was passetl further or- 
ganizing Iluriiu county, but tlie war witii England 
2)reveuted it hxnu l)eing carried out. until January 31, 
1815. The first court of common pleas was held at 
the county seat, in Avery township, (now Milan,) 
George Tod. presiding judge, and Jaliez Wright, Ste- 
phen Meeker ;nul .Josi'iih Strong, associates, t't'om- 
plaint having been nuule that the location of the 
county suat was unsuitable, the legislature was induced, 
on the ■-iiith day of January. 1818, to appoint Abra- 
ham Tappan. of Geauga. William Wetmore, of Port- 
age, and Elias Lee, of Cuyahoga county, as commis- 
sioners to view the present seat of justice of Huron 
county, and to investigate the claims of other localities, 
and if they should consider that the interests of the 
countv rei|uire it, were authorized to remove it to such 
a ]»lace as in their judgment might be more suitable. 

The proprietors of Norwalk were much interested 
in securing a report in favor of their infant village, 
and were not, it is to be jiresumed, backward in pre- 
senting its claims, which they did with so much suc- 
cess that the commissioners decided in their favor and 
removed the county seat thither. 

The first meeting of the commissioners of Huron 
county was held at the county seat, in Avery, on 
August 1, 1815, at the house of David Al)bott. The 
commissioners were Caleli Palmer, Charles Parker 
and Kli S. Harnum ; lehaliod Marshall was appointed 
clerk yy/'" /i>7//. Abijali Conistock was a[)iiointed county 
treasurer. 

Among the townships set off were the following: 

Vermillion, to comprise the whole of the twentieth 
range, together with all that tract of country l)elong- 
ing to Huron county, east of the twentieth range. 

(h-eentield. to com])rise townships nnmbers two and 
three in the twenty-first, twenty-.second, twenty-third 
and twenty-fourth ranges. 

New Haven, to compri.se townships number one, 
in the twenty-first, twenty-second, twenty-third and 
twenty-fourth ranges. 

The commissioners decided at this meeting that the 
bounty for killing wolves in the county of Huron to l)e 
]iai<l ijy said county siiall be: For each wolf scalp nu)re 
than six mouths old. two dollars; for each wolf scalp 
less than six mouths old, one dollar. They -also 
ordered that the l)uilding at the county seat which 
hitherto had been occupied as a .school lK»use, should, 
lor the future, lie used for a court house and gaol until 
other arrangements could lie mafle. 

The second board of commissioiu'rs eonsisted of 
Nathan Cummins, for one vear: Frederick l''alle\. foi' 



two years; and Bildad Adams, for three \^ars: the 
length of service being determined by lot, and ap- 
pointed Frederick Falley as their clerk. The meeting 
was held at the house of David Abbott, Esq., at the 
county seat, on the first Monday of December, 1815. 

The following townships were ordered set off: Ridge- 
field, comprising the townships of Ridgefield, Lyme, 
the south half of O.xford, together with the township 
of Sherman; Bloomingville. com[irising Perkins aiul 
fractions between that and Sanilusky Bay and the 
north half of Oxford; Margaretta, comprising Patter- 
son, the fraction between that and Sandusky Bay, 
Danbury aiul the island in the bay and lake. 

At this meeting committees were ajtpointed to lay 
out ten different roads, and Lynntn Farwell was ap- 
pointed collector of county taxes and levies for the 
year 1816, and Abijali Comstock was appointed treas- 
urer and gave liond for three thousand dollars, with 
David Abbott and John Hack as sureties. June 8, 
18111, the treasurer's report was submitted : Total re- 
ccijjts for the year, two thousand six hundred and 
fifty-three dollars and ele\en cents: total expenditures, 
one thousand eight hundred ami forty-three dollars and 
ninety-five cents: balance in the treasury, eight hun- 
dred and thirteen dollars and sixteen cents. 

The order of notice for proposals to be received for 
building a court house and gaol is in the following 
words: "Notice is hereby given that projiosals will be 
received for the building of a brick court house and a 
gaol by the commissioners of the county of Huron at 
the next court of common jdeas to lie holden in and 
for the county of Huron on the third Tuesday of 
October next of .said court, at which time and jilace a 
plan of said Imildings will be exhibited, and time 
made known for the completion of the .same. Fred- 
erick Falley, Ebciu-zcr ilerry. Bildad Adams, conimi.s- 
sioners. Attest: David Abbott. Clerk." The com- 
missioners ordered that the notice be inserted in a 
paper pulilished at Columbus, and in the Tnivip of 
Fame, for three weeks jirevious to the time of receiv- 
ing proposals, and also that notice be given in four 
public places by advertisements. 

Feliruary 8, 1817, the township of Danbury was set 
oft' from Margaretta (to inelude the islands), and 
Bronson and Norwalk were set off from Huron, under 
the name of Norwalk. 

Township li\e in the twentieth range was set oft' 
from ^'crmillioll, to be called Floreiu'c. Townships 
one. two. three, four ami fi\e. in twenty-first range, 
were set otf. under the w.xuw of Eldridge. Aiiril 3, 
181T. 

'i'he liuilding of the court house and jail being put 
\i\\ at auction. Ebeuezer Merry was the lowest bid- 
der — .seven hundred dollars for erecting the frame of 
the court house and jail and the umlerpinning for the 
sann'. 

April •.J3, 1817, Merry contraeted to furnish fifteen 
thousand feet of boards, for tiuishing the eourt house, 
at twelve dollai's per tbousnnd. 



46 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



June 2, 1811*-Abijah Comstock, Treasurer, Dh. 

ToStatelax $1,335 SI 

To county tax 258 99 

To permits and licenses ■• 121 H 

To old balance 813 15 

To order on Cuyahoga county 613 59 

To order on auditor for three percent, money 150 00 

3,492 6.« 

C'R. 

Orders redeemed $2,195 42 

For per centage 87 81 

Balance due the county on settlement $1,209 45 

Se|itcinlii'r 11, 1819, it was ordered that tlie name 
of \Vlu'at.-:borough be changed to Lyme. February 
l(i, 1820, the commissioners ordered tliat tliere should 
be no more Indians' accounts audited. 

June. IS'i'i, the wolf bounty was fixed at one dollar 
and fifty cents for each wolf over six months old, and 
seventy-five cents for those under that age. 

August 12, 1818, it was ordered by the commissioners 
that notice be given that the commissioners will, on 
the first Monday of December following, receive pro- 
posals for a court house, forty by thirty feet, and a jail: 
and on the Tth of December following, the commis- 
sioners purchased a building of David Underbill & Co. 
for a court house, for the sum of eight hundred and 
forty-eight dollars. 

Marcli 2. 181'.t, the commissioners contracted with 
Piatt Benedict to Iniild a jail, twenty-four by forty-six 
feet, two stories higli, for the sum of one thousand 
two hundred and seventy-five dollars. 

The first term of court was held at the old county 
seat, in October. 181.5, the first recorded cause being 
an acti(jn by .John James against Anthony Doyle for 
assault and battery — Samuel Mott, attorney for plain- 
tiff. Elisha Whittlesey for defendant. The cause was 
discontinued before being brought to a trial. 

The first letters of administration were i.ssued to 
Nathan Wood, on the estate of Robert Harberson, 
deceased, late of Wheatsborough (Lyme) township. 
The inventorv of the goods and chattels gives, among 
other items: 

1 black cow $22 00 

1 red cow 18 00 

1 pair steers 26 00 

5 geese 3 00 

1 large iron kettle 6 00 

1 set plow irons 5 00 

1 iron wedge I 00 

1 axe 2 00 

1 scythe and snath. 1 25 

In the year 18150 a ta.\ or lieen.se was charged 
against lawyers and physicians fnjin one dollar to 
tliree dollars each. Total amount, eighty-three dol- 
lars. The following is the list: 

Lawyers. — Ebenezer .-Vudrewa, Milan; L. S. Beecher, Portland; Eleu- 
theros Cook, Riilgefield; Wm. H. Hunter, Portland; Daviil Higgins. Xor- 
walk; Philip R Hopkins. Milan; Francis Kenyon. Milan; Picket Lati- 
mer. Norwalk; Ebenezer Lane, N'orwalk; Francis I). Parish, Portland; 
Thid. B. Stuiges, Xorwalk; John Wheeler. Portland; James Williams. 
Norwalk. 

Physicians.— Geo. .\nderson. Portland; A. H. Brown. New Haven; 
Geo. O. Baker, Florence; S. B. t'arpenter. C).\ford; H. M. Clark, Wake- 
man; CyrusCole, Ridgefleld; Thos. Davis, Portlaml; Lyman Fay. Milan; 
Dr. Frisbie, New Haven; I. T. CJilbert, New Haven; .\mos B. Harris, 
Milan; Junia A. Jennings, New Hav».n; Wm. F. Kittredge, Norwalk; 
Wm. M. Ladd. Greenwich; Philip R. .McCrea. Milan; Harvey Manley, 
Clarksfleld; Richard .\. Morton, Greenwich; Wm. W. Nugent, Portland: 



Lemuel Powers, New Haven ; Hugh T. Prouty . Ridgefleld ; Moses C. San- 
ders. Peru; Samuel Stevens. Lyme; Charles Smith, Lyme; Daniel Til- 
den, Norwalk; Ensign Van Benschoter. Portland. 

In 1840 the following lawyers were taxed. They 
were located at Norwalk, unless otherwise sjiecified: 

Lawyers. — J. J. Ackerman, John Beardsley, C. L. Boalt. David Hig- 
gins. Jr., Jairus Kennan, C. L. Latimer, Noah Newton. J. R. Osboru. W. 
Pierce, Joseph M. Root, Ezra M. Stone, T. B. Sturges, C. B. Squires, 
James Williams. S. T. Worcester, John Whitbeck; J. W. Wilson, of 
Fitch ville. 

Herewith is given a list of the names on the tax 
duplicate for the year 1815. The book containing 
them is now on file at the county auditor's ofiice in 
Norwalk, and consists of a single sheet of foolscaj) 
folded so as to make sixteen pages. It has no cover, 
and IS yellow with age. The amount of tax levied to 
each person is given, but is here omitted — the total 
amount levied being one hundred and ninety-two dol- 
lars and forty cents; the largest amount charged to a 
single individual being six dollars and forty cents, — to 
David Abbott. The spelling is that of the i-ecord: 

TAX BILL FOR THE COUNTY OF HIRON IN THE YEAR 
181.5. 

Wheatsborough.— Bildad Adams, Joseph Albee. Epm. Adams, Seth 
Brown. Sumner Bacon. JIathew Benard. John Baniey, Charles Blanch- 
ard. John Baker, Henry Barney, Elijah Braton, Hiram Blackman, Ste- 
phen Blackmore. Charles Butler, William Bole, Gasper Clutter, Dougal 
Campbell, Samuel Chena. Nathan Cummins. Stephen Crippin. Thomas 
Cook, Josiah Curtis. Luther Coe. Christopher Cooper, James R Coweu, 
Thomas Curren. Israel Coolidge, Henry Cole, Benj. Drake. Phinehas 
Dunham, Levi Dixon, John Dillingham. Peter Dunham. John Evens, 
Francis Evens. Linens Ensign. Burrel Fitch. W'illiam Frink. William 
Ferguson. George Ferguson, John Fleming. Eli Ford. James Forsjth. 
John Fay. Truman Gilbert. Jacob Goodrich. Anslow Guthrie. Seth Har- 
rington. Job Hughs, Eli Hunt. John Harbison, John Inscho. J. Moses 
Inscho. Joseph Inscho, John Jackson. Alexis Jackson. Thomas James, 
John James, Samuel Knap, Martin M. Kellogg, Ezra Lee. Sanders Lit. 
tlefield. Cyrus W. Marsh. Harlow Marth r. William McKelvey. Israel 
Markham, James Jlelntyre. Thomas Morris, Chis. May, James More- 
craft. James McCord. Samuel Megill. Adam Myers. Timothy Olds. Stephen 
Palmer. Daniel Pratt. Caleb Palmer. David Powers. Isaac Powers. Uzzie! 
Putnam. John Paxton. Dan. Putnam. Samuel Pettingale, Andres Parker. 
Andres Parker.Jr., Daniel Page. Green Parker. UiUiam Ricbey. Richard 
Richards. Ramsdale on the P. (Peninsula ?), Ebenezer Ransum. Hanson 
Reed, John Roberts, Samuel Rice, George Roberts, John Sower, Erastus 
Smith. Samuel Spencer, Gasper Smith. Math'-w Smith, Danl. Sherman, 
Moses Sutton. Moses Sutton. Jr.. Levi Sutton. Andrew Stull. Francis 
Strong, Zadoc Strang, Sanford Selvey. Joseph Strong, Reuben Skinner, 
Samuel Spry. Dorastus P. Snow, Philip Sutton. Jonathan Sprague. Jona. 
Sprague, Senr.. Willard Sprague. Nathan Shipjiy. Jimr.. Moses Thorp, 
TuUer on the P. (Peninsula ?i, James Wilson. Thomas Webb, Michael 
Widner. Leonard Widner, Moses Wilson. Jasper Wood. Nathan Wood, 
Wolcott on the P.. i Peninsula ?i, William York. 

HiRo.v Township.— Isaac Allen. David Abbott. Daniel Butler, estate of 
David Barritt. Richard Bagley. Azariah Bet-be. George Calvin, Levi D. 
Chapman. Daniel Curtis. Syrenus Campbell, Abijah Comstock, James 
Conaway. Jeremiah Daniels, John Dickson. John B. Flemmond. Ajison 
Fox, Lyman Fay. Lyman Farwell, Anderson Hubbard. Abijah Hewet. 
George Giles. Eli H'lbbard, John Hook, Luther Harvt-y, William Howard, 
Thomas Jeffery, Elijah Kinney, 3Ianoak Kinney. Orsemus Kellogg. John 
Laughlin. .Sanuiel Lewis. John Montgomery. Jacob Mingur, Osmer 
Merry, Moody Mears, Ebenezer Merry. Cornelia ^lason. Aaron NobIe» 
Benj. Newcomb. Moses Olmsted. Winslow Perry, Charles Parker. Reuben 
Pixley. John Roberts, Richmond Rhodes. Hiram Russell, David Smith, 
Josiah Smith, Tinker K. Smith. Asa Smith. Thomas Starr, Jonathan 
Sprague, Chester Smith, Phineas Tillotson, John Thompson, Kneeland 
Townsend, Joseph Vanorman, Henry Vanwormer, Jerred Ward. Jabez 
Wright. 

Verkiluox Township.— William Austin. John Austin. John Brooks, 
George Brouks. Ira Blackman, Joseph Brooks. Jonathan Brooks. Daniel 
Barton, John Beardsley. Harvey Bliss, Jeremian V^. Benscotre, Lemuel 
Blackin. James Buroughs. William Blackman. Charles Betts. Eli S. 
Barnum, Aaron C. Buck. James Cuddeback. Peter Cuddeback, Jacob 
Cumpton, Town Clark, David Frary, Rufus Judson. Francis Keys, 
Stephen Meeker. Joseph Parsons, Solomon' Parsons. Horatio Perry, 
Almond Ruggles, Isaac Ransom, Martin G. Shelhouse, Loramie Shel- 
house, Lambert Shafer, Ezra Sprague, Barlow Sturges, John Sharets. 
George Sharets. Enoch Smith. Isaac Tillotson. Josiah Weston. 



(I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



il 



CHAPTER XIII. 

ERIE COUNTY-ITS ERECTION AND 
ORGANIZATION 

The earlif.*t indication of a division of Huron 
county, that might have been discovered by the far 
seeing, was the springing up of a .sjiirit of jealous 
rivalry between Sandusky and Norwalk. This feeling 
was developed at an early day and increased steadily 
up to and Ijeyond the time when Erie county was set 
otf from Ilunjn. though the main cause of its foster- 
ing was i-emoved when Sandusky became the county 
seat of Erie. There were other and more potent 
forces in ojjeration, however, which tended toward 
the division of the territory. There was a desire for 
the formation of new counties in several localities, 
notably in the southern part of Huron and the 
northern part of Richland, where a strong movement 
was on foot for the erection of a new county from the 
territory of the two named, to be known as Plymouth. 
This scheme was urged with considerable energy by 
tJie peoj)le of New Haven (then a thriving village). 
and of Paris (now Plymouth), between which places, 
had a new county been set off, there would have been 
a warm competition for the "honors and emolu- 
ments '■ of the county seat location. Had not Erie 
been set off from the northern part of Huron, some 
of the territory of the southern part would, in all 
|irobal)ility, have been set off for the erection of the 
proposed county of Plymouth. 

The act for the erection of Erie county was intro- 
duced in the Ohio legislature in the session of 1838, 
and was the subject of much argument jiro and con, 
in the pulilic piints of the territory moi'e or less in- 
terested, and through memorials. 

Petitions and remonstrances, the usual recourse of 
the public, were submitted to the legislature, showing 
the reasons for and against the erection of the county. 
The i-epoi't of the standing committee of the senate 
— session of 1838 — on new counties, comments at 
length upon these expressions of the peoj)le's Avill. A 
brief synopsis of this report gives an exhibit of the 
causes that led to the formation of Erie count}-. The 
petitions praying for the erection of the county were 
signed by twelve hundred and fifty persons, all of 
whom were said to reside in the boundaries of Huron 
and Sandusky counties and within the l)ouiKlaries 
proposed for the county of which the act under 
consideration contemplated the erection. In addition 
to these tliare was another petition containing the 
names of forty-six persons, who expressed a prefer- 
ence for Erie over Ottawa county. These petitions 
represented that the counties of Huron and Sandusky 
were larger than necessary; that thev had an unusu- 
ally good soil; were capable of sustaining an unusually 
dense pojjulation; contained many flourishing towns 
and villages, and were being rapidly settled by an 
industrious and enterprising class of i)eoi)le. It was 
also represented that the judicial business of Huron 
county recpiired annually three terms of the court of 



common pleas, of from three to five weeks duration, 
and that there was every prospect of an increase in 
the same. The consequent delay and inconvenience 
arising to suitors, and the great distance of those re- 
siding on the peninsula and the islands from the seat 
of justice, and the fact that a large amount of the 
legal business of Huron county originated near the 
lake, were among the strongest reasons urged in favor 
of erecting the new county. 

The remonstrances were signed by fifteen hundred 
persons, "excluding the names that were found ap- 
pended more than once." Of these, one thousand 
and fifty were re^iireseuted as residing in Sandusky 
county, and four hundred and fifty in the county of 
Huron. More than four hundred and fiftv of those 
from Sandusky lived within the territorv which it 
was proposed in the bill to attach to the new county. 
The reasons urged against the erection of Erie were 
various, and differed according to the location of the 
remonstrants. From Sandusky it would take several 
of the most fertile and densely settled townships, bv 
which the taxes of the people residing in other i)arts 
of the county would be greatly increased: the seat of 
justice would be thrown near the southeast corner of 
the county, and before many years would require to 
be moved from its present location, causing difficul- 
ties and embarrassments to the ])eople. It was further 
represented that the inhabitants of the peninsula 
were compelled to cross the bay when required to 
visit the (then) present seat of justice, and that i)y 
the erection of Erie county, as projiosed, they would, 
though being nearer the seat of justice, still be com- 
pelled to the inconvenience of crossing the bay, which 
was sometimes both difficult and dangerous. Most 
of the remonstrances were circulated after the Ijill 
had passed the senate, the remonstrants alleging 
that its passage caused their fi:st knowledge of the 
measure. 

The committee closed its report with the recom- 
mendation, that as it was by no means certain that 
the spirit of the act was in accordance with the 
wishes of a majority of the people interested in the 
erection of the new county, no action should be taken 
until there had been further consideration of the 
matter. 

The act, after having been sent l)ack and forth 
from the house to various committees, and being 
variously reported upon, was finally passed, March 
15, 1838. 

As this act fully describes the county as it was 
originally constituted, we jirint the full text. It 
reads as follows: 

AN ACT 

To erect the County of Erie. 

Section 1. Be it enacted fty the Generat Assembty (*/ the Stitte of Ohio* 
That such parts of the comities of Huron aud Sandusky, as are em- 
braced in the boundaries hereinafter described, he and tlie same are 
hereby erected into a separate and distinct county, which shall be known 
by the name of the county of Erie, and the seat of justice in and f< '\- said 
county, shall be, and is hereby (Ixed and estaldisUed at Sandusk.^' City, 
to wit: BeginniiiK at a point on the east line of O.vford township, in the 
county of Huron, one mile north of the southeast corner thereof ; thence 
northerly on the said east line, and in tlie .same ilirection, to the Canada 



48 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



line; thence westerly along said Canada line, to a point therein directly 
opposite the west line of the township of Portage, in Sandusl^y county: 
thence southerly, parallel with the east line of said Sandusky county to 
the northwest corner o( the township ot'Townsend, in Sandusky county ; 
thence east, ro the west boundary of Huron county; thence south, on 
said west boundary of Huron county, to a point one mile north of the 
south line of the township of ftroton, in said Hui'on county; and from 
thence to the place of beginning: Proyidf.d^ and it ja- hereby declared. 
That if the east line of said county of Erie, as above described, will not 
include the whole of Cunningham's Island, in Lake Erie,' then, and in 
that case, said line shall be so far varied from the south shore of said 
lake to the said Canada line, that it will embrace the whole of said Cun- 
ningham's Island. 

Sec. i. That the said coimty of Erie be, and remain attached to the 
counties from which it is detached, until the same shall be organized by 
the legislature. 

C. ANTHONY, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

GE0RC4£ J. SMITH, 

March 1.5th, 18.38. Speaker of the Senate. 

The act for the organization of Erie county was 
passed March 16, 1838. It provided for tiie holding 
of an election on the following May, and that uU 
justices of the peace and constables, residing witliin 
the territory taken from tiie counties of Huron and 
Sandusky and embraced within tlie limits of Erie 
county, should continue to discharge their duties until 
their terms should e.xpire, and that suits begun in 
court before the taking effect of the act should proceed 
and be prosecuted as though the act had n(jt been 
been passed. The county was by the power of this 
act attached for judicial purposes to the second judi- 
cial circuit. 

It was not until 184(1, that Erie county was consti- 
tuted, territorially, as it now exists. By an act 
passed March 0th of the year above designated, the 
township of Danbury (the peninsula) and the islands, 
which previous to that time had been within the 
boundaries of Erie county, were transferred to Ottawa 
county, and Erie county was enlarged so as to embrace 
all of the Fire-lands north of the north line of Lyme, 
Ridgefield, Xorwalk, Townsend and Wakenian, (ex- 
cept the peninsula.) 



CHAPTER .\IV. 

CIVIL LIST. 

David Alibott was a presklential elector in 1812, 
but is marked as "not present." Other citizens of 
the county who have exercised the trusts of this office 
are: Ebeiiezer Merry, in 18'24; H. D. Cooke, in 1850, 
and Joseph M. Root, elector at large. 

The following have served as members of iState 
conventions to revise the constitution of the State of 
Ohio: Convention of 18.51, Joseph M. Farr, of Hu- 
ron, and James W. Taylor, of Erie; convention of 
187.3, Cooper K. Watson, of Huron, and Joseph M. 
Root, of Erie. 

El)eiiezer Lane, of Huron, and Walter F. Stone, 
of Erie, have been judges of the supreme court of 
the State 

Tile list of congressmen does not extend further 
back than IS-Hi. I'revious to this the number of 
representatives was small, and each district covered 
a large territory. The census of 1S-.J0, however. 



changed this. In the period between 1810 and 1820, 
more especially after the war of ISVi, the growth of 
Ohio was rapid, almost beyond precedent, and almost 
at a bound it took that prominent position in the 
Union that it has ever since maintained. The Fire- 
lands have often been represented in the halls of Con- 
gress by men of distinguished ability and wide repu- 
tation. Mordecai Bartley, of Mansfield, afterwards 
Governor; Joseph M. Root, then of Xorwalk, now 
living in the retirement of old age at Sandusky: 
John Sherman, of Mansfield, semitor, and now sec- 
retary of the treasury in the cabinet of President 
Hayes, and James ilonroe, of Oberlin — these are all 
men who have left the impress of their influence on 
the politics of thoir time, and some of them have 
been and are still among the leading minds and mov- 
ing s]iirits in American politics. 

COXfiRESSMKX. 

I8th Congress. IS'i.335.— 14th District, Mordecai Bartley, Richland 

19tb Congress, I8-33-jr.— 14th District, Mordecai Bartley. Richland. 

aoth Congress, 1837-*).— 14th District. Mordecai Bartley. Richland. 

•.ilst Congress, 18-29-.31 .—14th District. Mordecai Bartley, Richland. 

32d Congress. 1831-:i3.— 14th District, Eleutheros Cooke, Huron. 

3:3d Congress. 18.3-3-:35'.— 14th District, William Patterson, Richland 

a4th Congress, ia35-3r.— 14th District. William Patterson, Richland. 

•i5th Congress. 18.3T-:3!».— 14th District. William H. Hunter, Huron. 

afith Congress. lS.39-41.— I4th District, George Sweney. Crawford. 

2Tth Congress, 1841-4:1.— 14th District, George Sweney, Crawford. 

3Sth Congress. 184:M5.— 31st District, Henry R. Brinkerhoff, Huron. Ed- 
ward S. Hamlin. Lorain (elected to fill vacancy caused by death of 
Brinkerhoff) 

39th Congress, 1843-47— 31st District, .Joseph M. Root. Huron. 

:Wlh Congress, 1847-49 —31st District, ,Toseph M. R ot, Huron. 

31st Congress, 18J9-.51 — 31st District, .Joseph M. Root, Erie. 

3-3d Congress. l^Sl-SS.— 31st District, Norton S. Townshend. Lorain. 

:Bd Congress. 1853-3.5.— 13th District, William D. Lindsley, Erie. 

•34th Congress. 1855-57.- 13th District. .John Sherman. Richland. 

•3.ith Congress, 18.37-59.- l:Jth District. .John Sherman. Richland. 

■36th Congress, 18.39-61.— Kith District, .John Sherman. Richland. 

37ih Congress. 1861*3.— ]:)th District. .John Sherman. Richland. Elected 
Senator, and succeeded by Samuel T. Worcester, Hdron. 

38th Congress, 18«:3-65.— 9th District. Warren P. Noble, Seneca. 

39th Congress, 186.3-B7.— 9th District. Ralph P. Buckland. Sandusky. 

40th Congress. 1867-69.- 9th District, Ralph P. Buckland, Sindusky. 

41st Congress, 1869 71.— 9th District. Edward F. Dickinson. Sandusky. 

43d Congress, 1871 7:3 —9th District. Charles Foster, Seneca. 

4.3d Congress. 1873-75.— 10th District, Charles Foster, Seneca. 

44th Congress, 1875-77.— 10th District. Charles Foster, Seneca. 

43th Congress, 1877-79 - 10th District, Charles Foster. Seneca. 

46th Congress, 1879-81 .—17th Di.-strict, James Monroe, Lorain, 

During the early jiart of the ])resent rentury. a 
memlier of the State legislature re])resented a far larger 
area of territory than is now the ease. Among those 
who served the Fire-lands in this caitacity. were not 
only such men as David Abbott, Alinmi Ruggles, Ebe- 
iiezer Meri'v and Eleutheros Couke — names which have 
a familiar sound to every old resident of the Fire- 
lan<ls — liut such others as Ephraim Quinby, of AVar- 
ren; Peter Hitchcock, of (ieauga. a jurist of reputa- 
tion; Alfred Kelly, often styled the father of the Ohio 
canals; and Reuben Wood, afterwards governor. The 
list here given begins at 1810, which is about the time 
when Huron counfy began to have a re:tl existence. 

I.EGISI,.\riUK. 

1st— Senate, Samuel Huntington, Tnimbull. House, E. yuinby, .\aron 

Wheeler, Trumbull. 
"3d — Senate, Benj. Tappan. House, David Abbott, Epm, Quinby 
•3d — Senate, George Tod. House, Amos Spofford, Homer Hine. 
4th— Senate, George To<l. House, Homer Hine. James Kingsbury. 



I 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



49 



5g_lH(i« r. Senate, Calvin Cone. House, J. P. Bissell, James Kingsbury 
6th— 180V-,'< Senate, Calvin Cone. House. John \V. .Seeley, James 

Montgomery. 

7th— l«tf8-0. Senate, D.ivi(l Abbott. House, ? 

8rh— 11*09-10. Senate. Daviil Abbott. House, r 

gth— l.'*10-ll . Senate, David Abbott. House. Peter Hitchcock. 

10th— ISl 1-1-2. Senate, Davi I Abb lit. House. . 

11th— Itil'i-lS. Senate, Peter Hitcbeock. House. 

I'Jth— 1'^1.3-14. Senate, Peter Hitehenck. House. 

i:jth— lHU-1.5. Senate.'Peter Hitchciok, House, 

11th— 181.0-11'. Senate. Peter Hi-chcock. House. . 

l.lth- l.^lt'-l". Senate, Aaron Wheeler, .\linon Rujgles. House, .\lfred 

Kelly, William Kerr. 
Idth — IsiT-ls. Senate, .\lmon Ruai^cles, .\ar'.in Wheeler. Hou.;e. Lewis 

Dille, Levi Gaylord. 
17lh— 18I.S-19 Senate, .\aron Wheeler, John Campbell. House, Ebr. 

Merry. Lewis Di'le. 
18th— 1S19-20. Senate, .lohn Campbell, .VImon Ruggles. House, .\lfred 

Kelly, E. Merry. 
19th— 18J0-J1. Senate. Almon Ruggles. House. Lyman Farwell. 
2i)th— 18n-«. Senate, .\lfre;l j<elly. Hiuse, David Abbott, Lyman Far- 
well. 
21st— 1H-JJ-J3. 
23d— K-iJ-at 
•.'W-lS.'+--3.5. 
S4th— 18iJ--Ji;. 
2-,th-182.i-->r. 
20th— 18-3r--28. 
2rth-lS2*-23 
2-<th— 1839-30 
29th— ISW-Sl. 
:Wth-18il-32. 
Slst— 18i-2-3.3. 
3M-18)3-31. 
33d-18J»-3). 
atth- 18V1-3-). 
3->th— 183V;3r. 
3Cith— 183r-:J8 
S:th-18:3-i-33 

Camp. 
88th— 1839-40. 
39th— 1840-41 
4llth— 1841-4.'. 
4l8t— 1.842-43. 
42nd-1843-44. 
43rd— 1844-45. 
44th— 1845-40. 
4oth— 1841^7. 
4«th— 1847-18. 
47th— 1848-49. 
48th— 1819-.50. 
49th— 18VI-51. 
.Wth— 1851-.52. 



Senate. Alfred Kelly. House, Eleutheros Cooke. 
Senate, Jaljez WT-i^ht. Hou.ie, Eleutheros Cooke. 
Senate, J. Wi-ight. House, .\lnion Ruggles. 

Senate. Reuben Wooii, Ho\ise, Eleutheros Cooke. 

Senate. Reuben Wo.td. House, David Campbell. 

Senate, Reub:'n Wood House, David Campbell. 

Seniite, David Campbell. House, Daniel Tilden. 

Senate. David C.impbell. House, Moses C. Saunders. 

Senate. S. M. Lickivood. House, George G. Baker. 

Senate. S. M. Lockwool. House, Charles Lindsay. 

Senate, Dan. Tildeti. House. Ebenezer Merry. 
Senate. Daniel Tilden. Hiuse, Charles Lindsay. 
Senate. Joseph Howard. House. Philo Clark. 

Senate, Jose]>li Howard. House. Cyrus Butler. 

Senate. John K. Cunpbell. House, Phil.) Clark. 

Senat.-, John K Campbell. Ho ise, Philo Clark. 
•Sena'e, Josiah Tracy. House, Walter Branch, John G- 



House, C. L, Burton, Erie; 
House. Thomas C. Fnrnold, 
B Choate, Erie; Alexan- 



Senate, Josiah Tracy. House, Ebenez-r Warner. 
Senate, Josej^h M. Root. House. Eleutheros Cooke. 
Senate. Joseph M. Root. House, Eleutheros Cooke. 
Senate. John Fuller. House, Samuel Atherton. 
Senate, John Fuller. House, Samuel Atherton. 
Senate, John R. Osborn. House, Benjamin Summers. 
Senate. J. R. Osborn. 

Senate, vacancy House, Joseph C. Curtis. 
Senate. Thomas Hamilton. House, Sanuiel Atherton. 
Senate, Samuel T. Worcester. House. George Reber. 
Senate, Samuel T. Worcester. House. Harvey Chase. 
Senate. Earl Bill. House, De Morris Pratt. 
Seuiite. Elihu P. Hill. House, Hiram M.Millen. 
.'list- 18>4. Senate, .\lbert G. Sutton. House, Harvey Fowler, Erie; 

Alpia R. Segar, Huron. 
.'>2nd— 18M. Senate. Ralph P. Buckland. 

Thomas M. Cook, Huron. 
.Wrd- 1858. Senate, Ralph P. Buckland. 

Erie; Charles B. Simmons, Huron. 
5tth—18«i).— Senate, F. D Parish. House. C 

der McPherson. Robert .McCune. Huron. 
.55th— 18fi2.— Senate, John Kelly. House, J. W. Pierce, Erie; Ezra Stew- 
art, Huron. 
iiCith— ISi'hl. Senate. Frederick Wickham, House, William D. Lindsley, 

Erie; John C. Thompson, Huron. 
57th— 18IW. Senate, E. B. Sadler. House, A. T. Wilco.v. Zalnnina Phil- 
lips. Erie; Frank Sawyer, Huron. 
.58th— 1868. Senate, Homer Everett. House, Benj. L. Hill, Erie; W. O. 

Parker, Huron. 
.59th-1870. Senate. Homer Everett, J M. Root. House, Benj. L. Hill, 

Erie; W. O. Parker, E. Bogardus, Huron. 
lilMh— 1.872. Senate, Welcome O. Parker House, David C, Richmond, 

Erie; Henry C. Breckenridge. Huron, 
lilst — 1874. Senate. John H.Hudson. House, D. C. Richmond, Erie; 

Edgar Martin, Huron. 
62nd— 1876. Senate, John H. Hudson. House. James Douglas, Erie; E. 

Borgardus. Huron. 
I)3rd— 18TS Senate. C. S. Parker. House, James Douglas, Erie; John 
A. Williamson, Huron. 

IirUON COUNTY OFFICERS. 



AUDITORS. 



18 — . .Asa Sanford. 
1822. Moses Kimball. 
1831 . ..lames Williams. 
1833. Cyrus Butler. 
1835, .John Kennan. 

1838 . Wilco.tson. H. H, 

Johnson, acting. 



1841.. Daniel A. Baker. 
1851 .. Gideon T. Stewart . 
18.57, . William Case. 
1803. David J I Pease. 
18119. John Barnes. 
1875. Henry W. t)wen 



TREASCKERS. 



1815 . .\bi jah Comstock. 
1818 .David Abbott. 
1 19. Ichabod Marshall. 
I82;j Cvrus Butler. 
182u.. Ichabod Mirshall. 
1827. .Henry Buckin^'liam. 
18:W. .George Sliertield. 
18:34.. John V. Vredenburgh. 
1S38.. William H. Caswell, 
18:39 . . John Kennan . 
1840.. John Jl. Latnner. 
1842.. Henry Buckingham 



1844. 
1848. 
1850 
1854. 
1850. 
1860. 
1862. 
1860, 
1870. 
1874. 
1878, 



.Henry H. Brown 
Daniels. P<uul. 

.E. E. Husted. 

. James S. Felton. 

.Charles .\. Preston 

.J. F Dewey 
C. W. Manahan 

.J. N. Watrous. 
Edwin H. Brown. 

.E. W. Gilsou. 

A). W Williams. 



RKI'OUIJERS. 



18.19. Almou Ruggles, 
1815. .Nathan Strong. 
1816. Ichabod Marshall, 
18:35. Paul G. Smith. 
1,8:36 . Woodward Todd . 



1848. D. M. Barmnu 
185S.. James Brtnvu 
1807. Jobu F. Randolph. Jr 
1873 E. G. Boughton. 



PRORATE Jl'DGES. 
lOfflce established by Constitution of I.851J. 



1852.. C. B. Stickuey. 
18.55 .Frederick Sears. 



1815 .David Abbott 

1818. James Williams 

1823.. David Gibbs, 

1814 Prudden Ailing. 

1845 . Henry Brown . 

18.52 Frederick A. Wildman 





1861.. George Q. Adams. 
1807. Daniel H. Fox 


CLERKS OF COIRT. 




1858. Joseph C. Ciu-tiss. Jr 
1804,. W. C Allen. 
1.8B7..Alvin B. Griffin 
1870., B, P. Smith. 
1876. .S.inuiel T. Vansciever 


man 




.SHERIFFS. 



1815. 

1820 . 

1821 . 
1824. 
1828. 
18:30. 
1832. 
18:36. 
1838. 
1840 
1842. 
1840. 



Lyman Farwell. 

D. W. Hinman 
. Enos Gilbert . 

H. G. Morse 
-Eu'^s Gilbert. 
.Philo Adams 
.John Miller. 
.Wm. CarkhulT. 

Robert Jlorton. 

D. Johnson. 
.E. E. Husted, 
.Benjamin Ells. 



18.50 .David Johnson 
1854.. H. L. Moore. 
1858.. G. .M. Cleveland. 
1802. .Jos. F. Badger, (died 

while in office. ) 
1864.. (L. D. .\llen, coroner, 

sheriff ex-ofiicio). 
1865.. Irving Cole. 
1809.. Edward C. Culp 
1873.. John JI. Latimer 
18r7..Parlee C. Breckenridge. 



PROSECUTINti ATTOKJTEYS. 



For many years this office was not elective, but was appointed by the 

The following is a list of incum- 



eourt, and held olflce at its pleasure, 
bents for the past thirty years. 

1847.. J. R. Osborn. 
1851.. Frank S .-wver. 
1853. G. H. Safford. 
1855.. Moses R. Brdiley. 
18.57 R C. Powers. 
1801 Philip N. Schuyler. 



IS )3 .. Charles E. Pennewell. 
1.807 .Charles P. Wickham. 
1.871.. George W, Knapp. 
1.875. Wm. B Woolvert<m. 
1879 Lewis C. Laylin. 



CDMM ISSION EKS. 

1815 .Nathan Cummins, Frederick Fnlley, Bildivd .Adams. 

1810.. Frederick Falley, Bildad .\ilams, Ebenezer Merry. 

1817. Bildad Adams, .lohn S. Reeil. Joseph Strong. . 

1818.. Same as 1817. 

1819 Bildad Adams. Joseph Strong, Lyman Farwell. 

18-20 Bildad Adams. Joseph Strong, Eli S. Barnum. 

18-21 -Eli S. Barnum, Robert S. Southgate, .\mos Woodward. 

1822 anil 18-2:3.. Same as in 1821. 

18-24. Eli S. Barnum, .\mos Woodwaid, Schuyler Van Rensselaer. 

18-25. .Eli S. Barnum, Schuyler Van Rensselaer, George W. Choate. 

18-26.. Schuyler Van Rensselaer, George W. Choate, Frederick Forsyth. 

1827 George W. Choate, Frederick Forsyth, Bradford Sturlevant. 

1828.. Same as in 18-27. 

1829. George W. Choate, Bradford Sturtevant, M. McKelvey. 

18:30.. Same as in 18-29. 

1831 . . Bradfiu-d Sturtevant, M. McKelvey, George Hollister. 

1832. Bradford Sturtevant, George Hollister, George W. Choate. 

18:33. .George Hollister, George W. Choate, Sam. B. Carpenter. 

1834. George W. Choate, Sam. B. Carpenter. W. C. Spalding. 

18:35. .Sam. B. Carpenter. W. C. Spalding, .lohn Dounce. 

18.30 .W. C. Spalding, John Dounce, Kenjnuuu Cogswell. 

l.'<:37. W. C. Spalding, Benjamin Cogswell, John Mdler. 

1838.. Benjamin Cogswell, John Miller, ,lohn Fuller. 

18:39.. John Fuller, Henry Terr)-, Lemuel Morse. 

1840 John Fuller, Lemtiel Morse, John B. Wiibor. 

1841. Lemuel .Morse, Samuel Atherton, Nathan W. .Spears. 

1842.. Sanuiel .\therton, Joseph C. Curtiss, Stephen Russell. 

1843. Joseph C. Curtiss, Stephen Russell. Rouse Bly. 

lft44..Sameasin 1843. 

IWS.Josejih C. Curtiss. Rouse Bly. James Smith. 

1846 Rouse Bly, .lames Smith, Benjamin Benson. 



50 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



1847. James Smith, Benjamin Benson, Justus Brown. 

lft4H.. Benjamin Benson. Justus Brown. Samuel W. Boalt. 

1849.. Justus Brown, S. W. Boalt, Smith Starr. 

1830.. S. W. Boalt. Smith Starr, D. E. Merrill. 

1851. .Smith Starr, D. E. Merrill, Dean f'lapp. 

18"rf..D. E. Merrill, Dean C'lapp, James Wilson 

1853. .Dean Ciapp, James Wilson, James Hamilton. Jr. 

1851.. James Wilson. James Hamilton, Jr., Barnett Roe. 

l.Soo... James Hamilton, .Jr.. Barnett Roe. S. W. Edwards. 

1856.. Barnett Roe. S. W. Edwards, S. H. Gibson. 

18.57.. S. W. Edwards. S. H. Gibson. D H. Manville. 

ie5S..S. H. Gibson. D. H. Manville. J. H. Kiles. 

1859, l.suo. 1861.. Same as in 1858. 

186-3. D H. Manville. J. H. Siles. George Silliman, 

1863.. J. H. Niles. Georpe Silliman, E, Bogardus. 

1864.. George Silliman, E. Bogardus, C. C. Canfield. 

1865. 1866, 1867. .Same as in 1864. 

1868.. E. Bogardus. C. C. Canfield. J. H. Beelman. 

1869. .C. C. Canfield, J. H. Beelman. James W Martin. 

1870.. J. H. Beelman, A. Brightman. Halsey Hubbard. 

1871, 1S7-2. lK73..Same as in 1870. 

1874 .A. Brightman, Halsey Hubbard, A. C. Williams. 

1875. . Halsej- Hubbard, A. C. Williams, A. D. Stotts. 

1876.. A. C. Williams, A. D. Stotts, W. W. Stiles. 

1.S77, 1878. .Same as in 1870. 

ERIE COUNTY (tFFICERS. 



(LEKK;- 



18)8.. B. W Barker. 
18.39. Rice Harper 
1.8.55.. Horace X. Bill. 
1861.. John J. Peufield 
188->.. George N. Penfield 



18:J-i..H. W. Conklin, 

184(1.. Wm. Neill. 

1841.. Orlando McKnight. 

lS46..Geo. W. Smith. 

1850.. F. M. Follett. 

ia53. Charles H. Botsford. 



1864.. George O. Selkirk 
1870.. O. C. McLough. 
1876.. Wm. AfHeck, who is the 
present incumbent. 



AUDITORS. 



1856, F. M. Follett. 

I860.. Geo. W. Smith 

1867 . . Ebenezer Jlerry , whose 
term o£ oftice contin- 
ues till l.Ssi . 



1838. 


.Wm. B. Smith. 


1H4(1. 


.Horace Aplin. 


1.84-i. 


.Samuel lohnson. 


1844 


.Earl Bill. 


184S. 


.JohnB. Wilbor. 


1850. 


.John W. Sprague 


18.V.i. 


.Thos. S. Fuller. 


1854. 


.Holly Skinner. 



TKEASIKEHS. 



1856. 
1860. 
1864. 
1870. 
1872. 
1877. 



Thos. S. Fernold. 
W. H. McFall 
Jas. D. Chamberlain. 
James S. Chandler. 
.Jas. D. Chamberlain . 
R. Turner, the present 
otlicer. 



I'KOSECITIXG ATTOKXEYS. 



183S..John F. Campbell. 
1810. Francis D. Parish. 
1842.. Morris Homan 
1843.. S. F. Taylor. 
1848. A. \V. Ifendrv 
18.5a..JohnMackev- 



1838. Hai»ev Long. 
lS4ii..Zalmuna Phillips. 
1842. .Ebenezer Warner. 
1846 , . Isaac Fowler 
1848. Henry D. Ward. 
ls.50..Gen. W. Smith. 
1S.54 G. B. Gerrard 



1838. Horace Aplin 
1840 .C. B. Squire 
1844.. E. Merry. 
1850, Charles Wilbor. 



is:i8. S. H Smith. 
1.H40. W H. Smith 
1841. J. B. Darling. 
1.815 .Alvin Brooks. 
1847. J. B. Darhng 
1849 .A. B. Foster. 
ISW.J. B. Darling. 



1856. 0. C. McClough. 
1860.. F. \V. Cogswell. 
ISr-.'.'.Benj. F. Lee 
1877. -.W. W. Bowen. 
1879.. Herman Ohly. 



SHERIFFS. 



185S..Fred. F. Smith. 
1860..D. S. Worthington. 
1864 .Jesses. Davis. 
.1866..D. S. Worthington. 
1870.. Charles H. Botsford. 
1872.. D. S. Worthington 
1877. M. L. Starr. 



UECORDEKS. 



1853.. Jas. W. Cook 

1863.. John W. Reed. 

1868, . Wm. A. Zill, still in office. 



SURVEYORS. 



1861. .H. C. Jones, Sr. 
1863.. J. B. Darhng. 
1875.. A. W. Judson. 
1876.. George Morton 
1879 . . A. W. Judson, the present 
incumbent. 



COMMISSIOXERS. 

Samuel B. Carpenter, Nelson Taylor, Zara Patch, Wm. B. Craighlll 
Jno B. Fuller, Wm. Gill, Isaac Fowler, Philo Adams, Harvey Long, 
B. D. Turner, Ara Sprague, Bourdett Wood, Harvey Fowler, Elihu 
P Hill, Harry Sprague, Jlyron Se.\ton, Joseph Otis, Jno. P. Dego, 
John Summers, C. Beardsley. Rice Harper, Isaac JlcKtsson. Robt. 
Bennett, G. M. Darling, Calvin Caswell, D. G Taylor. Wm H. 
Crane, E. White, W. S. Webb, Louis Wells, Stark Adams, W. W. 
Miller, Oustavus Orahani. 



CHAPTER XY. 

POLITICAL HISTORY. 

Ix u repiiblicau stronghold like Huron coimty the 
attem])ts to make Kansas a slave State were viewed 
with the deepest interest and alarm. In common 
with those of otiier comimuiitie.-^ in the free North, 
many of her young men emigrated thither, prepared 
to fight, if necessary, to prevent such attempts from 
being successful. A Kansa.s Aid Society was formed 
witli committees for each townshiji. and a central one 
for the county, the object being to aid the free State 
cause by sending thither men armed with Sharpe"s 
rifles. As early as April 22, 1856, G. T. Stewart 
reports that the township committees had paid over 
to lum three hundred and eighteen dollars and niiiety- 
oue cents for the cause. Later in the season, about 
one hundred of the citizens of the county contributed 
to the fund, in sums of five dollars and upwards, and 
the published statement shows contributions amount- 
ing in all to one thousand and forty-six dollars and 
eighty-nine cents up to October 21, 1856. 

The following is the vote of Huron county for 
president of the United States frem the year 1832, 
when Andrew Jackson was elected president, up to 
and including the last presidential election: 

1832— Henry Clay, whig 1,646 

Andrew Jackson, democrat, , 1,035 

William Wirt, ami-masonic 11 

1836— Wm. H. Harrison, whig 2,798 

Martin Van Buren. democrat 2,14^1 

1840— Wm. H. Harrison, whig ._ 2,2'Jl 

Martin Van Buren. democrat 1,531 

Jas. G. Birney, abolition 24 

(The reduced vote ot 1840 compared with that of 1836, is explained 

by the fact ot the formation of Erie county in 1838). 

1844— Henry Clay, whig 2,564 

James K Polk, democrat 1 2.136 

James G. Birney. abolition 138 

1848— Zachary Taylor, whig, l.iofl 

Lewis Cass, democrat 1.76it 

Martin Van Buren. free soil 876 

1852— Winfield Scott whig 2,242 

Franklin Pierce, democrat 1,819 

.John P. Hale, free soil 893 

1856— John C. Fremont, republican 3,468 

James Buchanan, democrat 1,709 

Millard Fillmore. American 54 

Republican plurality 1,759 

1S60— Abi-aham Lincoln, republican 4,107 

Stephen A. liouglas, democrat 2,08;! 

John Bell, imion 37 

Lincoln over Douglas 2,027 

1864 — Abraham Lincoln, republican 4,441 

George B. McClellau, democrat 2,090 

Lincoln's majority 2,351 

1868— Ulysses S. Grant, republican 4,019 

Horatio Seymour, democrat 2,243 

Grant's majority 1.776 

1872— Ulysses S Grant, republican 3.812 

Horace Greeley, democrat and liberal 2,18J 

Jeremiah S. Black 55 

Charles O'Connor 19 

Grant over Greeley 1.630 

1876— Rutherford B. Hayes, republican, ... 4..t04 

Sanuiel J. Tilden, democrat, . . . . 3,014 

Peter Cooper, greenback 1 

Green Cla.v Smith, prohibition 67 

- Hayes over Tilden 1.490 

The votes cast for each candidate at the several 
presidential elections iield since the organization of 
Erie count v, have been as follows: 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



51 



1840— William He my Harrison, whig 1,334 

Martin Van Buren. democrat 1,042 

James G . Birney, abolition g 

l-iH -Henry Clay, whig 1,418 

JameS K. Polk, democrat 1,261 

James G. Birney, abolition 65 

l-<48— Zachary Taylor whig 1,40!) 

Lewis C'as!^, democrat 999 

Martin Van Bin'en, free soil 681 

]X.V,>— Wiutield Scott, whig 1,589 

Franklin Pierce, democrat 1,404 

John P. Hale free soil 27a 

lSr>(i — John C. Fremont, republican 2.258 

James Buchanan, democrat . , 1.3TT 

milliard Fillmore, American 75 

Fremont over Bu'hanan 881 

1800— Abraham Lincoln, reimblican 2,886 

Stephen A. Douglas, democrat 1,538 

John Bell, unionist 28 

Lincoln over Douglas 1,348 

1804— Abraham Lincoln, repuli ican 3,033 

George B. McClellan, democrat 1,829 

Lincoln's majority ; 1,203 

Isi;8_UlyssesS, Grant, rep blican 3.130 

Horatio Seymour, democrat 1,884 

Grant's majority 1,246 

i^;-.'— Ulysses S, Grant, repub ican 2.905 

Horace Greeley, democrat and libeial 2,28" 

Scattei ing 19 

Grant over Greeley 618 

isrn— Rutherford B. Hayes, republ can , . 3,158 

Samuel J, Tilden, democrat 3,112 

Peter Cooper, greenback 115 

Green Clay Smith, prohibition s 

Hayes over Tilden 411 

• 

The following shows the strength of each party in 
each township of tlic two counties at the hist jiresi- 
flential election: 

ERIE COUNTY. 



H 


z: 


c_ 


O 


-/: 


Berlin 


316 


151 


.33 


1 


Florence 


1114 


127 


4 




Groton 


99 


131 






Huron 


217 


167 


15 


2 


Kelleys Island 


99 


89 






Milan 


3.59 


166 


47 


4 


Margaretta — 


274 


143 






Oxford 


146 


141 






Perkins 


11)9 


172 







=- 


S 


H 


o 


Vermillion 


170 


245 


11 


Sandusky— 








First Ward... 


285 


294 


4 


Second Ward 


3(W 


2.59 


1 


Third Ward . 


247 


316 




Fourth Ward 


193 


328 




Fifth Ward.. 


87 


asi 




Totals 


31.58 


3112 


115 



HURON COUNTY. 



t .2 - 

H a Eh 

Bronson 173 90 

Clarksfleld 22i 51 

Fairfield 264 89 

Fitchville 180 34 

Greenfield 142 92 

Greenwich .... 2ttj 82 

Hartland 202 42 

Lyme 119 134 

New London... :i50 104 

New Haven.... 158 213 

Norwalk 910 644 



.. 5 
i SO 



■f. as ss a . 

z a a ? a 

P ,2 - o a 

i~ a E-i O K 

Norwich 1.55 136 .. 5 

Peru 93 176 1 

Plymouth 8:3 .53 . . 1 

Richmond 128 97 .... 

Ridgefleld 270 296 1 

Ripley 204 67 5 

Sherman 31 '.le .. .. 

Townsend 262 88 .. .. 

Wakeman 210 126 6 

Totals ...4504 3014 1 67 



HURON COUNTY — VOTK FOK GOVERNOR. 

In tile following table of votes cast for governor, 
the names of the whig or repiihlican camlidate is 
given first, and the ileinocratic candidate second. 
From 1844 to 1853, the third party is the abolition or 
free-soil. In 1855, one-hnndred and thirty-four votes 
were cast for the ticket of the native American, anti- 
• atholic, or know-nothing party, as it was called: 

1816— Thomas Worthington, whig 40 

E. A. Brown, democrat 42 

1818 — James Dunlap, whig 71 

E. A. Brown, democrat ,,, 382 



1820— W. H. Harrison, whig 4ti 

E. A. Brown, democrat 449 

1822— Jeremiah Morrow, whig ; 96 

Allen Trimble, democrat 490 

Irvin 312 

1824— Jeremiah Morrow, whig 165 

.\llen Trimble, democrat ; 629, 

1826— .-ilexaniler Campbell, whig 432 

.\Ilen Trimble, democrat 652 

. 1828— John W. Campbell, whig 446 

-.\llen Trimble, democrat 973 

18:»— Duncan McArthur, whig 1,012 

Robert Lucas, democrat ,. 481 

1.832 — Darius Lyman, whig 

Robert Lucas, democrat 

1834— James Findlay. whig f? . 1.5S2 

Robert Lucas, democrat 1,117 

1836— Joseph Vance, whig - — 

Eli Baldwin, democrat 

ISJ8— Joseph Vance, whig 2,.58ti 

Wilson Shannon, democrat 2,366 

1840— Thomas Corwin, whig 2,205 

Wilson Shannon, democrat 1,6.50 

1842 — Thomas Corwin. whig 1,975 

Wilson Shannon, democrat 1,796 

1844— Mordecai Bartley, whig 2 445 

David Tod. democrat 2,149 

L. King, abolition 181 

1846— William Belib. whig 1,960 

David Tod. democrat 1,517 

Samuel Lewis, abolition , 867 

1848— Seabury Ford, whig 2,135 

John B. Weller, democrat ... 1,682 

18.50— Wm. .Johnston, whig 2,120 

Reuben Wood, democrat 1 ,718 

Edward Smith, abolition 34i» 

1851— S. F. Vint.m. whig 1,704 

Reuben W.iod, democrat.. 1,(;03 

Lewis, abolition 470 

18.53— Nelson Barrere. whig 1,103 

William Medill, democrat 1.705 

Lewis, abolition 1,277 

1855— Salmon P. Chase, republican 1,295 

William Medill. democrat. 1,277 

Know nothing .1:14 

1857— Salmon P. Chase, republican 2,9.53 

H. B Payne, democrat 1,568 

18.59 — Wm. Dennison, republican 2,924 

R. P. Ranney, democrat 1.568 

1861— David Tod, repuliiican 3,158 

Hugli J. Jewett, democrat 1,217 

1S6:J— John Brougb. republican. . 4,458 

C. L. Vallandigham. democrat 1,775 

1865— Jacob D. Co.K, republican 3,203 

George W. Jlorgan, democrat 1,944 

1867— R. B. Hayes, republican 3,688 

Allen G. Thurman, democrat 2,273 

1869— R. B. Hayes, republican 8,.398 

George H. Pendleton, democrat 2,112 

1871— Edward F. Noyes, republican 3,829 

George W. McCook, democrat 2,070 

Cxldeon T. Stewart, prohibitionist 140 

187'3— Edward F. Noyes, republican 2.633 

William .\llen, democrat . . 1,829 

Gideon T. Stewart, prohibition 332 

Isaac Collins, liberal 28 

1875— R. B. Hayes, republican '. 3.873 

William .\llen. democrat 2,687 

.lay Odell. prohibition 128 

1877— Wm. H. West, republican 8.724 

Richard ^I. Bishop, democrat 2,454 

H. A. Thompson, prohibition i;38 

Stephen Johns, greenback 289 

KlilK COUXTV — VIITK FOU GOVERNOR SINCE 1840. 



1840— Thomas Corwin. whig, 1 

W'ilson Shannon, democrat 1 

1812— Thomas Corwin. whig 1 

Wilson .Shannon, tlemocrat 1 

L. King, al olition 

1844— Mordecai Bartley, whig 1, 

Davi<l Tod, <lemocrat 1, 

L. King, abolition 

1846— William Bebb, whig I 

David Tod, democrat 1, 

Lewis, abolition , 



,.302 
,10ft 
,090 
,223 

33 
,888 
,318 

72 
,1.M 



52 



HISTOEY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



1818— Seabun- Ford, whig 1,392 

John B. Weller. democrat 1,112 

1850— William Johuston, whig 1,192 

Reuben Wood, democrat 1,196 

Edward Smith, abolition 107 

1851— S. F. Vinton, whig 1,149 

Reuben Wood, democrat 1,304 

Lewis, abolition ; 170 

18.53— Nelson Barrere, whig 873 

William Jledill, democrat 1,197 

Lewis, abolition .• 408 

1H55— Salmon' P. Chase, republican 1,564 

William Medill. democrat 1.123 

American 68 

1857— Salmon P. Chase, republican 1,916 

H. B. Payne, democrat 1,429 

1839— William Dennison, republican 1,983 

R, P. Ranne.v, democrat 1,5.35 

1861— David Tod. republican 2,164 

Hugh J. Jewett, democrat 830 

1863— John Brough, republican 3,412 

C L Vailandigham. democrat 1403 

1863— J. D, Cox, republican 2,143 

George W. Morgan, democrat 1,651 

1S67— R. B Hayes, republican 2,480 

A. G. Thurmau. democrat 1,989 

1M9— R. B. Hayes, republican 2,341 

George H Pendleton, democrat. 1.848 

1871— Edward F. Noyes. republican 2.231 

George W. McCook. democrat ... 1,555 

G. T Stewart, prohibition '. 38 

1873— E. F. Noyes. republican 1,988 

William Allen, democrat 1,588 

G. T. Stewart, prohibiton 75 

Isaac Collins, liberal 77 

187.5— R B Hayes, republican 2,891 

Wijliam Allen, democrat 2,657 

Jay Odell. prohibition 13 

1K77— William H West, rer ublican 2,424 

R 51. Bishop, democrat 2,486 

Greenl)ack 377 

Prohibition 23 



C'HAPTEK XVI. 

STATISTICS. 

In the year 180-3 an eiuimeratiou was taken of the 
white males in Ohio, the number reported being 
twelve thousand and eighty-eight, of which one thou- 
sand one hundred and eleven, representing about four 
thousand iuhaljitants, were returned from Trumbull 
county. The census of 1820 shows the population of 
Huron county to be six thousand six hundred and 
seventy-five, and a census taken in 182T, presumably 
the work of the township assessors, and published in 
the Norwalk Rejnrrfer of June 9, 1827, gives the | 
population of each township,— the total for the county 
being nine thousand one hundred and si.xteen. The 
census of 1830 gives a population of thirteen thou.^and 
three hundred and forty-one. 

The maximum po])nlation of the county seems to 
have been reached in 18C0, and is an illustration of a 
fact often dwelt upon by statisticians, — that the 
popular belief that the older a country is the more 
thickly populated it becomes, is not always well 
founded. For the past thirty years the increase of 
population has been almost wholly in the towns and 
villages. Indeed, most of the townships have lost, 
many of them actually having less inhabitants than 
in 1840. 

-It is not the purpose of a work like this to point 
out the causes of this depopulation of tiie farming 



districts, but it is worth while to remark that tlie 
work of clearing the woods, in a heavily timbered 
country, requires many strong hands. Every farm 
had to be literally choi)ped out of the woods: houses, 
barns, fences, and roads had to be built; hence 
there was employment for a hirge surplus pojiulation, 
who, when their services were no longer required, 
were forced to seek new locations. Another explana- 
tion may be found in the fact that some people when 
they get the "western fever" are never satisfied. 
First they remove to Ohio, and try their fortune here 
awhile, but not finding any easy way to get rich, pull 
up stakes and go to Indiana; there they find the chills 
and the water to be very bad, and they go to Illinois 
or Iowa, where something else is not to their liking, 
and they move on t.j Kansas and perhaps are soon 
en route for some other locality; and so they journey 
on, in their nomadic wanderings, until starvation and 
death overtake them. A third reason is the extensive 
use of labor-saving machinery. A fourth is the 
suljstitutiou of cattle and sheep raising and dairying 
in place of raising corn, grain and potatoes; while 
tiie diminution of pojiulation liy reason of the war 
is still another reason. 



HIKOX rOrXTY — POPIL.VTIOX 1!Y TOWNSHIPS. 



1827 

Bronson :»! 

Ciarksfle:d 287 

Fairfield 243 

Fitchville 270 

Greenfield 383 

Gr enwich 230 

Hartland a5 

Lyme 4.55 

Bellevue Village, that part situated 

attd in Lyme 

New Haven 600 

New London 271 

New London Village 

Norwalk 554 2 613 

Norwalk Village 

Norwich 70 

Peru 406 

Richmond 

Ridgefield ' 592 

Monrneville Village 

Ripley 90 

Sherman 113 

Townsend 169 

Wakeman 115 



1840 

1.291 

i,4r3 

1.067 
1 292 
1 460 
1.116 
925 
1,320 . 



1 270 
1 218 



1850 

1 220 
1,454 

1.5S5 
1 177 

1 ;i3i 

1,0.50 
1.021 
1 K.>1 



1..3«.S 
1.329 



1860 

1,181 
1,397 
1.698 
1 lW6 

1 22;i 

1 117 
1 111 
1 419 

759 
■1 367 
1.4.S2 



676 
8000 

306 
1 599 



3.147 
1 434 
1.021 
1.6:H 
609 
1.9-38 



805 1 2:10 

692 1.134 

863 1 327 

702 704 



4,577 
2825 
1.25(1 
1 356 
692 
1,128 
1 2.57 
1,246 
1 240 
1 534 
1 107 



1870 

980 

1,062 

1.3.32 

795 

9.t4 

881 

9.5:1 

2:180 

1 219 
1 221 
1 475 

67S 
5.732 
4 498 
1,172 
I 297 

880 
2.5:« 
1.344 
1.089 
1.200 
l.:iOO 
1.216 



Totals 9 116 239:13 26 903 29 616 28.3.38 



The in)|iulation of Erie county was, in 



1840 12.599 

1S50 18.568 



1860 . 
1870. 



Of the Huron county population, census Isi^d. 
were l)(>ru in 
Ohio 

Pennsylvania . 
Ntw \ork 



24 474 
28 188 

there 



17.291 

988 

3.98.3 

Germany 1,891 

England and Wales 833 



Ireland 

Bhtish Ame:ica . 

France. .. 

Si. otiand 

Ui lor» d 



f)f the Erie c(ninty po])ulation, same census, 
were born in 



Ohio 10 ;.53 

Pennsvlvania W3 

NewYoik 1.811 

Virginia and West Vliginia 9ci 

Kentucky 70 

Maryland 83 

Germany 4.624 



Ireland 

England and Wales 

Briti-h .<Vmerica 

Francfe 

Scotland 

Colored 



7.58 
172 
i:« 
51 

20(1 

tiiere 



I.:iK7 
.573 
871 
95 
8;) 
■142 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



53 



PROPERTY VALUES — HURON COUNTY. 

At the meeting of the State Board of Equali- 
zation in 18-iO. the fourteenth district, inchiding 
Cuyahoga, Medina, Ricliland, Huron, Sandusky and 
Lorain counties, were represented by James Hedges. 
The average value of land per acre was fixed at two 
dollars and eight cents. Total value of lands, one 
million forty-seven thousand five hundred and sixty- 
one dollars; value of town lots, etc., seventy-five 
thousand one hundred and fifteen dollars. At the 
meeting in 183.5, the value of houses, mills, etc., was 
returned at sixty-five thousand three hundred and 
eighty-one dollars; average value of land per acre 
fixed at three dollars and twenty-five cents; value of 
town lots, buildings, etc, as returned, two hundred 
and twenty-six thousand eight luindred and three 
dollars. Total value of real property fixed at one mil- 
lion nine hundred and eighty-two thousand and fifty- 
four dollars; personal property, two hundred and 
seventy-one thousand seven hundred and nine dollars. 

In 1841, Huron county was represented by Ebrenger 
Warren. Value of town lots, etc. , as returned, ninety- 
one thousand one hundred and sixty-one dollars; 
average value of land per acre fixed at three dollars 
and twenty-four cents; total value of real property, 
one million one luindred and seventy-six thousand 
and three dollars. 

In 1846. Huron county was represented by Charles 
Standart, of Erie county. Average value of land per 
acre fixed at twelve dollars and twenty-four cents; value 
of towns, three hundred and one thousand six hund- 
red and fifty-two dollars; total value of real property, 
four million one hundred and thirty-two thousand 
six hundred and twenty-three dollars. 

In 18.53, the thirtieth senatorial district, composed 
of Huron, Erie, Sandusky and Ottawa counties, was 
represented in the State Board, by .John B. Wilbor, 
of Huron, Erie county. The following are tlie 
equalized valuations: Land per acre, twenty-one 
dollars and twenty-two cents; value of towns, six 
hundred and eight thousand six hundred and eight 
dollars; total value, seven million two hundred and 
sixty thousand six hundred and forty dollars. The 
highest valuation per acre was for Kidgefield town- 
ship, thirty-one dollars and tliree cents; valuation of 
Bellevue, liuildings and lots, one hundred and one 
thousand six luindred and seventy dollars; Monroe- 
ville. ninetj'-three thousand nine hundred and ninety 
dollars; New London, twenty-two thousand three 
luindred and fifty dollars: Xorwalk, three hundred 
and forty-two thousand and ninety dollars^ 

PROPERTY VALUES — ERIE COUNTY. 

The first State Board of Equalization, after the 
organization of Erie county, was held at Columbus 
in 1841. ^'aluation of town lots, etc., as returned, 
one luindred ami twenty-six thousand six hundred 
and twenty-two dollars: value of land jx'r acre fixed 
at three dollars and ninety-nine cents; total valuation 



of real jiroperty, seven hundred and eighty-one 
thousand nine hundred and thirty eight dollars. 

In 1846, Erie county was represented by Charles 
Standart. Value of land per acre fixed at thirteen 
dollars and tliirty-six cents, being more than three 
times the amount at which it was fixed only five 
years before; value of towns, nine hundred and thirty- 
six thousand seven hundred and twenty dollars; total 
value of real property, three million forty-eight thou- 
sand one hundred and two dollars. 

In 1853, the thirtieth senatorial district, composed 
of Huron, Erie, Sandusky and Ottawa counties, was 
represented in the State Board, by John B, Wilbor, 
of Huron, Erie county. The following are among 
the equalized valuations: Average value of land })er 
acre, twenty-four dollars and eighty-nine cents; total 
value of land, three million eight hundred and eighty- 
nine thousand five hundred and thirty-six dollars; 
Sandusky City, one million seven hundred and thirty- 
two thousand five hundred and fifty-eight dollars; 
other towns, three hundred and seventy-two thousand 
six hundred and ninety-four dollars. 

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 

Among the noteworthy crops raised in Huron 
county, the following are taken from the State Agri- 
cultural Report of a few years since, and illustrate 
the fact that the soil of this portion of Ohio is rarely 
surpassed in fertility and productiveness. Tliecro|)s 
given were those upon which premiums were awarded 
by either the StatQ or county agricultural societies, 
and were, it is understood, based on sworn and veri- 
fied statements and measurements. In the year 1850, 
Lemuel Morse raised four acres of wheat; average 
yield fifty-two Ijushels per acre. In 185"^, William 
Bacon raised four acres of wheat; average yield per 
acre forty-five bushels. The yield of other crops has, 
on several occasions, l)een equally reinarkaljle accord- 
ing to the same autliority. In 1850, I). A. Baker 
raised on seven and a half acres — one hundred and 
thirty-five bushels of oats jier acre. In 185'^, B. B. 
Jackson comes to the front for that year, and rejiorts 
one hundred and three bushels of oats raised t>n one 
acre; two years previously the same gentleman raised 
one-half acre of potatoes which yielded at the rate of 
four hundred and thirty-three bushels per acre. 

THE WHEAT CROP — HURON' COUNTY. 



Y'ear. Acres. 

ISM 21,333 



Bushels 

. .. 4U,B01 
... ■iii.S'il 

... IH.OHO 

, . . 6fl,sir 

. . . SO.l.'JO 



IS-W 17,981.. 

18.54 11,155.. 

1855 6,orr.. 

1856 6,593 . 

1859 20,478 219.059 

1880 19,630 205,865 

1861 21,095 288,286 

1862 2.5,.5:i3 413,a30 

IStiU 21,8i» .■)00.577 

1S6) 17.M7 152,.50CJ 



Y'ear. Acres. Bushels. 

1865 1.5,988 177,:i6« 

1866 14,566 i:i;i,3;« 

1867 14,299 180.701 

1868 17,963 247,.372 

1869 84,740 524,520 

1870 20,455 221,7TX) 

1871 17,083 818,264 

1873 a0,.575 298,071 

1874 23,952 421,(162 

1875 24,772 832,1.53 

1870 21,197 .■W4.291 



THE CORN CROP — HURON COUNTY. 

\''ear. Acres. Bu*:hels. Year Acres. B nshels, 

1850 22,808 878.143 18115 21,.5*l 762,.34a 

1S55 31,312 1.074,443 1870 27,419 1.131,891 

1800 S8,0;5.. . iH«.876 1875 28.904 1,002,220 



54 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



In 1853, the yield of corn was only three hundred 
and thirty-two thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
nine bushels. The average yield for fifteen years — 
1850 to 1864 — was seven hundred and eighty-one 
thousand one hundred and ninety bushels. Tlie 
amount raised in 1803 was five hundred and thirty- 
five thousand bushels, and in ISOo, seven hundred 
and sixtv-two thousand three hundred and forty-two. 



Till-: WHKAT CKOl' — KKIK lOVSTY. 



Year. 
1830... 
J852... 

1851... 
18.55... 
1856... 



1859 10 512.... 

1860 1.3.105.... 

1861 14478... 

1863 16.SW6.... 

1863 15.899 ... 

1864.. 



Acres. Bushels. 

12 578 297,587 

9,789 162 814 

0,698 .31,149 

.3,740 .50.599 

3 990. 50 025 

175,212 
259.711 
236 842 
292.960 
2.50, (Ml 
11,961 62.020 



Year. 

1865.. 
1866.. 
1807.. 



.\cres 



Bushels. 



85, 



1.S70. . . . 
1871.... 
1S73.... 
1874 . . . . 
1875.. . 



8,9347... 

7,244 75 

7 795 113. 

9,814 136, 

9,814 20:3, 

9 655 100. 

9.784 170 

13,765 2:34 

16 628 32i) 

16 035 295 



1876 14 184. 



.. 246, 



653 
367 
185 
371 
4-36 
4.59 

ma 

478 
661 
611 
846 



THK COliX CHOP — KHIK COIXTY. 



Year. 


Acres. 


Bushels 


Year. 


1850... 


... 14,369.... 


.■... 015,I2,> 


1865 


1855 


... 21,396... 


... 737.427 


1,S70 


I860.... 


... 23,236 ... 


.... 919.983 


1875 



Acres. Bushels. 

14,748 501 322 

19,185 713,539 

19 2b8 780,131 

The crop of 1853 amouiited to only four hundred 
and thirty-nine thousand four hundred and seventy- 
nine bushels. The average for fifteen years, 1850 — 
18()4, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and 
twenty-four acres, with a ]iroduct of five hundred 
and fifty-six tiiousand three hundred and fifty 
bushels. 

T.V X KS — H r KO N CO r XT Y. 

The total amount of taxes in Huron county in 1831, 
on personal and village jiroi)erty, was as follows: 



Huron township 

New Jerusalem, (town plat). 
Milan 



Beatty(town plat). 
Huron (town plat). 

VemiilHon 

Peilcins 

City of Sanduslcy. 

Margaretta 

Venice 



Oxford 

RitlKetteld 

Monroe 

Sherman 

Peru 

Macksville 

Greenfield 

Florence 

Clarksfield 

Townsend 

Fitchville 

Black River. 

Brownhelni — 
Elyria 

Danbury 

Xorwalk 

Norwalk. (town plat) 

New Haven 

New Haven, (town plat). 

Lyme 

New London 

Eldridge 

Add to Samlusky City 
East half of Venice 

Total amount 



S 25 



00 

77H 

00 

S2 

10 

60 

90 

19 

00 

30Ji 

10V6 

40 

39 

50 

85 

90 

80 

90 

70 

9.) 

60 

50 

00 

85 

10 

90 

48 

40 

50!^ 

80 

C> 

.35 



1,0,56 -xy, 

8 65 
13 09 

Sl.078 Oil 



Amount of deductions as per return of Ezra Sprague. 

Amount to be paid to the treasui-er 

Total land tax of Huron county, in 1821, was 



.304 52 

773 48 
7,8:31 68 



Grand total tax for 1821 S8.605 10 

Huron county, in 1821, embraced a large ]iart of 
the present county of Lorain, in addition to the whole 
of the Fire-lands. 

INTERNAL UEVEXUE. 

During the war various plans of taxation were 
resorted to, in order to help defray its immense cost. 
The amount of money realized in this way from Huron 
county, was very large. From July 1, to December 
31, 1805, the internal revenue receipts from Huron 
county were two hundred and fifty-eight tiiousand 
and ninety-three dollars, wliile the receipts from Erie 
cminty for the s;ime period were ninety-six thousand 
six liundred and ninety-five dollars. By far the 
largest amount of this was collected from the dis- 
tilleries located at Monroeville and Bellevue. The 
tax collected from tiiem for the month of May, 1804, 
was one hundred and fifty-eight thousand one hund- 
red and sixty dollars and thirty-six cents, of which S. 
V. Harkness paid sixty-nine tiiousand one hundred 
and thirty-two dollars; Woodward & Littlefiekl, thirty- 
eight thousand five hundred and fifty-five dollars, 
and D. il. Harkness & Co.. twenty-eight thousand 
one hundred and fourteen dollars. 

Tlie amount paid by S. V. Harkness for excise on 
liquors manufactured from February 31, 1803, tn 
Decemljer 31, 1804, was three hundred and twenty- 
one thousand one hundred and eighty-one dollars and 
eighty-uine cents, and for a period of over four 
months — from August 11 to Pecemlier 20, 1804. 
the distillery was not running. Of the two hundred 
and fifty-eight thousand and ninety-three dollars 
internal revenue for Huron county in the six months 
ending December 31, 1805, the various distillers 
paid one hundred and eighty-one thousand four 
hundred and fifty-seven dollars, the amount ])aid hy 
each being as follows: S. V. Harkness, fifty-nine 
thousand five hundred and fifty-seven dollars; H. M. 
Sinclair & Co., forty-four thousand one hundred and 
fourteen dollars; A. Woodward, thirty-five thousand 
seven hundred and forty-nine dollars; Clary & Co., 
twenty-two thousand six hundred and thirty-tliree 
dollars; LaBarre & Packard, thirteen thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-one dollars; C. P. Prentiss, six 
thousand five hundred and fifty-one dollars. 

SCHOOL .STATIsTIc.s — III' RON COIXTV. 

The Huron county School statistics for 1877, are 
as follows: 

Total amount of school moneys received during the year S148,789 52 

Nvunber of unmarried youth between the ages of six and 

twenty-one: boys, 5,542; girls. 5,083; colored youth, 73; 

total 10.697 

Number between sixteen and twenty-one 2,788 

Number of school houses erected during the year, G 

Cost $9,026 00 

Whole number of school houses 169 

Value of school property $214,7.50 00 

Number of teachers employed: males, 139: females, 322; 

total .361 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



00 



Average wages of teachers, per month: township primary: 

Males 

Females 

Separate districts, males ■ 

Females 

Average numher ot weeks schools were in session: 

Township primary 

Separate districts, primary '. 

Total number of different pupils enrolled 

Average daily attendance - 

Number of pupils in different branches ot study: 



Alphabet 843 

Reailing 6.7. 5 

Spelling 0,7(50 

■Writing 5.:J54 

Aritbmetici 5,9iW 

Gei ■grai)hy 3.iM 

Grammar 2,:i5'J 

Composition 1,5:30 

Drawing 729 

Vocal Music 1,5'JS 

U. S. History 369 

Physiolugy 39 

Physical Geography Ii7 



Natural Philosophy. 

German 

Algebra 

Geometry -. 

Trigonoiiietry 
Surveying 
Chemistry 
Geology. 
Botany , 

Astronomy 

Book Keeping 

Rhetoric 



m 00 
23 00 
52 (XI 
35 00 

29 

37 

7,756 

4,783 



50 
312 

289 
80 
.).> 

il 
24 
26 
38 
37 
,86 
41 



IXCOME RETl'RXS. 18G4. 

TIr' amounts given below are in e.\ces.s of the six 
liiiiulred dollars exempted liy law. also excln.sive of 
all taxes, dividends on hank, railroad stock, etc. 
Those less than one thousand are omitted. First 
district embracing Norwalk, Ridgefield, Lyme, Sher- 
man. IVrii, Bronson, Harthmd, Townsend, and 
Wakeman. 



FIRST DIVISIOX — HIRAM HOSE, ASSESSOR. 



John Beardslev $1,295 

Walter Bates 1,100 

G. (i. Baker 1,790 

I. Banta 1,533 

W. A Bishop 1.071 

HenrvBaker 8,100 

C. L.'Boult 5.414 

Nathaniel Chapman 2..5IX) 

Samuel Clock 1,901 

H. Clarv 1,327 

Wm. Case 2,000 

O.D..le 1.411 

J. F. Dewey 1.000 

J. C. R. Eastman 1,187 

John Gardiner 7,522 

F. A. Gilbert 1 095 

0. W. Head 1.000 

L. (i. Harknegs 41.000 

D. M Harkness 21,000 

Wm Humphrey 1,500 

JI. .M. Hester 1,40(1 

N. i;. Havward 1,000 

D. S. Humphrey 1.000 

S. V. Harkness^ 120,000 

G. J«c. .Ijson 1,200 

A. Lindsley 1,1S5 

L. Thomas 1,510 

W. R. Little 2,000 

H. Loeb 1,800 

S. B. Martin 1,077 

C.E.Newman 3.110 

D. Packard fi.750 

Total amount of ta.'i 



S. C. Perkins 

J A. Pattison 

D. R. Patrick 

C. E Pennewell 

A. W. Prentiss 

C. P. Prentiss 

D. H. Pease 

Isaac Powell 

W. D. Roberts 

R. B. Russell 

J. S. Roby 

Ruel Roby 

Henry Roby. . 

Edwin Reed 

H. M. Sinclair 

T. R. Strong 

James Sawyer 

George Sawyer ... . 

P. H. Schuyler 

LA. Shepard 

Lsaac Underbill 

Theodore Williams . 
A. E Warner 

Wheaton 

Wickham 

, T. Worcester 

V. Warner 

Amos Woodward . . . 
Edward Williams . . . 

John Wright 

David Weaver 

H. M Wooster 



D. 

F. 

s. ■ 

J. 



1,494 

8,242 

1,000 

1,085 

2,500 

4,000 

1,351 

1,000 

2,282 

4,754 

1,186 

1,276 

1,186 

2,603 

10,200 

1,773 

2,696 

3,044 

3,.378 

4,000 

1,800 

.3,500 

1,156 

1,231 

1,000 

1,4.39 

1,1.56 

20,000 

1,8.56 

3,000 

15,000 

1,500 

.830,919.57 



SE(.-OXl) inviSI(.)N — JOHN IIARXES, ASSESSOR. 



John Barnes Si 8iil 

J. B Bissell . • 8 (.1(111 

H ('. Breckenridge 1 '*.'<9 

Moses Bilstine 1,000 

John (1. Berry 1 :J9!I 

R. Bevier 1,117 

A. Barrett 1.981 

J. Bremaman 1,001 

Z. Barrett 2 iXi 

N.Carl 1.159 

Mrs Cubertson 11,59 

George (ianong 1.145 

H. Hulibard 1.0(58 

S Hau-\l(((rst 1,0S9 

.Samuel Hester 3 501 



L, Kilburn 88, 

R Knowlton 1, 

L D King 1, 

E Lovell 1, 

Wm. M Mead 1. 

Aranson Sutton 2 

Alanson Sutton 2, 

D. W. Slocum 1, 

A. S, Suttun 1, 

Philip Upp 1. 

H. G Washburn 3. 

J Willia(us"n 1. 

J H Wheel.-r 1 

J. C. Washburn 1 

Ab'm Yeaman 1 



291 
0,56 
060 
,108 
561 
675 
706 
168 
095 
004 
90U 
018 
,806 
458 
500 



MANl'FACTL-RE,S, 1870. 

Erie Co. Huron Co. 

Establishments 678 806 

Steam engines 40 54 

Water wheels 6 23 

All hands 2801 801 

The number of horses in Erie county for about 

twenty years past has ranged from two extremes, 



live thousand seven hundred and thirty-five in 186.5, 
and six thousand two hundred and seventeen in 1802. 
Usually the number has not varied more than a hund- 
red from six thousand head for many years. 

The number of horses in Huron county has not, 
in many j-ears, greatly varied from ten thousand, the 
number in 1862 being ten thousand four hundred and 
eighty-one, and a few years after being reduced to 
about nine thousand six hundred. 



C H A I' T E K XVII. 

THE PBESS 

Newspapers, more properly than actors, are " the 
abstract and brief chronicles of the times." They 
not only narrate for the people of a cotemporary age 
the passing events, but eml(alni the facts of the pres- 
ent for the information of future generations. They 
put on record the present in detail, and as printing is 
"the art preservative of all arts," so are the newspa- 
pers the preservers and perpetnators of current his- 
tory. They are a reflex, as a rule, of the thought and 
action of their time; store-houses of facts and fancy; 
treasuries of information in regard to the morals 
and the men of the time in which they are edited; 
unfailing indexes of public opinion, and transcripts 
of the minds that make them. 

While the editor of a newspaper shows to his read- 
ers the various happenings in the world, and com- 
ments upon them, he, unconsciously, perhaps, but 
nevertheless surely, exhibits his mental and moral 
nature, and so it happens that in turning over the 
yellow leaves of the old newspapers of the Fire-lands 
we know something of the men who were then mana- 
gers, and "read between the lines'" the records of 
their lives and the peculiar traits of their character. 
A great work was accomi)lislied by the pioneer jour- 
nalists of the Western Reserve, for they, laboring 
against almost every conceivable disadvantage, aided 
the development of the country, and each in- some 
degree bettered the condition of its people by ad- 
vancing their thought, and Ijy keeping them abreast 
of the world in knowledge of pulilic affairs, ijolitics 
and principles. The history of a newspaper can- 
not be written. We give only the dry facts of 
a course of existence which in some cases has been 
long, and in some brief, but, we can truly say, in 
all, beneficial. The press in Huron and Erie coun- 
ties has been in tiie hands of men worthy of their 
high office, and it stands the test of comparison with 
that of any similar section of country. Its record 
has been one of steady development. It h;is kept 
ahead and led the march of improvement. How 
great the growth from its pioneer days, the date of 
the "Ramage" pres.s, and scanty news facilities, to 
the present era of enlarged scope I 

We present, in the following, a brief compilation of 
facts in regard to the various pai)ers of the past and 
present in the Fire-lands: 



56 



HISTORY OF HUKOX AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



EUIE COUNTY, SANDUSKY. 
THE SANDUSKY CLARION. 

The i)ioiieer newspaper of the Fire-lands was first 
issued upon the 34tli of April, hS23. David Camp- 
bell, who arrived from the east about 1820, associated 
himself with Adonijah Champlin, his brother-in-law, 
who, however, never liecame a partner, and December 
15, 1821, issued proposals and a prospectus for the 
publication of the Oliio lUitndiiator. The proposi- 
tion met with favor from the very start. The business 
men and tlie citizens generally, of Huron county, took 
hold of the matter Avith spirit, and subsequently, lists 
were zealously circulated throughout the village and 
county in which it was reasonable to believe a constit- 
uency could be secured. Tlie project was so warmly 
espoused by the people, that >Ir. Campbell immedi- 
ately began preparations for the puldieation of the 
paper in .March, as he had in his iirospectus jiromised 
to do. He liad his tyjtes and press on luind Ijy the 
10th, but as the sul.iscription lists had not been re- 
turned, and being a very cautions kind of man, Mr. 
Campbell delayed the publication until he could be 
assured of amjjle support, and conseijuently the paper 
was not issued until the date above given. In the 
time intervening, between the inception of the idea 
and its realization, the pioneer editor had met with 
some discouraging experiences. His partnei', Mr. 
Champlin, who had gone east, was prevented by 
sickness from returning, and a certain class of the 
people, who, then as now, have nodoubtof their entire 
competency to conduct a newspaper better than the 
editor, made objection to the name, Ohio Ilium inntor, 
as improper; and perhaps with better reason than 
ordinarily possesses fault finders, for the iiroprietor 
seems to have been convinced by them, and in confor- 
mity to their wishes adopted the name Sandusky 
Clarion. Tlie initial number of the Clarion was, of 
course, a folio, in size tweiuy-four by thirty-eight 
inches. It was printed upon heavy, coarse paper, in 
the manner of typography then common, all of the 
type in both reading matter and advertisements being 
from the same font. It was printed in a small story 
and a half building which stood upon the corner of 
Columbus avenue and Water street, wjiicli was used 
also as a dwelling l)y Mr. Campbell. Snbscfiueiitly 
the ottlce was removed to the " Old White store," and 
from thence to the " Ohl Portland House " on Water 
street, which was burned some years after. 

In stating the aim of his journalistic endeavors, 
.Mr. Campljell s|)oke particularly of the deep interest 
that eastern peojile felt in tlie ]irogress and develoi)- 
ment of the '• Sandusky country," and said that he 
should '-spare no pains in giving such information 
in regard to it as might lie intere-=ting to emigrants," 
adding that it would " bean agreeable task, if experi- 
ence shall warrant it, to correct the unfavorable 
reports so prevalent in the western jiart of New York 
and I'ennsylvania rehitive to the unheahbfulness of 
til.' climate." concluding by asking infoiniation in 



regard to the matter. The salutatory closed with the 
followinu- paragraph, indicative of the course of the 
Clarion, viz: " I am more anxious to form a charac- 
ter for the Clarion, by the manner of conducting it, 
than by gratuitous promises; these general remarks 
may suffice, until time has developed the opinions of 
the editors and established the reputation of the 
paper.'" 

For a quarter of a century the pioneer paper of the 
Fire-lands was conducted upon the plan here fore- 
shadowed, and with a degree of success that was 
creditable to the sagacity and probity of its proprie- 
tor. He was untiring in his efforts to establish for 
his paper a reputation for candor and straight- 
forwardness, and made it much more of a news paper 
than were most of its contemporary journals, even in 
older and better fields. It was the third on the 
Western Reserve — the Cleveland Herald, aiul the 
Western Reserve Chronicle, at Warren, Truniliull 
county, then existing. Mr. Campbell was for many 
vears sole proprietor of the Clarion, but was from the 
beginning assisted in the office by his nephew, John 
K. Campbell. The latter finally became ]iartner. 
After a few years the nephew retired and was suc- 
ceeded by George W., the eldest son of David. As 
the other two sons, Benjamin F. and Henry C, be- 
came of age, they were received into the concern, 
when the firm name was "D. Campbell & Sons." 
The i)aper was several times enlarged, and was con- 
tinued, under the control of its original jiroprietor 
and his partners for twenty-nine years. Benjamin F. 
and Henry C. died many years ago. (reorge W. is 
now, and has been, for many years past, a resident of 
Delaware, Ohio. The father deceased several years 
since (July 28, 1801). • ' . 

Mr. Campbell was pre-eminently a man of honest, 
modest worth in private life, and in professional 
capacity and the combination of admirable traits 
made up a character which very naturally won and 
held the respect of the peojile with whom about forty 
years of his life were jiassed. He died at his residence 
in Sandusky, July 28, ISGl, at the age of sixty-eight 
years. 

The iiaper that he founded in 1822, and which was 
for five years the only one in the Fire-lands, was con- 
ducted under the name of the Clarion, until it had 
att;iined the age of twenty-five years, when it wa 
made a daily paper, and its name was changed to the 
Daili/ Samlnskian. In tiie year 1851, Mr. Campbell 
sold the paper and printing ofKce to Earl Bill, now 
clerk of the United States district court for the 
northern district of Ohio, and Clark Waggoner, after- 
wards editor of the Toledo Coniinenial. Tiiey jnib- 
lislied daily, tri-weekly and weekly editions under the 
name of tiie Commerriul liefiister. 

In 18.52, the files of tlie Clarion were consumed by 
fire. In 1852, Henry D. Cooke became interested in 
tiie ])aperand for tvvelve years it was luiblished by the 
firm of Henry D. Cooke & Co. In 1855, Orville .J. Vic- 
tor entered the firm, taking charge particularly of the 



1 






HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



57 



local and literary departmeiits ol' the paper. In 1S5<) 
.Mes;;rs. Bill ami Waggoner retired, and in the fall of 
the same year Mr. Victor also left the concern, leaving 
Mr. Cooke sole proprietor for a time, but in the fol- 
lowing year Mr. C. C. Bill became a partner. Mr. 
Cooke retired from the firm to become editor of the 
Sfdfe JoKi-nal, and Mr. Waggoner to take ciiarge of 
the Toledo Blade. In May, ISGO, the whole estab- 
lishment was sold to H. C. Johnson and A. II. Agard. 
In ISGl, Mr. Bdl accepted the position of United 
States marshal. They sold out in 180.5 to General 
Nettleton and Judge Waterbury, wiio published the 
pajior until March, 1869, when the interest of the 
former was transferred to I. F. Mack, who in com 
pany with Judge Waterbury conducted tlie Journal 
until tlie fall of 1870, under the name of tlfte Register 
Printing Company. Judge Waterbury retired on the 
1st of November, 18?(», and from that date until 
1874, when Mr. Joliii F. Mack became associated 
witii his brother as partner. These gentlemen con- 
tinue the publication of the Reyistev under the firm 
name of I. F. Mack & Bro., and issue three editions 
of the Register — daily, tri-weekly and weekly. The 
paper is republican in polities, thoroughly edited, 
enterprising in its news departments, of good tone 
and high repute. 

THE REPUBLIC.\N STANDARD 

was established in 1832 by E. & J. H. Brown, but 
had not a remarkably long lease of life. It was de- 
scribed by the Reflector as being of a super-royal' size; 
its appearance, decent; its political character, Jefler- 
sonian. 

THE COMMER(;IAL ADVEKTISEK 

was issued for the first time' in April, IS-l--^, by M. 
II. Snyder & Co. It was discontinued in the fall. 

THE DEMOCRATIC MIRROH 

was started in December, 184-^, by William S. Mills 
and Sylvester Ross, the same type being used that 
had been purchased for the Commercinl Advertiser. 
In 1847, John Mackey purchased an interest in this 
pa])er, and the firm of Mills, Ross & Mackey con- 
tinued the publication until May, 1849, when J. W. 
Taylor took the place of Mr. Mackey. In 18.53 the 
Mirror establishment was sold to Joseph and Field- 
ing Cable, and the name of the paper was changed to 
The Hay C'ilfi Mirror. After a short time the 
Cal)les sold out to Asa Dimmoek wiio, after a few 
montiis, sold to Ray Haddock, Es(). The daily edi- 
tion was discontinued at this time. In May, 1856, 
Charles H. Orton, formerly of the Xnniudk E.rperi- 
iiient, purciuised the paper, and two years later sold 
it to iiis son, T. S. Orton. The publication of the 
paper was suspended about a year after. 

THE SANDU.SKY .lOURNAE. 

In the fall of 1805, Messrs. A. D. Kinney and 
F. B. Culver opened a job printing office, and the 



next j'ear J. C. and A. D. Kinney began the publica- 
tion of a weekly paper called the Sandusky Jonrn<(L 
It was started as independent in politics, but in the 
Greeley movement it advocated Greeley's election, 
and the local candidates of that I'arty. It is now 
identified w'ith the Democratic jiarty. 

THE IXTELI.IiiEXTE RLATT. 

In 1851, Messrs. Augustus Riemmele and Herman 
Ruep commenced the publication of the first German 
pajier in the city, and gave it the name of the Intelli- 
gente Blatt. Mr. Ruep was the editor. Mr. Ruem- 
mele was accidentally killed on the Mad River & Lake 
Erie R. R., near Castalia, in September, 1857. The 
paper was continued by Ruep & Co. till 1859; Ruep 
and Frederick Kelly, editors. In the latter year, the 
concern was sold to Messrs. Jacob Neuert, H. Hamel- 
stein and Charles Bachy. J. Lippart was the editor. 
In November, of the same year, the concern was sold 
to Eugle & Co., and the paper was then edited by 
A. Thieme and Frederick Reidling. In May, 1861, 
Mr. Beidling became the sole editor and proprietor. 
The Blatt was a democratic jiaper till J 854. when 
it became republican. 

THE BAYSTADT DEJIOKRAT. 

In 1850, the second German paper was commenced 
by Louis Traub, and edited by H. Ran, and was 
called the Baystadt Deinokrat. In the fall of the 
sarne year, it wal sold to Frederick Hertel, sole pro- 
prietor and editor. It was democratic. In 1873, 
Messrs. Hertel, Seun and Ernst, who were joint 
owners and editors, changing the name to the San- 
dusky Democrat. About a year ago, Mr. Ernst sold 
out to Mr. Senn, who is now sole owner and editor. 
Several other German papers have, at different times, 
been started, but failed to be sustained. 

MILAN. 

THE MILAN" FREE PRESS 

was started in February, 183(i. i)y Warren Jenkins, 
and discontinued in April of the following year, the 
editor removing to Sandusky where he began the pub- 
lication of an anti-masonie paper. 

THE MILAN TRIlllN'E 

was published here from 1843 to 1851. by Clark Wag- 
goner. 

IIIK MILAN ADVERTISER. 

was first issued by its present proprietor aliout the first 
of December. 1869, as an advertising sheet until after 
the holidays. It was issued weekly for six weeks, and 
subsequently every fortnight for three mouths. Until 
the first of April it was issued for free circulation, 
but at that date it was made a regular iniblieation as 
a five-colum folio, the subscription being fi.\ed at one 
dollar per year. It was soon after enlarged to si.\ 
columns, and in June, 1875, was made a seven 
column paper, and the i)ricc was advanced to one dol- 
lar and fifty cents per year. Upon the 1st of January, 



58 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



1876, the paper was changed to the quarto form and 
made five columns in size — just double the size at 
which it was started, and without further increase of 
price. It is now in its tenth year, and is still under 
the management of its original proprietor and editor, 
A. H. Balslej, who is also the owner, manager and 
editor of the Findlay, Hancock county, Jeffer.sonian, 
and the Attica, Seneca county. Journal. 

HI RON. 

THE COMMERCIAL ADVERTIiSER. 

The first newspaper published in Huron was the 
Huron Commercial Advertiser, a weekly journal is- 
sued January ITth. 1837, by H. C. Gray, now a 
resident of Painesville, Ohio. The press was de- 
stroyed by fire December 12, 1838. Auotiier press 
was obtained, and the publication resumed March 2, 
1839, and continued till April, 1812. 

THE BEACOX. 

The publication of auotiier weekly journal, the 
Huron Beacon, by Mr. Haddock, was commenced in 
1853, and discontinued the next year. 

THE TIMES. 

Huron next had the benefit of the Huron Times, 
published by James L. Sweeny, but as Huron patron- 
age was too limited to support a literary journal of 
that class, Mr. Sweeny moved to Saildusky, and com- 
menced publishing a Sunday journal. 

HURON COUNTY— NORVVALK. 

THE REPORTEH. 

Here was issued, in 1827, the second paper pub- 
lished in the Fire-lands, the Norwalk Reporter. Its 
editors and publishers were John P. McArdle and 
Henry Buckingham. The former had, as early as 
1814, published a paper at Clinton, Ohio, and later at 
Mount Vernon, being one of the oldest printers in 
the State. The Reporter was published, at a later 
date, by McArdle and G. T. Buckingham, under the 
firm name of G. T. Buckingham & Co., and was dis- 
continued in 1830. This paper was printed upon a 
Raniage press, the second that crossed the Alleghanies, 
obtained in England, and first used in 1794, at Wash- 
ington, Pennsylvania. It was afterwards removed to 
Sandusky, and from thence to Titlin. 

THE REFLECTOR. 

The Huron Reflector, now the oldest paper in the 
Fire-lands, was first issued February 2, 1830. It was 
published at Norwalk, upon a Stanlniry, and with 
new type (small pica), brought by wagon from Cin- 
cinnati for the purpose. The paper was of neat ap- 
pearance and large size. Its publishers and proprie- 
tors were Samuel Preston and G. T. Buckingham, 
under the firm name of Preston & Buckingham. Mr. 
Buckingham retired upon the 1st of August. 1831, 
and the ])ublication of the paper was continued by. 



Samuel Preston & Co., until 1834, when the partner- 
ship was dissolved, and a new firm was constitued by 
Iklr. Preston and his son C. A. Preston, by whom it 
was published until the death of the former in March, 
1852. The paper was then published for two years 
by C. A. Preston and F. Wickham, when the latter 
gentleman became sole proprietor. John R. Osborne 
was connected with the paper, as editor, in 1843, and 
G. T. Stewart from 1848 to 1851, inclusive. 

F. Wickham retained the sole ownership of the 
paper until 1805. when the proprietorship was changed 
to the firm of F. & W. S. Wickham. W. S. Wick- 
ham withdrew October 1, 1873, and his place in the 
partnership was filled by James G. Gibbs. 

The Stanbury press, of which the first editors were 
doubtless tery proud, gave place, many years ago, to 
an improved power press, and this again was improved 
upon by the inti'oduction, in 1872, of one of the Cin- 
cinnati cylinder presses, of the mammoth size. An 
engine was put in at the same time, and the first 
steam printing in Huron county was performed dur- 
ing that 'year at the Refecfor office. It was also in 
1872 that the ])aper was changed in form from the 
old fashioned folio to a seven column quarto. The 
Refecfor was originally independent in politics, but 
about 1835 espoused the cause of the whigs, and upon 
the formation of the rejmblican party, became an ex- 
ponent of its principles. 

THE WESTERN INTELLIGENCER 

was started in June, 1833, by John Kernan and 
Myron H. Tilden, which, about six months later, be- 
coming the pro]iertv of the latter, was removed to 
Milan.^ 

THE EXPERIMENT 

was first tried in 1835, the first numljer being issued 
upon August 20th, by Samuel S. Hatch and Jo.seph 
M. Farr, and having a very creditable appearance. 
It was democratic in politics, and bore conspicuously 
printed at the head of its columns the names of Mar- 
tin Van Buren and Richard M. Johnson, as candi- 
dates for the presidency and vice presidency of the 
United States. The paper was strongly and fearlessly 
edited. Up to August, 1843, the proprietorship of 
the paper remained unchanged, but at that time Mr. 
Hatch withdrew, and Mr. Farr continued alone until 
the fall of 1845, when he sold out to Charles J. Or- ' 
ton, Esi|. Mr. Farr again became proprietor in the 
year 1840, and remained in possession until 1854. In 
this year James H. Rule and W. W. Redfield then 
became owners of the pajier, and remained in part- 
nership until August 31, 1858, when ilr. Rule re- 
tired. Mr. Redfield remained in charge until August, 
1805, when he sold out the office to I. F. & J. L. 
Clark. In May, 1809, the paper was purchased again 
by Mr. Redfield, who lias since then been its exclusive 
owner, though the establishment was leased to Messrs. 
J. H. & C. H. Rule, on the 24th of May, 1875, for 
one year. At tlie end of tlint time Mr. Redfield again 
took sole control of the paper till November, 12, 1877, 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



59 



"when C. H. Rule became a partner in the office, since 
which time the publishing tirm of tlie Experinieat 
has been Redlield & Rule. 

The paper at a very early day in its existence out- 
grew the modest meaning of the name its founders 
chose for it, and has ever since been making advance- 
ment, so that while it is by name the Expcriincuf, it 
is in reality a very thoroughly established enterprise. 
It is the second oldest paper in the Fire-lands. 

THE HUKO.V COUNTY CHRONICLE 

was started in March, 1875, by George B. Pratt and 
E. J. Hammer, and after passing through several 
ownerships, in the spring of 1878, came into the 
hands of Findley & Dodds, who have since then con- 
ducted it to the satisfaction of a large number of 
p-itrous. Though young, it is well established, and 
favorably known. 

THE HURON COUNTY DEMOKRAT, 

the only Geraiui newspapjr in Huron county, was 
started in 1877, by Hammer & Barr, and the present 
proprietor, Martin Ruff, became its owner in June of 
the same year. It was started as a republican paper, 
but is nijw democratic. 

BELLE VUE* 

The newspajier, the great engine of modern pro- 
gress and enlightenment, has had a history in the 
village of Bellevue very like that of the early pioneer 
settlers — a history of adversities and failures, and of 
ultimate success. To-day there are two newspapers 
in Bellevue, generously supported by as enlightened 
and thrifty peo]ile as this country can boast. 

The tirst venture was made by G. W. Ho]ikins, in 
the fall of 1851. He opened an office in the old 
Howard house — now defunct — on Monroe street, and 
issued 

THE BELI.EVUE (JAZETTE. 

with the still more jiretentious title of Huron, 
Seneca, Erie, and Sandusky Adrvrfiser, having a 
spread eagle at its mast-head, bearing a scroll 
with "open to all" emblazoned upon it. The 
paper was a five-column folio, in coarse type, de- 
voted to current news and the ventilation of such 
ideas as contributors were ambitious to furnish. 
C. C. Cook, at present chief of the village tire de- 
partment, served in the capacity. of "devil," thus 
being the first " jirinter's devil." His most vivid 
remembrance is tliat of his duty to ink the forms on 
an old wooden Franklin press — a duty with little 
sentiment ami no poetry to allure him on to contin- 
ued service. The jjeopie felt disposed to give the 
paper a fair support, but its editor was a victim to 
that human bane — strong drink: so, after a brilliant 
l)ut brief career of six months, the fledgeling per- 
ished. 

* By H. F. Baker. 



In April of 1S(!1, Mr. 0. H. Chajiman opened a 
printing office in Si[uire"s block, corner of Mam and 
Sandusky streets, and issued 

THE ItEEI^EVCK I XHEl'EX DEXT, 

a seven-column folio, devoted to general and local 
news. This was the first year of the great rebel- 
lion, and it would seem that the stirring events of 
those times should furnish the necessary pabulum to 
make it a success. But it continued only a short 
time, and then perished for reasons not now apparent. 
We now come to consider the first successful pajier 
established in the village — one to which the town is 
largely indebted for many of its most valued im- 
provements, being always intensely devoted to the 
welfare of the place and the advocacy of such i)ublic 
works and measures as would secure its greatest pros- 
perity. We therefore think its editor worthy of more 
than a passing notice. Mr. E. P. Brown says of him- 
self that he was Ijorn at Oxford, Ohio, March 5, 1842, 
of distre.ssingly poor but outrageousl)' honest parents, 
and claims that the laws of hereditary transmission 
have not, therefore, allowed him a fair chance. His 
early life was one of toil, with little ailvantage in the 
way of education, an old darkey preacher being his 
best tutor, but was successful in obtaining a "sheep- 
skin" in a public school and valedictory honors. He 
learned the trade of ])rinter in the office of the Oxford 
Citizen at the age of fourteen, when he obtained em- 
ployment in a Cincinnati job office. He enlisted in 
the Thirteenth Ohio volunteer infantry at Urbana, 
Ohio, in 1801, and fought the enemies of his country 
for two years, lacking a week — serving in all the en- 
gagements of that regiment until the battle of Shiloh, 
when a rebel bullet between the eyes placed* him liors 
(III combat. He was left for dead, and was thus 
reported, and had the pleasure of reading his own 
obituary, containing much of a laudatory nature, a 
jirivilege seldom accorded the human family; l)ut 
subsequent events show him to l)e an exceedingly 
lively corpse. His wound gave him an honorable 
discharge from the Thirteenth, but he finallv re- 
entered the army in the one hundred day service as 
substitute for a Dutchman, in the One Hundred :ind 
Sixty-Seventh regiment, receiving three hundivd 
dollars therefor. After the close of the wai-, .Mr. 
Brown casually made tlir aei|uaintance of William 
L. Meyers, of the Tiffin Triljiine, who proved a 
fast, firm friend, and jiropo.sed that, since Bellevue 
was an excellent jilace to establish a paper, they 
emlnirk together in the enterjjrise. They did so, 
but, at the end of the first six weeks, Jlr. Meyers be- 
came discouraged and sold his interest to his partner 
for four hundred and fifty dollars, on a year's time. 
Mr. Brown himself had li.id bui two years' exi)erience 
in editorial work, and never managed an ottiee on 
his own resjionsibility, hence he entered upon it 
with fear and trembling, almost certain he would 
fail inside the first six months. The outfit of type 
was purcha.sed of the Franklin foundry, amount- 



i 



60 



HISTOiiY OK IIUROK AJS'D EIMK COUKTIES, OHIO. 



ing to eifflit huiulreil and tweutv-tliree dollars. A 
si.\-columu Washington hand press and a half-niftdium 
Wells" jol)ber was purchased second hand of other 
parties for two hundred and thirty-seven dollars. 
This comprised the outfit, (hi Saturday, August lU. 
1867. the first nuniher of 

THE HELI.EVIK (i.VZETrE 

Saw the light. The interest taken liy the liusiness 
men in the success of the j)aper, is shown by the ma- 
terial aid they accorded it. C. A. Willard, a leading 
business man, solicited all the subscriptions. Busi- 
ness men pledged one thousand two hundred dollars, 
deposited in Sinclair's bank, to be paid at the first 
issue.and taken in advertising during tlie first year, 
which was conscientiously done, and made tlie caj)ital 
used by the energetic, intelligent and careful manage- 
ment of Mr. Brown, insuring success. 

At the time the first number was printed, an all- 
alisorbing interest gathered around the press. In- 
deed, the room was full, and as the clean, handsome 
tweuty-four-column sheet was taken off the i)ress. 
Mr. Will.ird's rhapsody was beyond expression. I'eter 
Brady, present village mayor, was jjresent, and as 
deeply interested as any until, in looking over the 
church notices, the blunder was discovered of dub- 
bing him Rev. Peter Brady, pastor of the Catholic 
church. This was too much, and any idea the editor 
may have had that ilr. Brady was a member of the 
clerical profession, was immediately dispelled then 
and there. Proper correction being made, the print- 
ing of the edition proceeded. 

Under Mr. Brown's careful management and the 
fulfilment of every anticipation the citizens mav have 
liad as to !he benefits the village would derive from 
the paper, it proved an unbounded success, and all 
fears on his part of a failure were dispelled like clouds 
before the morning sun. In the course of the next 
three years Mr. Brown purchased a Hoe cylinder rail- 
road press at a bargain, one which originally belonged 
to Dan Rice, and was used to print his show bills. 
This enal)led him to branch out in the business. He, 
therefore, engaged in fui-nishing ready prints for other 
offices, and introduced steam. Business increased on 
his hands until Mr. Aiken, the originator of the 
ready print method of publishing newspapers, made 
him a very advantageous offer to accept the manage- 
ment of a new establishment in Cincinnati, which he 
did. and ultimately became as he is now the sole pro- 
prietor — only another example of what pluck, enero-y 
and good management will do. 

Mr. E. J. Hammer bought the (iazi-ttc wlien Mr. 
Brown went to Cincinnati, entering upon its manage- 
ment .luly 1, 18T4. Mr. Hammer was not a laro-e 
man, but had large ideas aspiring to greater things 
than the conduct of a one-liorse country i)aper. 
Although that was very well done, yet his more 
ambitious views led him to unite with A. B. Pratt 
to start tlie Xonnilk- Chrouitlv which being a county 
paper, was a step, at least, in the direction of Ex- 



celsior. He finally turned the Gazette over to his 
father. Rev. George Hammer, of Van Wert, Ohio. 
The old gentleman, though vitv kindly disposed, had 
little or no practical skill in the |iublishing l)usiness, 
hence fouiid it an elephant on his hands. In the 
spring of 1877, he sold it to Messrs. C. D. Stoner 
and 8. C. Thonii)son. the present i)roprietors, under 
whose care the jiaper thrives, finding a cordial, 
generous support among the people of the community, 
whose attachment for an old friend was j)roof ag;iiiist 
mismanagement of the former projirietors, as well as 
the machinations of enemies. 

At the time, Mr. E. .1. Ilannuer had started the 
Chrouide. and therefore eoiitenii)hited the sale of the 
Gazette, as well as removal to Xorwalk, H. F. Baker, 
son of Hiram Baker, one of the early pioneer settlers 
in Lyme township, proposed to l)uy it, Imt unable to 
agree upon the price, he decided to purchase new ma^ 
terial and start another i)aper. He had really no ex- 
perience in the printing business, but. his son, H. L. 
Baker, had mastered some of the intricacies of the 
trade in the Gazette oftiee. and having a natural tact 
for it, they together hoped to make their venture a 
success. This determination was acted upon; an 
office was opened in the new I'nion lilock, and on 
Thursday. October 21, 1S7.">, the first numlier of 

THE liKLLEVlE EdCAI. NEWS 

was issued. The paper flourished from the start. 
Being managed with full average ability, and by those 



I 




■ _■'**•',■'* <«k; '.^ ."- ,^'^} ' ' ' ' 




brought up 111 the eonununity, well versed in all its 
lore, it represents the local interests of the town with 
greater intensity tlian any other has been al)le to do. 
In April. 1S7S. ilr. Baker purchased tlK^old Burling- 
ton stone building, contiguous to the new city hall, 
and tearing down the old front, rebuilt of brick in 
the same style of the city hall, which together make 
as fine a liloek among the many fine Inisiiiess houses, 
as the town can boast. The in-oprietors put steam 
presses and an engine into their new (piarters, and 
are now conducting a flourishinc business. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



«;i 



PLYMOUTH 

THE PLYMOUTH ADXEKTISKH 

was fDiiiuled (Ictoljer '). 1853, by James Hol)iii.soii 
and I). R. L(xke (Xashy. ) Two yeans later it was dis- 
posed of to A. H. Balslej, of St. Clairsville, O., who 
contimied in its niauagemeut till January 30, 18C9, 
when he disjiosed of it to Mr. J. M. Beelman, of 
Plymouth. Up to that time it wa.s a seven column 
folio and the only pajier in that i)art of Richland 
and Huron counties. In August, 1872, J. Frank 
Beehnau was admitted as a partner in the business, 
and in December, 1870, he purchased the remaining 
interest in the pa|)er and is now both editor and pro- 
prietor. Tlie Ailrciiiscr has ever been a re])ublican 
paper. 

MONROE VILLE 
THE ilOXUOEVILLE S1'E(T.\T0){ 

was first issued October, 18Tt>, by J. F. t'lough, 
as a seven column folio, and was enlarged to an eight 
column soon after. It was subsequently made a six 
column (|uarto. The paper w;is purchased by L. M. 
Wilkinson September 7, 1870, and he assigned the 
managemeut to W. H. Wilkinson, who is at present 
in charge. 

THE MOXKOEVILLE XEWS 

was established October 16, 1878, l)y C. W. Clough 
as a seven column folio, and was afterwards changed 
to a five column quarto. The publication was sus- 
pended in 1879. Both of these papers were neutral 

in politics. 

NEW LONDON. 
THE .V(;iT.\T()K. 

The lirst paper in New London was the .{(jifdfor, 
jiublished for a short time by Mr. Brewster. 

THE XEW LONDON' TIMES 

was started by Charles E. Manchester, just before 
the close of the war. The paper eked out au exis- 
tence for two years and died for want of support. 
The material was purchased by a number of New 
London merchants and about a )'ear after Manches- 
ter's failure Mr. E. L. Atkinson, of West Salem, 
began the publication of the Tinu's. He was com- 
pelled to suspend in less than a year. 

THE NEW LONDON KEIOKI) 

was started in 1870 by F. A. Whitmore. In 1872 
he left town and George W. Runyan, the present 
owner, then au em]doye in the office, purchased the 
material and began issuing the paper as his own. 
Soon after the entire office was destroyed by fire, but 
u[ion January 1, 1873, he l)egan again with new mate- 
rial, and succeeded so well that a year later he was 
obliged to enlarge liis paper to the size of an eight 
column (piarto. 



FAIRFIELD 
THE NORTH F.\UU-IELD (iAZETTE 

was a short-lived paper, started in 1857 by the Rev, 
Robert McC'une and J. R. Robinson. It was suc- 
cessively but not successfully owned by Robinson & 
Lee and by 0. B. Chapman. During its short career 
the paper was well edited and readable. 

W AKEM AN. 
THE RIVERSIDE ECHO 

was a small paper, started in 1873 by Melvin Lewis. 
It was enlarged frgm a four column quarto to a six 
column, and in 1875 was removed to North Amherst, 
Lorain county. September 18th, 1875, 

THE W AKEM AN PRESS 

was established by G. H. Mains. The office was 
sold out in March, 1877, to A. E. Mains, G. H. 
Mains acting as manager. 

In this county papers have also been published 
recently at Chicago Junction and Collins. The 
former was known as the Herald, and its proprietor 
was 0. J. Powell, formerly of Wapakonetta. The 
paper was so short-lived as to be hardly worthy of 
mention. The Collins paper was the property of 
Frank Miles. It was issued as a monthly until it 
reached its sixth or seventh number, and was then 
absorbed by the Wakeman Indepmdeni Prexa. 



C H A P T E R X \- II I . 

THE PIHE-LANDS HISTOKICAL SOCIETY. 

The initial movement toward the organization of 
the Fire-lands Historical Society was made, when, 
upon May, 20, 1857, a few prominent pioneers as- 
sembled informally at the court Ifouse, actuated with 
the laudable desire of making an effort to jireserve 
from oblivion the early history of the settlement of 
the "sufferers'" land — a land bought with the ashes 
of hapjiy ruined homes. There were but a few per- 
sons present — Piatt Benedict, Rev. Alfred Hetts, 
Philo Wells, Philo Adams, Seth A. Adams, Horace 
Hall, P. N. Schuyler, and Harvey Ft)wler. After 
some consultation upon the foasibibility of effecting 
an organization, the meeting was adjourned to .lune, 
17th. But little was accomiilished beside the ap- 
pointment, upon motion, of the Rev. Alfred Betts, 
of a committee of two persons, in each township, 
whose duty it should be to collect and reduce to 
writing, all facts and statistics, in relation to the 
early settlement of their respective townships, and 
report the same to the secretary. The committees 
were constituted as follows: 

Vermillion, Wm. H. Crane, John Murgan: Flor- 
ence, T. S. Fuller, D. Chandler; Wakeman, J. Sher- 
man, C. Miinvel; New Loudon, J. Miller, Thomas 



62 



"HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Smith; Rnggles, B. Sturtevaut, H. Sackett; Green- 
wich, J. Barnes, S. H. Gibson; Fitchville, J. C. Cur- 
tiss, R. Palmer; Hartland, Elijah Bills, D. Minor; 
Townsend, D. H. Manville, B. Benson; Berlin, I. 
FoAvler, Z. Phillips; Huron, Rev. S. Marks, Rev. H. 

C. Taylor; Milan, A. Minuse, C. B. Choate; Nor- 
walk, Piatt Benedict, Dolen Read; Brouson, M. Kel- 
logg, D. Warren; Fairfield, Dr. J. N. Campbell, A. 
Benson; Ripley, Gen. D. G. Barker, Wm. Bacon; 
New Haven, R. Bly, A. Brewbaker; Greenfield, S. C. 
Parker, H. Spencer; Peru, S. Atherton, R. Eaton; 
Ridgefield, Rev. E. Eaton, John Sowers; Oxford, 
Wni. Parish, A. W. Prout; Perkins, J. House, Gen. 
W. D. Lindsley; Portland, Hon. E. Cooke, F. D. 
Parish; Margaretta, H. Fowler, Rev. C. Smith; Gro- 
ton, E. Bemiss, S. Rash: Lyme, L. G. Harkness, J. 
K. Campbell; Sherman, J. Manley, C. Bloomer; 
Norwich, G. H. Woodruff, J. H. Niles; Richmond, 

D. Sweetland, J. Geesy; Danbury, William Kelley, 
Frank Dwelly; Kelley's Island, Datus Kelley; Clarks- 
field, S. Husted, E. M. Barnum. 

The above committees were afterwards somewhat 
changed. Z. Phillips was appointed for the township 
of Berlin, m place of S. Fowler; Charles B. Sim- 
mons, for Greenfield, in place of J. C. Parker; Robert 
Carpenter, for New London, in place of Thomas 
Smith; James Cudderback, of Vermillion, in place of 
William Morgan; A. G. Stewart, of New Haven, in 
place of Rouse Bly; Levi R. Sutton was added to the 
committee for Peru, and William W. Pollock, to the 
Ridegiield committee. A number of other changes 
were made before the work assigned to the commit- 
tees was completed, but they remained substantially 
the same. 

A grand reunion of the pioneers was held at 
Noi'walk on the Fourth of July, 1857, which created 
much enthusiasm, and brought many of the early 
settlers to a fuller realization of the importance of 
gathering the early history of the settlement and de- 
velopment of the country. An address was delivered 
by the Hon. Eleutheros Cooke, of Sandusky. 

June 17, 18.57, another meeting was held, at which 
the following officers were elected: Piatt Benedict, 
president: William Parish, Ek'ntiiems Cooke, Z. 
Phillips, Seth C. Parker, John II. Niles, vice presi- 
dents; Charles A. Preston, treasurer; Philip N. 
Schuyler, recording secretary; F. D. Parish, G. T. 
Stewart, corresjiondiug secretaries. 

Piatt Benedict held the office of president until his 
death on the ^.'jtii of October, 18(ifi. At the annual 
meeting in 1867, Judge Zalmunna Phillips was chosen 
to the office. He held it until 187.5, wlien P. N. 
Schuyler was elected president. 

The ol)ject3 of the Fire-lands Historical Society 
as declared in the constitution, are to collect and pre- 
serve in proper form the facts constituting the full 
history of the Fire-lands; also, to obtain and i)reserve 
an autlientic and general statement of their resources 
and productions of all kinds. 

In pursuance of this object, the society held annual 



and quarterly meetings, which were addressed upon 
topics of historical interest, by the prominent pio- 
neers; established a valuable cabinet of curiosities, 
and began the publication of The Fire- Lands Pioneer. 
This publication was first issued in the form of a neat 
pamphlet, from the press of the Sandusky Register, 
in 1858. Thirteen volumes have been issued, — the 
last bearing the date July, 1878 — containing sketches 
of the townships, personal memoirs, dissertations 
upon various appropriate subjects, obituaries of de- 
ceased pioneers, and miscellaneous selections of in- 
teresting matter. 

The society has performed a work which can only 
with difficulty be appreciated by those who have had 
no practical knowledge, through experience, of the 
arduousness of the task. The meetings have been 
held with regularity, and have been prolific in good 
resufts, among which the chief is, perhaps, the fur- 
therance of social well being, the creation of new and 
the strengthening of old friendships, the awakening 
of sympathetic feeling, and the revival of happy 
memories of the olden time. The work of securing 
from oblivion the facts of tiie early settlement of 
the country, and the memoirs of the sturdy, brave 
souls who developed it, is one which will be more 
fully and widely appreciated as the years roll on, and 
the last of the honored pioneers of the Fire-lands has 
passed over to the great majority. 

AGRICULTURAL. 
THE FIRST SOCIETY IX THE FIRE-LAXD.S. 

In pursuance of a notice published in the Huron 
Reflector in 1833, a meeting was held at the Court 
House in Norwalk, on the last Friday of' June, and 
then and there was effected the organization of the 
Huron County Agricultural Society, the first of the 
kind in the Fire-lands. The following officers were 
elected : President, Amos Woodward: Vice Presi- 
dent, Timothy Baker; Directors, Lemuel Morse, Levi 
Barnum, Lester Cone, .John Millen, John Falton, 
Aaron Corbit, Arunah Eaton, Wm. P Mason, Daniel 
Beach, Charles B. Simmons; Treasurer, Eoen Boalt; 
Secretary, John V. Vredenburgh. 

The first fair was held in the fall of 1833. An 
address was delivered by T. B. Sturges, Esq. The 
premium for the Ijest aero of corn was awarded to 
George Powers, who had a yield of si.xty-three 
bushels; best half acre of potatoes, John Daune, one 
hundred bushels; best half acre beets, John V. 
\'redenburgh. The only article in the line of "house- 
hold utensils" on exhibition was "an improved cook- 
ing stove,'" upon wliich William Gallup took a 
premium. 

After the division of Huron county, the society 
was reorganized, and had for several years an exist- 
ence under the name of the Huron and Erie Counties' 
Agricultural Society. In 1852. the directors adopted 
a series of resolutions, in whicii they expressed them- 
selves as believing (hat the general interests of agri 



I 



HISTORY OF UURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



()3 



culturo would be best subserved by the existence of 
separate societies in each of the counties of Huron 
and Erie. Tlie resolutions were only adopted after a 
warm debate. In accordance with a resolution that 
a committee of three from each county be appointed, 
to close up and adjust the funds belonging to the 
society. C. E. Newman. D. A. Baker and Giles Boalt 
were appointed from Huron, and J. F. Reynolds, 
H. Chase and L. S. Stowe from Erie. This com- 
mittee held a meeting at Milan, and reported that 
they had found in the treasury $.511.10, of which 
amount they gave Huron county §299.06 and 
Erie nV2.oi 

Tlie vear following the dissolution (18.5.5) was 
formed the 

ERIE COl'NTV AURICTLTURAL .SOCIETY. ^' 

A meeting was held at Huron in F'ebruary, at 
which a constitution was adopted and the following 
officers elected : President, J. T. Reynolds; Vice 
President, Harvey Chase; Secretary, F. D. Parish; 
Treasurer, Charles N. Ryan; Directors, R. H. Rogers,- 
Margaretta : John Thompson, Berlin ; A. W. 
Prout, Sr., Oxford: Elijah Bemis, Groton; Elam 
Ward, Milan. 

The first annual fair of this society was held at San- 
dusky, in the month of October, 1855. The commit- 
tee of arrangements consisted of the following gentle- 
men: .1. F. Reynolds, F. D. Parish, F. T. Barney, 
P. Gregg and H. B. Lane. The fair was a great suc- 
cess, and the prosi)erity of the society, in that its tirst 
essay in the systematic encouragement of agriculture, 
was the first in a now long series of successful exhi- 
bitions. The society has fine grounds in Sandusky, 
is generally regarded as one of the strongest local 
organizations of the kind in the State, and its activity 
and pnjsperity is constantly upon the increase. ^ 

HfUON' COIXTV AlJRIcrLTlKAI. SOCIETY. 

• 

Pursuant to a call published in the county papers, 
a large numl)er of citizens interested in agriculture 
met in Everett's Hall, in Fairfield, January 17, 1855, 
for the purpo.se of effecting the formation of a county 
agricultural society. The society then and there 
organized was the Huron County Agricultural Society. 
G. T. Stewart, Samuel Atherton •■id. Union White, 
B. T. Hunt and A. McPherson were appointed a com- 
mittee to draw up a constitution, which they did to 
the satisfaction of the convention, as it was immedi- 
ately adopted. Fifty-two members united with the 
society and signed the constitution. The following 
officers were elected: Union White, president; I). A. 
Baker, Henj. H. Hinkley, vice presidents; W. Mana- 
han, treasurer; J. C. Curtis*, Jr., secretary. 

The society held three fairs at Olena and one at 
Fairfield, after which tlie place of exhibition was 
changed to Norwalk, where it has ever since been. 
Until 1872, the society had the use of grounds which 
were insufficient and unsuitable for their purpose, but 
in that year the present grounds were purchased of 



John Gardiner, and were, sometime subseipiently, 
fitted up by the erection of buildings, stalls and vari- 
ous improvements, at a cost amounting to eight 
thousand dollars, five thousand of which was a sub- 
scription fund. 

In 1875, the society was still in debt over six thou- 
sand three hundred dollars: and, in accordance with 
an act of the legislature, and the question being sub- 
mitted to the people by a popular vote, the township of 
Norwalk paid to John Gardiner, from an unexpi-nded 
fund raised by taxation for railroad purposes, but 
declared unconstitutional, the sum of six thousand 
three hundred and fifty dollars, receiving from him a 
warranty deed of the thirty acres of land included in 
the fair ground. The township then, through its 
trustees, leased the grounds to the Huron County 
Agricultural Society for a term of twenty-five years, 
to expire in the year 1900, for a consideration of only 
twenty-five dollars per year, the agricultural society 
being bound, under forfeiture of its lease, to keep in 
good condition the grounds, trees and shrubbery, to 
maintain its organization, and to hold upon these 
grounds annual fairs. 

The first fair held upon the new grounds was in 
1873, and was very successful. The committee of 
improvements consisted of Giles Boalt, 0. W. Haws, 
J. W. Bostwick and John Gardiner. 

THE HL'ROK COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY, 

an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, is the 
oldest organization existing in the territory, at pres- 
ent, included in Huron and Erie counties. It was 
organized in 1825. Upon March 15th of that year, 
a meeting was held in Norwalk of "sundry inhabit- 
ants of Huron county, (a number of citizens from 
various and distant parts of the county.)" Piatt 
Benedict was called to the chair, and Zachariah 
Marvin appointed clerk. After adopting a constitu- 
tion, the meeting was adjourned. On June Cth, 
another meeting was held, at which the first officers 
who served the society, were elected. They were the 
following: President, Ichabod Marshall; Vice Presi- 
dents, Robert S. Southgate, of Bronson; George (r. 
Baker, of Florence; Jabez Wright, of Huron; 
Timothy Baker, of Norwalk; Amos Woodward, of 
Lyme: John B. Johnson, of New London; Moor Far- 
well, of Sandusky, and Ephraim JInuger, of Milan; 
Corres-ponding Secretary, Ralph Lock wood; Recording 
Secretar}-, Zachariah Marvin: Treasurer, Milton Jen- 
nings; Directors, William Kelley, of Perkins; Richard 
Fally, of Margaretta; Francis Strong, of Lyme; - 
Andrew Hauford, of Sherman: Elisha Steward, of 
New Haven; Eli Holaday, of (Jreenfield: Harry 0. 
Sheldon, of Peru; Zebediah Morse, of Ridgefield; 
James Strong, of Oxford; Philo Adams, ef Huron; 
Jasper Miles and Bildad Adams, of Milan: Piatt 
Benedict, of Norwalk; Nathan Tanner, of Bronson: 
Joseph Crawford, of Fairfield; Samuel Brown, of 
Greenwich; Rundle Palmer, of Fitchville; Obadiah 
Jenney, of Clarksfield;.Eli S. Barnum, of Florence; 



./ 



64 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AND EKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Clark, of Vermillion; Benjamin Bailey, of 

Townsend: John Fuller, of Eldridge; Justus Miner, 
of Wakeman; Azel Miner, of New London; Bradford 
Sturtevant, of Ruggles; Joseph Ramsdell, of Dan- 
bury, and Gayus Munger, of York, Sandusky county. 
This society celebrated in 1878, its fifty-third anni- 
versary. Its life has been, as might be supposed 
from its strong organization, a vigorous one, and its 
work extensive and valuable. 

MEDICAL. 

Dr. Moses C. Sanders was the president of the first 
medical society that had an existence in the Fire-lands. 
This is a fact shown by the aj)pearance of his name 
signed to a call for a meeting of the society, June 4, 
1833, and published in May of the same year, in the 
Sandusky Clarion. Nothing further appears in re- 
gard to this medical society, in the files of old news- 
papers, and the records, if there ever were any, are 
now undiscoverable. It is probable that the organiza- 
tion liiid but a short life, for 

THK KOIRTKEXTH t)ISTKI(T .M EDICA L SOCIETY 

was organized in 1834, and as it was a large, and for 
a number of years a very prosperous society, it in all 
likelihood crowded the smaller one out of existence. 
Following is the first newspaper mention of this or- 
ganization: 

Medical Notice —Pursuant to an actio incorporate medical societies 
for tlie purpose of re ulating ttie practice of physic and surgery in this 
State. I hereby notify the medical gentlemen, resident in the counties of 
Richland. Huron, Lorain, Sandnslsy anil Seneca that a meeting will be 
holdenat Norwalk, the lastTuesday of May next, at ten o'clock, a.m., for 
the purpose of organizing a medical societ.v agreeable to said act. It is 
expected that there will be a general attendance of physicians of this 
district, as the eleventh section of the act provides that no person, other 
than menibers of one of the medical societies in this State sliall be per- 
mitted to practice physic or surgery after the 1st of July next. 

Norwalk, April 10, 1SS4. Daniel Tilden. 

The above and the following are from the Sandusky 
Clarion., the latter being in the issue of June 3, 1834. 

Communication. — .Agreeable to the act, on the 2.Mh instant, came on at 
Norwalk the first meeting of the Fourteenth Medical Society in this 
State. The meeting was full, and upon the whole, we were much 
pleased with the respectable display of parchment. At three o'clock 
the gentinien jiresent proceeded to organize by choosing — 

Dr. Tilden, of Norwalk, president; Dr Anderson, of Sandusky, vice 
president; Dr. Mantor, of Elyria. secretary; Dr Fay, of Milan, treas- 
urer; Dr. Lucas, of Uniontown ; Dr. G C .Miller, of Mansfield; Dr 
Baker, of Florence; Dr Sanders, of Peru; Dr Strong, of Blooming- 
ville, censors. 

The annual nieeling of 183.5 wtts also held at 
Norwalk, a number of new members were received 
and the following officers elected: Nathan II. 
Mantor, ju'esident: Jcihn B. Johnson, vice jiresiilent; 
Amos B. Harris, secretary; Lyman Fay, treasurer; 
George G. HaUer, Moses C. Sanders, Daniel Tilden, 
Eli Dresback and Cliarlt-s E. Furd, censors. 

The third ;innual meeting was held May 30, 1830, 
and the following officers elected: Moses C. Sanders, 
president; George Anderson, vice president; Amos B. 
Harris, secretary;. Lyman Fay, treasurer; (Jeorge (i. 
Baker, Daniel Tilden. Xatiian II .Mantor. Daniel 
Bi';iinai'd, .Ir. . and .)(irl Luther, censors. 



The fourth meeting was held at Norwalk on the* 
39th of May, 1837, and the otHcers elected were as 
follows: Allen G. Miller, president; George G. 
Baker, vice president; A. B. Harris, secretary; 
Lyman Fay, treasurer; George G. Baker, Williiim 

F. Kittredge, Moses C. Sanders, Daniel Tilden, and 
Eli Dresback, censors. 

It was shown that there were at that time the fol- 
lowing regularly licensed practicing physicians and 
surgeons in Huron county: George G. Baker, Daniel 
Tilden, M. C. Sanders, George Anderson, Lyman 
Fay, William F. Kittredge, William W. Nugent, C. 
B. Harris, H. M. Clark, Joseph Pearce, Andrew 
McMillan, Richard P. Christophers, Samuel Stephens, 
Charles Smith, Samuel B. Carjienter, W. Merriman, 
Lemuel Powers, and A. H. Brown, eighteen in all. 
The other counties of the district together had but 
sixteen. 

The following are the officers for 1838 and 1839: 
1838 — President, George G. Baker; Vice President, 
Moses C. Sanders, Secretary, Amos B. Harris; Treas- 
urer, Lyrhan Fay; Censors, \Vm. F. Kittredge, Allen 

G. Miller, Eber W. Huljbard, Moses C. Sanders, 
Daniel Tilden. 

1839 — President, Moses C. Sanders; Vice President, 
Daniel Tilden; Secretary, Amos B. Harris; Treasurer, 
Lyman Fay; Censors, George G. Baker, Nathan H. 
Manter, Wm. F. Kittredge, Wm. W. Nugent, Henry 
Kuhn. 

At the meeting in 1830, a resolution was passed 
approving the efforts then making for the suppres- 
sion of intemperance. Geo. Anderson was elected 
President. No mention of the society can be found 
later than the above years, and it is proljable that the 
organization was not sustained much later tlian the 
above date — the last one given. 

THE DELAMATER MEDICAL ASSOCIATIOX 

is the next in order, it was organized at a meeting 
of the medical profession of Norwalk and the neigh- 
boring towns, held at the office of Drs. Reid and 
Ford, November 18th, 1858. Drs. A. N. Reid, 
Thomas M. Cook, and L. Galpin were appointed to 
draw up a constitution, which, at a later session on 
the same day, was adopted. The constitution opened 
with a preamble exjtressing the fittingness of men of 
congenial minds and similar pursuits associating 
themselves together for tlie promotion of kind feeling 
and the free interchange of opinions, and in addition 
to this general sttitement of the objects of the organi- 
zation, prescribed certain rules for self-government, 
and further exhibited its aim in the fifth and sixth 
clauses lA' expressions in favor of adopting the code 
of ethics of the American Medical Association, and 
of constituting itself a court, before which should be 
heard all comiilaints of lireach of etiquette and all 
(piestions of ethics. The charter members of the 
association were Drs. Charles Smith, of Lyme; L. 
Galjiin and W. F. Dean, of Milan; Thomas M. Cook, 
of Monroeville; Wm. W. Stillson and J. AV. (ioodson. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



65 



of Helleviie; A. C. Eutoii, of Peru; S. McCarmon, 

of Greenfield; A. N. Rejid, J. B. Ford and Baker, 

of Xorwalk. Dr. Charles Smith was elected i)resi- 
ilent and Dr. J. B. Ford secretary. The society has, 
since its organization, held (quarterly meetings in the 
various towns of Erie and Huron counties where it 
has had members, for the consideration of subjects 
interesting to the profession, and for the furtherance 
of social relations and well-being. Its constitntion 
has been subscribed by many others than the few 
charter members, and bears the signatures of some of 
the most prominent jjhysicians of the jiast and 
present in both counties. It has now over twenty 
active members. R. A. Severance is its president, 
J. B. Ford, secretary, and C'. S. Kreider, treasurer. 

THE ERIE COUXTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, 

comiiosed of the allopathic jihysicians of Sandusky 
and vicinity, was organized, in the city just named, 
in the year 18.50, its members being Drs. Daniel Til- 
('.en, Aaron Austin, E. S. Lnne. Chas. Cochran, 

l{obert R. McMeens and Landerdall. The 

first president was Dr. Tilden. and the secretary, Dr. 
Lane. The society, during the war, did not main- 
tain an active organization; but when the cause of 
distraction from civil pursuits no longer existed, it 
was resuscitated, and has ever since remained in 
active existence. Dr. H. .J. Donahoe was for many 
vears its ]>resident. and was succeeded by Dr. P. H. 
Clemens, the present incumbent. The vice presidents 
are Drs. Cook and Story, and the secretary. Dr. W. 
K. Page. The society has about twenty members, 
holds monthly meetings, and has done much to pro- 
duce social good fellowship among members of the 
profession. 

TEMPERANCE. 

THE lUHd.V COrXTY TEMl'EKAXCE LEA(;rE. 

This organization was a direct outgrowth of the 
very successful local organizations in Norwalk and 
other points in the county, and came into being June 
7, 18.50. at which time, pursuant to call, a meeting 
was lirld in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Nor- 
walk. A preamble and i)ledge were adopted, and the 
following officers elected: Rev. S. C. Parker, president; 
(i. F. Stewart, secretary; Charles E. Newman, treas- 
urer. All of the officiating clergymen of the county 
who became members of the organization were made 
vice presidents. 

After this preliminary organization, tiie first an- 
nual meeting of the league was held at ilonroeville, 
Noveml)er 8th, of the same year above designated, and 
the following officers were elected: Rev, .J. C. Bowles, 
president; Charles K. Newman, secretary; Charles 
\'ancise, treasurer. At the next meeting, held at 
Xorwalk, Dert'iulK-r <;th, the constitution was so modi- 
tied as \o allow all temperance societies in the county 
to become auxilliary to the league. From this time 
on for several years temperance work was prosecuted 
with groat diligence and to excellent effect, a strong 





public feeling being aroused and much good accom- 
plished. ■ All of the clergymen and other pul)lic 
speakers who were willing to give their labor for the 
cause were enlisted in the work; it was decided to 
have one temperance address delivered in each town- 
ship every three months. The following gentlemen 
were enrolled as county lecturers, and made addresses 
in all parts of the county during the year 18.51 and 
the first (piarter of 18.5->: Rev. C. \V. Clapp, Rev. S. 
B. Page, Rev. E. S. (irumley. Rev. M. \V. FairHeld, 
Rev. E. P. Salmon, R-v. F. P. Hall, Rev. R. S. 
Lockwood, Rev. Mr. Boardinan, Rev. Alfred Newton, 
Rev. S. H. Waldo, Rev. Ira Smith, Rev. .John Kelley, 
John R. Osborne, S. '1\ Worcester, G. T. Stewart, 
Charles Kent, E. W. Tucker. DeMorris Pratt, D. II. 
Beckwith, Timothy Baker, Jr., C. F, Woodruff, B. 
T. Hunt, B. F. Roberts. It was arranged that (piar- 
terly meetings should be held in various places in the 
county, and that on the Fourth of July of each year 
should be held the annual temjierance celebration, 
which should also be a patriotic reunion of all who had 
the cause of temperance at heart. The speeches de- 
livered in the summer of 18.51, preceding the State 
election, on the adoption of the new constitution, with 
a separate vote on the section prohibitmo- license for 
the sale of intoxicating licpiors, had a great influence 
in throwing the vote of Huron county upon the anti- 
license side. The vote of the townships upon this 
question stood as follows: 





FOB 


AGAINST 




FOR 


AGAINST 




LICENSE 


LICENSE. 




LICENSE 


LICENSE 


Bronson . . - 


116 


73 


Norwich . 


65 


67 


Clarksrteld. . , 


20 


153 


Peru . 


65 


62 


Fitchville 


3a 


111 


Richmond 


7 


38 


Faii-fleld 


« 


167 


Kidgefleld 
Ripley 


109 


S9 


Greenfield. . . 


8J 


99 


47 


88 


Grt-enwicn . . . 


76 


38 


Sherman . 


56 


39 


Hartland 


68 


47 


Townsend 


108 


61 


Lyme 


102 


57 

223 

50 


Wakenian . 
Total 


34 

. 1,4S0 


6S 


Norwalk 


225 





New Haven. . . 


149 


1,635 


New I.oDdon . . 


73 


113 









The officers elected at the second annual meeting, 
held at Norwalk, July 4, 1851, were as follows: Gen. 
Jeremiah Cole, president; Charles E. Newman, sec- 
retary; Edward E. Husted, treasurer. 

During the excitement of the presidential cam- 
paign of 1852, the meetings were mostly suspended, 
but the'y were resumed in 1853. The following offi- 
cers were elected that year, the meeting being held 
July 4th, at Norwalk: James Green, president; 
Charles E. Newman, secretary; Edward E. Husted, 
treasurer. Following are the officers elected in later 
years: 1854, Frederick Sears, president; Frederick 
A. Wildnian, secretary; Erastus Gray, treasurer. 
185I1. Charles B. Simmons, jiresident; Charles W. 
Manahan, secretary; Erastus Gray, treasurer. The 
league was disbanded in 1857, because of the slavery 
agitation, the disruption of old political jiarties, the 
formation of new ones, and the prevalence of various 
absorbing and exciting jiroblems in the nation. No 
attempt was made to revive it until 1870. A meet- 
ing was held upon the 8tli of .January of that year, 
and the following officers were chosen: Charles W. 
Manahan, president; Henry J. iSaldwin, secretary; 
Levi Kill)urn, treasurer. 



66 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



This organized league did not long continue in ex- 
istence. Something was accomplished, but not much. 
The interest died out. and the league was a second 
time disbanded. After tlie wide-siiread and intense 
e.Kcitement of the crusade, in 18T3, had roused the 
people to an intensity of action before unknown, the 
Huron county temperance league, at present in ex- 
istence, was organized upon a strong basis, and in- 
cluding all other temperance societies, both townsliip 
organizations, and those having a county breadth. 
The first officers of the new league were elected at a 
meeting held 3Iay 'ii, 1874, at the Methodist Episco- 
pal church in Xorwalk. They were as follows: N. 
S. C. Perkins, of Xorwalk, president; Jlrs. E. Sum- 
ner, Bellevue; MrS. S. T. Guard, Monroeville; Mrs. 
R. C. Powers, New London; Mrs. Danforth, Peru; 
Mrs. L. S. Johnson, Peru, vice presidents; Mrs. H. 
Brown, Norwalk, secretary; Mrs. T. H. Drake, Mon- 
roeville, treasurer. The present officers of the league 
are: Rev. C. C. Creegan, president; Jlrs. H. E. Farr, 
secretary; ilrs. M. A. C'orwin, treasurer. The league 
has constantly kept up its organization, has Ijeen one 
of the most active in the State, and is, at the present 
writing, in a thoroughly prosperous condition. 

THE farmers' exporting COMPANY OF HURON 
COUNTY, 

was one of the earliest organizations effected in the 
county, and was, for a short time, of considerable 
importance. No records of the organization exist, 
and only a little light is thrown upon the nature and 
object of the society, by the brief notices that are to 
be found in the files of the Sandusky Clarion. It 
appears that the Farmers' Exporting Company was 
organized some time prior to 1822, for an advertise- 
ment, dated July 26tli, of that year, calls a "meeting 
to be belli at Captain Boalt's inn, in Norwalk, for the 
purpose of taking measures for the transportation of 
a drove of cattle to the east.'' There were many 
difficulties at that early day, in getting a market for 
what little could beraised in excess of consumption, 
upon the Reserve, and this company assisted mate- 
rially, for a few years, the farmers of the company, 
who could do but little except by organized effort. 
When, or by whom the company was formed, does 
not fully appear. The directors were Luther Coe, 

Ebenezer Guthrie, John MclMillen, Raymond, 

and Effeuctus Starr. 

HURON COUNTY SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 

The earliest Sunday school union of which there is 
any record, was organized in 1825, at a meeting held 
in Norwalk, ar.d was known as tiie Huron County 
Sunday School L'nion. It remained in existence but 
a short time. The following were its officers: Rev. 
John Beach, president; Rev. Enoch Conger, David 
Gibbs. and Asahel Morse, vice-presidents; Icliabod 
Marshall, treasurer; Zachriah Marion, secretary; Henry 
Buckingham, depository. 

The Sunday school union of Huron county, now in 



existence, was organized July 29, 1863, at a meeting 
held in Xorwalk, pursuant to^call, and attended by 
a large number of the churches of the county, with- 
out regaid to denomination. Judge Parker, Henry 
M. Holliday, C. E. Newman, Rev. J. D. McCord. S. 

B. French, E. Bemiss, Rev. L. Bailey, R. G. Can- 
nings, D. B. Simons, N. H. Spencer, J. L. Patton, 
and Rev. G. H. Walter were appointed a committee 
to draw up a constitution. 

" The object of the union," as stated in this con- 
stitution, "shall be to unite all evangelical christians 
in the county in efforts to promote the cause of Sun- 
day schools, establishing new schools where they are 
needed, and awakening an increased interest and 
efficiency in such as are already in operation."' 

The first officers of the union were as follows: N. 
S. C. Perkins, jiresident; C. E. Newman, correspond- 
ing secretary; Rev. J. D. McCord, recording secre- 
tary; Joel Smitli, treasurer; C. E. Penuewell, Rev. 

C. F. Lewis, and Rev. L. Bailey, central committee; 
Rev. A. Newton, Norwalk; Mrs. Johnson, Bronson; 
Rev. C. Moors, Fairfield; C. A. Willard, Lyme; Rev. 
J. E. Weed, Ridgefield; John Saunders, Peru; John 
Sherman, Wakeman; D. B. Simmons, Townsend; Rev. 
J. H. Walter, Milan; D. Laughlin, Hartland; J. L. 
Patton, Clarksfield: Judge Parker Greenfield; A. 
Morrifield, New London; J. H. Niles, Norwich; Rev. 
J. C. Thompson, Fitchville; Rev, F. C. Paine, Ripley; 
Reuben Linden, New Haven; E. Bemiss, Groton; 
Samuel Dodd, Greenwich, vice-presidents. The Sun- 
day school <niion, now after an active and useful ex- 
istence of sixteen years, is better than ever able to 
further the ends for which it was organized. 

ERIE COUNTY FARMERS" INSURANCE COMPANY. 

This company, for the purpose of insurance against 
fire, upon the mutual plan, was organized August 13, 

1877, at Sandusky, with the following charter mem- 
bers: Henry Miliner, Calvin Caswell, J. B. Witter, 
B. H. Rogers, T. B. Taylor, M. B. Rice, I. G. Tay- 
lor, T. B. Eddy, R. F. Fowler, E. A. Beebe, Orlando 
Ransom, E, W, Hughes, H, C. Norton, C. W. Liv- 
ingood, AV. G. Benschooten, Andrew Smith, Peter 
Mainzer, C. H. Rockwell, D. H. Benschooten, J. F. 
Greene, George Taylor, 0. C. Tillinghast, Reuben 
Turner. The organization was perfected by tlie elec- 
tion of the following officers: Calvin Caswell, j)res- 
ident; Gardner Benschooten, vice-president: Andrew 
Smith, Orlando Ransom, D. H. Benschooten, direc- 
tors; T. B. Taylor, secretary; Reuben Turner, treas- 
urer. 

THE HURON COUNTY FAKMEKs" INSURANCE COMPANY 

is the outgrowth of a movement that began in Ripley 
townshii), and its organization was effected Marcii 11, 

1878, the following gentlemen lieing tlie charter 
members: A. D. Stotts. R. C. Johnson, James R. 
Knight, A. W. Barker, A, Robinson. J. A. Frost, W. 
W. Martin, S. E. Peck, D. S. Washburiie. Lorenxo 
\). Keller. On the 14th of March the following offi- 



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HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



67 



CITS were elected: A. D. Stotts, president; R. C. 
Johnson, vice-jiresident; R. C. Johnson, secretary; 
James R. Knight, treasurer; S. E. Peck, J. A. Frost, 
W. W. Martin, directors. The object of the company 
is to insure its members at the lowest possible rates 
consistent with sound business princiiiles. During 
the first year of its existence, the company has as- 
sumed risks of over three hundred thousand dollars. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

MILITARY HISTORY OF THE FIRE-LA.ND3. 
EIUHTII KEIJI.MEXT OHIO VOLL'XTEEK IXFAXTRY. 

This regiment was originally organized as a 
"three months" regiment," under the tirst call of 
the iiresident, most of the companies having been 
enlisted between the 16th and 2M days of April, 1861, 
and all of them arriving at Camp Taylor as. early as 
April iOth. On the 2d of May, all the companies hav- 
ing been mustered into the service, the regiment was 
ordered to Camp Dennison, where it arrived on the .3d, 
during a drenching rain, and many of the men, for the 
tirst time in their lives, slept in the open air, with only 
a soldier's blanket for floor, roof, walls and bed-clothes. 
The regimental organization was here completed by 
the ajipointment of the field and staff officers. In- 
structions in the "drill" now commenced, and vig- 
orous efforts were i)ut forth to fit the regiment for 
service: Ijut it soon became evident that the troops 
at this camp would not be sent to the field as three 
m mths' men, and an effort was made to re-enlist the 
regiment for three years. To this every company 
responded excejit Company I, and the regiment of 
nine companies was mustered into the service for 
three years, on the 22d, 2.5th and 26th of June. 

In the following September Com])iny I joined the 
regiment at Grafton, Virginia. 

On the 9th day of July, 1861. the regiment left 
Camj) Dennison for Grafton, Virginia, and on the 
12th arrived at AVest Union, Preston county, Vir- 
ginia, on the summit of the Alleghany mountains 
where they are crossed by the great western turnpike, 
and along which (Jarnett's rebel army was then being 
rapidly driven by McClellan's troops. For some 
weeks after this, the regiment was stationed at various 
places among the mountains and along the Baltimore 
and Oiiio railroad, during which time it suffered 
severely from typlioid fever. At one time over three 
hundred were in the hospital, an<l some thirty-four 
deaths resulted from the fever in, a short time. 

On the 24th of September the regiment partici- 
ji.ited in an attack on Romney. At the "Hanging 
Rock " it was exposed to a severe fire, and lost seveval 
men in killed and a number wounded. The regiment 
again participated in an attack on Romney, (Jctober 
24th, which, being evacuated by the enemy, was occu- 
jiied by the troojis under General Kelly until .laniiary 



13, 1862. The next light was at Blue's Gap. In 
January the troopi were removed to Patterson's 
creek, and the following month to Paw-Paw tunnel. 
On February 14tli the Eighth participated in a brisk 
fight at Blooiney Gmj), in which Colonel Baldwin, 
with his staff and a part of his command were cap- 
tured. General Lander died .March 2d, and shortly 
after the division was sent to the Shenandoah valley, 
where General Shields took command. 

On March 22 1 the outposts at Winchester were 
attacked by Asliljy, and General Shields severely 
wounded. The next day the battle of Winchester 
was fought. But few of the troops had ever been 
under fire, and none of them, as then organized, in 
any serious eng.igenients. Cjloael Kimball com- 
manded, and made the arrangements to whij) 
" Stonewall '' Jackson, who had arrived during the 
night. The battle was one of the most severe of the 
war. .Jackson, toward evening, attempted to turn 
our right flank, but was m^t by Tyler's brigade in 
front, when Colonel Kimball threw several regiments 
on his right flmk, and. after a desperate fight, 
which, in some instanc3S, wa? hand to hand, the 
enemy was routed and driven from the tielil. [This 
was "hot" work; the writer was there, and knows 
whereof he spe.iks.] The regiment followed the 
enemy up the valley, skirmishing at Woodstock, 
Mount Jackson, Edinburgh and New Market: thence 
it joiuel McDowell at Fred3ricksburg. Here it 
re:nained a few days, and was ordered back to the 
valley again. In the m?aiitime Banks had executed 
one of those retroyrwle inovcmetits for which he 
became einineiifb/ coif^pkiions ere the close of the 
war. 

Ill August following the Eig'itli was united to 
the Second Corjis, then commanded by Sumnei', and 
with thiscorpi it continued toa-'t during the remain- 
der of its service. 

After much marching, skirmishing and a few 
light engagemjnts, the Potomac was crossed at 
chain bridcje, and the march through Maryland 
commenced which ended in the battle of South 
Mountain and Antietam, near Reedyville. Tlie 
whole army was massed by the morning of Sep- 
tember 16th, and a furious artillery duel commenced. 
One of the first of the enemy's shots killed W. W. 
Farmer, a color-s3rgeant of the Eighth. The can- 
non ide lasted all day. The next day the battle of 
Antietam was fought. The Second Corps crossed 
the river and occupied the center of the line. It did 
effective work that day. In this battle the regiment 
lost one hundred and sixty-two in killed and 
wounded. Among the killed were Lieutenants De- 
lany and Lantry, of Com])any B, Lieutenant H. H, 
Bill, Company E. and Lieutenant C. W. Barnes, 
Company 1). 

In the terrible battle of Fredericksburg, on Decem- 
ber 13th, the Eighth formed the right wing of the for- 
lorn hope. .Vmong the killed in this battle was Cap- 
tain Allen, Comiianv I. .Vt the battle of Chancel- 



68 



HISTORY OF IIUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



lorsville, beginning April 28. 1863. the Eighth was 
almost constantly undei' fire for four days, and yet 
its loss was only two killed and eleven wounded. 
The brigade was at this time and subsequently com- 
manded l)v General Carroll, and the Eis-htli Regiment 
by Colonel Franklin Sawyer. 

No further active service was ha 1 until the Gettys- 
burg camp.iign. In that Ijattle the regiment bore a 
conspicuous jKirt, capturing three stands of colors. 
and losing m killed and wounded one hundred and 
four officers and men. After the escapj of Lee's 
army across the Potomae, the Eighth marched with 
the army to the Rapidan. But we have not space to 
record all the fighting done Ijy this regiment. Suffice 
it to say, that, from this date until June 25, 1864, 
when, its term of service having e.vpired, and the 
little squad, numbering but seventy-two officers and 
men fit for duty, were taken from the trenches before 
Petersburg and returned to Ohio for muster out, 
they were almost constantly in active service of the 
severest character. The regiment was formally mus- 
tered out on July 13, 1864. at Cleveland. Ohio, bv 
Captain Douglass, Fnited States army. 

THIRTY-SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

This was one of the first organizations raised in 
the State on the basis of three years' service. Its 
rendezvous was Camp Bartley near Mansfield, but 
before completion it was transferred to Camp Deuni- 
sou where it was completed, organized, equipped and 
sent to the field, under the auspices of Colonel Thos. 
H. Ford, formerly Lieutenant-Governor of Ohio. 

On the fifteenth of September, 1861, the regiment 
left Camp Dennison for West Virginia. As was tiie 
case with most, if not all, of the first regiments from 
Ohio, it was poorly equipped and armed with the al- 
most useless, old, smooth-bore muskets of a l)y-gone 
age. The regiment was moved by railroad, and ar- 
rived at Grafton September 18th, and marched the 
next day for Beverly, West Virginia, where it arrived 
on the 'i'id. It was here assigned to the command 
then stationed on Cheat Mountain summit. 

The Thirty-second had been hurried to the field 
without discipline of any kind — in fact, it was hardly 
organized. Here, upon the rugged heights of Cheat 
Mountain, amid the wild scenery of the AUeghauies, 
the regiment received its first lesson in the art of war. 
On the 3rd of October, 1861, the Thirty-second led 
the advance of the army against Greenbrier, Virginia, 
through the mountains and pines of that region by 
midnight. It remained at Greenln-ier during the fall 
of 1,S61. 

On December IStli. it engaged in the advance on 
Camp Alleghany. In his report General .Milrov com- 
plimented the regiment very highly on its gallantry 
and good conduct in its charge into the camp of the 
enemy. The loss of the regiment in this affair was 
four killed and fouiteen wounded, — some severely. 

On its return from this expedition, it was ordered 
to Beverly where it remained the remainder of the 



winter. In ilay it was at the engagements in the 
Bull Pasture valley. In the pursuit of Jackson up 
the Shenandoah Valley, the i-eginient participated in 
the battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic, on 
the 8th and 0th of June, 1862. Returning to Win- 
chester, it did garrison duty until September 1st, 
when the place was evacuated by General White. 
The regiment then moved to Harper's Ferry, and 
assisted in its defence. After making a hard fight 
and losing one hundred and fifty of its number, the 
regiment with the whole command, was surrendered 
by the commanding officer of the post to the enemy 
as prisoners of war. The history of this nnaecount- 
"able affair is yet to be written. The Thirty-Second 
was paroled, and finally transferred to Chicago, Il- 
linois. December 1, 1802. it was transferred to 
Camp Taylor, Cleveland. Ohio. January 12. 1863, 
it was declared exchanged, and on the eighteenth, 
received orders to report to Major-General U. S. 
Grant at Memphis, Tennessee. It reached that 
point on tlie 2.5th of January, and was assigned 
to the Seventeenth Army Corps. At the battle 
of Champion Hills the Thirty-Second made a Ijayonet 
charge, and caj)tured the First Mississippi Rebel 
Battery — men, guns and horses, with a loss of twenty- 
four men. For this gallant achievement the cajjtured 
battery was turned over to the regiment, and manned 
by Company F, during the entire sieze of Vicksburg. 
The total loss loss of the regiment, during the 
campaign and siege of Vicksburg, was two hundred 
and twenty-five, rank and file. It particijiated in 
the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson and 
Champion Hills; and was in the extreme front of 
Logan's Division when Vicksburg surrenderetl. It 
was identified with its corps in Slierman's advance 
against Atlanta; participated in the assault on Kene- 
saw Mountain, June 27, 1864, and Nicojack Creek, 
July 10th. Also, in the kittles of July 20th, 21st, 
22d an 28th, before Atlanta, and lost more than half 
its number in killed and wounded. After the fall of 
Atlanta tiie Thirty-Second moved with the army in 
pursuit of Hood, after which it rejoined General 
Sherman and accompanie.d him on his ''March to the 
Sea." It partici])ated in the grand review at Wash- 
ington, and remained in camp near that city until 
June 8, 186.T, when it took the cars for Louisville. 
Kentucky. It lay there until July 20th. when it was 
mustered out of the service, and proceeded toColum- 
but, Ohio, at which place the men I'eceivedtlieir final 
discharge, July 26, 186.5. 

The Thirty-Second entered the field Seiitember 1.5. 
1861. nine hundred and fifty strt)ng. and during the 
war, received more than sixteen hundred recruits. 
Only five hundred and sixty-five remained at its 
muster-out. It is l)elieved that the regiment lost and 
reciaiited more men than any other from Ohio. 

THE FOKTV-FIKST OHIO VOU XTEEK I N FANTH V. 

Immediately after the battle of Bull. Run a number 
of the citizens of Cleveland, Ohio, sot al)out raising 



I 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



69 



;i rcHnnu'iit, and the result of their labors was the 
Forty-First Ohio Volunteers, of which Capt. William 
B. Hazen, Eighth U. S. Infantry, was appointed 
colonel. The camp of rendezvous was established 
near Cleveland. By the 1st of September a large 
nunil)er of men were in camp, and the work of in- 
struction had commenced. The regiment was mus- 
tered as complete, October 31, 18G1. November 6th, 
the regiment moved by rail to camp Dennison, where 
arms were supplied. Tliese consisted of the ''Green- 
wood Ritles," a weapoii nearly as dangerous as the 
scythes and ])itclifork;s of our revolutionary ancestry. 
From tills point the regiment went to Callipolis, and 
thence to Louisville. It remained during the winter 
at Camp WicklifEe, Kentucky, and Avas assigned to 
Nelson's Division. February 14, 1862, the active ser- 
vice began. First came the battle of Pittsiiurg Land- 
ing. Here the Forty-First did noble work. Of the 
three hundred and seventy-tliree men who entered the 
engagement, one hundred and forty-one were either 
killed or wounded in half an hour. It was next en- 
gaged in the seige of Corinth : then at Perryville, 
Murfreesboro', (where one hundred and twelve were 
killed or wounded, out of four hundred and ten.) 
January 10, 1863, encamped at Readyville, where it 
remained until June 24th. August 15th tents were 
struck and the regiment moved against Chattanooga. 
September 19th the regiment was actively engaged in 
tlie battle of Chickamauga, during tlie entire fight, 
and soon after retired to Chattanooga. At three 
o'clock in the morning of October 27th, fifty-two pon- 
toons, bearing tlie Forty-First and its brigade, pushed 
out silently from Chattanooga, and floated down the 
river. In half an hour the leading pontoons were 
passing in front of the enemy's picket- on the bank, 
hundred feet above. The conversation of the rebels 
could be distinctly heard, but their attention was not 
once directed to the twelve hundred silent enemies 
floating past within pistol-shot. Just as the first 
pontoon arrived opposite its landing, it wasdiscovei'ed; 
but the landing was effected, the pickets driven in, 
and the liill gained. When the morning haze cleared 
away the rebels on Lookout mountiiin saw the hills 
beneath them, commanding two roads to Bridgeport, 
covered with blue-coats, in a position from which 
they could not be driven, witli a pontoon bridge to 
connect them with Chattanooga almost completed. 
The engagement which followed was the most severe 
in which the Forty-First was ever engaged, and it was 
personally thanked by General Thomas for its gallant 
conduct on tlie occasion. At Mission Ridge the regi- 
ment lost one hundred and fifteen in killed and 
wounded. At Clinch^mountain tlie regiment re-en- 
listc'd, and was furloughed home for thirty daj's, 
reaching Cleveland, Ohio, on the 2d of February, 
1864. Returning to the front, they were at Rocky 
Face Ridge, Resaca, Piney Top mountain, Peach Tree 
creek, and numerous smaller encounters. July 28th 
the regiment was in front of Atlanta, and was en- 
gaged more or less during the seige, and lost one 



hundred and fifty men in battle and eighty by disease. 
The regiment was with General Thomas in his move- 
ment against Hood, and had " hot work" on Overton 
knob. It finally rested at Huntsville, Alabama. In 
June. 186.5. the corps embarked at Nashville for 
Texas. Near Cairo the steamer collided with a gun- 
boat and sunk immediately. Fortunately no lives 
were lost. In Texas the regiment was stationed near 
San Antonio until November, when it was ordered to 
be mustered (uit. It was discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, Novemlier 26, 186.5, after four years and one 
month's service. 

FIFTY-FIFTH OHIO VOLrXTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment went into camp at Norwalk, Ohio, 
on the 17th of October, 1.S61. Companies A, C, D, 
and I, were recruited from tlie counties of Huron 
and Erie, as was also the field and staff'. 

On the 25th of January, 1862, the regiment left 
Norwalk for Grafton, West Virginia, and after a 
short stay here, it moved to New Creek. From this 
point it made two severe marches, one to Roniney, 
and the other to Moorefield; at tlie latter place it 
participated in a slight skirmish. Tiie regiment re- 
turned- to Grafton on the 19th day of February. 
Here it suffered greatly from measles and other dis- 
eases, by which more than twenty men lost their lives, 
and many more were rendered unfit for field service. 
At one time over four hundred men in the regiment 
were unfit for duty. On ilarcli 31st, the regiment 
was ready for service again. It moved by rail to 
Green Spring river, and marched from thence to 
Romney, where it joined General Sehenck's brigade, 
moved to Moorefield, and went into camp, some four 
miles north of the town. 

In the latter part of April, seven companies of the 
Fifty-Fifth moved with the brigade to Petersliurg, 
and. to McDowell, leaving companies D, E, and G, at 
Moorefield. In the battle of McDowell, or Blue Pas- 
ture mountain, tlie regiment constituted the reserve, 
and after the battle fell back to Franklin. On this 
march, and during the stay at Franklin, the regiment 
suffered severely on account of tlie scarcity of rations. 
On the 26tli of May, tiie army broke camp at Frank- 
lin, and moved rapidly to Strasburg, a distance of 
ninety miles, a large [lortion of which had been passed 
over before Stonewall J;rekson knew that tlie army 
liad left Franklin. The regiment was present at 
Cross Kevs, but was iiot engaged. July 7tli, the 
regiment marched to Sperryville. Here it remained 
until August 8th, when it moved in the direction of 
Culpepper C. H., and at three o'clock, a. m. . on 
the 10th, arrived on the battle-field of Slaughter 
mountain. On the morning of the 19th, tlie army 
commenced a retrograde movement nortiiward, cross- 
ing the Rai)i)aliannock at White Sulphur Sjiriugs. 
On the 25th, the regiment was under severe artillery 
fire from Jackson's troojis, and at night fell back to 
Centerville. Here it remained until November 2d, 
when it proceeded Id IIo|)ewell, via Manassas ,fuuc- 



i 



70 



HISTOKY OF HUROX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



tion. It remained here until November 20th, when 
it moved to the neighborhood of Chantilly. On the 
10th of December, the regiment broke camp, and 
after a series of severe marches, arrived at Stafford 
C. H., on the 17th. On {he 30th of January, 1863, 
General Burnside moved his army with the inteiltion 
of attacking the enemy at Fredericksburg, and the 
regiment, with the division, was sent to Belle Plain 
landing, to defend that point. Heavy rains and bad 
roads arrested the movement of the army, and the 
regiment went into winter quarters at Brooks' sta- 
tion. On the 37th of April, the army moved upon 
Fredericksburg. The Eleventh Corps, to which the 
Fifty-Fifth was attached, marched up the Rappahan- 
nock, arriving at Chaneellorsville on the -SOth. The 
next day the army went into position. The Eleventh 
Corps occupied the extreme right, and the Fifty-Fifth 
was in the second brigade from the right. On the 
2d of May the battle opened, and the result is too 
well known to be repeated here. In this engagement 
the Fifty-Fifth lost one hundred and fifty-three men, 
^cilled, wounded and missing. On the .5th, the army 
retreated, and the regiment went into its old camji, 
near Brooks' station. About the middle of May the 
regiment was transferred to the Second Brigade of 
the Second Division, and it remained in this brigade 
during the remainder of its term of service. The 
regiment marched into Pennsylvania with the army, 
and was present at the battle of Gettysburg. The 
battle-line of the regiment was not engaged, but the 
skirmish line was subject, most of the time, to a 
severe fire. The Fifty-Fifth lost in this battle about 
fifty men. The regiment followed the retreating 
enemy, and went into camp on the 3.5th of July, in 
the vicinity of the 0. & A. R. R. Here it performed 
heavy picket duty. On the 2J:th of September, the 
Eleventh and Twelfth Corps took cars at Manassas 
Junction, and moved to Bridgeport. Alabama, am-iv- 
ing on the 30th. On the 2.5th of October, the troops 
moved for Lookout valley, and encamped in full sight 
of Lookout mountain. The enemy attacked the 
troops in the valley. The Fiftj'-Fifth was not in the 
early part of the engagement, having been on jiieket. 
The regiment moved to Chattanooga, on the 32d of 
November. In the battle of Mission Ridge the corps 
formed lino to the left and front of Foi't Hood, and 
moving forward rapidly, drove the rebel skirmish line 
beyond the East Tennessee railroad. On the aft er- 
no(m of the 2.5th, the regiment was posted <m the ex- 
treme left, and guarded the flank during the remain- 
der of the battle. Immediately after this the regiment 
entered on the Knoxville campaign, and returned 
again to Lookout valley, December 17th. This cam- 
paign was made in extremely cold weather, without 
tents or blankets. On the 1st of January, 1804, three 
hundred and nineteen men in the Fiftv-Fifth re- 
enlisted, and were furloughed home. Returning, it 
again encamped, on .March 4th. m Lookout valley. 
About this time the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps were 
consolidated, and denominated the Twentieth, and 



the regiment formed a part of the Third Brigade of 

the Third Division. 

The regiment started on the Atlanta campaign on 
the 3d of May, and participated in all the battles in 
which the Twentieth Corps was engaged. At the 
battle of Resaca, on May 15th, it suffered .severely, los- 
ing upward of ninety men. It was engaged also at 
Cassville, Dallas, New Hope church. Marietta, and 
Kenesaw. On the 30th of July the regiment took 
position on the right of the Fourth Corps. During 
Ihe seige of Atlanta the Fifty-Fifth occujiied its place 
in the lines, assisting in the gradual but sure advance- 
ment of the parallels toward the city. On the 3d of 
September the troops entered the city. The Fifty- 
Fifth lost over two hundred men in this campaign. 
The regiment left Atlanta November 15, and moved* 
toward the sea-coast. On the 31st of December it ' 
entered Savannah and camped near the city. Here it 
remained until early in January, 18G5, when it was 
thrown across the Savannah river. On the 39th of 
January the i-egiment started on the campaign of the 
Carolinas. Xo incident worthy of mention occurred 
until March 16, when, at the battle of Smith's Farm 
the Fifty-Fifth lost thirty-six men killed and wounded; 
and again, on the 19th, it was engaged and lost two 
men killed, one officer and twenty-three men wounded, 
and seven men missing. On March 34th, the regiment 
reached Goldsboro' and was reviewed by General Sher- 
man. On the 30th it commenced the march to Wash- 
ington. On May 34th it crossed Long Bridge and par- 
ticipated in the grand review, after which it went 
into camp near Washington. On the 10th of June 
It proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, where, on the 
11th of July, the Fifty-Fifth wa? mustered out of the 
service. The regiment was transported -to Cleveland, 
Ohio, where it was paid anil discharged on tlie 19th 
of July, 1865. 

During its term of service the regiment enrolled 
about one thousand three bunded and fifty men, and 
of these about seven hundred and fifty were either 
killed or wounded in battle. Ten officers were 
wounded once or more, and eight officers either died 
of wounds or were killed in battle. 

.Jay Kling, M. D., now of Monroeville, surgeon of 
the regiment, was mustered out after three years ser- 
vice. Embarking for home a few days subsequent, 
he was captured by the rebels and although paroled, 
yet he was obliged to remain with them many months 
before being alhnved to pass through the union lines 
to freedom and home. 

SIXTY-FIFTH OHIO VOLf XTEER IXKAXTHV. 

Tiiis regiment was one of ithose included in the 
brigade raised at Mansfield, Ohio. It was organized 
at Camp Buckingham, on the 3d of October, 1861, 
and was mustered into service on the 1st of December. 

The regiment left Mansfield for active duty Decem- 
ber 18th, and moved to Lomisville, Iventucky, where 
it remained for a week, and then marched to Camp 
Morton, four miles east of Bardstown. arriving on th^ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



71 



30th of December. Here it was brigaded with the 
Sixty-Fourth Ohio, the Fifty-First Indiana, and Ninth 
Kentucky. It was assigned to General Woods' di- 
yision. 

On the 13th of .January, 1862, tlie regiment moved 
to Hall's Gap. Here it was engaged in building cor- 
duroy roads until February 7th, when it marched to 
Lebanon, and on the I'ith embarked on cars for Green 
river. It arrived at JIumfordsville, on the 13th, and 
remained there until the 23d, then marched for Nash- 
ville, whei'e it arrived on March 13th. On this march 
the troops were forced, at times, to transport the con- 
tents of the baggage wagons on their backs over steep 
hills. 

On March 29th, the regiment, with General Gar- 
field in command of the brigade, marched to Savan- 
nah, where it arrived on April 6th, and the next 
morning moved on steamer to Pittsburg Landing. 
At four o'clock p. m. it was on the battle field, but 
was not actively engaged. It lost two men wounded. 
The regiment next participated in the movements 
against Corinth, and during the seige was under fire 
almost hourly. After the evacuation it moved to 
Bridgeport, where it did guard jluty until the 29th 
of August, when it marched northward in pursuit of 
Bragg's army, arriving at Louisville September 24th. 
After resting a week it moved to near Perryville, and 
from there marched to Nashville. On December 2Gth 
the Ijrigade moved on the Nashville pike, fighting its 
way to La Vergue and Stone river. On the night of 
the 29th, the brigade crossed Stone river, the men 
wading in the water to their armpits, in the face of a 
murderous fire. The opposite bank was gained, and 
a line formed, but supports failing to come up the 
brigade was forced to retire. This it did in good or- 
der. It lay on its arms all that nisjht, and during 
the whole of the nest day: it was waiting for McCook 
to move on the right. Early in the morning of the 
31st, McCook's corps was driven back, and Harkness' 
brigade, in which was the Sixty-Fifth, was ordered 
to its support. The brigade met a storm of bullets, 
and a solid column of exultant rebels. For eight 
hours the l)rigade was heavily engaged, and at last 
succeeded in checking the rebel army. In this en- 
gagement the Sixty-fifth lost two officers killed and 
eight wounded, (one mortally), and thirty-eight men 
killed, one hundred and six wounded, nineteen miss- 
ing, and three deserted in the face of the enemy. 
The regiment was under fire throughout the entire 
engagement. The regiment remained at Murfrees- 
boro' until June 7, 1863, when it moved to near 
Chattanooga, and on the 7th of September skirmished 
with the enemy, losing one man. 

During the first day of the battle of Chickamauga, 
the regiment was in reserve until five o'clock in the 
afternoon, when it became briskly engaged. It moved 
to the left center, and lay on its arms all night. The 
next day fightmg was continued, with alternate suc- 
cess and reverse. On the night of the 20th, the entire 
army fell liack finally to Chattanooga. The regiment 



participated in the battle of Mission Ridge, with a 
loss of fifteen killed and w^ounded. In the Atlanta 
campaign the Sixty-Fifth was under fire almost con- 
stantly. At Lookout Mountain it lost four men; at 
Resaca it lost twenty-eight men killed and wounded; 
at Dallas it lost six killed and wounded; at Marietta 
it lost twelve in killed and wounded. It was in a 
fight at Peachtree creek, at Atlanta, July 22d, and in 
the movement at Jonesljoro'. After the evacuation 
of Atlanta, it went into camp there. After some 
three weeks there, it went in pursuit of Hood. On 
November 29th, it particijiated in the liattle of Spring- 
field, losing forty-one men killed, wounded and miss- 
ing. November 30th, in the battle of Franklin, it lost 
forty-four killed, wounded and missing. The non- 
veterans were discharged October 3, 1864. The regi- 
ment was engaged in the battle of Nashville, and in 
pursuit of the rebel army across the Tennessee, after 
which it returned to Nashville, and, went into camp. 
In June, 186.5, the regiment embarked on transports 
for New Orleans, where it remained several weeks, 
and was ordered to Texas. At San Antonio it did 
garrison duty until December, 1865, when it was 
ordered to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where it 
was mustered out, paid and discharged on .January 
2, 1866. 

SEVENTY-SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEEK INFANTKV. 

This regiment was organized at Fremont, Ohio, 
during the months of October, November and Decem- 
ber, 1861. It was recruited from the counties of 
Sandusky, Erie, Medina and Wood. 

On the 24th day of January, 1862. the regiment, 
numbering about nine hundred men, left Fremont 
for Camp Chase. Here it was fully equipped, and, 
in February, reported to General Sherman, at Padu- 
cali. Early in March, 1862, Sherman's Division pro- 
ceeded up the Tennessee to Fort Henry, where the 
main army was concentrated. The Seventy-Second 
was on the steamer Baltic. From here the main 
army proceeded to Savannah; Sherman's Division, 
however, Avas ordered up to Eastjiort, Mississipi)i, 
intending to cut the Memphis and Charleston rail- 
road. Heavy rains and conse(|uent high water de- 
feated this plan, and the men returned to Pittsburg 
Landing, encamping near SJiiloh Cinirch. 

On tin.' morning of Ajiril 6th, Buckland's Brigade, 
in which was the Seventy-Second Regiment, met the 
enemy and withstood the onset of three successive 

• ■ 

rebel lines; and held the position two hours, and w;is 
ordered to retire. At eleven o'clock it was again in 
position on the right of the national line. It was at 
the front constantly, and, on the 7th, participated in 
the final charge which swept the enemy from the 
field. The regiment lost in this affair one hundred 
and thirty-four, killed, wounded and missing. 

In the siege of Corintli the Seventy-Second l)ore a 
conspicuous part. During the siege General J. W. 
Denver assumed command of the brigade. July 21st, 
the regiment entered Mc^niphis. No clothing ha d 



k 



72 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



been drawn since the battle of Pittsburg Landing, 
and the men were covered with rags. January 9, 
1803. it was ordered to Corintli. The Seventy-Second 
readied White's Station, nine miles east of Memphis. 
on January .31st. 

On the 13th of March, the regiment moved to 
Memphis, emljarked on steamer, and proceeded down 
the river. April 2d. it encamped near Young's Point. 
The regiment commenced tlie march for Vicksburg 
on May '^d. It participated in the battle of Jackson on 
the l-lth, and the next day continued tlie march to 
Vicksburg. where it arrived on the 18th. It partici- 
pated in the assault on the rebel works on the 19th 
and ■•J-id of May, and then came the labor of the siege. 
It occupied a position on the right. 

On the iid of June, the regiment formed a jiart of 
the force ordered to Big Black river to intercept 
General Joe Johnson, who was attempting the relief 
of Vicks])urg. Tlie Seventy-Secoml was thrown out 
on the advance picket-line, and continued to hold 
that i)Osition until the surrender of Vicksburg. The 
regiment then moved against Johnson at Jackson, 
and, after the battle, pursued the rebels to Brandon, 
where it had an engagement After destroying a por- 
tion of the railroad, it returned to Big Black to rest 
and refit. About the middle of November the division 
was ordered to Meniphi.?. January 2, ISfi-l, the regi- 
ment re-enlisted, and. on February 23d, received its 
veteran furlough; returning to Fremont it was heartily 
welcomed. Returning to the front, it moved, on the 
8th of April, by rail to Cairo, and from there to Padu- 
cah. Kentucky, to assist in the defense of that place 
against Forrest. Nothing of importance transpired 
here, and, on the 22d, the regiment embarked for 
Memphis, where it arrived the next day. 

On the 1st of June, the regiment formed ])art of 
an expedition against Forrest; the result, of which, 
through the incompetency of the comnumding officer, 
was a total panic — the baggage trains were captured, 
as were a large portion of the men. The above re- 
ferred officer in command, at an early stage of the 
affray, surrounded himself with. cavalry and started 
for Memphis, leaving the infantry, as he expressively 
and feelingly ('f) remarked, "to go to the devil;"' and 
it was only by tlie most arduous effort on tlieir jiart 
that they did not all go where he designated, <«• to an 
inlitiitehi iiinn: hnrburous loraJity, a rcM prison. We 
are unable to give the name of this unfeeling brute, 
very mucii to our regret. 

Incredible as it may seem, nine officers and one 
iiiindrcd and forty men of the Seventy-Second reached 
Germiiitowii, one liundred miles, in forty-one hours 
after the l)attle, and tiiis, too. without a morsel of 
food. Eleven officers and two luiiidred and thirty- 
seven men of the regiment were killed, wounded, or 
captured; the greater portion were of the latter class, 
and lint few ever returned to the regiment. June 22d, 
the Sixteenth Corps, to which the Seventy-Second Reg- 
iment was imw attached, started on an expedition in 



the direction of Tupelo, Miss. In this movement Mc- 
Millan's Brigade, barely nine hundred strong, was in 
the rear of the infantry column, and just in advance of 
the wagon train. When two miles west of Tupelo, 
Bell's Brigade of N. B. Forrests' command, which was 
in ambush, attacked the column. This fell mainly on 
the Seventy-Second. The Regiment at once charged 
the enemy. The remainder of the Brigade was 
brought into action, and within twenty minutes the 
rebels driven from the field, utterly routed. On the 
return march McMillan's Brigade again marched in 
rear of the infantry column; and just as it was going 
into bivouac for the night, Bell's Brigade fell upon 
the Cavalry rear-guard and drove it into camp. Mc- 
Millan's Brigade formed rapidly and advanced. A 
volley checked the enemy, and a charge drove him 
from the field. On the 1st of September the division 
started on a wild-goose chase into Arkansas and Mis- 
souri, resulting in nothing except an immense amount 
of marching and hardship. It finally reached St. 
Louis on Ntjvember 16th. Its rest was brief. The 
division was ordered up the Cumberland, and on the 
30th of November it joined the forces under General 
Thomas, at Nashville, and was posted on the right of 
line. On the 7th of December the Seventy-Second 
was on a reconnoisance, and became warmly engaged, 
losing eleven men killed and wounded. During the 
first day of the battle of Nashville, the regiment par- 
ticipated in a charge, in which three hundred and 
fifty prisonei-s and six pieces of artillery were cap. 
tured. It also took part in the fight on the ICth, and 
was engaged in the charge on Walnut Hills. In this 
battle McMillan's Brigade, numbering less than twelve 
hundred men, captured two thousand prisoners and 
thirteen pieces of artillery, while its total loss was 
only one hundred and sixty. The division moved to 
Eastport, Mississippi, and went into camp. Supplies 
were scarce, and the troops subsisted for some days 
on parched corn. 

In February, 186.5, it moved to New Orleans and 
camped on tiie old battle-ground. On February 2Sth 
it embarked on the ocean steamer Empire State, and on 
March 3d, landed at Fort Gaines, on Dauphin Island. 
On the 19th it moved up Fisli river, landing some 
thirty miles east of Spanisli Fort. On the 27th the 
fort was invested. The siege lasted until Ajjril Sth, 
when the fort was evacuated. In these operations tlie 
the Seventy-Second lost one man killed and tliree 
wounded. On the 19th of April the regiment moved 
against Fort Blakely, which was captured the same 
day. The brigade was finally ordered to Meridian, 
Mississippi, wliere it remained, doing garrison duty 
until June, when it was placed along the line of the 
railroad west of Meridian. .Vbout this rime tlie men 
whose term of service would expire before October 1, 
1865, were mustered out. In September, the regiment 
moved to Corinth, but it was soon ordered to Vicks- 
burg, where it was mustered out on the lltli of Sep- 
tember, 1865. It at once embarked for Ohio, and 
was i)aid and discharged at (.'amp Chase. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



73 



KIGHTV-KIiillTII DUIU von XTEF.R IXFAXTRY. 

This regiment was organized in the hitter part of 
July, 18C-.i, its nucleus being four companies, called 
the "First Battalion of Governor's Guards. Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry." It was mustered into the ser- 
vice by Captain A. E. Drake. I'nited States army. Oc- 
tober 27, 1SG2, and was at once placed on duty at 
Camp Chase, near Columbus, then filled with rebel 
jirisoners. The duty here was very arduous. The 
l)risoners were confined in three separate tenements, 
and it required the whole strength of the regiment to 
fill the details. In a few months the service became 
exceedingly monotonous to Ijoth officers and men, and 
all were clamorous to go into the field. The regi- 
ment was recruited to the maximum number ,Tulv 30th. 
(Jeorge W. Xetf, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second 
Kentucky Infantry, who had but recently been I'e- 
leaseil from a thirteen-months' imjirisonment in rebel 
prisons, was aiijiointed its Colonel. He at once placed 
the regiment under the strictest discipline, and soon 
had it drilled to the highest point of efficiency; and 
the hope was eherisiied Ijy the officers and men that 
they would he afforded a chance to displav their ac- 
(piirenients at "the front." This hope was soon dis- 
sijiated, oi'ders having been received for the regiment 
to remain on duty at Camp Chase. A small detach- 
ment only was permitted to visit West Virginia and 
.Maryland. This was soon brought back to aid in the 
capture of the freebooter John Morgan and his thiev- 
ing horde. During this raid the Eighty-Eighth did 
effective service. In October, 1863, the regiment re- 
lieved the One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio at Cin- 
cinnati. They did ])rovost duty in that city until 
tile latter part of December, when it became neces- 
sary for the regiment to resume their duties over the 
"grey-backs"' at Camp Chase, and it remained on 
the same duty until .July 3, 1865. when it was form- 
ally mustered out of the service. 

The Eighty-Eighth Ohio was a complete and well- 
drilled regiment, and, if given a chance, would have 
undoubtedly performed good service in the field. 

ON-E HUNDRED AND FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEEIt 
INFANTRY. 

This regiment was one of that series of patriotic 
organizations raised in the dark days of 1863, when 
the national cause seemed to be drifting into final de- 
feat. It, was recruited from the counties of Huron, 
Erie, Seneca. Crawford, and Wyandot, and organ- 
ized and mustered into the service at Monroeville, 
Ohio, on the 30th day of August, 1862. Companies 
A, B, D, and G were recruited from tlie counties of 
Huron and Erie. 

On the -Ith of September, although not (piite ready 
for field service, the regiment was luirried by rail to 
Cincinnati, and thence across the river to Covington, 
Kentucky, to .assist in rejielling a threatened raid by 
Kirby Smith. After lying in camp near Covington 
until September 24th, it was taken by rail to Louis, 
viile. Kentucky, and incorporated with BuclTs army. 

10 



It was assigned to Carlin's Brigade, Mitchell's Divis- 
ion. On October 1st the regiment marched in pur- 
suit of Bragg, and on the 8th, was engaged in the 
battle of Perryville. In this, the first encounter with 
the enemy, the regiment bore itself well and bravely, 
and received the ])raise of its brigade and division 
commanders. It lost several men. Following in 
pursuit of the lebcls, it had a pretty severe skirmish 
with their rear guard at Lancaster. The march was 
continued to Nashvdle, Tennessee. Here Jeff. C. 
Davis took command of the division, and on Decem- 
ber 26th it marched with the Army of the Cumber- 
land. On the afternoon of the same day. the enemy 
was met, and a line of battle formed. Tiie Second 
Brigade, in which was the One Hundred and First 
Regiment, soon engaged the enemy with spirit, sus- 
taining a sharp fire until it was dislodged. Following 
the enemy some two miles, another sharp engagement 
took place. This resulted in driving the enemy from 
the field, and capturing several guns. 

On December 30th, this brigade was the first to 
reach the battlefield of Stone River. It at once en- 
gaged the enemy's outposts, drove them back, and 
just at night became busily engaged. Tiie regiment 
lay on its arms all night, and was fully prepared to 
receive the shock of battle that came with daylight on 
the 31st of December. The brigade stood firm, re- 
pulsing every attemjit to lireak it, until Johnson's 
Division and Post's Brigade, of the First Division, on 
the right, being driven from their positions, the enemy 
•ippeared on the right flank and rear of the brigade, 
when it fell back and took a new position, and held 
the enemy in check. The regiment continued in the 
hottest of the fight, taking up six different positions, 
and stubbornly maintaining them during the day. 
Colonel Stem and Lieutcnant-C^olonol Wooster were 
both killed on the front line, on the right of the 
army. Both of these officers died while leading their 
men to deeds of daring. The regiment was iield on 
the front line, on the right, until January 2d, when dis- 
aster was threatening the left. It was one of the many 
regiments that were transferred to the left, and witii 
the bayonet helped to turn the tide of battle. It re- 
mained there until the close of the battle, losing seven 
officers and two hundred and twelve men killed and 
wounded. 

During the remain<ler of the winter the One 
Hundred and First was engaged constantly on exjiedi- 
tions through the country surrounding Murfrees- 
boro', suffering very much from fatigue and ex])osure. 
It was no uncommon thing to see as many as fifty 
men of the regiment marching without xhncft or their 
feet, and so ragged as to excite both the sympathies 
and the risibilities of their companions. This march- 
ing up and down the country — thepur]ioses or utility 
of which were, often.times, wholly unknown— lasted 
until April, 1863, when the regiment was allowed to 
go into camp at ^t"i"fi"cesboro' for rest. 

On the 24th of June, the TuUahoma cam- 
paign was inauguratcMl. The One Hundred and 



74 



HISTORY OF HUROX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



First moved iu the direction of Liberty Gap, and was 
engaged for two days at tliat point, with Cleburne's 
rebel division. It followed the fortunes of the army 
up to Chattanooga, and at the close of that campaign 
was with Davis' division at Winchester, Tennessee. 
August 17th, it marched on the Chattanooga campa- 
ign going over Lookout Mountain to Alpine, Georgia. 
From here it countermarched over the mountain to 
the field of Chickamauga, where it participated in 
that battle on the nineteenth and twentietJi of August, 
displaying great coolness and gallantry. During the 
heat of battle on the second day, the One Hundred 
and First retook a National battery from the enemy, 
fighting over the guns with clubbed muskets. Re- 
tiring to Chattanooga, it became a part of the First 
Brigade, Fourth Division, Fourth Army Corps, 
and on October 28th, marched to Bi'idgeport, 
Alabama. 

Here it remained until January IC, ISO-t. On May 3, 
1864, it marched on the Atlanta campaign, meeting 
the enemy's outposts at Catoosa Springs. The regi- 
ment was thrown forward as skirmishers, and drove 
the enemy steadily up to Tunnel Hill. At Buzzard's 
Roost it advanced to within thirty or forty yards of 
the enemy's main line of works, but the fire was so 
murderous that the men were obliged to seek shelter 
under the overhanging rocks, and remain until the 
darkness at night gave them an opportunity to retire. 
As the campaign progressed, the regiment was almost 
constantly engaged in the fighting of that arduous 
march, and from Atlanta moved to Nashville. 

At the battle of Franklin, just at night fall, the 
One Hundred and First was ordered to retake an 
angle of the works held Ijy the enemy, which it did 
with the liayonet, and held the position until ten 
o'clock p. m., notwithstanding the rebels were almost 
within bayonet reach during all that time. 

The One Hundred and First was engaged in the 
battle of Nashville, December l.jth and 16th, and 
participated in the assault on the enemy's center on 
the l.ith. After the battle it followed in pursuit 
of Hood to Lexington, Alabama, and marched thence 
to Huntsville, where it went into camp. It lay at 
Huntsville until June 12, 18G.5, when, with other 
regiments it was mustered out of service. It was then 
sent home by rail to Ohio, placed m Camp Taylor 
near Cleveland, paid oil, and discharged. 

ONE HUNDRED .VND SEVENTH OHIO VOLINTEEK 
INFANTRY. 

This regiment was composed almost wholly of 
Germans. It was organized August 25, 1862, at 
Camp Taylor, near Cleveland. It lay in camp at this 
place, preparing for the field, until the latter part 
of September, when it moved to Covington, Ken- 
tucky. It lay there a short time, was taken by rail 
to Wasiiington, and for a month was engaged in con- 
structing fortifications. In the early part of Novem- 
ber, tlie regiment marched to Fairfa.x C. H., Virginia, 
and thence to Stafford C. H. Here it was assigned 



to the Second Brigade, First Division, Eleventh 
Army Corps. 

After considerable marching it went into winter 
quarters at Brook's Station. On the 29th of April, 
186-3, the One Hundred and Seventh, with its 
brigade and Division, moved to Chancellorsville, 
where, on May 2d and 3d, it took part in the battle 
of that name. In this disastrous affair the regiment 
suffered terribly, losing two hundred and twenty 
otficei-s and men — killed, wounded, and prisoners. 
Returning to its former camp, it remained until June 
12th, when it marched to Gettysburg. It reached 
there on the morning of July 1st, and was at once 
engaged with the enemy. In the first day's fight 
the regiment and entire Eleventh Cor^js were com- 
pelled to fall back through Gettysburg to Cemetery 
hill, where a new line was formed and held during 
the remainder of the battle. In falling back the 
regiment lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, two 
hundi-ed and fifty officers and men. In the second 
day's fight, a charge was made, just at night, in 
which it again lost heavily. In this affair the regi- 
ment captured a rebel flag from the Eighth Louisiana 
Tigers. Its loss in the battle of Gettysburg — killed, 
wounded and prisoners — was over four hundred out 
of five hundred and fifty, rank and file, with which 
it entered. Captain Fisher, of Company F, was shot 
through the breast and arm: and Captain Vignus, of 
Company H, had his right arm shot off. 

With one hundred and eleven guns, all that was 
left of the regiment, it joined iu the pursuit of the 
rebel army. August 1st, the regiment sailed to Folly 
Island, S. C, where it performed picket duty until 
January, 1864. In that month it was taken in boats 
to Kiowah Island, and from there waded over to 
Seabrook Island, and drove- the enemy from that 
point. On February 23d, the regiment was taken to 
Jacksonville, Florida. Here it had a few skirmishes 
with the enemy. December 2'Jth, it was taken to 
Devos Neck, S. C. While here it had several skir- 
mishes with the enemy, and lost five men killed and 
fifteen wounded. March 23d, it marched to Suniter- 
ville, met the enemy, defeated him, and captured 
three peiccs of artillery, six horses, and fifteen 
prisoners. In this affair the regiment lost four men 
wounded. Marching to Singleton plantation, it met 
and skirmished with the enemy, losing two men 
wounded. A few days later, near the same place, it 
captured a train of cars, which was destroyed, with _ 
thirteen locomotives and a large amount of provi- I 
sions and ammunition. 

On April 16, 1805, news was received of the 
surrender of Lee's and Johnston's armies; and, amid 
great rejoicings over the auspicious event, the regi- 
ment marched back to Georgetown, S. C. Three 
weeks thereafter it was taken by steamer to Charles- 
ton, where it remained on provost duty until July 
10th, when it was mustered out of the service and 
sent home to Cleveland, where it was i)aid off and 
discharged. 



I 



HISTORY. OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



75 



USE HrNDKEI) AXD TWENTY-THIRD OHIO VOLUN- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

Tills regiment wns organized at C'^mji Monroeville, 
Huron county. Companies H, C, E. (i.. and a por- 
tion of H, I and K were recruited from Huron and 
Erie counties. Seven companies were mustered into 
the service on tlie •■Jith of September, ISG'i. two on 
the •?'.itli. and one on the lOtli nf Octoher. The regi- 
ment moved on tiie last-named day to Zanesville, 
Ohio, whence it was taken down the Muskingum 
river to Marietta: thence hy rail to Belpre, and across 
the river to Parkersburg. Virginia; thence by rail to 
Clarksburg, reaching tliat phice October 20th. On the 
27th of October the regiment made its first march to 
Bnckhannon. making twelve miles the first day. ar- 
riving there on the 30th. This was considered good 
marching, and almost exhausted the men, under the 
enormous loads then permitted to be carried on their 
jiersons and in their knapsacks. The regiment re- 
sumed the march on November 3d, first to Beverly, 
then to Huttimsville, and finally to Webster. On 
November IStii, it left this point and moved by rail to 
New Greek, where it remained in camp until Decem- 
ber 12th. While lying in this camp. Captain Horace 
Kellogg, of Company B. was sent to St. George C. 
H. with orders to assess the rebel citizens of that 
place and vicinity for outrages committed on Union 
citizens by Imlroden's guerillas. Five thousand dol- 
lars were collected under this order and paid over to 
the Union sufferers. From this point the regiment 
marched to Petersburg, West Virginia, arriving De- 
cember 18th. On .January 3. 1803. it was ordered to 
Monrefield to relieve the One Hundred and Sixteenth 
Ohio, which was surrounded by rebel cavalry, and in 
imminent danger of capture. The rebels were driven 
off and the regiment rescued. .Januarv 10th, the reg-i- 
inent left Moorefield for Romney. It arrived on the 
12th and remained some six weeks, doing scouting 
duty. On the 1st of March the regiment moved to 
Winchester, and while there made several raids up the 
Shenandoah valley. Nothing further of interest oc- 
oirred until .June 13th. at which time Lee's whole rebel 
army surrounded Winchester. On the afternoon of 
tlie 13th, the One Hundred and Twenty-Third, with 
its brigade, liad an engagement with General Eiirly's 
corps, in which it lost, in killed anil wounded, nearly 
one hundred men. On the 1-tth the national forces 
were driven into their fortifications and hardly pressed 
by the overwhelming numbers of the rebel army. 
That afternoon tiiey were under a heavy artillery fire 
for two lionrs. The outworks being carried by the 
rel)els, it was decided to evacuate the place. The 
troops marched out of the works in silence at two 
o'clock in the morning, leaving the artillery in ]iosi- 
tion. but s])iked. At a point about four miles on the 
.Martinsburg road, at four o'clock in the morning, the 
rebels were found in ijosition along the road, and fur- 
ther retreat wavS cut off. In attem]iting to cut their 
way through, the regiment lost, in killed and 
wounded, "abdut tiftv men. In this affair the One 



Hundred and Twenty-Third made three distinct 
charges, but to little purpose. While it was forming 
for a fourth charge. Colonel Ely, of the ?-ighteenth 
Connecticut, temporarily in command of the lirigade, 
surrendered to the enemy, and the whole brigade, 
except Company D of the One Hundred and Twenty- 
Third, were made prisoners of war. They were taken 
to Richmond, where the otticers remained in Libby 
prison about eleven months. Two officers made their 
escape, and two were exchanged and sent home. The 
remainder of the otficers were, after eleven months' 
confinement, removed to Macon, (Jeorgia, thence to 
Charleston and jjluced under fin- (southern chivalry?), 
thence to Columbia. From this point several otficers 
made their escape, and made their way successfully 
into the national lines. Among these Avere Captains 
J. F. Randolph (Company B), 0. H. Rosenbaum 
(Company G), and Lieutenants Frank B. Colver and 
B. F. Blair. Several officers were exchanged, among 
them Lieutenants Frank A. Breckenridge and Charles 
H. Sowers. Captain Charles H. Riggs (Company G) 
died in Charleston, South Carolina, of disease con- 
tracted in prison. The privates of the regiment were 
exchanged within a few months and sent to the jia- 
roled camps at Annajjolis, Maryland, and Camp 
Chase. Ohio. 

Major Horace Kellogg, who was wounded, made 
his escape from the enemy at Winchester, collected 
the stragglers of the regiment at Martinsburg, where 
the paroled men of the regiment, after exchange, 
joined him, about the first of September, 1803. At 
this place the regiment was newly armed and 
equipped. About the 1st of April, 180-t, the regi- 
ment moved to Winchester. From there it marched 
to Cedar creek, and made a raid up the valley. After 
a sharp fight at New Market, (on May loth), in 
which seventy-nine men were lost (killed and wound- 
ed), in the regiment, the forces fell back to Cedar 
creek. General Hunter took command, and on the 
2J:th of May, started uji the valley, arriving at Port 
Republic on the night of the -ith of June. On the 
next morning, at daylight, the enemy was encoun- 
tered. A brisk fight ensued, in which the rebels were 
whipped, and two thou.sand prisoners captured. The 
next day the command entered Staunton. On June 
11th, Lexington was reached. Here General Hunter 
destroyed the Virginia Military Institute, which had 
for years been preparing officers for the confederacy. 
From Liberty to Lyncliburg, an almost constant skir- 
mish was had with the enemy. On the morning of 
the 14th, the rebels were heavily engaged, the con- 
flict lasting all day. After this, the army made the 
memorable and disastrous retreat to the Kanawha val- 
ley. This was almost a continual fight from Lynch- 
burg to Salem. On this retreat the most intense 
suffering was endured from exhaustion and starva- 
tion. Numbers of men lay down by the roadside 
and died from one or the other of these causes. At 
length" Gauley Bridge was reached, and sujiplies were 
distributed to the famished men. On the 2d of July. 



76 



HISTORY OF IIUKOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the regiment, with its brigade and division, moved by 
steamboat and railroad a circuitous route to Martius- 
burg, from which the One HuPidred and Twenty- 
Third had started two months and a lialf before, with 
seven hundred men. It now returned with two liun- 
dred and fifty. July 18tl), the regiment, with the 
Army of West Virginia, was thrown across the Shen- 
andoah river. Early's rebel corps was met, and a 
l)risk fight ensued. The army was driven, and in at- 
tempting to recross the river, a number of the men 
of tlie One Hundred and Tweiity-Tliird were killed, 
including Lieutenant C. D. Williams, of Company B. 
That night the rebels retreated to Winchester, and up 
the valley. On the 2"^d of July, the national troops 
moved after the rebels toward Winchester, and on 
the 23d, came up witii them, and after a sharp skir- 
mish, drove them. The next morning the rebels at- 
tacked in force, and in their turn drove the national 
troops. Soon a new era dawned upon the Shenan- 
doah valley. The command of the National troops 
was j)laced in the hands of General Phil. Sheridan. 
Getting his trooiis well in hand, he moved them up 
the valley. 

At Berryville the rebels were met, and skirmished 
with, both sides losing a few men. Following the 
rebels to Fisher's Hill, skirmishing by the way, the 
army went into camp for several days. Anticipating 
heavy rel)el re-enforcements, our army retreated to 
Harper's Ferry, and entrenched themselves. August 
26th, the army again moved up the valley to Charles- 
town. Berryville was the next point reached. Here 
the One Hundred and Twenty-Third had a sharp 
fight, losing twenty-five men, killed, wounded and 
captured. On the morning of September 19th, the 
enemy was met near Winciiester, and another battle 
was fought. In this affair the regiment was engaged 
on the right, and formed part of the grand flanking 
column which changed the fortunes of the day. At 
about three o'clock in the afternoon, the regiment 
made a charge, which drove the enemy from the field, 
and decided the fortunes of the day. The routed 
rebel army was pressed by the infantry to a point two 
miles beyond Winchester, and the cavalry was then 
left to gather the fruits of the victory. At early 
dawn the infantry again took the road in pursuit. 
Reaching Strasburg, the enemy was discovered be- 
hind strong works. General Crook's command, in 
which was the One Hundred and Twenty-Third, was 
placed in the reserve. Moving his command to the 
right, he maneuvered to reacii the left flank of the 
rebel army. The movement was successfully per- 
formed. Watching his chances, General Crook 
charged the rebels, and scattered tliem like chaff. 
In this action the regiment lost six men. Crook's 
command encamped near the battle-field. The na- 
tional forces remained at Cedar creek until the 19th 
of October, engaged in building fortifications. 

Now comes disaster. On the morning of Octol)er 
19th at early dawn, the enemy, under cover of a dense 
fog, crept througli a gap unfortunately left in the 



national line of pickets, and turned the left flank of 
the army, held by General Crook's corps, pushing the 
army back five or six miles, capturing the works and 
all that was in them. In this rout the Sixth Corps 
acted as a breakwater to the rebels, and held them in 
check until the national lines were re-formed. At 
this juncture General Sheridan, who had been absent 
at Winchester, appeared on tlie field, having made 
his famous ride of twenty miles. He at once infused 
new life into the demoralized forces. Making some 
slight changes in the order of battle, he rode down 
the lines amid the cheers of the men, and ordered an 
immediate advance of the entire line. The enemy 
were swept from the field, losing all their own artillery 
and that which they had captured in the morning. 
This rout of Early's forces was complete and final. 
The Shenandoah valley was cleared almost entirely 
of ojiposition to the luitional arms. Falling Ijack to 
near Winchester the troops went into camp; next 
moved to Opequan creek, thence to Burmuda Hun- 
dred, and arrived at Deep Bottom, December 2T. 1864. 
The regiment lay in camp in this vicinity until Marcli 
25, 1865, when it moved to Chickahominy, and from 
there to Hatcher's Run. On ilarch 30th, an ad\ ance 
was made on the rebel works, and skirmishing con- 
tinued until the morning of April 2d, when a general 
charge was made and the rebel works were carried. 
The One Hundred and Twenty-Third during this 
time was, for three days and nights, on the skirmish 
line without relief, and their rations were carried them 
by Lieutenant E. H. Brown, regimental quartermas- 
ter — a most dangerous duty. The loss of the regi- 
ment was quite severe. It captured two battle-flags 
and a number of pi'isoners. The rebels were followed 
toward Petersburg. On April 3d. the whole mitional 
army ln;trched in pursuit of Lee toward Danville. 
On the 5th, the regiment was captured by Lee's )'el)el 
cavahy, not however until after a hot fight of three 
or four hours, with heavy loss on Ijoth sides. Captain . 
J. F. Randolph (Company B) was shot through the 
right lung in this fight. The prisoners were cai'ried 
with the rebel army to Appomattox C. H. At tiiis 
point the rebel army surrendered to the national 
forces, and the prisoners were rescued. 

The regiment immediately thereafter left C'ity Point, 
on transports, for Annapolis, Maryland, and thence 
to Camp Chase, Ohio, wiiere it remained until the 
12th of June, and was then mustered out of the 
service. 

ONE HlNIlUEl) .^Xl) TWENTV-EKJHTH OHIO VOl.lN- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment, although chiefly occupied in guard- 
duty within the borders of the State, was an organi- 
zation of three year's troops, enlisted and mustered 
intii the United States' service, and was lial)le to 
service wherever re(|uired. It attained mininunn 
strength on the 25th of Deceml)er, 18i!3, and con- 
sisted of four companies, before known as '• Tlie 
Hoffman Battalion," raised at different times in 1862, ■ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



77 



Six new ct)inp;inies were mustered in at Camp Taylor, 
near Cleveland, between the Stli and the loth of Jan- 
uary, 1804. The four old companies had l)een on 
duty at Johnson's Island nearly all the time since their 
muster-in, hut had frequently furnished detachments 
for service elsewhere, including a short and very active 
campaign in pursuit of rebel troops in West Virginia, 
in ISO-i. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth having been 
chiefly occupied at the frontier posts of Johnson's 
Island and Sandusky, its service necessarily involves 
much of the military history of these posts, and can 
1)6 better understood by giving a brief synopsis of that 
history. 

Early in 18'i2, Johnson's Island became a depot ex- 
clusive! v for rebel officers who were held as prisoners of 
war. The reports show that the average number of 
prisoners confined there, was as follows: 1862 — 788; 
1863—1,205: 1864—2,480; total, 4,473. Acartelfor 
a general exchange of prisoners of war had long been 
expected, and was finally agreed upon July 22, 1862. 
Under that cartel, exchanges went on until July, 186.3, 
and a continuance was expected. This, with the l)elief 
of general loyalty in the north, and the w-ant of help 
in Canada, had their legitimate influence on prison- 
ers, and undoubtedly prevented efforts at outbreak 
and resistance until late in the fall of 1863. It *onld 
occuj)y too much space to give the details of efforts at 
rescue, or the attempts at escape and outbreak. The 
situation was, that at this point were confined officers 
enough for an army and navy of eiglity thousand men. 
They were. within a short distance of the Canada 
main, and still nearer to a Canada island. The pre- 
vailing sympatliy in Canada was largely in favor of 
the rebels; and there every facility and encouragement, 
short of direct participation in our war, was extended 
to the large force from tlie rel)el army and navy main- 
tained in Canada to effect a rescue of these rebel otfi- 
cers. If, by such efforts, war should be lirought on 
lietween the United States and England, a great point 
would be gained l)y the rebels. No other depot of 
prisoners of war was on a frontier, or exposed like 
this. During the season of navigation it could be 
reached in a few hours" night run, and during the 
winter season men and teams could conveniently cross 
the lake, from island to island, not over five miles of 
ice intervening in any place. During the season of 
ice the location of the depot of prisoners practically 
ceased to be an island. The rebel officers confined 
there had a large range of friends in the "loyal States. " 
For them the rebel emissaries, traveling in those 
States, and the secret plotters against the national 
arms, known as the ''Knights of the Golden Circle," 
and tlie " Sons of Liberty." iiad an especial sympathy, 
and wei'e anxious to aid them by means of escape, or 
with places of refuge and concealment. These facts, 
with the ditliculty about exchanges, stimulated maclii- 
nations for rescue front and rear, and kei>t tlie [UMson- 
ers constantly on the ijNt vive. ready for any desperate 
idvcnture until after the fall of Petersburs. 



In view of the contingencies on the frontier, and in 
order to hold these posts with a less force, the con- 
struction of three forts was begun in the fall of 1864, 
one on Cedar Point, and two on the island. Laborers 
could not be hired at the wages offered, and the eoloiie! 
of the One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth detailed men 
from the regiment, who did the greater part of the 
work, including the mechanical. They completed the 
forts, and the magazines, and mounted the guns. 
This work was done in the most inclement seasons of 
the year, without extra pay, and at a time when tlie 
other details were very heavy. But in this instance, 
as in all others, officers and men applied themselves to 
the duties Ijefore them with an intelligence and zeal 
which promiitly overcame difficulties, and attained 
the desired result in a very creditable manner. Soon 
after the surrender of the rebel armies, in the spring 
of 1865, the prisoners on the island were reduceil to 
about one hundred and fifty. The One Hundred and 
Twenty-Eighth left the island on the 10th of July, 
1865, and was mustered out of service on the 17th at 
Camp Chase. 

ONE HUXDRED .^NI) SEVENTY-SIXTH OHIO VOU'KTEER 
INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, September 21. 1864, for one year. As 
soon as the organization was completed, the regiment 
was ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, and assigned to 
the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Twentieth 
Army Corps. 

Soon after its arrival, it was detailed to perform 
provost guard duty at Nashville, and during the seige 
and battle of Nashville, it was in the works; but with 
the exception of a few companies, under Major ('um- 
mings, the regiment was not engaged. Quite a num- 
ber of the officers and men were veteran soldiers, and 
their knowledge and experience gave the regiment 
considerable reputation for proficiency in drill and 
discipline. 

The regiment was mustered out of service at Tod 
Barracks, Columluis, Ohio, on the 18th day of June, 
1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SECOND OHIO VOLl'N- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, 
March 9, 1865, anil starteil to the field four days 
later. It arrived at Halltown, near Harper's Ferry, 
Virginia, March 16th, and reported to Brevet Major- 
General John R. lirooke,- commanding provisional 
division. On March 20th, it was assigned to tlie 
Second Brigade. Strong picket lines were main- 
tained, and some skirinishing occurred. On March 
31st, the division marched through Charlestown, re- 
nowned for the execution of John Brown. It was 
afterward stationed at Stevenson station, and Heed's 
hill, above Winchester. Here the care of the entire 
country, including Luray valley, devolved upon the 
Commandant of the regiinenl. These onerous duties 



i 



78 



"BISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



were (lischarged to general satisfaction. The conduct 
of the men was exemplary. The regiment stood high 
in the brigade and division for drill, discipline, and 
efficiency. All the field, and a majority of the staff 
and line officers, had served in the army previous to 
entering the One Hundred and Ninety-second, and 
many in the ranks were scarred veterans, who had 
faced the enemy on many bloody . fields. The regi- 
ment was mustered out at Winchester, Virginia, Sep- 
tember 1, 18G5. It arrived at Columbus, Ohio, at 
midnight, September 3d, and was paid and discharged 
on the 6th of September, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SIXTH OHIO VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY. « 

This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, 
and mustered into the service on the 35th of March, 
1865. It immediately started for Western Virginia, 
where it was assigned to an Ohio brigade at Win- 
chester. Here it remained until July, and gained the 
reputation of being a well-drilled and well-disciplined 
organization. In July it was ordered to Baltimore, 
and assigned to duty in the fortifications around the 
city, a portion of it being sent to Fort Delaware. 
On the 11th of September it was mustered out at 
Baltimore, Maryland, being the last volunteer or- 
ganization in that dejiartment. Of the thirty-eight 
officers composing the field, staff and line, there were 
only two who had not served over two years, and the 
majority had served during the war in other organi- 
zations. More than two-thirds of the men had 
belonged to other regiments, and had been honorably 
discharged for wounds or expiration of term of service. 

The men who composed the regiment were mostly 
young men, and as an organization it was probably 
excelled by but few in appearance, discipline and 
soldierly bearing; and though the regiment was not 
entitled to inscribe on its colors the name of any 
engagement, still nearly every battle field in the 
Union was represented in its ranks. 

O.N'E HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVENTH OHIO VOLUN- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

This was not only the last regiment which Ohio 
sent to the field, but also the last complete organiza- 
tion wliioli the State raised for service during the 
rebelhon. Of its officers all except five had seen 
active service in other commands, and nearly one-half 
of tiie men were experienced soldiers. The first com- 
pany was mustered in on the 28th of March, 1865, at 
Camp Chase, and the organization of the regiment 
was completed on the 12th of April. It was recruited 
to a total strength of one thousand and six men, but 
by the casualties incident to barrack life its effective 
force was reduced to about nine hundred. On the 
25th of April it left Camp Chase by rail for Wash- 
ington City, and on its arrival received the news of 
the surrender of General Johnston's army, dispelling 
every pro8i)ect of active service. 

Tlie regiment was temporarily assigned to the Ninth 



Corps, and was quartered near Alexandria; from here 
it went by rail to Dover, Delaware. May 31st, it 
moved to Havre de Grace, and engaged in guard duty. 
The regiment re-assembled at Camp Bradford, near 
Baltimore, and was mustered out July 31st. It was 
paid at Tod Barracks, Columbus, Ohio, and disbanded 
on the 0th of August, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHTH OHIO VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY. 

There were eight companies of this intended regi- 
ment fully recruited and assembled at CamiJ Chase, 
all of which had been mustered into the service by 
compi^nies, but not as an organization. Before the 
■ maximum was reached the "Confederacy" collapsed, 
and the men were sent to their homes. 

FIRST REGIMENT OHIO HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was organized as the One Hundred 
and Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, at Camp Portsmouth, 
September 15, 1862, with eight companies of seven 
hundred and ninety-six men — aggregate strength. 
On October 2d, it moved into Eastern Kentucky. 
In January, it aided in dispersing a portion of Floyd's 
army. In February, it was ordered to Covington. 
During the spring it was engaged in numerous expe- 
ditions to Cynthiana, Paris, Lexington, Mount Ster- 
ling and interior points, to meet Morgan and other 
guerrilla thieves. On the 2d of May, 1863, the regi- 
ment was ordered by the War Department to be 
changed into the First Heavy Artillery, Ohio Volun- 
teers, and recruited to the maximum strength of that 
organization. August 12th, it was so reorganized 
with twelve companies, of five officers each, and one 
hundred and forty-seven men, and an aggregate 
strength of one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
nine officers and men. Company M was recruited 
entirely from Erie county. During its recruitment 
it constructed the fine and extensive fortifications 
around Covington and Newport, making Cincinnati 
one of the strongest fortified cities in the Union. 
Companies H, K, L and M were stationed at Camp 
Nelson, Kentucky, under Major Matthews. In Jan- 
uary, 186-1, the regiment moved to Knoxville, Ten- 
nessee, and assembling at Point Burnside, remained 
there till February 29th, when it started over the 
mountains in the heavy snow and very cold weather 
of that winter, under command of Major M;itthews, 
and arrived at Knoxville, March 0th. In June, four 
companies were stationed at Loudon, and a detach- 
ment at Strawberry Plains. In August, Wheeler 
made his raid in rear of Sherman's army, and was 
driven from Sweetwater to Strawberry Plains, a dis- 
tance of one hundred and fifty miles, by the regiment. 
The regiment moved to Cleaveland, Tennessee, Octo- 
ber Tth, and soon thereafter to Chattanooga. It 
joined in the cavalry raid against Saltville, and on 
the return of the expedition in December, as a pro- 
visional brigade, under Colonel Ilawley, covered an 
extensive foraging expedition on the French, Broad j 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and Cluicky rivers, in East Tennessee and North 
Carolina; during the winter of 1864 and 1865, occupy- 
ing Danbridge, Allen's Ford, Leadville, Greenville 
and Newport. With constant detached fighting with 
guerrillas of \'aughn's and DehrilFs commands, a large 
amount of grain, beef and pork was obtained and 
floated down to Knoxville. In the spring of 1865, the 
regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Fourth 
Division, Colonel C. G. Hawley, onminanding. In con- 
nection with General Stoneman"s raid and the general 
advance of troops, thebrigade moved toward Virginia 
and North Carolina, and occupied the mouth of 
Roane Creek and Taylorsville in East Tennessee, and 
State Gaj), Boone, Watauga Gap and head of Yadkin, 
in North Carolina, shutting up all the mountain 
passes to the retreating rebels in Virginia. After the 
surrender of Lee and Johnston the brigade was sent 
down to Ashville, North Carolina, thence to Raban's 
and Saluda Gap. and at Webster, Tennessee, received 
the surrender of the hostile Indians, two thousand 
strong, under the chief, the rebel Thomas. Return- 
ing to Greenville, Tennessee, the regiment remained 
in camp till July 15th, when it started homeward for 
the muster-out, and was discharged and paid at Camp 
Dennison, August 1, 1865. 

BATTERY B, FIRST OHIO LKiHT ARTILLERY 

was organized at Camp Dennison, and mustered into 
the service October 8th, 1861, with an aggregate 
strength of one hundred and forty-seven men. It 
reported to Gen. George H. Thomas, at Camp Dick 
Robinson. The first experience it had in tlie field was 
a brisk little affair at Camp Wildcat, in which it fired 
twelve rounds and silenced one of the enemy's guns. 
November 5th, the battery moved to Fishing Creek, 
and for a mouth did scouting duty. It remained 
here until January ITth. and moved to Mill Springs, 
where it was engaged in the battle, and did very 
effective service. February 10th, the battery moved 
to Louisville and embarked on transports for Nash- 
ville, where it arrived March 4th, 1862. Here it* was 
assigned to Barnett's Artillery Reserve, and until 
July 10th was engaged in expeditions through middle 
Tennessee. It was at the battle of Perryville, but 
was not engaged. At the battle of Stone River it 
was involved in the disaster on the right, but suc- 
ceeded in withdrawing all its guns from the field. It 
lost seventeen men killed, wounded and missing, and 
twenty-one horses killed. June 24th, it joined in the 
advance on Tullahoma. At the battle of Chica- 
niauga it was charged repeatedly by the rebels, and 
at last overwhelmed and compelled to leave two guns 
in the enemy's hands. It was cooped up- in Chatta- 
nooga and suffered all the privations of the siege. 
October lOtli, it went into quarters at Black Oak 
ridge, where it remained until the battle of Chatta- 
nooga. It then moved to Nashville. 

January 4, 1864, sixty-five of the original mem- 
bers of the battery re-enlisted as veterans and were 
furloualied home. 



Returning to Nashville, in March, it reported on 
the 16th at Bridgeport, Alabama, where it remained 
until July, 1866. It was then sent home to Colum- 
bus, and mustered out, being one of tiie last organi- 
zations to leave the service. 

THIRD OHIO VOUXTEER CAVALRY. 

This regiment was organized in September, 1861, 
at Mouroeville, Huron CDunty. It was largely 
recruited from Huron and Erie counties. On Janu- 
ary 14, 1862, the regiment niovetl to Camp Dennison. 
In February following, it went to Jeffersonville, 
Indiana. It arrived at Nashville, Tennessee, March 
18th, and on the 2yth it left for Pittsburg Lauding. 
Arriving there on the 25th of April, it encamped four 
miles from the river. During this march Major 
John H. Foster went with a detachment to Mount 
Pleasant, and captured a large quantity of bacon 
which was turned over to the quartermaster. May 
4th, the first battalion went on a reconnoisauce. At 
Monterey the enemy were met and driven back to 
their main body. The Third then moved to within 
ten miles of Corinth. Here Major Foster advanced 
to within sight of the enemy's lines. In falling back, 
he was followed by the rebels, and a brisk fight ensued, 
resulting in the death of twelve rebels. May 27th, 
the enemy was discovered in force on the line of the 
Menijihis railroad, west of Corinth, engaged and 
routed. After much marching, the regiment went 
into camp at Winchester, July 18th. Leaving this 
camj;) August 14th, the regiment and division moved 
to McMinnville. Here Major Foster took his battalion 
to Dunlap, five miles from this point. The enemy's 
pickets were encountered and driven in. Foster then 
returned to his division. September 3d, the division 
marched to Nashville, thence to Gallatin and Mum- 
fordsville, where it arrived on the 21st. On the same 
day, the first battalion had a sharp engagement with 
three times its own numljer, and drove them into their 
works in three separate charges. It lost twelve 
wounded and two killed. The enemy lost thirty-eight 
killed and sixty wounded. 

On the 22d of September, marched to Louisville, 
and on October 1st, resumed the pursuit of Bragg's 
rebel army. Near Bardstown, in an attack upon the 
enemy. Major Foster was disabled. On October 20tli, 
a detachment of the Tliird, some two hundred and 
fifty, acting as special escort, were captured by John 
Morgan's thieves. After being robbed of their valu- 
ables, and dismounted, they were paroled, sent into 
the national hues, and ordered to Camp Chase, Ohio. 

The remaining portion of the second and third 
Ixittalions were next stationed on the line of the rail- 
road from Bowling Green to the vicinity of Gallatin. 
John Morgan's guerrillas lay at the last named place. 
Colonel Zalim sent a detachment on a reconnoisance 
to Gallatin, to ascertain Morgan's strength and posi- 
tion. The rebel pickets were captured, and the re- 
quired information obtained. At daylight, the next 
morning, the cavalry, supported Ijy a brigade of in- 



80 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



fantry, comniaiiderl l)y Colonel C. G. Harker, attacked 
Morgan's camp, and succeeded in capturing his camp 
eciuipage and a large number of prisonei's. Morgan 
retreated to Lebanon, Tennessee. Here for the first 
time during an active campaign of seven months' 
duration, the second and third battalions of the 
Third Cavalry met the first battalion under novel 
circumstances. Colonel Zahm, on approaching Gal- 
latin, was attacked by a cavalry force, which proved 
to be his own first battalion. This unfortunate mis- 
take was probably the cause of Morgan's escape at 
that time, he being apprised, by the rapid firing, of 
the approach of the national forces. 

From Gallatin the regiment moved to Hartsville, 
Tennessee, where it went into camp. A detachment, 
under command of Captain E. M. Colver, under orders, 
went up the Cumberland river to Carthage, to inter- 
cept a drove of mules and rebel stores, whicli were 
being removed by rebel quartermasters, and accom- 
panied by an escort of Morgan's guerrillas. After a 
chase of twenty-six miles, fording the Cumberland 
river four times, they succeeded in capturing tlie entire 
rebel train, and drove off one hundred and forty six 
mules, routing the escort to the train, killing three, 
and capturing seventeen prisoners, among whom were 
two rebel quartermasters and a paymaster. 

During the time the regiment was in camp at 
Hartsville, it was almost daily engaged in skirmish- 
ing. In December, this portion of the TJiird Cavalry, 
moved to near Nashville, and here the first battalion 
joined its regiment. December 21st, a reconnoisance 
in force was made to Franklin, Tennessee. The 
rebels were driven from the place, and some prisoners 
captured. The forces then returned to Nashville. 
In this affair the notorious rebel guerrilla, thief, and 
murderer, Dick McCann, was relieved of his antici- 
pated Christmas dinner by some of the boys of the 
Third Cavalry. 

December '■itith, the regiment took position on the 
right of Rosecrans' army, near Franklin. On the 
27th, a second attack was made on Franklin, which 
resulted in a complete rout of the enemv. The regi- 
ment then moved toward Ti-iuiie. and at night en- 
gaged the enemy. 

On December 29th, a reconnoisauce in force was 
made. On the evening of the 30th, the regiment was 
assigned position on the extreme right. At two o'clock 
on the morning of the .31st, the first battalion being 
on picket duty, apprised Colonel Zahm. of the advance 
of the rebel forces. The brigade was placed in line of 
battle, and the tii-st liattalion formed as skirmishers. 
At four o'clock in the morning the skirmish line was 
driven in, and the lirigade attacked by Wheeler's rebel 
cavalry. After two hours' fighting, through superi- 
ority of miml)ers. the reliels forced the main portion 
of the brigade from the field. During the niornincr 
of tiieSl.'it. the "rebs'" (•a])tiired (ieneral McCook's 
corp-: ammunition train, and was removing it from the 
field. The second and third battalions of the Third 
Cavalry, who withstood the slioik, and remained at 



their posts, made a dash at the enemy and recaptured 
the train, taking one hundred and forty prisoners, and 
killing a number of rebels and horses. During the 
afternoon of the 31st, the regiment lost, in sustaining 
a charge made by the rebels, thirteen killed and a 
large number wounded. 

At noon of January 1, 18G3, the Third Cavalry 
left the field to escort a train of four thousand wagons 
for Nashville, after supplies. The train was attacked 
at Stewart's creek by Wheeler's rebel cavalry, and the 
regiment, supj)orted by the Tenth Ohio Infantry, re- 
pulsed the rebels with severe loss. Later in the day 
the train was attacked by the same force. A portion 
of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, eight hundred 
strong, being the rear guard, was attacked and com- 
jiletely routed by the rebels. The Third Cavalry, in 
the rear, came up and met the enemy. A sharp fight 
ensued, lasting until after niglitfall, in which the 
rebels were repulsed. The train was safely taken 
through to Nashville, laden with supplies, and re- 
turned to Murfreesbor(j'. After the battle of Stone 
River, the Third Cavalry was sent in pursuit of the 
enemy, and near !Middleton, Tennessee, attacked his 
rear guard and captured one of his trains. The regi- 
ment then returned and went into camp at Murfrees- 
boro'. While stationed here, the second battalion was 
detached, and reported to Colonel Hazen, at Ready- 
ville. Here it skirmished frequently with John Mor- 
gan's outlaws. While in camp at Murfreesboro', a 
detachment of the third battalion, while on a scout, 
was attacked and completely surrounded by the ene- 
my. A demand was made for surrendei-, and refused. 
Lieutenant Brenard, in command, ordered a saber 
chai-ge, and cut his way through the enemy's lines 
with slight loss, taking a number of rebel prisoners. 
On the general advance of the army from Jlurfrees- 
Ixjro', in July, 18G3, the Third was engaged in skir- 
mishing almost daily. In the Sequatchie valley the 
enemy was encountered, and a running fight of three 
days' duration ensued. During the battle of Chieka- 
mauga the regiment occupied a position on the ex- 
treme left, and afterwiird moved in pursuit of the 
rebel Wheeler's cavalry, through Tennessee, engaging 
them at McMinnville and Farmington. The latter 
engagement was a handsome and successful cavalry 
fight. Wiieeler's forces were completely routed and 
demoralized, large numbers of the rebels being killed 
and ca))tured. In this engagement the Third Cavalry 
lost two men killed and twenty-three captured. 

In Noveinber. lSt)3, detachments of the regiment 
scouted through the mountains of East Tennessee. 
In January, 18iU. at I'ulaski, Tennessee, the Third 
Cavalry re-Onlisted. (_)f the original number of thirteen 
hundred, only four hundred effective men were left at 
this date. On the 4th of February, it left Nashville 
for Ohio, and ivaelied Monroi'ville. where it met with 
a cordial recc|)tion. On March 2. lS(i4, the Third re- 
assemliled at Monroeville. Tiirough the efforts of 
Major Charles W. Skinner and Captain E. M. Colver, 
neariv one tiiousand riMTuits wt're t'nlistcd. and on its 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



81 



irtuni \>< till' front at Naslivillc. it iimnlicrcil over 
fifteen luuulred t^trong. At Xasliville it was rr-i'i|uip- 
|ie(l, arnu'il and niDunted. 

About May It^t. the Third moved from t'ohmiijia. 
Tennessee, as the advance guard of the Seventeenth 
Army Corjis. At Courthmd, Alahania. the regiment 
was engaged with tlie rehfl (ieneral Rhoddy's com- 
mand. Tlie rel>els were muted with the loss of a 
lieutenant-colonel, major and ni)ward of thirty men 
killed and wounded. Reaching Rome, the Tliird 
Cavalry was assigned to a jiositioii on tlie left tlauk of 
ShernKin"s army, and jiarticipated in the engagements 
at Etowah. Kenesaw Mcjnntain. Noonday Creek, and 
at tile crossing of the Chattalmorhie river. It was 
sent to Roswel], (ieorgia. to destroy the reliel stores 
and factories at tinit place. In this affair four hund- 
red factory-girls were captured and sent through the 
lines. At McAfee Bridge; on July 9th, four com- 
panies of the Third Cavalry, under command of 
Captain E. ^I. t'olver, engaged a superior force of 
rebel Texan cavalry, killing a lieutenant and seven men, 
and cajjturing a large nnmber of prisoners and horses. 

The regiment was engaged in tlie battle of Peacli 
Tree Creek and Decatur, and in the raid to Covington, 
Stone Mountain, and in the Stoneman raid, in each of 
whicli it suffered severely. After the occupation of 
Atlanta the regiment encamped at Decatur. Georgia. 
It was sent in pursuit of Hood. It was engaged in 
the battles of Franklin, and before Nashville. It was 
engaged in the Wilson raid through Alabama and 
Georgia, and at Selma, Montgomery, Macon and Grif- 
fin. It was engaged in the chase after Jeff. Davis. 
Lieutenant D. C. Lewis and a numlier of other ofKcers 
were captured at Selma. Lieutenant Lewis was after- 
ward ]iaroled, and while on his way home, was killed 
in the explosion of steamer Sultana, near Memjihis. 

Under orders from General Thomas, the Third 
turned over its horses and arms at Macon. It pro- 
ceeded to Nashville, and was mustered out. from thence 
to Camp Chase, Ohio, whei'e it was paid off and dis- 
charged on the l-ith of August, isC.'), having served 
four years, — less twenty days. . 

COMPAXV -, THIKI) RE(;IMEXT OHIO VOI.f XTEERS. 

IMEX1CA.N WAR.) 

The following is the muster roll of a company in 
the Tliii'd Regiment of Ohio \'(ilunteers, cmnmanded 
by Colonel Samuel K. Curtis, and called into the ser- 
vice of the United States by the President, under the 
act of congress approved May 13. 18-K). .\11 but two 
were enrolled at Norwalk, by (iencial McLaughlin, 
and musteretl into service at Camji Washington, Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, l)y Captain Shriver, June 24, 1S4<). 
They were discharged August 31, 184<>. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS . 

Captain Chauncey W'oodruff Second Lievitenaiit Owen Francis 



First Lieutenant William W. Rob 
iDson 



Second Lieutenant Edward T. 
C'roxford. 



NON-COHUISSIO.VED OFFICERS 

bergeaat Benjamin R. Pratt. Corporal Charles Tupper 



John .\ustin 
W^illiam W. Ackerman. 
Silas Bemus- 
Joseph Rosier 
Mathew R. Birdaell 
Charles Bailey* 
John Van Buskirk . 
Samuel Barus 
Albert Bartholomew 
Hudson T. Curtis 
Alexander Cole 
John D. Curtis 
George Clark . 
Leonard C. Cronk. 
William Church 
Milo Caton . 
Hiram A. Curtis. 
Orlando Chamberlin 
David M. Catlin 
George I>art. 
Joseph Dunlap. 
Samuel C. Dean. 
George S. Davis 
James Elliot 
Jasper flint. 
Cyrus Francis 
Samuel W. Gordon 
John Gingerich. 
George H. Goodwin 



.Teseph Hoover 
Slyvester Hoyt. 
John Jones 
Alfred Jacobs. 
Kewton Leonard 
Sidney C. Miller 
John McGookey . 
Tibius Mabie. 
Simeon Preston. 
Husted Pierce 
W^iUiam McPherson. 
George \. Read 
Henry Ray 
Joseph Smith . 
Edward D. Stephens 
.\lfred B. Stephens 
Samuel Shields 
Andrew I. Todd . 
Warren Z. Webster 
James A, Wilson 
Reuben I. Woolcot 
George Woolcot 
Harrj- VVoodruflf . 
Fry Williams 
Thomas Riley. 
James G. Wilson. 
Charles Burr. 
John Gruesbeck 
Ambrose Steel 



Charles Burr died at Brazos Santiago, July 38. 1S46, of solar remittant 
fever . 

John Gruesbeck died at the same place, July 31, 1840, of congestion of 
the brain 

Ambrose Steel was discharged at Matamoras, August 17, 1846. on sur- 
geon's certificate 

COMPANY C, FIFTEENTH INITEI) STATES IXFANTKY. 

This company served during the Mexican War as fol- 
lows: August 20, 1847, in the battles of Contreras and 
Cherubusco; September 8th, battle of Molino del 
Rey; September 11th, battle of Chepaultepec; and 
marched into the City of Mexico, under General Scott, 
September 14, 1847. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain J. A. Jones. Secomi Lieutenant Cornelius 

First Lieutenant G. A. Sutton. Ketchum 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS . 

Sergeant Fred. Laubenheimer Sergeant A. J. Dewaldt. 

Sergeant .Anthony S. Sutton 



Crawford White 
A. J. Sutton 
Joseph Kelble. 
Robert Buck. 
George A. Dean. 
Simeon Jones. 
Alfa Jfines 



PRIVATES. 

Lester Huvck 
Anda Riker 
William Boothe. 
.Joseph Maltby 
E. Little 
W-ard 



Zahn, and others whose names are f,irgott«n. 



Sergeant Ebenez-er S. Sacket. 
Sergeant Samuel Haskell. 
Sergeant Daniel Leslie. 
11 



Corporal Hiram Brant. 
Corporal Elie D. Eaton 
Con^cnil Samuel N. Terrillanim 



CHAPTER -X .\. 

ROSTER OF SOLDIERS. 

EKiHTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, 
CO.MPANY D. 

Mustered into the service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June U, 1K61. Mus- 
tered out of service July la, 1H04. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Franklin Sawyer, promoted to Major June «, 1801 ; to Lieuten- 
ant Colonel November 3, IHUl; ond to Brevet Brigadier Oenerftl 
March 1, 1805. 

First Lieutenant Daniel C. Daggett, promoted to Captain July 9, 1881; 
resignerl June 27, 1803. 

Second Lieutenant Anthony S. Sutton, resigned Marcli 1, 1863. 



82 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Fii-st Sergeant John Reid, promoted to Captain Februarys, 1863. 

Sergeant John G. Reid. promoted to Captain of Company H. 

Sergeant Salem T. Howe, discharged on Surgeon's certificate March 11, 

1863. 
Sergeant John Briggs. killed in action at Antietam September IT. 1SI32 
Sergeant Elijah T. Rust, killed in action at Winchester, Virginia. March 

Zi. l^^«3. 
Corporal Charles S. Manahan. promoted to First Lieutenant JIarch 1, 

18ii4; killed at Spottsylvania Jlay IS, 1864. 
Corijoral Samuel P. Bonett. killed at Fredericksburg December 13. 1S6S. 
Corporal William W. Farmer, killed in action at Antietam, Maryland, 

September 17, imi. 
Corporal Ezra Stevens, mustered out at expiration of service. 
Corporal William Gridle.v. Jr . mustered out at expiration of service. 
Corporal Robert W. Park, discharged December 1. 13(j3, for disability. 
Corporal Ebenezer K. S. Buoce, died 3Iarch T, 1862, of wounds received 

in the battle of Winchester. 
Ooiporal Hubert W. Bowker, discharged August 8, 1882, by reason of 

wounds received at battle of Winchester, Virginia, March 23, 1862; 

promoted to Captain U. S. A. 
Musician, Albert Yeatman, mustered out at expiration of service. 



Aaron Alvord, transferred to Invalid Corps December 1.5, 1863. 

George H. Allen, dischai-ged May 11, 1862, for disability. 

Ira H Brooks . 

Silas Bemis. discharged January 20, 1862. for disability. 

Cornelius Booman. transferred to Company C, June 25, 1861 . 

Jay L. Curry, discharged October 27, 1862, lor disaTjility. 

Daniel F Curtiss. 

George W. Chandler, promoted to First Lieutenant, West Virginia Cav- 
alry 

Clarence Doneman. died October 18, 1861 . 

Joseph Dewaldt. 

David Ennis." 

Virgil N. Ennis. 

William S. Foster, promoted to First Lieutenant, Third Ohio Cavalry. 

Robert Foster, discharged November 22, 1862. by reason of wounds re- 
ceived in the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862. 

Frederic W. Fowler, discharged January 22, 1862, for disability 

Horace Fling. 

Charles Fisher. 

John Finn. 

William Grover, died at Grafton. Virginia, October, 1861 . 

James S. Graves, died December 17, 1862, 

Peter Griffln. transferred to Company C, June 25, 1861, 

Adam Haumer. discharged December 27, 1862, for disability. 

David W . Hindman 

Samuel Holmes, discharged Februarj' 1, 1862. for disaljillty 

Samuel Holmes, discharged for disability 

Lucius Hoyt. killed inaction at -Antietam. September 17. 1862 

Charles Johnson, 

Joseph E. Jameson 

Nathan Jump 

Charles B. Keeler. died of disease in the service, 

George Klinnell, discharged February 1, 1862 

Joseph B. Knox 

Daiid W. Long, transferred to Company C, June 25, 1861 

Thomas Lee, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 82, 
18t!2 

Charles Locher, 

George H. Long, transferred to Company C, June 25, 1861 

Michael McCarthy, discharged February 1, 1862, for disability. 

Peter A. Miller, died at Grafton, October 3, 18S1 . 

.John Man'in, joined Sixth U, S. Cavalry 

Thomas JlcHeury, killed near Wliitehouse, in battle, 

William Mountain, killed in action, at .\ntietam, JIarvland, September 
17, 1862. 

Alexander Melville, killed at battle of Antietam. September 17, 1863. 

Thomas Matthews, died of wounds received in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness. 

William F. Parker, discharged for wounds at .\ntietam 

Wilson S. Parker, promoted to Sergeant Major. 

John F. Pjcraft. 

LuciusA. Palmer, discharged July 1,1862, for disability 

Henry G . Rust 

William Reynolds, discharged for wounds at Antietam 

William Raymond, discharged January !), 1862, for disability 

Josiah Raymond, discharged January 30. 1862, for disability, 

Casper Rhoner, transferred to Fourth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry. 

June 41, 18t;4. 
Louis Rounds, transferred to Fourth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 
June 24, 1864; promoted to Captain 

John J. Reiber. transferred to Company C, June 25, 1861. 

Lewis S. Rouse. 

Hubert H. Russell, died at Oakland, October -i'l, 1861 



Leo A. Sweet, discharged October27, 1861, for disability. 

Daniel Starks. transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 23, 

1863 
Willliam Steef, died of wounds received at Petersburgh. 
Charles Stewart, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry. October 

23. 1862 
Frank Shaffer, killed in action at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1863. 
George A, Scott, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 

23, 1862 
James Taggart. transferred to Sixth United States Cavalrj-. October 22, 

1862. 
Joseph Taylor, transferred to Fourth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 

June 24, 1864 
Evander White, 

David White, discharged for disability. October 7, 1862 
William J Ward, died, December St. 18(5.3, at Stevensburgh 
David Ward, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 

22. 1863 
Samuel F Wend, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 

22,1863. 
William Wallace, transferred to Sixth United States Cavalry, October 

33. 1863 
Samuel R. Welch. 
Frederick E, West. 

Christopher C. Wood, discharged JanuaiyS). 1863, for disability. 
William W Wells. 

Evan Williams, discharged for disability 
John White. 

The men not otherwise disposed of were mustered out with the Com- 
pany . 

FIFTEEXTH HEGIMEN'T OHIO VOLUNTEER IXFAXTHV, 
COMPANY A. ., 

Ml'SICIAN. 

Arnold S. Johns, mustered January 30, 1864; discharged at San Antonio, 
Texas. 

PRIVATES, 

Andrew Decker, mustered January 14, 1864; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

William Dennis, mustered January 25, 1865; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Samuel R. Gatline. mustered December 21, 1863; wounded October 16, 
1864; discharged July 13, 1865 

Charles Hammond, mustered Febniar>' 28. 1-864; mustered out with com- 
pany . 

.Solomon Hammond, mustered December 17, 1803; mustered out with 
company. 

William H. Hammond, mustered February 10, 1864; date of discharge 
not given. 

Jeremiah Hartne}', mustered February 28, 1854; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Francis JIullen. mustered February 19. 1864; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Hugh McWhutter, mustered February 10, 1,864. 

Joseph Noble, mustered February 24. 1864; mustered out with company. 

Joseph Whissen, mustered Februai;>- 31, 1864; date of discharge not 
given . 

,James W. White, mustered Jaimary 15, 1864; wounded in action Decem- 
ber 31, 1863; discharged Aiwil 10, 1863. 

Peter Wycotf. mustered Jauuary 1. 1864; mustered out with company, 

Parker C. Bird, mustered December 7, 1863; discharged May 37, 1865, 

Peter Hammond, mustered February tO. 1864; wounded in action May 
14, 18t>4; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Edward Richardson, mustered February 10. 1864; wounded in action 
May 37. 18t>4; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

John WycolT. mustered June -iO. 1864; transferred to Veteran Reserve 
Coips. 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, 

COMPANY V. 

Mustered into service August 15, 1861. at Chattanooga, Tennessee. 
Mustered out of service October f>, 1865 



Isaac Ames, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 
Dayton Andrews, recruit; discharged July 17, 1865. 
William L. Benton, recruit ; mustered out with company . 
Daniel C. Brooks, recruit; discharged May Hi, 1865. 
Harvey M. Carley. recruit: mustered out with company. 
John B. Coleman, recruit; mustered out with company. 
John L. Dunbar, recruit; discharged October 31, 18t>4, 
Harrison Eggleston, recruit; nuistered out with company. 
John L. Enni.s, recruit; mustered out with company; appointed cor- 
poral , 



II 



41 



41 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



83 



Burns T. French, recruit; mustered out with company. 
Solomon Foster, recruit: prisoner of war. 
Joshua Foster, recruit : no reconl of discharge 
Leonard Henry, appomted corporal May 10. ISe.!. 
William Jeffrey, recruit; discharged July in. 188.5. 
Fred. A. Ketchum, recruit; mustered out with company. 
Martin Osbom, appointed corporal .August 18, 188.5. 
John J. Pillen, recruit; mustered out with company. 
George Snyder, appointed corporal May 10. l.S»i.5. 
Leonard R. Simmons, recruit; discharfied June 3, 18K5 
Philip Smith, recruit: mustered nut with company. 
Patrick Shannossey. appointed con'Oral September 12, 18(55. 
Thomas Weston, recruit; died of wounds December 1.5, 18W. 



XINETEENTH REGIMENT lilllii VOUXTEEK INFAN- 
TRY, CD.MPANY F. 

Mustered into service at Camp Ford, September 25. 1861. Mustered out 
of service at San Antonio, Texas, October ii, 1865. 

NOS-COMMI.SSIOSED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant John F. Cook, discharged June Vi, 1863 
Sergeant Edward L. Hall, discharged August U, 1862. 

PRIVATES. 

Andrew J. English discharged at expiration of service. 

William N. Fugate, died March 14, 1S6:J of wounds 

Israel D. Gonser, appointed corporal ; wounded at Chickamauga, Georgia. 

Robert Huston, discharged Octobers, 1864. 

Samuel McConnell. died November 25. 1862. 

David M. Rainsburg, appointed corporal: mustered out with company. 

John R. Ross, discharged October 5, 1864 

James P. Rainsburg, died February 22, 1862. 

Peter Loveland, discharged October 5, 1864 

John B. Shipley, discharged October 1, 1862. 

Harry H. Shipley, promoted sergeant; mustered out with company, 

Jesse Varner, died October 19, 1,862. 



TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER IN- 
FANTRY, COMPANY A. 

Organized at Norwalk, Ohio, and mustered into service Junal4, IS6I. 
Mustered out of service June 22, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Lyman M, Kellogg, resigned to accept an appointment in the 

Eighteenth United States Infantry. iNo date given). 
First Lieutenant Moses F. Wooster, appointed Adjutant of the regiment 

June 19, 1861. 
Second Lieutenant William B. Sturges, promoted Urst Lieutenant July 

•a, 1861; to Captain February 28, 1862, and to Major of the re^jiment, 

November T, 1863 

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

First Sergeant Thomas M . McClure, promoted to Second Lieutenant 
July 23, 1861, and assigned to Company B 

Sergeant Edgar R Kellogg, promoted to Second Lieutenant July 25 
181)1, and assigned to Company K 

Sergeant David N. Bodflsh, died at Clarksburg, Virginia, August 4, 1861. 

Sergeant John Acker 

Sergeant David A , Merrill, promoted Second Lieutenant June 6, 1862; 
assigned to Companj' F, January' 10, 1863. 

Corporal Hiram Whitney 

Corporal John H Fosdick, promoted to Sergeant December 26, 1863, 

Coiporai Paul Spohn, transferred to Company E, December 14, 1861 

Corporal Nathaniel P Burt, promoted to Sergeant December 36, 1861. 

Corporal Sumner W Smead, discharged to enlist in Fourth US, Artil- 
lery. October 2:3, 1862 

Corporal William W. Minor, promoted Sergeant February 28, 186.3. 

Corporal Francis W, Bacon, discharged April ,8, 1863. 

Corporal Charles B. Davis, discharged August T, 1862. 

Fifer Osmer B. Hall, discharged July -20, 1862. 

Wagoner Otis H, Van Tassell 



Joseph Buckley, 
Benjamin C Bi aioard 
Daniel Burnham 
Edward Bartow 



Joseph E, Bonett, discharged Novembers, 1861, 

John Bub, discharged August 5. 1862 

George W Brown, promoted First Lieutenant and assigned to Company 

C, August 15, 18(54, 
Henry E Camp, discharged June 23, 1863, 
John C Coleman, discharged January ^i, I8«:i, to enlist in Twelfth U. 

S, Infantry 
Charles Coleman 

James W, Crum, died June 27, 1862, 
John Cook. 

Clark Calligau, discharged March 5, 1863, 
Henry Carr, veteran volunteer 

Cortes Elliott, died at Cheat &Iountain Septembt-r 1, 1861, 
IsaacI, Furman, veteran vohmteer, 
Robert H, Herford, discharged June 25, 1862, 
Danturth G Henneway, discharged of wounds May 2;j, 1863T 
Isaac Holman 

Carlton Humphrey, promoted Corporal January 14, 1863, 
Charles I Hoyt 

Arnold Hassler, promoteil Cor|ioi'al October 31, 1863, 
James H, Jaques, promoted First Lieutenant July 4, 1863. 
Epenetus P, Kinney, died of wounds Maj" 6, 1862, 
Joel W, Kinne,y 
Henr.v Klabish , 

Lewis G Kies. promoted Commissary Sergeant August 11, 1861. 
Gottleib L. Klein, died May 18, 1862 
William C, Linn, died March 6, 1863, 

Albert F, Le , promoted Corporal; died of wounds March 8, 1864. 
Alexander McMillan, discharged January 20, 1862 
August Meyer, died November 5. 1861 , 
Frederick Meyer, 
Joseph M Jliilis, 
Ambe s E, Miller 
David M Miller 

John A, Meak, died September 8, 1861 , 
Edwin Miller, disehargetl April 21, 1862, 
Mitchell A, Minor, promoted Corporal October 31, 186:!, 
John A , Molock , 

Charles G Morehouse, promoted Sergeant Major December 18, 1861. 
Harlan R, Page, died November 10, 1861, 
Julius F. Pratt, veteran volunteer, 
Addison Potter, veteran volunteer. 
Milton F, Pettit, 
Frank E, Pray 
George Quirin , 

Jackson W Ridgeway, discharged January 20, 1S62. 
Seneca Ronk, discharged October 22, 1863 
William Rice, discharged August 4, 1862. 
George H. Stevens. 
Levander Stacey, discharged October 22, 1862, to enlist in Fourth U. S. 

Artillery, 
John A Sheffield 

William E, Sherwood, atjpointed Wagoner October 31, 1863, 
Henry F, Sherman 
John Thomas 

Robert E, Tillinghast. veteran volunteer 
Palmer Whitney, died of wounds April 17, 1862. 
Edward Wliitford, promoted Corporal January 14, 1S63. 
Michael H Waggoner , 
James M, Willson, veterau volunteer, 

Lewis Sewell, promoted Quartermaster Sergeant March .3, 1863. 
Charles Trowbridge, killed in battle April 7, 1862. 
Edward C Peuk. died of wounds April IT, 1862. 
Calvin L- Peck, died October 11, 1862, 
Lathrop Taylor, dieil February 2. 1863 
Reuben F Atherton, died February 6, 1864, 

r ECRl'ITS— PRIVATES , 

Daniel D, Brooks, enlisted February 2!, 1861, 
Harry M, Carey, enlisted January 5, 1864, 
John B, Coleman, enlisted January 5, 1864, 
Harrison Egleston, enlisted February 23, 18154. 
Burnice T, French, enlisted February 23, 18154, 
William Jeffrey, enlisted February 23, 1864, 
Martin Ausborn, enlisted January 4, 18*54 
John J Fillers, enlisted January 5, 1M64. 
George Snyder, enlisteil January 5, 1864 
Erastus F, Squire, enlisted January 5, 1861 
Leonard R. Sanmons, enlisted Feliruary 23, 1864. 
Daniel Walper, enlisted January 5, 1864 

ORIOINAL ENLI.STMENT. 

John F. Blandon, discharged June 6. 1862 
Angus McLaughlin, discharged July 2U, 1862. 
Horace C. Hill, discharged Februarj- 27, 1863. 



84 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



fOMPAKY C. 

Organized at Sandusky, Ohio: mustered into service. May 13. I*'*'!: mus- 
tered out at Columbus, June 1. ISM. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Lieutenant Enoch Weller, transferred to Company H, October 3, 
1861; promoted to Major, August 11, 186.2; liilled in action, December 
31, 1868. 

Second LieutenantDewittC.Wadsworth. promoted to Captain, February 
16, 186.3; liilled in battle of Chickamauga, .September 30, 1863 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Frank L. Myers, mustered out with company 

Sergeant John M. Root, died August '-M, 1861 

Corporal Alfred Marion, promoted to Sergeant, September 1, 1861; Icilled 

at battle of Stone river, December 31, 1861. 
Corporal Francis Bradley; died, Marcli *;, 1S6S. 
Corporal Leonard B . Osborn , 
Corporal John M. Shepard. 
Wagoner Charles Mc Graves, discharged February 16, 1862 

PRIVATES 

Nelson Arnold 

John Ami. 

Olle Anderson, killed July So, 1861 

John Brokely, died July 4, 186a 

Thomas W Carpenter, mustered out with company 

John Donevan, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

George Dart, killed by Joseph King, January 13, 1863. 

Victor W. Frederick, transferred to Company H 

John Heater, veteran vohmteer 

JohnH Hihler 

Joseph King, sentenced to twenty years imprisonment, and pay stopped , 

for murder 
William Luff 

Michael McGookey, mustered out with company 
Henry Myers 

John Matt, promoted Corporal; discharged (no date.) 
Peter Miller, mustered out with company. 
George Neidle, discharged. May 1", 1863 
Jason R . Orton . 
James Quinn. 

Peter Ryan, discharged, April 3, 1863 
Jackson Ryan, discharged. May 17, 1862 
Jacob Rinehart, mustered out with company. 
Lewis Ruble. 

Charles Sills, discharged, January 20, 1862. 
Richard Stetle, promoted Corporal. 
Bohard Stinley, mustered out with company . 
Charles Studenhover, mustered out with company 
Charles Shirley, mustered out with company. 
Henry Trout, mustered out with company. 
William Tetswood, discharged, January 30, 1862. 
William Voit, mustered out with company. 
George Vining, mustered out with company . 
Charles Wilson. 

Jacob Warner, mustered out with company 
Max Wolf 

William Lu(T, discharged. May 8, 1863. 
Frederick Teater. discharged. Septembers, 1862 

RECRflTS— PRIVATES . 

John L Dunbar, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland 
John L Ennis. transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Solomon Foster, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland 
Joshua Foster, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Henry (iarrett. transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Leonard Henry, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
William Marlow, transferred to the Departmentof the Cumberland. 
David Steigle, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Philii> Smith, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Patrick Shunnessy, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 
Thomas Weston, transferred to the Department of the Cumberland. 

COMPANY G. 

Organized at .Monroeville, Ohio. Mustered into service May 18, 186] 
Mustered out June 19, 1864. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Henry Terry, promoted to Major June 6, 1862; killed at the bat- 
tle of Stone River, Tenness-e, December 31, 1862. 
First Lieutenant Samuel Clock, resigned October 28, 1861 
Second Lieutenant Robert (i. Clark, promoted to First Lieutenant, and 
transferred toComp.uiy H, December 14, 1861 



NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant James G. Breckenridge. 

Sergeant Charles W. Olds, promoted to First Sergeant January 1, 1863. 

Sergeant Coleman Ehrman, wounded at Shiloh April 7, 1862. 

Sergeant Frederick Hettell. 

Corporal Benjamin F. Skinner, promoted Sergeant July 21. 1861 . 

Corporal Benedick Moser. 

Corporal William Bennett, appointed Sergeant December 26. 1861 ; 

woiuided at Stone River; discharged July .5, 1863. 
Corporal David O. Williams, promoted Second Lieutenant December 14. 

1861, and transferred to Company H. 
Corporal John N. Sivers, killed at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 

7, 1862. 
Corporal William B. Clark, discharged March 11, 1863. 
Corporal Victor R. Monroe . 

Corporal James Smith, discharged November 6, 1862. 
Wagoner, JohnO'Conner, discharged January 14, 1864. 

PRIVATES . 

Thomas C. Arnold, mustered out with company . 

John R. Bloomer, mustered out with company 

John Bertch. 

.Jacob Born, promoted Corporal ; died of wounds November 18, 1863 . 

James W . Conant . 

Luther Conklin . 

Charles C. Clemmons, killed June;W, 1863. 

Robert Dutchman, discharged August 4, 1861 

Timothy Dorsey, died September2. 1862. 

Henrj' Dewitt. 

William S. Finch, died Februarj- 7, 1862. 

John G. Frederickson, discharged October 33, 1862, and enlisted in the 
Fourth L'nited States Artillery . 

Martin Frederickson, discharged on account of wounds, Feb 2;J, 186;3. 

John Friderger. died October 11, 1862. 

Henry L. Grilfin, discharged September 30, 1861. 

Alexander I . Grant, captured at Stone River. 

Peter Grisel. 

Lucas Geffell, discharged October 29, 1862, to enlist in the Fourth United' 
States Artillery . 

Youngs Gregory, discharged January 2, 1863 

Gottleib Hilber, discharged July 30, 1862 

Emory A. Hulbert. discharged to enlist in Fourth United States Artil- 
lery, October -iS, 1863. 

John Harley, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

David W. Heath, discharged to enlist in Fourth United States Artillery, 
October 23. 1862. 

Paul Hager, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 

William H. Hughes 

William Hyber. 

George M. Hulburt, discharged February 23, 186;3. ' 

James Herrington 

Charles W, Hopkins, discharged June 28, 1862. 

Gotleib Holzer. 

Martin L. Hahn. 

William Jeffries 

Charles Kern, died August 14, 1861. 

John A. Lantz, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Lewis Lemmon 

Stephen C. Lobdell, discharged August 5, 1862. 

Thomas R. Mitchell 

Frederick Myers. 

James McGrew, died October 21, 1802. 

Berkhart Martz 

Hezekiah Masten, discharged February 'ii, 1863. 

Abram R. Marsh, discharged September 33, 1863. 

George F. Norman . 

Dennis O'Brien, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862. 

.\ntort Peach, cajitured at Chickamauga. 

John Rothgele, died March 20, 1862. 

Jo-seph Rider, discharged Octolier 16, 186:^. 

Joseph Reamer, 1st . 

Joseph Reamer, 3d, captured at Chickamauga. 

Joel W. Kickel, wounded at Chickamauga. 

Heber Squires. 

John Stephens, discharged October iS, 1863, to enlist in the Fourth 
United States Artillery. 

John A. Smith. 

Jacob Swartz. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Casper Seabolt. 

Thomas G. Stuchfield 

John B. Smith, died October 13, 1862. 

Abram Spoors. 

August Thomas 

William Williams, discharged December 6, 1862. 

Charles Weist, discharged August .'J. 1862. 

Edgar A. Welch 

'saac Bennett. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



85 



TMIKTY-SECOXI) RE«IME.VT OHIO VOLl STEKK IN- 
FAXTKY, COMPANY K. 

Mustered into service, September 7. 1861, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. 
Mustered out of service. July 20, 1W5, at Louisville, Kentucky. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Captain Jay Dyer, resigned April 10, 180-2. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

First Sergeant Russell B. Bennett, promoted Chaplaio 



Albert C. Bailey 
Alonzo Blawett. 
Ben]. Y. Blaney 
Asa Carr. 
Jacob Carr 
Amba C Cole. 
George H. Courter 
Aaron Clossen 
Hiram C. Fuller. 
Gilbert Fravel 
Emery Garlinghouse, 
John G 'rsuch. 
Erastus F. Granger- 
Thomas C. Gaylord 
Thomas H. Grist 
Je.sse W. Gardner 
Burton Huljbell 
William Z. Hubbell 
Nathaniel Haycock 
George Haycock. 
Enoch Hartrum. 
Ira Hartrum. 



James Herroon. 
Isaiah Ii-win 
Willis Lake. 
William B. Massman 
Aden Mullen. 
Miles McLeod. 
John C. Nutt. 
George Osborne 
William Piper. 
Harmon Robins. 
Abraham Robins. 
Thomas E. Rose . 
John H. Stenbeck 
Charles E. Smiih 
Selah J. Stark. 
Hos;a C. Sherman. 
David Sherman . 
John W. Taylor. 
James S. Tyler 
Phillip H. Waters 
George Warfleld . 
Oscar F. Weeks. 



This company became veterans on expiration of original enlistment. 
No muster out rolls of first muster out are on file in Adjutant General's 
Oftice. 

THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMEXT OHIO VOLl'NTEER 1 N- 
FAXTHY, COMPAXY E. 

Mustered into service, February 2.5. 1K6,5, at Cumberland, Maryland. 
Mustered out of service July 37, 186.5, at Wheeling, Virginia. 

PRIVATES. 

Transferred from Company E, Thirty-Foui-th Regiment Ohio Volunteer 

Infanti-y. 
John W. Emes. James V. Kirk. 

William Fulkerson , Isaac J . Mead . 

Theodore Gearing. Jacob MuUenkoph 

John Hecket William Shickler. 

Amos Hillborn Samuel Sloan . 

Dennis Mulligan, discharged May 14, 1864. 

These men, with one exception, were mustered out with company. 

THIRTY-SEVEXTH OHIO VOLINTEER INF.VNTRY. 
lOMPAXY A. 

Mustered into service September 9, 1.S61, at Camp Brown, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service August 7, 180.5, at Little Rock. Arkan.sas. 

Corporal Jacob Fthr. mustered out with company. 
Private Johann Engraff, mustered out with company 

C()MP.\NY F. 

Mustered into service September 2.1, 1801, at Camp Brown, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service August 7, 1H0.5, at Little Rock, Arkansas. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Sebaldus Hassler, discharged for promotion April 19. 

Sergeant Henr>' Reutsh, promoted Q. M. Sergt. 

Corporal Peter Sailer, discharged October .8, IKO-i. 

Musician, Gisbort Raymond, appointed Chief Bugler September 19, 1801.. 

PRIVATES. 

Charles Bengel, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April -io, 180|. 

Theodore Diniisch, discharged for woumls .lune 1, 1802. 

Henry Glaser, ilischarged June 11, 1802 

Casper Hardtman, discharged Ueceinber 19, 180-3. 

Charles Happ, veteran volunteer; discharged for wounds April ,5, 180.5 

Frank Roth, promoted Corporal; discharged September 19, 1804. 

11 A 



John Straus, promoted Corporal; killed in action May 17, 1862. 

Henr.v Stall, discharged for wounds May '33 (no year). 

John Steinrich, killed in action May '24. 1803. 

Henry Schmidt, veteran volunteer. 

Adolph Schwab, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

John Wentzinger, veteran volunteers; mustere<l out with company. 

COMPANY (i. 

Mustered into service September 19. 1861, at Camp Brown, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service August 7, 1865, at Little Rock., Arkansas 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal August Roedicker. 

PRIVATES. 

Joseph Aborte. George Metzger, 



Joseph Gartio. 



Lewis Schwartz. 



FORTIETH REGIMEXT OHIO VOLUXTEER INFANTRY, 
COMPAXY I. 

Mustered into service December 9, 1861. at Camp Chase, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service . [No muster-out rolls of 

this regiment on file at Columbus.l 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

First Lieutenant Milton Kemper. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant David R . Brown. Corporal Jacob Edwards. 

Corporal John Keams Corporal James L. Kemper 

Corporal Michael Shiltz. 



Joshua Barker, 
William Chambers. 
Samuel Chambers, 
James Corner, 
Stephen Demona, 
Conrad Fox, 
William Gi-im, 



Lewis Jones, 
Nelson Maze, 
Francis Pilliod, 
Victor Soupp, 
David Starret, 
Christian Waggler, 
.lacob Waggler. 



FORTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUXTEER IXFANTRY, 
COMPANY H. 

Mustered into service at Camp Wood, Ohio, October '29, 1861. Mustered 
out of service November 27, 1865. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant James McMahon. transferred to Company I, to accept pro- 
motion. 
Sergeant John O. Strong. 
Corporal William H. Pierce. 
Corporal Daniel H. Smith. 

Corporal William H. Rossitter. promoted to Sergeant. 
Mus cian .\lonzo Hosford. 

PRIVATES. 

Seneca A Camp, killed in battle April 7, 1802. 

Ranson H Camp. 

James H. Grant, killed in battle November 2:j, 1803. 

Charles Gunsaul. killed in battle, November 23, 1863. 

Edwin Hasbrook. 

Lester E Marks . 

Aquilla Mains. 

Emmur E. Rossitter, killed in battle December 21, 1802. 

Floyd Rossitter. 

Philander Talcott. 

(.'OMPANY I. 



Sylvester M, Dawson, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 

Peter Clucky, discharged May 10, 1865. 

Henry Tuttle, promoted Corporal, 1865. 

William Greene, dischirged June 7. 1K65 

Henry Talcott, killed in battle November -27, 1802. 

John Gleason, discharged June 7. 1865. 

Elmer N Wilkinson, veteran volunteer; promoted Corporal, 

Sherman R. Haskell, discharged January 9, 1865. 

Francis Klenungger, nuistered out (No date) . 

COMPANY K. 
Private Gilbert W Sherman, died in hospital. (No datei. 



86 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



FIFTV-SECON'D REGIMEST OHIO VOLrSTEER IXFAX- 
TRT, COMl'AXY K. 

Mustered into service August 21, 18t)2. Mustered out of service June 

3, 1865. 
Private Micliael Madden 

FIFTY-FOl'RTH OHIO VOLl'XTEER IXFAXTKY, 
COMPAXY F, 

Mustered into service October 31. 1861 Mustered out of service August 
15, 1S6.5. 

COSiaiSSIOXED OFFICER. 

Lieutenant Samuel Starr, promoted Captain; resigned Marcli l.'J. 1863. 

NOX-COMMISSrONED OFFICER. 

Corporal William Sprang. 



Cornelius Boyd. 
Peter Bates 
Peter Mahon 
Charles Merrit. 
Andrew Xelson 



PRIVATES . 

Martin Orduer 
Gilbert S. Orcutt 
.Jolin Ruth 
.John Shaffer. 
William Wilber 



FIFTY-FIFTH RE(iniEXT OHIO VOLIXTEER IXFAXTRY'. 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel John C. Lee. resigned. May 8. 186^1 
Lieutenant-Colonel George H. Safford, lesigned, March 4, 1863. 
Major Daniel F. DeWolf, resigned October 3, 1863. 
Chaplain John (;. W. Cowles. resigned, July 21. 1802. 
Surgeon .Jay Kling. mustered out on expiration of service. 
Assistant-Surgeon Henrj- R. Spooner. promoted to Surgeon, November 

20. l.%3, and assigned to Sixty-First Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
T fantiy. 
First Lieutenant and Adjutant Franlc W. Martin, promoted to Captain. 
Firet Lieutenant and A. Q. M. Robert G. Pennington, resigned, July 23, 

1862. 
Sergeant-JIajor Mahlon L. Lambert, appointed October 25, 1S61. 
Quartermaster-Sergeant Benjamin C. Taber, promoted First Lieutenant; 

July 17, 1802, appointed Regimental Quartermaster. 
Commissary Sergeant James G. Millen, transferred to Veteran Reserve 

Corps. 
Hospital Steward William E. Childs, re-enlisted as veteran volunteer, 

January 1, 18t)4. 

COMPAXY" A. 

Mu.stered into service at Norwalk, Ohio, December 31, 1861 Mustered 
out of service at Louisville, Kentucky, July 11, 1865 

COHUISSIONED OFFICERS 

Captain Charles B, Gambee, promoted to Colonel, and killed in action 

at Resaea, Georgia, May 1.5, 1S64. 
First Lieutenant Benjamin F. Eldridge. promoted to Captain; resigned 

December 2s, 1863. 
Second Lieutenant William H. Long, resigned August IT, 1862. 

NOX-COMMISSIOXED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Henry H. Moore, promoted to Captain; resigned Janu- 
ary 15, 1863. 

Sergeant John E. Kiinkel, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Sei-geant Charles M. Smith, promoted Second Lieutenant. 

Sergeant .\lbe« J. Dimick. mustered out at expiration of service. 

Sergeaiu William H. Harrington, mustered out at expiration of service. 

Corporal Lyman T. Ford, veteran volunteer, promoted Sergeant Janu- 
ary 1, 1864. 

Corporal John Stex-ens, discharged for disability July, 1862. 

Corporal John Ryan, discharged for disability August 22, 1862. 

Corporal James W Saunders. 

Coi-poral George A. Stillson, discharged for disability July, 1862. 

Corporal Sidney F. Sinclair, discharged for disability July 22, 1862. 

Corporal Oren J. Stark, discharged for disability August T, 1862. 

Musician. Daniel Herring, died n prisoner Jlay 27, 1862. 

Musician, George W. Goodell, veteran volunteer, mustered out with 
company. 

Wagoner, William H. Cryder, died of small pox July 26, 186,3. 



Horace B. Adams, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 

Nelson Earlier, died of wounds May 20, 18«.'). 

Philip Beckley, veteran volunteer, mustered out witji company. 



Thomas Beckley. veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 

Stephen Beckley, promoted Sergeant December 17. 1864. 

James Boughton. veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 

Louis S. Bergstrenei'. transferred January 16, 1864. 

Joseph Ball, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September I. 1863. 

James Carver, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 14, 1863. 

John Chiuroek. dieii nf wounds. July 31. 1863. 

Howard M. Coleman, discharged OL'tober25, 18<i2 

Albert Chapman, dischargfd April 20, 1862. 

-Albert P. Curry, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 15, 1864. 

William Charvill, discharged September 1, 1862. 

Milton Crockett, mustered out June 3, 1805, 

Elliott A. Cobb, veteran volunteer, Uiustered out with company. 

AlonzoCorser promoted Sergeant March 1, 1865; veteran volunteer. 

Henry R Cai-ver, mustered out June 23, 1865 

Levi Close, mustered out June 3, 18'>5 

Miles Duesler, promoted Sergeant : died June 3, 186.3, of wounds received 
at Chancellorsville, Virginia. May 2. 1863, 

John J. Duesler, discharged on account of wounds August 14, 186^1; 
right arm amputated 

Francis Davis, mustered out with company. 

George G. Dietrich, mustered out with company, 

Uriah M. Eckhart, veteran volunteer; re-enlisted January 1, 18t>4; mus- 
tered out with company 

Martin J. Ford promoted Corporal January 1. 1864; veteran volunteer. 

Benjamin F. Fulkerson. lost on steamer General Lyon, while a prisoner. 

Arthur Franklin, killed at Chancellorsville, Virginia, Maj- 3, 180;i. 

John Grubb mustereil out with company, 

William H. Goodson. discharged July 33. 18(53. 

Frajicis Gale . discharged November 24. 1862. 

Heni-y Gale, discharged April 3:j. 1862. 

John Gleeson. veteran volunteer, 

Henry Gehriug, discharged August, 1862. 

George H. Gale, discharged May 18. 1862. 

Charles Gale, mustered out December 30 1865 , 

Charles Haler. killed at Resaea. Georgia. Slay 15. 1864, 

Henry J. Hayward, promoted Corporal January 1, 1864; veteran vol- 
unteer 

Henry Henney. veteran volunteer, 

Theophilus P. Howard, discharged November 26, 1863 

William Hartman, received gunshot wound through right arm at Chan- 
cellorsville, Virginia. 

Samuel Henney, veteran volunteer; died of wound received at Resaea. 

William Hyde, died Jlarch 18, 1863 

Dexter R. Jones, discharged November 1 1862. 

Rollin Jacoy. died March 30, 1863, 

Thomas -\. Kunkel. mustered out June 22, 1865. 

Jesse Kline 

William E Miller, promoted Sergeant January 1, 1864. 

John Moyer. mustered out with company, • 

Charles R, Mathis. discharged December 10, 1862. 

Amandus Mohr, died of wounds, July 14. 18ii3, received at Chancellors- 
ville, Virginia 

Aretas Miller, mustered out with company. 

James G. Millen. 

David McCormick, veteran volunteer. 

James B. Mohn 

George W, Orwig. veteran volunteer; mustered out with company; cap- 
tured at Chancellorsville, Virginia; paroled and exchanged. 

John Peightle, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Silas P. Riley, killed at second battle of Bull Run, August :J0, 1862. 

Elias Smith, veteran volunteer 

William Stegman. mustered out with company 

Samuel Smith, dischargeii April 10, 1863. 

Ehas Stearns, discharged March 33, 1802. 

Dewalt J. Swander mustered out with company 

James Sliuker. veteran volunteer. 

Jonas Shoemaker, veteran volunteer. 

William E. Sheftleld. discharged December, 1802, of wounds received at 
the second battle of Bull Run 

James Sowards. died at Louisville. Kentucky. July 7. 1864, from wounds. 

William Sowards, veteran volunteer 

-Vshael P. Smith, iirouioted to Hospital Steward, Maj- 1, 1805. 

Ross C. Tremain, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Amaziah Thorp, mustered out with company. 

George W, Todd, discharged December 32, IS62, 

Charles H. Welch, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Eli C. Wright, died of measles March 2. 1862. 

George O. Winters, not on muster-out roll. 

Jefferson Wright, mustered out with company 

Moses W. Wilt, mustered out with coinpanj- 

Russell S. Williams, killed near Benfonville, North Carolina. March 10, 
180.5 

Benjamin Zimmerman veteran volunteer: mustered out with company, 

James H. Bitting, enlisted February 12, 1864: mustered "Ut with com- 
pany. 

Sylvester Hevelone, enlisted Feb. 19, 1864; mustered out with company. 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



87 



Martin Laiuienschaler enlisted February 8, 1884; mustered out with 

company 
William M. Giles, recruit 
Frederick Close discharged October Vi. 18(i4. 
James J. Null, recruit. 

Edward Farnsivorth, ilischarged June 8, I8(i5. 
George W. Price, discharged . 
Nelson Crockett, promoted Second Lieuleiiaiit; wounded at Bull Run; 

discharged June ^^ 1s6.t 
Jacob B. Wales, recruit 
Walter E. Long, recruit 
Benjaniin F. Jloore. recruit 

CtjMl'ANY C. 

Mustered into service October lii ISiil. Mustered out of service 
July 11. l.SB.i 

COMMISSIO.VED OFFICEBS 

Captain Horatio N. Shipmau, resigned March 10, 18ii3 

First Lieutenant Henr.v William Persiug, promoted Captain and 

A. y. M. Jul.v IS. isivj. 
Second Lieutenant Arthiu' Cranston, resigned March 15, 1862. 

NO.N-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Fi St Sergeant Walter W. Thomas, promoted Second Lieutenant March 
15. 1862; died April 6. 1862 

Sergeant Thomas O. Leary. promoted First Lieutenant March 6, 186;^; 
resigned December 28. 1863. 

Sergeant .lames Young, discharged April 23, 1863. 

Sergeant Stephen L. Saunders, veteran volunteer; wounded at Cedar 
Mt.iuntain Virginia. August 9. 1862 

Sergeant Robert Young, promoted Sergeant January 1. 1864. 

Corporal John R. Lowe promoted Second Lieutenant; wounded at Bull 
Bun August 30. 1864 

Corporal Henry B. Warren promoted First Sergeant; wounded at Get- 
tysburg July 3, 1863. 

Corporal Charles H. Lockwood. discharged March 29, 1862. 

Corporal Edwin H. Butler, discharged January 20. 1863. 

Corporal William Bellamy, banner bearer, killed August 30, 1862. 

Corporal Bradford N. Kellogg, veteran volunteer; mustered out with 
company. 

Corporal Williain H. Long, appointed Sergeant October 16, 1861; dis- 
charged October 27. 1862. 

Corporal .lames D. Walker, discharged October 211, 1862 

Musician, John Bowers, discharged October .5, 1862. 

Musician, Bill.v N. Messenger, discharged September 3, 1862 

Wagoner. Justus Squire discharged October 4. 1862 



Albert Q. Adams, discharged November 25, 1862. 

Ernest Anson, wounded at Gettysburg July 3. 186:); mustered out with 

company . 
Jack B. Burch, mustered out with company 

Xavier Bergamyer, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company 
Lewis Bauer, transferred Veteran Reserve Corps, 1863 
Frank P. Barton, promoted Corporal; wounded at Resaca, Georgia, May 

15. 1864; died May 22. 1.864. 
William H. H. Bemis, discharged October 27, 1862. 
Silas Brown, discharged June 22. 1865. 

Robert Blake, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 
Benjamin F. Bemis. killed November ii, 1863. 
Enoch M. Bell, vetei-an \'olunteer; mustered out with company. 
Thomas Carr, discharged January 1, 1863. 
William A. Crawford, promoted Corporal; killed at Resaca, Georgia, 

May 15. 1864. 
Milton N. Cowles, promoted Corporal; captured at McDowell, Virginia; 

exchanged; mustered out with company. 
Andrew W. clawson, promot d Corporal November 7, 1864. 
William Coidtrip, wounded at second Bull Run battle. 
William Cowell. wounded at second Bull Run battle. 
James M. ChatTee. discharged December 2'.i. l.'<61. 
William Donrian. dischai-ged September 4. 18t»2. 
Henrj- C. Ellis, dischargeil September 8. 1862. 
Alden A. Emmons, died July I'.i. 1862. 
Oscar F. Fnllei-. discharged January :J0, 186.3. 
Henry J. Fay, promoted Corporal January 6, 1865. 
Wesley C. Fay. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 1, 1864. 
Nyrum (Jregoi-y. mustered oiu May 20, ISii.'i. 
Henry H. He.>is, died a prisoner July. 1862. 
Henrj- H. Hess, discharged June 8, 1865. * 
Edwin H. Hollister. discharged September 21, 1862. 
Thomas J. Hairis 

James Hartney, promoted Sergeant October' 28, 1864. 
Edward G. Harris, discharged April 10, 1863. 
William (.iaeger. 
George E. Jefferson. 



William Jurrett, discharged March 7, 1888 

David E. Jefferson, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. December 2, 

1863. 
Michael Kavanagh. 

Alonzo Keeler, promoted Sergeant January 1, 1864 
Burnie flL Kline, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 
Charles C. Lowe, promoted Corporal July 11. 18<i4. 
Jacob Mitchell, killed at Gettysburg July 3, 1863 
John R. Myer, killed at Gettysburg July 3. 1.8t)3 
Samuel McGuckin. killed at second Bull Run .\ugnst 30, 1862. 
David McGuckin. discharged April 2H, 18(i2 
Azenia A. Nickles, jiromoted Sergeant May I, 1865, 
Francis 31. Nickles, promoted Corporal Ma.v 1, 1865. 
Albert Niles. discharged May 20. 1865. 
Williston Osborn, discharged Octobers. 1862. 
Cyru-i M. Osier, discharged February 6, 1863. 
John P. Patterson, died March 6, 1862. 
William M. Parks, discharged October 27, 1862, 
George W. Plue, discharged September 4, 1862. 
Jackson N. Piime.v. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 1864. 
Henry C. Finney, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 1862. 
.John C. Purd.v. veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 
William E. Pollock, killed at Gettysburg July 3, 1863. 
Lewis Ra,v, discharged December 3, 1862, 
Edwin F. Russell, tiansferred to Volunteer Reserve Corps 
Lewis Roberts, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 
William H. Robinson, discharged September -30, 1862 
George Ri z. discharged March 10, 1.862 
Frank W. Sparks, discharged October I'J, 1864, 
Rush R. Sloan, died at Grafton. Virginia, March 8, 1862. 
John Sprotberry. discharged September 14. 1863, 
Sickinger Rinehart, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 15, 

1864. 
Authony A. Simmons, veeran volunteer, mustered out with company., 
William B. Saeman, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 
Charles S. Saeman. discharge 1 November 11, 1864 
Daniel D. Stage, died October 20, 1862. 

James H. Stage, veteran volunteer, mustered out with company. 
Benjamin Tanner, discharged July 6, 1,865. 
John Taylor, veteran volunteer, nuistered out with company, 
Robert Vangorder, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. March 1, 18fM. 
Jonathan Welch, Jr., promoted Corporal I\la,v 1, 1865. 
Francis A. Williams, discharged rjctr,>ber 20, 1863. 
David A. Warren, pr ^moted Sergeant; veteran volunteer, wounded at 

Gettysburg and Bull Run. 
George W. Wright, discharged September!*. 1862 
John White, discharged January 2!*, 1863 
Luther A. Welch, discharged April 16, 1863. 
Sylvester Hull, killed May 15, 1864, at Resacca, Georgia . 
Jay Hollister, died September 20, 1863, 
Jerome Welch, wounded June 21, 1864; died July 10, 1864. 
Corporal Francis Vangorder. discharged June 17, 1865. 
Wilbert L. Green, discharged January 14. 1865. 
Elihu Westfall, recruit, discharged September 16, 1863. 



COMPANY IJ. 

Mustered into service October 16, 1861 . Mustered out of service 
July 10, 1865. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Frederick A. Wildman, resigned February 12, 1863. 

First Lieutenant Charles P. Wickham, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, 

June 6, 1864, 
Second Lieutenant Frederick H. Boalt. promoted to Captain June 1. 

18i»3; resigned September 11, 1S64 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS . 

First Sergeant Charles M. Stillmau, promoted First Lieutenant June 1, 
1861; resigned. 

Sergeant William S. Wickham, promoted Captain September 26, 1864, 

Sergeant Luther B, Mesnard. 

Sergeant Barna Cooper, discharged September 26, 1862. 

Sergeant James P. Jones, promoted to First Lieutenant April 1, 1864; 
mustered out March 12, 1865. 

Corporal Alviu B. Chase. 

Corporal William C. Penfield. promoted Sergeant; captured at Gettys- 
burg. Pennsyvania. 

Con)oral Fredei'i<;k Roinbo. 

Coiporal Theodore M. Woinl, promoted Sergeant, wounded and taken 
prisoner at Chancellorsvllle, Vir'giuia, May 2, 1883; exchanged ; mus- 
tered out with company . 

Corporal Jacob Fetterman, killed at battle of Bull Run August 30, 1.8ti2. 

Corporal Noble Call, dischargeil July. 1862. 

Corporal George Collingw'ooi-1, promi>ted Sergeant; woundeil at Chan- 
cellorsville, Virginia, May 2, 1863. 



88 



HISTOEY OF HUEON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Corporal Edward E. Shayes, discharged November 20, 1863. 

Musician. Gurl M. Wood. 

Musician. Wm. Waldron. 

Wagoner. Charles Florence, veteran voluuteer. 



SamUfI Ashbolt, reteran volunteer. 

Andrew Anderson, discharged September K, 1863. 

Chaunce.v Adams, discharged .January 12, 1K63. 

,Tohn Bitlerman, discharged April 13, 1863. 

David Battee, died July 3, 1862. 

William Bilei-, discharged, (No date). 

George Bailey, veteran volunteer. 

Edwin Bedell, discharged February H, 1863. 

Finley Benson, veteran volunteer. 

Irvin E. Barker, discharged December 33, 1862. 

Moses P Brewster, discharged Febniary l.i, 1863 

Robert E. Bailey, veteran volunteer. 

Jacob A, Brown, taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Jnly 2, 

18G3. 
Jacob Brown, veteran volunteer 
David L. Carpenter, taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 

2, 1863. 
William F. Clark, discharged December 3, 1861. 

John A. Cain, taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863. 
William Cromwell, discharged on account of wounds received at second 

battle of Bull Run. iNo date). 
Samuel Clafflger. 
James Doran. 

George Doll, died at Alexandria, Virginia. (No date). 
Richard Dobney, discharged January 12. 1863. 
Mathew Donnelly, discharged December 22. 1862. 
Joseph L. Day, discharged October 10, 1862. 
Thomas E. French, discharged, October 15. 1862. 
Henry Freeman, discharged, February 28, 1862. 
John J. Fisher. 
Charles E. Ganung. 
Jacob Goble, veteran volunteer. 
Charles C Godfrey, discharged, September 8, 1862 
Samuel Harrington, taken prisoner at Gettysburg. July 8, 1863. 
John Hannerott, veteran volunteer. 

Henry W. Husted, killed at Chancellorsville, Virginia. May 2, 1863 
Evelyn E. Husted, promoted Corporal. 
James M. Harland, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, August 13, 

1863, 
Charles H. Horton, promoted Corporal. 
CharlesL Hurlhut. promoted Corporal . 
Lorin C. Hill, veteran volunteer 
Michael Hartnick, veteran volunteer. 
Harrison Jones. 
John Keller, veteran volunteer. 
Oustave Knapp, veteran volunteer. 

.\lonzo B Keeler, captured at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 2, 186:1. 
Phillip J. Keller. 

Clarence L Keeler, killed, June T, IS62. 
Philetus C Lathrop. 

Samuel Lane, discharged, August 23 ISf>2. 
Peter I.udwig, 
Henry Miller. 

Thomas Newh(;rry, discharged, .-Vpril 22. 1862. 
Charles Olens, transferred to Fourth United States Cavalry. 
Walter R Perrin.. 
George P. Palmer 
Ludwig Reisterer, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 14, 

1863. 
JairusH Rowland. 

Charles .\ Stove', discharged, December 23, 1862. 
Charles Stacey, captured at Gettysburg. Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863 
John Strouhnour. 
William K. Starr. 

Anthony Shipman, discharged, (no date.) 
Adoljih Sihold. 
Anthony Stienly. 

Benjiniin C Taber, promoted yuartermaster Sergeant 
Abner D Twaddle. 
John M Treadwell 
Thomas C, Taylor- 
Jacob C Ut/,. discharged for wounds, January 2, 1963. 
E Iwar 1 1". VoU-k, wounded at Bull Run; died September 25, 1862. 
Sumner \ Wing. 

Daniel Wells, discharged, December 2, 1862. 
George H.'Walsworth, died. July 10, 1862 

Thomas Wilson, killed al Chancellorsville. Virginia, May 2, 1863. 
George Wilsey. discharged, (no date.) 
Joseph Zimmerman, veteran volmiteer. 
Carl Zenders. wounded at Bull R\m. August 2<t, 1862 
Williaiu Zarr 



CO.MPAXY E. 

Mustered into service at Norwalk, Ohio, December 31, 1861. Mustered 
out of service at Louisville, Kentucky. July U. 1865. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Edwin H. Powers, promoted to Major December 20, 1861; pro- 
moted Lieutenant Colonel June 27, 1864; Acting Colonel when mus- 
tered out with regiment - 

First Lieutenant Albert E, Peck, promoted to Captain March 6. 1863; 
killed May 15, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant Francis H. Morse, promoted to Captain March 19, 
1864; resigned April 20, 1864. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Hiram K. Preston, died June 18, 1862. 

Sergeant Henry W. Crosby 

Sergeant Giles King, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 1. 

1863, 
Sergeant John H. Boss 
Sergeant Ambers Rice, 

Corporal George W. Foote, discharged July 9, 1863 
Corporal Ira D. Peck, discharged April 16. 1863. 
Corporal John West, discharged July Si, 1863. 
Corporal John L. Flaharty, 
Corjioral Alpheus J. Peck, veteran volunteer. 
Corporal Jfihn Bellman, promoted Sergeant; veteran volunteer. 
Corporal John F. Wheaton, discharged September 22, 1863. 
Corporal William F. Smith. 
Musician, John .\llnian 

PRIVATES. 

Sewell C. Briggs, discharged for wounds November 22, 1862. 

Thomas Brumbay, died of wounds August 23, 1863, 

Erastus Barrit, died April 5. 1S62, 

Henry Baxtuer, veteran volunteer, 

Thomas E. Buckley, discharged for wounds March 3, 1863. 

Thomas Banning, discharged May 18, 1862. 

Lewis Bellman, died July 11. 1^62, 

William F. Crapo, discharged October 13, 1862. 

John Coppins, veteran volunteer. 

William Clinton, discharged November 21 1862. 

William Collins, veteran volunteer. 

John Coupe, piomoted Sergeant; wounded in shoulder at second battle 
of Bull Run. 

William E, Childs, appointed Hospital Steward November 21, 1861. 

William Deleany. died February 14, 1863. 

James Doushty, died March 22, 1862 

Burton Farnsworth, discharged September 13, 1862, 

John Furguson, discharged February 14, 1863. ' 

D^vid Gates, veteran volimteer 

George Howarth, transfen-ed to Sixth United States Cavalry November 
10, 1862. 

William Harphain 

William Harris, died December 7, 1.S02. 

William K. Horr 

Edward Hotohkins, discharged December 26. 1.862. 

Henry Heffron. veteran volunteer, 

Jlichael Hinacey, wounded at Chancellorsville, Virguiia, May 2, 1863, in 
left hand and arm 

Sidney Hooper, discharged April 10, 1862, 

Edwin F. Hood, veteran volunteer 

Francis L. Jupp. 

Mellville Jamison, veteran volunteer 

Ira S. Jump, veteran volunteer. 

William Jones, 

Henry C. King, discharged October 19. 1862. 

Henry Kloon, discharged August 29. 1862. 

James H. Lowry, veteran volunteer; wounded in head at Chancellors- 
ville. Virginia, May 2, 1.863, 

James Larkins 

Ezra Lee 

Alonzo McCord, discharged March 14, 1863. 

George W. Minns, drowned April 18, 1862, while on duty. 

George H. Malloy 

Rufus Noi-ton. discharged June 9, 1863. 

Henry W. Opfer, discharged July 2. 1S62, 

Henry Opfer. killed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1863. 

Cyrrance A, Peck, discharged September 12, 1882, 

Sterling H, Post, veteran voluuteer 

Benjamin Pease, veteran volunteer, 

Benjamin Pronto, veteran volunteer. 

Anson Pease, vt-teran volunteer. 

Myron B. Runyan. veteran volunteer 

Alexander .M, Richards, discharged November 16, 1862, 

Jonathan Smith, veteran volunteer, wounded at Chancelhirsville 
ginia in the hand 



MISTOKY OF IIUllON AND ERIK COUNTIKS, OIHO. 



8f» 



Horace Smith, dieil Feliruary -'fi. lSB-2 

J^dediah I). Smith, veteran volunteer. 

Ambrose D. Smith, discharged July 13. ISUi 

Robert Scott, veteran volunteer: wounded at (.'hancellorsviile, VirKinia, 

through hip and leg 
Etlward Siiarp 
William E. Sperart 
John W. Saftman 

Frederick J. Slatterie. discharged Novenibei" 15, isii-j. 
Martin Van Sickles, transferreil to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
George Winkleplick, <lischar"ged November l»j, 181)*. 
John Winkleplick, veteran volunteer, 
Allen .\. Winters veteran volunteer . 
David Williams, discharged .llarch PJ, IStiH 
Frank Wyntt, veteran volunteer. 
Mahlon T Lambert, promoted Sergeant Major. October ;;5, 18(il . 

(O.Ml'AXY I. 

Mustered into service at Norwalk, Ohio. December 31, ISfil. Clustered 
out of service at Louisville, Kentucky, .Iidy lU, 18(j."). 

COUMISIOXED OFFICERS. 

Captain Ira C. Terry, resigned October 31. ISliS 

First Lieutenant Richard Patrick, resigned June 10. I8H3. 

Second Lieutenant Hartwell Osborn, promoted Captain August 4, 18ti3. 

NO.N-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Kirst Sergeant Nelson H. Xicholas, discharged January 1, 1S63. 

Sergeant Benjamin F. Eraus, proin<.>ted to Captain April ^4, lH(j,5. 

Sergeant Roilnev Sanford. died January 14, 1S|J2. 

Sergeant Albert fiage, discharged September 1, 1H62. 

Sergeant Robert Fenson, veteran volunteer. 

Corporal Elias Bnrrough 

Corporal JLison Catlin. killed in action May 2, 1HG3, at Chancellorsville, 

Virginia. 
Corporal Hiram W. McGlone. 

Corporal .Andrew J, Sykes, promoted Sergeant: veteran volunteer. 
Corporal Russell S. (.)wen, itromoteil Sergeant 
Corporal Joseph Zuber, veteran volunteer. 

Corporal Daniel Sweetland. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 
Corporal Henry C Love, died March 14, lHti:i. 
Musician, Sathan Dancer, died July 12, iSiW. 
Musician, Dwight Lee. 
Wagoner. Daniel D. Rogers, discharged July 12, 1863. 



William H. Barber, veteran volunteer. 

Lucius Babcock. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 14, 1P64. 

Randolph .M. Bard, wounded at Chancellorsville, May 2, ISiiS, and at the 
second battle of Bull Run, August 3, 1803. 

Jacob F Beck, died July 3, 180:1, of wounils received at Gettysburg, Vir- 
ginia . 

Clark Berry. 

Hiram D Barber. 

Alonzo D. Barber, veteran volunteer- 
William F. Babcock. 

Heiu'y Brown, discharged JIarch 5, 18ti3, 

Coleman Brown, discharged January 9, 1864. 

Alonzo B. Burlinghain, w ounded at Gettysburg July 3, 1863. 

Joseph Co-vley, dischargee] March 18, 1863. 

Frederick A. Corney. 

Charles Clark, veteran volunteer. 

Harvey A. Cross, veteran volunteei*. 

Charles A. Carr. veteran volunteer. 

Elisha Cole. 

Sebastian Daha, discharged January 31, 18(;3. 

Minor L. Day, vetei-an vohmteer. 

Isaac De Puy, promoted Sergeant; woiuitled at Chancellorsville. Vir- 
ginia. May 2, 1803. 

.Joseph -V. De Puy. veteran volunteer. 

Edmund Frrtnklin, veteran volunteer. 

Warren V. Franklin, veteran volunteer. 

Jerome Franklin, veteran volunteer. 

Burdette (iot)dell. veteran volunteer 

John Hoyles. 

Frank M Hunt 

Henry C Hanford, discharged, March 8, 1863 

Zadock .M. Ilungerford, discharged, September m, 1862, 

Olin B. Johnson 

William JenTvins. 

Hiram Johnson. 

Brundage Kjiapp, ilied. .\ugust 12. I.sii2. 

Jairus Knapp. discharged, .March 2, lN(i2 

Joel Knapp. discharged, November li, 1862 

William Allen Kirsey. ilischarged, December*, 1862. 

12 



Luther J. Moore, discharged, December II, 1862. 

Joseph McConnell. 

John T. McMorris. 

.lames McConnell discharged, August 2.">. 1862. 

(ieorge T. Ma,v, veteran volunteer. 

Emery Owen, veteran volunteer. 

William W. Potter, discharged for wounds, December 2:3, 1862. 

Charles F. Pruden wounded in action at Chancellorsville. Virginia, May 

2 1863. 
Samuel Post, dischargeil, Marcli 26, IHi2. 
.Andrew Reed, ilischaiged July 28, 1862. 
Jerome Robinson, killed in action. May 2, ISKJ. 

Oscar Rawson diedSeiitember4 18(i2 of wounds leceived at Bull Run. 
Edgar Richards. 

Zetns Richards died. December .31. 1862. 
.ItfSeph S. Robinson, veteran volunteer, 
.\ndrew F. Sweetland, wounded in action, at Gettysburg. Pennsylvania. 

July a 1863. 
Jonathan L. Shami). 
John Sutton, died. July IT 1862. 
Reuben Sutton. 

Jeflfeison Smith, discharged. July 28. I.S62, 
John Sha, veteran volunteei-. 
John W. Thorley. 

.Amos Turwillinger. discharged, .Vpril 16, 1863. 
Loring Walsworth. died, .luiy 2. 1862. 
Perry Walker, wounded in action at Chancellorsville, Virginia May .3 

1863. 
William L. Wilson discharged, January 1, 1862. 
Jesse Woodruff, discharged, December3 1862. 
John White, discharged, May 20 1882. 

SIXTY-FIRST HEiilMEXT UIIIO VOl.U NTEKIi INTAXIHV, 
COMPANY li. 

Mustered into service. May 10, 1862. Mustered out of service, February 
29, 1864 

NON-COMMISSIOXED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant James H. Peabody, promoted to First Sergeant March 2.'., 1803. 
Corporal Perry Flaherty, mustered out with company. 



George H. Harris, captured at Qelt.vsburg. July 1. 1863, 
Samuel Pence, appointed Corporal May 19, 1862: wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville, Virginia. 
Benjamin Robl)iiis, mustered out with company. 

■ 

SIX Tl -ForifTH REtilMICNT OHIO \i M.C NTFKK I N- 
F.VXTKY. CO.Ml'.WY K. 

Mustered into service. November 6, 1861. Re-enlisted, and finally mus- 
tered out December:). 1865 



Alonzo Akers. .Jasper L. Ruggles. 

Henry H Claik. William Rhinemiller. 

Irving Hough Charles M. Saunders. 
Lloyd A. Mauley. 

These names do not appear on final muster out roll. They were, 
doubtless, discharged on expiration of original term of eidistment. 
George Stebbins. nuistered out with company, 

SIXTY-Fliril liKtilMKNT IIIMO VOMNTKKK IN- 
FANTRY, CO.MPANY C. 

Mustered into service. Decembei- 1, 18(;i. Mustered out of service, No- 
vember 30. 186.5. 

COM.MISSIONED OEFICER, 

Second Lieutenant Frank B. Hunt, promoted to First Lieutenant Angus 
8. 1862; resigned November 2i). 1863 

NON-COMMISSItlNEU OFFICERS 

First Sergeant Samuel H. Young Corporal William B. Hunt. 

PRIVATES 



Alvin M. Parker 
James Houston 
Marshall W. Johns.>n 
Hiram C. Parker 



Alfred Luin. 
Janus L. McKibben 
Heni'y Moore. 
Sherwood C. Nicholson. 



Madist^n Baker, discharged Janu- James H. I'ackard 

ary27. 1k6.'> Abijah Packard. 

Theodore Belden . ,1 osiah T. Parker . 



90 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



John F. Buclc. 
John W. Chorus. 
hevi Curtiss 
Alfred C. Ellsworth, 
Ezekiel Gooddnll. 
Schuyler C. Gates. 
Elias Luin. 



Darias D. Rolf. 

Adam Shanks 

Medad F. Woodruff . 

Andrew J. Young 

Julius C. Youug. discharged June 

15. 18fl5 
E'&Cius P. Brown 



COMPANY G. 

Mustered into service with regiment. Musterrd out of service with 
regiment . 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

First Sergeant Dolsen Vankirk Corporal Augustus Keimlin 

Sergeant John C. Zollinger. Corporal H. C. Jennings 

Corporal Brewer Smith. Corporal John Mollaney. 



Adam Apple 

Jacob Binhammer, captured; 

died in Andersonville prison 
Chris F. E. Blaich. 
William Clark. 
Charles Carpenteiv 
Martin Casey. 
John C. Earnst. 
Lewis Eckhart 
Jacob Fike 
Joseph Fellman, 
John Geideman 



Theodore Geisey. 
William Kalhorst 
Fred Koegele, 
Henry Leidkie. 
James Murty 
Michael Nash. 
John V. Xicholai. 
James Nolan, 
George W. Philo- 
John Sullivan. 
J. C. Weidemieir. 
William Walsh. 



COMPANY K. 
Mustered with regiment. 

PRIVATES 

William Campbell. Randolph J. Loecher, 

William Hensow. Peter Wigle 

James Hensow Henry M. Sprague 

No muster out rolls of this regiment (original enlistment, ) are on tile 
at Columbus, Ohio. 

SIXTY-SFVENTH HtGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFAN- 
TRY. COMPANY C. 
Organized December, 1861. Mustered out December 31, 1«64. 

NON-COMMIS.SIONED OFFICER. 

Coiporal Christian Schwartz, promoted Sergeant; wounded July 18, 
1863. 

COMPANY F. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Captain Joseph P. Owen, promoted from Corporal of Company K; 
mustered out June 14, 186.T. 



COMPANY K. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. ' 

Sergeant James J. Banks. 

Corporal Joseph P. Owen, enlisted November 2. 1801; wounded in left 
hand at Fort Wagoner, July 18. 1SG3; promoted to Captain of Com- 
pany F;- mustered out June 14, 1865. 

Corporal Henry Clatlin, 

Musician, RoscoeCaselten. 



PRIVATES 



Homer Akers. 
Lafayette Baird. 
Jonah C. Barton 
Henry H. Gibbs. 
Alonzo H. Hopkin.s. 
Jeremiah McFall, 
Comfort H. Ruggles, promoted 
Sergeant. 



Edwiu Russell. 
Charle.s Sivers. 
Frank M. Stewart. 
John Turner 
Daniel B. Waggoner. 
John W. Whiddou. 
Eugene Whitney. 



SKVKNTV-SECOND KF(iIMENT ulllo VOLINTEER 
INFANTRY, COMPANY (i. 

Mustered into service February 18, 18(53. Mustered out September 
11. 1865. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Captain James Fernald, mustered out with regiment. 

First Lieutenant William C. Bidle. promoted to Captain and transferred 

to Company E. 
Second Lieutenant John H. PoyeK resigned, December 3. 18«2. 



NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

First Sergeant Jacob M Beecher. promoted to First Lieutenant in Sev- 
enty-First United States Colored Infantry April 17. 1864. 

First Sergeant Jonas Stanberry, wounded at siege of Spanish fort. Ala- 
bama: mustered out with company. 

Sergeant George Downing, veteran volunteer muste:ed out with com- 
pany. 

Sergeant Charles Hawes. veteran volunteer, mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Sergeant William P. Shilk, veteran volunteer; mustered out with com- 
pany 

Sergeant George Taylor, veteran volunteer; mustered out with com" 
pany. 

Corporal Robert Dalzell, veteran volunteer: mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Corporal Elihu Fernald, veteran volunteer, promoted to Sergeant and 
transferred to Company E. 

Musician. Christian Engle, veteran volunteer; discharged August 7, 1865- 

PRH'ATES. 

Erasmus H. Andress. not on muster-out roll. 

Sydney Adams, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

John R. Akers. not on the muster-out roll. 

Ebenezer G. Allen, mustered out with company. 

Burel Butman, mustered out with company. 

David Brownell. veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

Charles Barber, mustered out with company. 

Peter Brums, mustered out with company. 

Lewis C. Clark, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

Wilson S. Crum, veteran volunteer; discharged August 7, 1865. 

John Coon. 

John Call. 

Samuel Dailey. 

Eward Daniels, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

Willard Dike, discharged December 14. ISW. 

Williani Davie, discharged December 14, 18t)4. 

Henry W. Daj'kin. discharged December 14, 1864. 

Christopher Edwards. 

Erastus Erskin. veteran volunteer; discharged Maj" 13. lS(i.i. 

Henry L. Ewing, discharged June 11, 1864. 

Louis A. Ervin. 

Thomas C. Fernold. 

Hiram B. French. 

Henry French. 

Eugene Frankenbury, died at Andersonville prison. 

Norman Foster, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

John Franigari 

Edward B. Fuller 

Edward Gibbs. 

Nicholas L. Grow. 

John Haugbn. discharged December 14, I8ij4. 

Alfred Haun. 

Charles Haughn. discharged to accept pro:notioa July 10, 1864. 

Francis Higgins. 

James Hageny. 

Solomon Hower. 

Charles Harley. veteran volunteer; discharged August 7, 1865. 

Joseph Imhaf. 

David H, James. 

John H . Jefferson. 

Fraiitz Kromer. 

Charles Kramus. 

Andrew Loughlin. 

John V. Ladd. discharged October Si*. 1864. 

Comfoit M. Lewis. 

Charles Lansen. 

George W. Lewis. 

Rufus W. Lawrence. 

Dennis Lavler. 

William H. McEnaliy, veteran volunteer; nuistei*ed out with regiment 

Dennis Mack. 

Philip Mons. died in rebel pri.son 

Michael McCarty. 

Augustus Mulchey, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

Robert Jleek 

William Perry. 

John D. Plum 

Calvin R. Porter, 

James L. Porter. 

William Rood. 

William L Robertson. 

Albert Rice, veteran volunteer; mustereil i)Ut with company. 

Augustus Rice 

George W Reed 

George H. Sutherland, discharged December 14. 1864. 

Erastus Squires. 

Merritt Sextons, 



•I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND EKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



91 



John C. Steward, discharged by reason of fraouii-e of right ankle, Sep- 
tember er, iMr,4, 
James M. Suiitli. 
Frederick Schafer . 

WlUiam Seitt. discharged February 10, 1865. 
Henry Sprow. 
Morris Sweet. 
John Shadenck . 
Joseph R. Turner 
Benjamin Thurlby. 

John D. Turner, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 
Michael Parchuer. 

Jonathan Taylor, recruit; mustered out with company. 
De Witt C. Vance, died of wounds August .S, l>*t;4. 
Isaac Vanderpool. 
Henry Wile. 
Thomas J. Wright. 
Harrison Warren. 
William H. Walker. 

CU.Ml'.WV H. 
Mustered with regiment. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

first Sergeant Andrew Meckel, promoted Second Lieutenant in Com- 
pany A, April 29, 1864 

PRIVATES. 



Rudolph Dllger, 
Henry Dickman. 
George Filmeier. 
Fridolin Haid, 
Charles Hubbard. 
George Hubbard. 
Martin Killian, 
Frederick Loomis, 
Jacob Lang, 
Rochus Link. 



Frank Mittler, 
Frederick Mittler, 
Lewis Raw, 
John Raw. 
William Roos, • 

Charles Smith, 
Henry Stull, 
Louis Schneider, 
Andrew Schumaker, 
Joseph F. Willi. 



I Peter Zimmerman, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 
No muster-out rolls of original enlistments can be found. 
The names are copied verbatim from tht rolls, and the writer will not 
be responsible for errors in spelling 

KIGHTV-SKVEXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER 



Mustered into service June 10, 18(32, for three months; mustered out at 
expiration of term of service. 



PRIVATES. 



William A Barber 
.\rthur W Fitch 
Samuel P Kenyon 
Thomas Kanaly 



George W. Rickard 
John C. Schneider 
Kelsey Weeks - 



rO.MPANY K. 
Private Andrew C. Mavrill. 

EKiinV-EIGHTH KEGIMEXT OHIO VOLUNTEER 
IXFANTKY, CO.MPANV H. 

Blustered into service. July :J1. ISIJJ. Mustered out of service, July 3 

NON-COMMISSIONEO OFFICERS . 

First Sergeant Martin L Coyer 

Sergeant Isaac P Baldwin, discharged January IS, 18li5. 

I orporal Martin Jl, Ryerson. 

I "orporal Russell Prentiss 

Corporal .lohn .M Sloan 

PRIVATE.S. 

Clark H Ames. 

Palmer Amsden. 

Charles I Black. 

James Bisseli. 

Sylvanus Bui-ch 

Homer BrundaKe, discharged January :il), 1S04. 

Benjamin Curtit, discharged July IvJ, l.%4. 

Wilson L Priver 

Asa Drake, discharged March 14, IHM. 

George Daniels, discharged July IH, IH(;i 

Hiram Fisher 

George Fisher. 

Samuel C. Gregory. 

William H. Green, discharged March IH, 18113. 



Charles Hooper, discharged October ■&, 180:i. 

Scott Halloway. 

William Hubbell. discharged .luly li, IHM, 

Giles W Jump 

James Jackson. 

John H. Kandall 

Dallis Lawton 

Leonard Lane, 

Adam Lootman , 

Elias Mason, discharged .Inly li, 18t)4. 

Harrison Mohn 

Ferdinand Market . 

John S. Pierce 

Torance D Parker 

Francis Rice, died January 1?, l.S)14. 

Ta.ylor Sweet 

Munson L . Squire. 

Ezra H. Smith 

Nelson Sutton . 

Henry Tice. mustered out with com pany . 

Samuel Weyenbacher 

Thomas H. Wood, discharged March 18, 18115. 

ON'E HUNDKEl) AND FIRST REtUMENT OHIO VOLUN- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

Mustered into service August 3(), 18(52. Mustered out of service June 
12, 1865. 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Surgeon. Thomas M. Cook, mustered into service at Moaroeville, Ohio, 
August 12, 1S62; mustered out with regiment. 

Assistant Surgeon, Walter Caswell, resigned July 88, 186:J 

Chaplain, Oliver Kennedy, resigned November 17, 186:J. 

Adjutant, Leonard D. Smith, promoted to Captain and assigned to Com- 
pany C May 30, 1803. 

Sergeant Major, Jay C. Smith, enrolled as private in Company B: pro- 
moted Sergeant Major February 14, 1863, and to First Lieutenant, 
Company I, May 9, 18(34 

Hospital Steward, Levi B. Lathrop, discharged April 14, 186:5, at Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, on Surgeon's certificate 

Hospital Steward, J. Edward Mathews, enrolled as private in Company 
B; promoted to Hospital Steward April 15. 1863. 

COMPANY A. 

Mustered into service at Monroeville, Ohio, August 30, 1862. Mustered 
out of service at Camp Harker, Tennessee, .June 12, 1865. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Captain Charles Caligan, resignation accepted December 10, 1862. 
First Lieutf nant Asa R. Hillyer, died Jaimary 4, 18(33, of wounds received 

at Stone River December 31. 1862. 
Second Lieutenant Daniel H. Fox, promoted First Lieutenant February 

1, 1.863; mustered out Jul}- 29, 1S64, to accept commission as Major 

of the regiment , 

NON-COM.MISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Justus F. Brisack. discharged for disability December 

31, 1862. 
Sergeant A.Ward Hillyer. discharged for disabilit.v December 19, 1862. 
Sergeant David \V. Smith, discharged for disability March 6, 1863 
Sergeant Benjamin F. Bryant, promoted to First Lieutenant February 

1. 18(j;J, 
Corporal Andrew A. Jackson, promoted to First Sergeant May 12, I8(i4. 
Corporal Willaid E. Robbius, discharged tor ilisability April 29, 18(33. 
Corporal Horace Hill, dis .liarged for disability January 6, 1863. 
Corporal James E. Ells mot on muster-out roil). 
Corporal Gideon D. Webb, discharged lor disability March 27, 1865. 
Corporal Van R. M. Ryan, discharged tor disability April 24, 1863. 
Corporal Henry Kingsley, discnarged for disability 3Iaroh 10, 1.863. 
Corporal Frederick J. Jefferson, i>romoted to First Sergeant November 

1. 1863; killed at Rocky Face Kidge May II, 1864 
Musician, Andrew Clock, transfetied to Veteran Reserve Corps March 

15, 18(i4, 

Musician, Matliew Park, discharged by oider of Secretary of War May 

16, 18(35. 

Wagoner, John Buck, discliarged for disaliihty March 7. 1863. 



Delmer Atkinson, discharged for disability May 2, 18(i3. 
Jame« Allen, discharged for disability .\pril 3. 1.865 

Julius Austin, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps November 20, 186:1. 
Patrick Brady, promoted to Corporal May 1, 1865, 

John Base, promoted to Corporal .Vugtist 1, 1863; prisoner of war since 
September 20, 1863, 



92 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Traven Biailj- (not on muster-out loll) 

Ransom Barnitt. discharged for disability December 4, IfCa. 

Newbury Barker, died at Xashville, Tennessee. December 1, 1862 

Miles E. Cartwriglit. dieil in service August 13. 1864 

William P. Cleveland, discharged for disabilily February 1^. 1863. 

Lucius A. Challer. died at Nashville. Tennessee. December ih 1862 

George P. Coleman, died in service April 26. 1861. 

Leonard Chance, died in service May 30. 1863. 

Hiram C. Disbro. not on muster out roll. 

Thomas Earl, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps November 20, 1863. 

Henry Ernsberger. died in service November 4, 181)2. 

Andrew Evans, discharged for disability March 21. 1863. 

Henry Fish, died in service Aiiril 25. 18(13 

Charles R. Green, nmstered out with company 

Thomas Green, discharged for disability July I. 1813 

John R. Griffin, promoted to Coiporal February I, 1863, 

Norman Gregory, killed near Dallas, Georgia, May 30, 1864. 

Cornelius F. Harder. 

John Harriman, mustered out with company 

Philip F. Henley, discharged for disabilily March 3, 1863. 

Sidney HolT, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps November 17, 1864, 

Frederick J, Haller. nmstered out with company 

Albert R. Hill, promoted Corporal September 14. 1862; discharged for 
disability January 31. l!M)3 

John W. Hasbrook. discharged for disability in the spring of 1863. 

Abram Inman. died October .i. 1863. of wounds received at Chickamauga 
September 20. 1S63. 

Wilbur Kingsley. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 1, l.S6:3. 

Abel Knapp. promoted Sergeant November 1. isii3: mustered out with 
company. 

Enoch H. Kilburn. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 7, 1864. 

John King, promoted Sergeant May 1.186,5; mustered out with company, 

George Lanieron. killed at Chickamauga September 1«. 1863. 

Alpho Lowe, Jr., died at Louisville, Kentucky, June 14, 1)*1. 

William M. Jliner, transferred to Engineer Corps August ", 1864, 

John JIcGraw, discharged July 14, IStlJ, 

James S, Moody, not on muster out roll, 

Harman H. Martin, prisoner of warsiuce September 20, 186:3 

James Marks, not on muster out roll, 

William L. McPherson. died of wounds received at Chickamauga, Octo- 
ber 13. 1863 

Amos W Polly, discharged for disability May 17, 1863. 

Samuel A, Pike, died in service September, 1862 

Cyrus B Prosser, died of wounds received at Stone River, January 12, 

1863 
Edwin Bunyan. killed at Stone River. December 31. 1862. 
John L. Riggs. ilie<l in service, January. 1^63. 
George P Raidart. not on muster out roll 
William H Russell, transferred to navy, April 1.5. 1864 
Oliver H P Springer, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. March 1. 

IHIM. 

Lovell R. Sinuuons. not on muster out roll 

Qersham R Staunton, not on muster out roll 

Benjamin K. Strong, discharged for disability May 3, 1864 

Joseph Scott. 

Joel Searl. died in service April 2. 1863 

John Stimson. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Januar.v 14. 1864 

John Smith, discharged for disability .January 4, 1864, 

William W. Shaiiger, transferred to FIngineer Corps August 7, 1864. 

Mar(]Uis D. Stephens, transferred per (Teneral Ortler, No. 11 . 

Chailes A. Turner, transferred to Mississippi Marine Brigade January 

1«13. 
Isaac Vasburg, discharged for disability. Januarj- 1, 1863. 
Vanacoy Vanrenssalaer. dischai-ged for disability, winter of 1863, 
Albert Whitney, promoted to Corporal ;viay 1. 1865, 
John Williams, discharged for disability June. 1S63, 
Harmon G, Webster, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, November 

28, 18IW. 
Daniel Webster, died in service February 3, 1863. 
Alpheus Welch, discharged for disability Nove.uber, 1862, 
Samuel J Wilson, missing in action at Chickamauga, September 19, 

IHtW 

Marvin Wooden, died in service, January 12, 18«15. 

Geoige Young, discharged by order of Secretar.v of War. March 11 
18-13, to enlist in Mississippi Marine Brigade. 

COMPANY li. 

Mustered into service .\ugust 30, 1862. at Monroeville, Ohio, Mustered 
out of service, June 12, 1865, in Tennessee, 

COUMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Captain Thomas (' Fernald, resigned on account of disability January 

2,'i. 1863, 
First Lieutenant Stephen P. Beckwith, promoted to Captain February 

1. 186:); resigned November 30, IWH. by reason of dinability 
Second Lieutenant Otis L Peck, dishonorably discharged January 25, 

1865. 



SOS-COMMISSIOSED OFFICERS 

First Sergeant John M , Butler, promoted First Lieutenant January 2.5, 

1863; resigned December 27. 18(53. 
Sergeant Charles E Smith, discharged for disability February 14, 1863. 
Sergeant Jay C. Butler, promoted Second lieutenant Januarj' 25. 1863, 

to First Lieutenant March 20 INil. and to Captain March 16. 1865, 
Sergeant ,James Gordon, discharged for disability March H, 1863. 
Sergeant Simeon Huntington, wounded at Stone River: died by reason 

of the same January in. 1863, 
Corporal Alonzo R, Sharp, discharged for disability June 1. 18(3. 
Corporal Heiuy J, Bly, discharged tor wounds received at Stone River, 

February 17, 1863, 
Corporal Joshua B Davis, transferred to First U, S Engineers July 29, 

1864. 
Corporal William D, Taylor, promoted Sergeant .January 2,5. 1864; mus- 
tered out with company. 
Corporal Francis L. Pease, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps A])ril 

6. 18(>4, 
Corporal William B, Bice, promoted to Sergeant January 25, 1863. 
Corporal Jacob 3Ierkiey. mustered out with company. 
Corporal John W. Ward, discharged for disabilily March 8, 1863 
Musician. George W Hill, died at Perry ville. Kentucky. November 12, 

1862. 
W^agoner, William P. Barton, mustered out with company. 

PRIVATES. 

Hai-per Austin, mustered out with company, 

Seth A . Barton, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 4, 1864 

William Eurrell, died in service Januar.v 28, 

Allen M, Curran. promoted Sergeant January 2.5. 1863, 

William H, Carpenter, discharged for disability Januarj- 15, 1.86:3, 

Edwin Clartin, discharged Aprils. 1865. by reason of accidental wound. 

Robert CuUen, mustered out with company. 

Wilbur F, Cow-les, promoted to First Sergeant Januarj' 2.5. 1863; cap- 
tured at battle of Chickamauga, 

William H, Colvell. transferred to Marine Corps. May 3, 1863, 

John W Dodge, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 4, 
IS64. 

Milton C. Dodge, missing in battle C'f Chickamauga. September 20. 186:3. 

Simeon A, Davis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Ma.v 3. 1864. 

Charles B. Dennis, mustered out with companj' 

Henry M. Elwood. discharged for disability. December 20, 1S62 

Sidne.v W. Faxon, discharged for liisability. Januarj' 28. 1863. 

James C. Fitch, discharged for disability, Jlay 29. 1865. 

Amos W. Fox. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. Julj- 1, 1863. 

Alfred Foreman, discharged for disabilitj". Januarj* 14. 1.86:3. 

Theodore Ford, wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Tennessee, 
September 19. 1863 

Alfred Grant, discharged for disability. February 24,' 18t*3, 

Leonard Ga.v, discharged for disabilitj-, January 10. 1863. 

James Glin. died in service, November 5, 1862. 

Charles (jlross. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, (date unknown). 

Alexander C. Hosmer. transferred to Company A to receive promotion 
as Second Lieutenant 

William L. Hutt.-n. discharged for disabilit.v. October 7. 1863. 

Jerome Hollj*. ilied yiay S. 1S63. 

Harrison J. Hammond, died in service February 14. 1863. 

Francis Houseman, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 18, 
1864. 

Orlando Holly, died in service. November 8, 1862. 

Albert Hinman, discharged by reason of wounds received at Stone 
River, (no datet. 

Smith Harrington, discharged for disabilily. Febriiarj' 24. 1863. 

David Hinds, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, (no tlate given). 

Oliver Holbrook. discharged for disabilitj*. IVIarch in. 186:3 

>lartin Ingles, died in service. December 9. 1S63 

Philip Hunz. (not on muster out roll', 

Emmett Lincoln, transferred to marine service, (date not given). 

George W, Littleton, nmstered out with companj* 

.James H. Laden, discharged for disabilitj-, Aju-il 7, 186:3, 

George W, Ladd. promoted Sergeant January *2.5, 1863, 

.lustns Luhrs. promoted to Corporal June 1. 18(M. 

Charles McGettigan, transferred to Veteran Reren*e Corps, May 3. 1864 

Dennis Mullen, mustered out with companj*. 

Joseph T. Mni-shail. discharged Februarj* •28, 1863,-by retison of wounds 
received at Stone Rivei 

William Meacbam. nmstered out with comitanj* 

John F Miller, died May *26. 1864, fi*om wounds 

J Edward JIatthew*s, promotetl to Hosi)ital Stewanl. April 14. 1863. 

Charles D. Pierce, discharged for disability, .June 11. 1S63. 

Edwin C. Pomeroy. died June :30. 1864, from w*oiinds received at Chatta- 
nooga, Tennessee . 

Oscar Pertschman, promoted to Coi*poral March 1. 1865. 

Henry B. Penllekl. discharged for disability. Decenilwr :30. 1863, 

William R IV'pe, discharged March 12, ISIU, by reason of wounds re- 
ceived at Chickatuair^a, 

Theodore Hebudue. prisoner of war. 



HlSTOUY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIEa, OHIO. 



93 



Aden Rice, Clerk ai Headquarters Fouitli Ainiy Corps, mustered out 

with company. 
Jay C. Smith, promoted Sergeant Major. .laniiary 4, 1815.3 
Robert Schetb, mustered out with eomimny , 
Charles Shupe, prisoner of war. no record of discharge. 
Orange Seanians, discharged for disability. January n, 1S6;5. 
Bradford J. Seaveiy, mustered out with company 
Ralph E. Taylor, discharged for disability, Octobery, 1S63. 
David \V. Thompson, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 

io, ii<e3. 
Royal H Tucker, discharged for disability May i'l. 1S6.5. 
Joseph Terril. captm-ed Septempei-3'», lX6.i. and died from starvation in 

rebel prison April 1, lHt;.5. 
Joel S. Wolvcrton. discharged for disability December 30, ]8t>2. 
Daniel Wood, discharged for disability January 7, 1.S64. 
Michael Wood, discharged for disability December 30, 1803, 
Anton Wauck, discharged for disability December .SO, 186.S. 
Henry O. Wright, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps (No date 

given). 
Samuel (i. Wright, discharged for disability December 30. I8(i3. 
Dustin Washburn, transferred to U. S. Engineers August 39, 18fj4, 
Jacob Young, promoted Corporal March 1, 1865; mustered out with 

coiupany. 
Jacob M. Zimmerman, died In rebel prison January 9. 18(34. 
_Robert Sankey, died at Nashville, Tennessee. (No date given). 

COMPANY D. 

Mustered into service August 30. IStil. at Monroeville, Ohio. Mustered 
out of serWce June 13, 18tJ.'i, in Tennessee. 

COMMISSlOSEIi OFPI(.'ER.S 

Captain H. G. Sheldon, resigned by reason of disability Januarj' 3W, 18»)3. 
First Lieutenant J. B. Cnnis, resigned by reason of disability January 

2, 1863. 
Second Lieutenant J. M. Lattimer. Jr., promoted First Lieutenant March 

.5, ist.i3, and to Captain March 31. 1>'03; mustered out with company 

NON-COMMISSIONEO OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Manferd D. Slocum. transferred to Veteran Reserve 
Corps Aug.ist 1, 1863, 

Sergeant G. W Payne, discharged March 38. 1803 

Sergeant Ira Beman Reed, promoted to First Lieutenant March 31. 1S03, 
and to Captain March 3fl. 1864; assigned to Company E. 

Sergeant John D Blair, killed at Chickamauga, September in. 1803. 

Sergeant Dutton Jones, discharged September 9, 1863. 

Corporal Elbert J. Siiuire, promoted to First Lieutenant March 39, 1804; 
captured near Huntsville, .\iabama. January 17. 180.') 

Corporal Charles E. Marsh, discharged f^ecember 3S, 1863. 

Corporal Enos L. Marsh, discharged by reason of wounds May 9. 1803. 

Corporal Jerome G. (iihson. discharged January 7. 1863 

Corporal Justus N. Brown, mustered out with company. 

Corporal George N. Mead, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Feb- 
ruary 15, 1864. 

Corporal Minor Lawrence, discharged March 38. 1863 

PRIVATES. 

Luzerne .\msden. discharged March 33. 1864. 

Duane Austin, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August hi, 1804 

Jacob M. Abbott, died at Nashville, T>-nnessee, January 3.5, 1803 

Clark Barber, died at Louisville, Kentucky, July 7, 1863. 

Charles F. Brewster, discharged .ipril 3i, 1863. 

William R. Bell, discharged March 13, 1863. 

Egbejt M. Burgess, died at Louisvdle. Kentucky, December 3, 186.3 

Charles C. Bacon, died at Nashville, Tennessee, January 1. 1863 

Frederick G. Brown, discharged Februar}* 3. I8(il. 

Delas Bishop, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corj^s August I, 1863. 

Joseph L. Bishop, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, November 1, 

1.863. 
Alonzo F. Bishop, discharged April 37, 180."). 
William \V. Conover, discharged February 3, 1863 
Chester H. Carpenter, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 

15, 1801. 
Enoch Cole, mustered out May 10, 1805. 
George W. Curtiss, discharged January 13, 1863. 
Jotham .\. Curtiss. died August 15, 1864, of wounds received in action 

near Kenesaw Knob, Georgia. 
John H. Crawford, captured at Chickamauga September 30, 1803 
EV W. Cimninghani, ili.scharged June 32, 1863. 
George F. Drake, discharged July 15, 1803. 

William L. Dickinson, died at Louisville, Kentucky, December 13, 18(i3. 
William S. Denton, ilied at Chattanooga, Tennessee, .June 30, l,8t^. 
Henry 0. Dills, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 30, 180.3. 
Constautine Frank, died at .Murfieesboro, Tennessee, Maj' 31, 1803. 
George W. Fish, died at Gashville. Tennessee, .January 5, 1803 
12 > 



Edward P. Fowler, mustered out with company. 

Myron H. Furlong, discharged February 10, 1863. 

Leroy L. Guthrie, mustered out May 15. 1805. 

Charles .V. G jwdy, died at Bardstown, Kentucky, Decembers, 1862. 

G, W. Goodman, discharged February 6. 1.S03. 

Hamilton Wilson, promoted to Corporal May 1. 1.863; discharged ,\ugust 

34, 1S64. 
James HoUoway. mustered out with company. 
George Hunt, discharged February 9, 1863. 

George N. Hubbell. promoted to First Sergeant September 30, 1863. 
Thaddeus Hackett. discharged March 3.5. 1804. 
W. W. Hopkins, mustered out with company 

Janus H. Hopkins, dietl at Bowling Green, Kentucky, December 4, 1802. 
John X. Hopkins, died at .Mnrfreesboro, Tennessee, June 15, 1863. 
E. M. Hume, discharged Februar.v 9. 1803. 

Eugene Hawkes, captured at Chickamauga, September 30, 1863. 
.John W. Johnson, mustered out .May 17, 1805. 
Flavel B. Jones, killed in action at Chickamauga, Georgia, September 

19, 1863. 
George N. Keeler. luustered out with compan.v. 
Corydon Kmgsl>ury, promoted to Sergeant March 1, 1864. 
Simeon W. Kinsey. mustered out with company 
William Leak, mustered out \\ith company. 
Ge rge Lawrence, transferred to Veteran Corps, April 39. 1804 
George A. Lawrence, mustered out with company 
E. E. Lyons, discharged Decenibei- 13, 1803. 
George E. Mattoon, mustered out with company 
William F. Merit, died at Danville. Kentucky, November 13. 1863 
Charles H. Mead, promoted to Sergeant May I, 1804. 
Heni-y M. Newton, promoted to Sei-geant May I, 1803, 
Charles Pickens, died of wounds received at Stone River, Jaimary 1, 1803 
Charles Penfleld, discharged on account of wounds. May 4, 1803. 
Albert Palmer, mustered out with company 
D. G. Palmer, mustered outMay 33. 1805. 
Job Peterson, mustered out with company. 
Charles B. Rose, uuistered out with compay . 
Erastus S. Russell discharged February 14, 1863. 
John H Rickey, died of wounds Jime 33, 1S64 

Watson W. Rowland, died lanuary 31, 1863, at Nashville, Tennessee. 
LeviO. Rowland, ilischarged February 1.5, 1864. 
Samuel L. Smith, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, January 10, 

1805 
George H. Sowers, promoted Sergeant May 1, 1804. 
William H. Snyder, discharged December 38, 1803. 
Charles Scott, killed in action at Kingston, Georgia. May 19, 1804. 
John C. Sprague, discharged f ebruary 14. l.'-03, 
Orrin S. Sutton, mustered out with company 

Luther L. Terry, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, February 5. 1864. 
James E. Terry, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, February 15. 

1804 
Hiram N. Townsend, discharged March 7, 1863. 
William H. Trnmbley, discliarged March 8, 1803. 
Jacob Tru.xell, Jr., discharged December 12, 1863. 
Homer Truxell, discharged Febi-uary 14, 1803. 
Merit W.vcoff, disharged Jamiary 10,1803. 
William C. Wyckes, promoted to Corporal May 1. 1804; mustered out 

with company 
Samuel C White, died of wounds received at Chickamauga, Georgia. 

September 30 1863. 
W. J. Wa.shbnrne, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, September 30, 

1803. 
Lemuel Wood, transferred to Veteran Restrve Corps. January 15. 18IhI 
Jesse W. Bell, discharged February 7, 1803, 

CO.MPANY (i. 

Mustered into service, August 30, 1862, at Monroeville, Ohio. Mustered 
out of service, June 12, 1865, in Tennessee 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain John Jlesser, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, to date January 

3. 1,863; resigneil January 7, 1804. 
First Lieutenant John P, Fleming, promoted Captain May 33, 1803; mus 

tered out with company. 
Second Lieutenant llorac.' D. Olds, promoted to First Lieutenant May 

37, ISKJ; discharged December 35, 1804, to accept promotion in First 

United States Volunteer Veteran Engineer Corps 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant William H. Van Ness, discharged October 30, 180;j. 

Sergeant Ambrose B. C. Duninan, captured September 19, 18t>3. 

Sergeant Jonathan Cooke, transferred to First United States Volunteer 
Veteran Engineer Corps August 7, 18M 

Sergeant George W. Flemuig. discharged March I. 1803. 

C'orporal Sipiire A. Butler, promoted to First Sergeant May 3, 18tH; mus- 
tered out with company 



i 



94 



Hl.-STOliV OF lILTiO^' AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



Corporal George Mordoff, promoted to Sergeant July *2,'1864; mustered 

out with company. 
Corpt)ral Isaac C. Capen. promoted to Sergeant March 4. l^iVi: killed iu 

battle September 19, 1863 
Corporal Francis 31. Miller, discharged October 17. iwvi. 
Corporal George L. Smith, died December 4. 1862. 
Coii>oral Jasper F. Webster, promoted to Second Lieutenant May 3, 

1864. and to First Lieutenant February 1, 1865: mustered out with 

conipanj' . 
(^orporal John White, promoted to Sergeant October 1.5. 18(13; mustered 

out with company , 
3Iusician, Rhoderick Russell, discharged March 5fi. 1863. 

PRIVATES. 

Franklin Andrews, promoted to Corporal JIarch 1, 1863. 

Emerson Andi'ews. mustered out with compani,' 

S<iuire Abbott, mustered out with company 

He = ry E. Burahauk, not on muster out roll. 

Isaac Baldwin, died June 1::^. 1*^33. 

David S. Barber, discharged February '-Jl. 1H63. 

Oliver W. Benschooter. died December '■l\ 1862. 

Albert A. Blair mustered out with company. 

James C. Burkholder. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 27i 

1864. 
Walter C. Beardsley, captured September 19. 18(53. 
Oliver M. Butler, mustered out with company 

Marcus Crannell, wounded December 15. 18t;4; mustered out with com- 
pany . 
John Daniels, died February 19, 1863. 
Hezekiah S Drake, promoted Corporal March 1. lS(i.5 
John J. Dunning, discharged July 16, 1863. 
William Dunham, killed at Kenesaw Mountain. June 25, I8t>4. 
Floron Dalzell. died January 28, 1863. 
Henry E. Dwight, mustered out with company. 
Heni-y D. Fisher, mustered out with company 
Alpha B. Falley, discharged June 2:i. 186-3. 
George L- Fowler, promoted Sergeant July "I. ISW; mustered out with 

coiupauy. 
Ralph G. Fuller, mustered out with company. 

James Ford, transferred to Mississippi Marine Brigade March II. 1863. 
Alfred Ford, discharged for wounds Ma,v 13. 1865. 
Peter Greiner. transfei'red to Signal Corps October 22, 18(i3. 
Oliver Gardner, mustered out with company. 
Daniel W Harris, mustered out with company. 
George Hewett. killed at the battle of Stone River January .5, 1863. 
George Hoover, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Hay. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 3, 1864, 

William Hutchinson, killed in battle of Nashville, Tennessee, December 
5. lSti4. 

Malachi Humi)hrey. discharged forwounds 3Ia3-25, 1865. 

Daniel B. Higglns, mustered out with company. 

Miles E Hale, discharged January 31. 1863. 

EdgarF Horn, transferred to Veteran ReserveCorps. (No date) 

Alba Howey. mustered out with company. 

John Howey. transferred to Veteran ReserveCorps. ^Xodate). 

John Howell, nmstered out with company 

Frederick Hnuck. mustered out with company. 

Benjamin Jones, mustered out with company 

Peter Landin. discharged February 7, 1863. 

Laban D Lowry, discharged December 11, 18*i3. 

Charles Long mustered out with company. 

Alexander Lewis, died December 2, 1862. 

Charles D. Morehouse, discharged February 28, 1864 

Curtis B Mnllenox. killed in battle of Stone River January 2, 1863. 

Andrew Meikle kille)! in battle <>f Stone River January 2, 1863. 

Francis Magill. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 

Lafayette Miller, transferred to Engineer Corps August 7, 1864. 

Daniel Myei-s, mustered out with company 

Andrew J Miller, promoted Corporal March 1. 18*i5 

William Slunson. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 10, 18(>4. 

George B. Morse, promoted Corporal January 1, 1865. 

Leroy Mullenox. died from wounds July 25. 1864. 

Le*vis Osborn, died in Libby Prison December 14. 1863 

Stephen Paxtoii, promoted Corporal May 10, 186.3; mustered out with 
company . 

James J Pike, discharged Jaimary 6. 1864. 

David Plue. promoted Corporal July 1. I8t'»4: mustered out with com- 
pany 

John RtLsset, nmstered out with company. 

Charles Russet, mustered out with company. 

Giles W Ray. promoted Corporal July 1. 1864. 

Horace V Ramstlell. discharged of wounds March 11, 1863. 

Lyman B. Russell, nmstered out with company 

Almon W. Sherman, mustered out with company 

Elisha D Sutith, discharged June 4. IHtvi 

Russell Sanders discharged August 15. 1863. 

George W ShafTer, died June 19, I8«>4. 



Alfred Sutton, mustered out with company. 

DeWitt Thompson, mustered out with company. 

Martin V Wilbur, discharged for wounds March 27. 1865. 

John D Wheat, mustered out with company. 

Madison E. Wells, promoted Sergeant July 1, 18m: mustered out with 

company. 
George W. Wheat, discharged February 4. 1863 
Andrews Bradley, starved to death in Andersonville prison, September 

a4. 1864: captured September 2:J, 1863. 

UXE HINDKED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT OHIO XOL- 
CXTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY F. 

Mustered ino service September 9 1862. at Cleveland. Ohio Mustered 
out of service July 10. 1865, at Charleston. South Carolina. 

SON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS- 

First Sergeant Henry Bernhard. discharged March 2, lSt>3, 
Sergeant George Beck, missing in action at Gettysburg July 1, 1863. 
Sergeant Justus Thornberg promoted First Lieutenant; woundtd May j 

2, 1863. I 

Sergeant Carl Groesli. discharged December 22, 1862. 
Sergeant Leopold Weinman, mustered out with company. 
Coiporal John Becker, mustered out with company , 
Corporal Frederick Frey. promoted Sergeant March 5. 1863; mustere 

out with company. 
Corporal Charles Wahler. wounded in action July 1. 1863. 
Corporal Henry Roiier. mustered out with company 
Corporal Henr,v Fre.v. died November 1. 1862, 
Corporal Joseph Fels. discharged for wounds Slay 27. 1-864. 
Mu<-ician, Stephen Schnurr, mustered out with company. 
Wagoner, Joseph Meier, mustered out with company. 

PRIVATES 

Herman Breunmy, discharged April. 1863. 

Jacob Bretz. died October 8, 1863. 

T. Xavier Buerge. mustered out with company. 

Augustin Berzikafer. nmstered out with company. 

.Jaco!. Beecher. mustered out with company. 

John Bucher. mustered out with company. 

Frederick Biehl. captured at Gettysburg; eight months a prisoner. 

Adam Bergheeler. promoted Corporal: mustered out with companj* 

John Becker, wounded at Gettysburg: promoted Corporal. 

John Breil. died May 14. 1865 

Frederick Busch. mustered out with company. 

Joseph Bishop, died December 31. 18tJ2, 

AiidT-ew Bengel. killed in action March 2, I8():j. ' 

John Ernst, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September 26, 1863. 

John Eusdorff. promoted to Sergeant October 1. 1864; mustered out 

with comjiany 
Charles Frauek. mustered out with company, 
John G. Fott, mustered out with companjv 
Charles Gerdes, mustered out with coiupauy . 
Edwaj'd Gessler, mustered out with company. 
Edward Giteman, mustered out with company. 
Joseph Hormes. transfei-red to Veteran Reserve Corps, by reason 

wounds- 
George Helmech. killed in action July 2, 1863. 
Henry Hossle, mustered out with company. 
William Heinzmau, not ou muster out roll 
William Hacker, missing at Gettysburg, July 1. I'^Gl. 
Martin ludlekofer. died June 19. 1865. 
John Kastor. mustered out with company 
Charles Krumbholz. not on muster out roll 
Henry Klappel. promoted Corporal March 1, 18tM. 
Anton Lung, mustered out with ciunpany. 
Ferdinand Loeblein. killed in aciion May 2, 1863. 
Aiphouse J. Letfler. not on nuister out roll 
Frank Mangin. mustered out with company. 
John Moos, mustered out with company 

Jacob G. Miller, absent, sick, when company was nmstered out. 
Conrad Missig. promoted to Corporal Maivh 1, l'*6J; wounded May 2, 

1863, in lireast and shouldei- 
August Malhew. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 20, 1863 
Joseph Mueller, mustered out with eompany 

Frank Xewlier^er, tratisferi-ed to Veteran Reserve Corps May 20. 1863. 
Guslnv Phillips, promoted to Corporal November 24. 1862: wounded In 

action May 2. I8<W; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps August 

22,1864. 
Peter Reader, transferred to Velei-au Reserve Cori)s. Maich S. 1864, by 

rea.sou of wounds 
Peter Reis, died from wounds July 10. 1863. 
August Ral>er, died of wounds August 2, 18*;:j, 
Nicholas RimeK died in Libby Prison 
Henry Ross, nmstered out with company. 
John Surren, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February I. 18»>4. 



HISTORY OF HTRON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



95 



Williaiii Sneiiier. promoted to Principal Musician 

Aflam Scliaub. woiimied in action March 1. isti-i: mustered out with 
ct>inpany . 

Valentin Sheidler. not on muster out roll. 

John Schonier, mustered out with company. 

John Smith, not on uuister out roll. 

Christian Thomas, mustered out with company 

Wendel Vietliauer, not on muster out roll. 

Jacob Walter, woundel in action May '2. lHfi:l; mustered out with com- 
pany . 

Garret Walter, missing in action July I. I'^*^! 

Anthony- Wiutersteiler, not on muster out roll. 

Jacob Zuber. not on muster out roll. 

COMPANY H. ■ 

Mustered into service September 9. 1S63, Clereland, Ohio. Mustered 
out of service July 10. 1.S05. at Charleston. South Carolina. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Edwanl Rcitz, mustered out with company. 

Sergeant William B'.>wers. promoted to First Lieutenant. Company B, 

April ■^, 18(i5, 
Otto Shick, mustered out with company. 
Corpoi-al Andrew Myers, captured at Gettysburg, July 1, 18(i3; mustered 

out with company. 
Corporal George A. Wise, nmstered ont with company. 
Corpoi-al Roniig. wounded at Gettysburg; discharged iMay 31, 18154. 
Corporal Henry Setzler, wounded at Chancellorsville: transferred to 

Veteran Reserve Corps. 
Wagoner, Joseph flyers, mustered out with company, 

PRIVATES 

Amos Arbogast, mustered out with company. 

Philip Buliong. mustered out with company. 

Jacob Bauman. died February 4. 18(}3. 

William H. Bauman, died December '3. ISfi-J, 

Harry Baursas, promote^d Corporal September !*. 1S62; mustered out 
with company 

Sanmel Cane, musteied out with company 

George Denhart. captured at ChancellorsviUe. 

Jacob Egli, fiansferred to Veteran Reserve Corps November 28, 1863. 

Martin (iross, wounded at Chancellorsville, May 2. I8fi3; transferred to 
Veteran Reserve Corps September 1, lSi>i. - 

Joseph Gruner, mustered out with company, 

Nicholas Huther, nuistered out with company. 

Christopher Heer, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

Christian F. Hildwein, promoted Sergeant July 1. 18(j3; mustered out 
with company. 

Melchoir Kechely, mustered out with company. 

James W. Myers, mustered out with company. 

George Metz. died of wounds June 2, 1863. 

Conrad Metz, promoted Corijoral March 5, 18*VJ; mustered out with com- 
pany 

Frederick T«Ietz. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January Hi, 1854. 

Philip Oakieaf. promoted to Corporal December 4, 18«)3; died January 
3. 1863. 

Philip Ohiemacher, mustered i>ut with comiaany 

Franklin B. Price, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps March 2, 18&4. 

John Parker, luustereil out with company. 

Alphonse Reamer, captured at (iettysburg; fnustered out with company. 

Philip Raw. transferred to Veteran Reserve Cori»s January 16, 1861. 

George Roedersdorf, mustered out with company. 

Philip Seel, promoted Corporal January 1, 1864: mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Michael Seitz. wounded at Gettysburg. July 1, 1863; transferred to Vete- 
ran Reserve Corps March '-i, 1864. 

John Soulter. died June 3. 1863. 

Joseph Sneider. died April 10, 1863. 

Peter Frautman. transferred to Veteran Reserve Cori)s January 16, I8t>4. 

Jos'ph Weis. wounded at Gettysburg; transferred to Veteran Reserve 
Cttrps 

Peter Weilnan. died June 7, ISfti. 

John W. Weisenheimer. transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Simon Veager. captured February 5, 1865; paroled, and at Annapolis, 
Maryland, when company was mustered out 

(tN'K ifiNhitKi) AM) Ktj:vi;N"rn i;i:i.imi:xt omo 

VOIA'XTEKR IXFAXTRY, COMPANY A. 

Mustered into service September 5, 1862, at Camp Toledo. Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service June 27, ISIm, at Salisbury, North Carolina. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

s.-i-geant Charles Baker, promoted to Second Lieutenant, Company K, 

May 1, 1864. 
' 'I'rporal Gemira G. Burton, mustered out in hospital mo date). 
r..rporai Hetuw Vanbuskirk, mustered nut with company. 
Corporal .John R. Ramsey, discharged (no date). 
Musician. Janus Current, died .Tune y'>. 1S6I 



PRIVATES. 

William H. Arling. discharged at Louisville. Kentucky (no date). 

Robert Long, mustered out with company. 

Jacob Parker, not on muster out roll . 

Joseph A. Porter, mustered out with company. 

Edward Sibrell, mustered out with company. 

John Scanleu, dischargeil Jaimary 10, ISO.*). 

John Stoll, mustered out with company. 

COMl'ANY (i. 

Mustered into service September 5. 1.S62. Mustered out of service with 
regiment. 

NOX-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Patrick F. Dalton, promoted to Second Lieutenant in Company 

H. April 8, istij. 
Corporal Philip Mathia. wounded at Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 

18&4: discharged from hospital at Columbus. Ohio {no date). 



George W. Crowell, promoted to Second Lieutenant. Forty-Eighth 

U. S. C. I.. January 2, 1865. 
Richard K. Dalton, died at Bowling Gi'een. Kentuckj*. November 2:}, 1862. 
Silas Dymond. mustered out with company. 

Frederick S. Story, died at Bowling (.ireen. Kentucky, November 21, 1862. 
Orrison Smith, discharged from hospital (no date). 
John Tuckerman, severely injured by railroad disaster near Gallatin, 

Tennessee, March, 1863. while in line of his duty as train guard. 

ONE HIXDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD HE(;iMENT 
OHIO VOLrXTEEK IXFAXTKY, ( OMPAXY B. 

Mustered into service September 24. IH6'J. at Monroeville. Ohio. Clus- 
tered out of service Jime 12. 186.5. at Camp Chase. Ohio. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Horace Kellogg, promoted to Major Apiil 6, 1S63, and to Lieu- 
tenant Colonel December 14, 1S64; mu.stered out with regiment. 

First Lieutenant John Fitz Randolph, promoted ''to Captain March 6, 
1863; mustered out with regiment. 

Second Lieutenant Caleb Dayton Williams promoted to First Lieuten 
ant March 6, 1863: killed in action July 18. 1804 

NOX-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant George Joseph Frith, wounded in action at Winchester, 
Virginia. June 15, 1863; died June 2<), 1863. 

Sergeant Eugene Smith, promoted to First Sergeant; prisoner at Rich- 
mond. Virginia, from June 15 to July 15. 1863; mustered out in hos- 
pital. 

Sergeant Benjamin F. Blair, promoted to Captain, and transferred to 
Company K May 27, 186."). 

Sergeant Harris E. Smith, promoted to First Lieutenant iu Thirteenth 
U. S. C. A. January 0. 1863. 

Sergeant George A. Drake, prisoner of war at Richmond, Vii*ginia, frora 
June 15 to July 15. 1863. No date of discharge. 

Corporal Ira D . Wells, wounded in action at Hatcher's Run. Virginia, 
March 31, 1865. 

Corporal George Buskirk, wounded at Winchester, Virginia, .Tune 13, 
1863. Discharged November li», 1863. 

Corporal William H. Thomas, promoted to Second Lieutenant iu the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh United States Colored Troops, 
March 13, 1865. 

Corporal Samuel B. Caldwell, prisoner of war from June 15, to July 15, 
1803. 

Corporal Edward L. Husted. prisoner from June 15 t«) July 15. 1863. 

Corporal Ezra A Wait, discharged Decembers, 1863. 

Cori>oral William G Ailing, discharged in hospital. 

Corporal Josiah R. Fisher, wounded at Winchester, Virginia. June 13. 
1802: discharged July 14. IS64, 

Musician, Joseph Sallaland. mustered out with com])auy. 

Musician, George Williams, mustered out with company. 



Nelson Armstrong, promoted to Corporal; no date given; nmstered out 

with company. 
Malvern H. Barnhart, died at Winchester. Virginia, May 12, I8fW. 
Albert Blish, captured June 15. 1863: discharged in hospital. 
Enoch L. Birdseye. promoted to Corporal; no date; mustered out with 

company. 
Albert Bnrch. nuistered out with companj', 
John Y. Benfer, captured June 15. 1863; discharged in hospital. 
Anson T Bowen; discharged June 21, 1864. 

Edwin J. Beverstock, promoted to Hospital Steward September. 1, IJ^Ol. 
William Barhite. promoted CoriM)ral Sei>tember 20, 1H62: captured June 

15, 1803. 



96 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Orrin G. Bond, imistered out with company 

Stanley F Bond, starved to death at Andersonville prison, August 16, 

lt«4. by order of Jeff Davis. 
Jehile Castle, discharged in hospital. 

Elijah S Conger, killed in battle at Winchester. Virginia. June 13, 186.3. 
Heniy S Clapp, promoted to Second Lieutenant in Nineteenth United 

States Colored Troops. August 11. ISW 
Iriwng Cole, wounded in action at Winchester. Virginia. June 13, 1C6.3: 

right arm amputated ; discharged October 3. 18<M 
Judson Castle, discharged in hospital. 

William C. Cummings, captured June l.i, 18(13; discharged in hospital. 
Richard Evans, died of woun ds Jul.v 10. 1S63. 
Michael Freund. discharged in hospital. 
Reuben Fox, captured June 15, ]86i ; discharged in hospital. 
Amos Fox, captured June 15, 1863; discharged in hospital 
Jordon Fox. discharged in hospital 
John L. Greggs, died April 29, IfW. 

Emanuel F. Gftodell, captured June 15,186:3; discharged in hospital. 
Serah Godfrey, discharged in hospital. 

Andros J. Gilbert, captured June 15, isra; mustered out with company. 
Elmer E. Husted, mustered out with regiment as First Lieutenant and 

Adjutant. 
Rufus T Holcomb. died .\ugust, 1863. 
Palmer D. Hatch, discharged in hospital 
Benjamin Holcomb, died of wounds July 3, 1863 
Philip A Hoffman, captured June 13, 1863: discharged in hospital 
Ezra A. Hoffman, captured June 15, 1863; discharged from hospital 
William W. Hill, captured June 1.5, 1863; discharged in hospital 
Ebenezer B. Harrison, discharged in hospital 
Heury C. Hicks, discharged in hospital, 

Louis Kutcher, captured June 15, 1863; discharged in hospital 
George Kutcher. captured June 15, 1863. 
Leonard Keller, killed in action June 1:3, 186:3. 
Francis Little, discharged (records lost), 
Solon Lane, discharged in hospital. 

Noyes S. Lee, captured June 15, 1863; discharged in hospital. 
William Letts, discharged in hospital - 
Alfred W. Miller, discharged in hospital 
Uriah Mogg, captured June 15, 1S6:3; discharged in hospital. 
Williata Mann, captured June 1.5, IS63; discharged in hospital. 
Sylvanus \. Messeldine. discharged in hospital. 
Albert T. Nye, discharged in hospital. 
William R. Prouty, discharged (records lost). 
Emery Prout,v, discharged in hospital. 
Clinton Prouty, discharged December 21, 1864. 
Charles H. Reynolds, discharged (records lost). 
Heiiry C. Rushton, promoted Corporal (no dates). 
Charles Roe, mustered out with company. 

Louis Rutherford, wounded July 18, 1864, at Snicker's Ferry, Virginia. 
Bowen W. Schnebley, killed in action June 1-3, 1863 
Riley Sparks, discharged (records lost). 
Henrj- C. Stultz, killed in action July 18, 1864, 
John L. Smith promoted Corporal January 1. 1865; mustered out with 

company 
Henry J. Spangler. missing in action at Snicker's Ferry. Virginia , 
Thompson Smith, mustered out with company. 
Edward Strickfather. mustered out with company, 
Martin Stockmaster, wounded at Hatcher's Run, Virginia. JIareh 31. 

1865; mustered out with company, 
Wagner R. Smith, captured June 15. 1863; mustered out with compan.v. 
John Slater, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps (records losti. 
George W. Slater, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company. 
William Slater, wounded at Hatcher's hun, Virginia, March 31, 1865 
Benjamin F Skinner, mustered out with company 
Joseph Tunmn, died May 1, 186:3. 
Anson H. Taylor, mustered out with company. 
Loren Twiss, captured June 1.5, 1S63; mustered out with company. 
A. Woodruff, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps (records lost). 
Fred. C. Wickhauer, promoted to Conunissary Sergeant September 36, 

1862, 
Seymour Waldron. discharged (records lost) 
Benjamin H, Williams, killed in action June 1.5, 1863. 
Edward H. Williams, promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant October 

•A5, 1863. 
Vicl.ir Weiss, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company 
Abraham W Walter, ilied of wounds June 25, 1863. 
Robert W Burns, captured .lune 15. 1863; mustered out with company. 

CO.MPANY C. 

Mustered into service Septeml)er 29, 1862. at Monroeville, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out with regiment June 12, 1865 

COMMISmONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Charles V. Parmenter, resigned for disability. October 3, 1884. 
First Lieutenant Edgar Martin, resigned for disability, February 13, 1863. 



Second Lieutenant Abner Snyder, promoted to Captain January 6, 1865, 
and mastered out with regiment . 

SOX-COMMI5SIONED OFFICERS - 

First Sergeant Frank A. Breckenridge, promoted to Second Lieutenant 
April .5. 1863; mustered out with company 

Sergeant John Kennedy, mustered out with company. 

Sergeant Augustin L. Smith, discharged February, 1863. 

Sergeant James Amadell, discharged March, 1863. 

Sergeant Lewis White, drowned while in action July 18. 1864. 

Corporal Marion C. Lester, captured June 15, 1863: promoted First Ser- 
geant; mustered out with company. 

Con^oral Philander Miles, discharged for disability, (no date). 

Corporal fieorge A. Webster, in Sahsbui'y prison fi'om September 3. 1864, 
to March 1. 1865 

Cori;toral William Odell, captured Jime 15, 1863; nuistered out with com. 
pany . 

Corporal William H. Ra)ney. discharged for disability, March '20, 1863. 

Corporal Norman H. Tillotson. mustered out with company. 

Corporal Addison Barker, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, (no 
date. 

Corporal Lymau P. Blake, mustered out with company. 

Musician, Dennis K. Canfield, promoted to Principal Musician Septem- 
ber 1, 1864. 

Musician, Clark Canfield. captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with 
company, 

PRIVATES. 

Nelson Baker, captuied June 15. 1863; mustered out with company. 

Albert S Blanchard. captured June 15, 186:3; mustered out with com- 
pany, 

William L. Burnham. captured June 1.), 1863; mustered out with com- 
p.iny. 

Thomas N. Beers, mustered out with company. 

Romane Curtis, promoted to medical cadet. May, 1863. 

William Carson, discharged in hospital. 

Sidney Carpenter, in Richmond, Virginia, on muster out; discharged 
July 2;i, 1864. 

Jacob Carson, wounded May 11, 1864. and September 19, 1864. 

William Carr, cai)tured June 15, 1863; discharged in hospital. 

Patrick Clark, discharged March 18, 1863, 

Orrin Cole, captured June 13, 18)i3, (no date of muster out). 

Willis H. Conklln, prisoner from July 24, 1864. to March 1, 1863. 

Eureka Coit, captured May 15, 1864; died in rebel prison September 1^ 
1864. 

Wilson Day, mustered out with company. 

Hugh Debow, no date of muster out 

Orry Decker, killed in action J.ine 13, 1863. 

Henry ^V. Erswell, captured June 15. 1863; mustered out with company. 

Charles Erswell, captured lime 15, 18(j3; mustered out with company. 

Martin Fay, mustered out with company , * . 

Daniel T. Fink, March 1, 1805. mustered out with company; promoted 
Sergeant 

George L. F)sh. discharged for disability. February, 1865. 

John B. Fairchilds, captured June 1.5, 1863; discharged in hospital. 

Addison M. Frye, promoted Sergeant lebruaiy 19, 1864; captured May 
15. 1864 

Harvey E. Garrison, starved to death in rebel prison. Febniary 14, 1865. 

Henry Goodenough, mustered out with company, 

Crary Green, killed May 31. 1863. 

Franklin Gieen. discharged February 18, 1863 

Thomas Grannals. discharged from Cumberland hospital. Jlarch 14. 1863. 

Frederick Heminway, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out withcora-i 
pany | 

Seymour C, Lester, promoted Sergeant April 5, 1863; captured June 1.5, 
1863; raustere.l ovit w-ith company, 

William McKee. discharged in hospital. 

John W. ^liller, promoted Corporal JIarch 1. 1865; mustered out with 
comjiany. 

John Miller, discharged .-^pril, 1863. 

Wilson Moore, dischai-ged March 20, 1863, 

Nelson S. Mosier. discharged March '20. 1863 

Charles Ni.xon,died in rebel prison December 11, 1864. 

John S. Phillips, mustered out with company , 

Franklin Phillips, captured June 13, l.'^63; mustered out with company. 

Jo.seph H. Rhodes, promoted Corporal .Vpril 5, 1863; wounded in action, 
September m, 1864; cajitured June 1."), IStH; discharged in hospital 

Napoleon Robinson, niustei-ed out with company 

James Spence, died September 1, 1863. 

John Salisbury, captured June 15, 18*i3; nuisteretl out with company. 

Wallace D. Skinner, captured June 13, 1863; nmstered out with com- 
pany. 

Levi J. Steel, died .May 14, 1863 

Simon Steel; wounded .\pril 6, 1865; discharged from hospital. 

Jacob Steel, mustered out with company 

Josiah Snyder, dieil a jiaroled prisoner March -29, 1863, 

Lyman R, Shepard, prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina, from October 
19, 1864, to March 1, 1865: nuistered out with company 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



97 



Lorin L. Spronger, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company. 

Homer S. Seeley, Jied June 20. 186-3. 

John Siflet. captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company. 

Fernando Sly, died June 30, 1863. 

Otis Syker, wounded in action September I'.i, 1864; limb amputated; dis- 
charged in lio.ipital; captured June 15, 18i>i. 

Christopher E. Tihotson. captured June 15, 18i5;i; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Cyrus Taylor, discharged from hospital 

William Waggoner, mustered out with company 

Samuel White, captured June 15, 1363; discharged from hospital. 

John R. Wilson, sfdci-erf to death in .\ndersonville prison October 31, 
1S64 

Albert H. Wait, promoted Corporal FVIii-uary V.K 1S64; captured June 15. 
1863; mustered out with company 

Hiram Whitmour, discharged February, 186;J, for disability 

Alphord Basconi, discharged February 14, 186:i, tor disability. 

Silas Simpson, killed by cars December 19, 1864. 

Alonzii Linn, died from wounds received June 17, 1863. 

John Murfy, discharged February 14. 1863, for disability. 

Lafayette Loveland, discharged for disability (date not known). 

Nathan Beers, mustered out with company. 

David B. Moore, recruit; wounded at High Bridge, Virginia, April 6, 
1865; mustered out with company. 

COM PAX Y E. 

Mustered into service September 39, 1863, at Monroeville, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out with regiment ,June 13, 1865 

COUUISSIOXED OFFICERS. 

Captain Samuel W Reed resigned February 13. 1863. 

Fii-st Lieutenant Dwight Kellogg, promoted to Captain April 5, 1863; 

nmstered out with company. 
Second Lieutenant Jlartin H. Smith, promoted to Captain of Company 

D, June". 1865. 

NOX-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

First Sergeant William S Rulison. died at Cumberland, Maryland, 

Deeember 10, 1863. 
Sergeant Martin V. Aldrich, discharged March 18, 1863 
Sergeant Charles H. Sowers, promoted to First Lieutenant Decembers, 

1.864. 
Sergeant Charles Loring, promoted to First Sergeant April 5. 1863; mus 

rertd out with company. 
.Sergeant James Angel, ilischarged for disability April 15, 1863. 
1 '. irporal Horace Lawrence, promoted to Sergeant December 10, 1863; 

mustered out with company . 
Coi-poral David H Hutchison, captured June 30, 1864; in rebel prison 

when company was mustered out. 
Corporal James Wheaton, discharged April 34, 1863, for disability. 
JIusician, Samuel Bratton, died in rebel prisou February ir, 1865. 
Wagmier. William Stone, on detached service when the company was 

mustered out 

PRIVATES. 

William Burge. sick in hospital when company was mustered out. 
James Bennington, discharged January 35, 1865. 
Jeremiah Cassner .■■ick in hospital since September 30. 1864. 
Moses Cassner. captured at Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864. 
Henry Coats, absent on detached service. 
Hudson Catlin. absent with pontoon train. 

.Jacob Dorn, killed in action at Winchester, Vii'ginia, June 15, 1863. 
.\le.vander Dennison died in rebel prison February 13, 1864. 
Hamilton Dennison, died July 6. 1863, of wounds received in action. 
Nicholas Durgin, died August 1, 1863. 
.Joseph Dignan, promoted Corpoi'al, January 8, 1864. 
John Ensign, discharged December 33, 1863 
Michael H. Fulkert, dischargeil September 30, 1863. 
Henry (iibson, wounded at Winchester, Virginia, September 19, 1364 
.James Gregory, mustered out with company . 
.John Cihoram, discharged March 18, 1863 
Elias Hankisi'U, mustered out with company. 
Richard Howell, mustered out withccunpany 
.Ji'ba Hanserd, mustered out with company. 
Peter Letts, mustered out with company 
Daniel Mead, mustered out with company. 
Victi>r F. Mosier, mustered out with company. 
James S. 3h:»ody, mustered rut with company. 
Isaflc Odell, promoted Corporal Ai>ril 5, 1863. 
Lucius Palmer, mustered out with company. 
I Jeorge Pipher. died in rebel prison, Agust 9, 1864 . 
,Iames B. Keed. died April 13, 1863 
David Keed, mustered out with company 
Thomas Shamp, died March 23, 1365. 

Lorenzo Sweetlaiul, discharged, from wounds received in action, Sep- 
tember 15, 18t>.3. 

13 



Frederick Shaf er, died in rebel prison December 35, 1864 

Edmond P. Snyder, promoted Corporal April 5, 1803; mnstertd out with 

company . 
Eilwin Snyder, promoted Sergeant October 13, 1864; mustered out with 

company . 
James B. Smith, discharged March 18, isii3 
Lambert N. Sackett. discharged April 1. lsii3 

James Smith, starved to death in rebel prison, about October 15, 1864. 
Newell B. Salisbiuy. died October 1, 1864, of wounds received in action 

September 30, 1364. 
Edwin Trimmer, promoted Corporal April 5, 1863 
George W. Tucker, discharged October 15, 136:) 
Willanl C. Vanlere, discharged December 1, 180:i. 
Charles Vogal, killed in action at Winchester, Virginia, June l:t, 1863. 
Lemuel Veil, absent in hospital when company was mustered out. 
David Williams, discharged -Vpril 31, 1863. 
Periy C. Wyrick, discharged December 33, 1863. 
Mathias Zimmerman. 

Ralph C. Poiner, (name not on muster out roll). 
John W. Garrison, mustered out with company. 

COMPANY <;. 

Mustered into service September 34, 1363, at Monroeville, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service w-ith regiment June 12, 1.365. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Charles H. Riggs, died September 15, 1864. from starvation, 

while in rebel prison at Charleston, South Carolina. 
First Lieutenant Oswald H. Rosenbaum, was private to August 33, 1363, 

when he was promoted to First Lieutenant; promoted to Captain 

March r, 1865. 
Second Lieutenant Frank B. Colver, promoted to First Lieutenant June 

1, 1863; discharged by special order War Department, April t, 1865. 

NON-COMMISSIOSED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Sherman A. .Tohnson. promoted Second Lieutenant Janu- 
ary 14, ISM; discharged for wounds June 15, 1865. 
Sergeant George A. Scobey, transferred to Non-Commlssioned Staff 

April 6, 1863. 
Sergeant Wesley B. Jennings, promoted to First Sergeant January 1, 

1S64. 
Sergeant Charles M. Keyes, transferred by promotion to Company K, 

April, 18M. 
Sergeant Martin L. SkiUman, captured June 15, 1865; mustered out with 

company. 
Corporal Myrcn E. demons, promoted to Sergeant; wounde<l at 

Hatchet's Run, March 31, 1365 
Corporal John Steele, discharged .March, 1863 (records lost). 
Corporal Augustus O. Garrett, promoted to Sergeant; captured .June 

15, 1863. 
CoiiJoral Frank W. Canfield. discharged for disability (records lost). 
Corporal Jacob Wentz, died in rebel prison Januaiy 37, 1.365. 
Corporal William Gallard, killed in action June i;). 1S63. 
Corporal William H. Metcalf. name not on muster-out roll. 
Corporal William H. Levering, name not on muster-out roll. 
Musician. William Jennings, mustered out with company. 
Musician, William .Allen, mustered out with company. 
Wagoner, George R. McConnelly, absent as brigade teamster. 



Louis Buyer, captured June 15, 1863. 

Solomon Brown, died of wounds November 31. l."«)4 

Charles Brumm, discharged for wounds .March 30, 1365. 

Napoleon Buyer, absent when company was mustered out. 

Lutiur Barnard, wounded in action September 19, 1864; captured June 
15. .'63. 

Henry C, Barnard, captured June 15, 1363; mustered out with company, 

George N. Bonn, captured ,Inne 15, 186.3; mustereil out with company. 

Jay Bogart, mustered out with company 

Albert D. Buck, mustered out with company. 

James Burns, cai)tured June 15, ISIB; mustered out with company. 

Henry Blosier, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company, 

Michael Clark, cajjtured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company. 

John Clavin, discharged for disability (records lost). 

James Cross, captureil June 15, 1S63; mustered out with company. 

William H. Chambei'lain. discharged for disal)ility irecoids losti. 

Cornelius D. Cougor, captured June 15. 1863; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

George B. Drake, promoted Corporal; captureil June 15, 1863; mustered 
out with company 

Benjamin Drake, captured June 15, 1.363; mustered out with company. 

Jacob Detless, died from wounds received in action November 31, 1361. 

Martin Dippel, discharged for disability (records lost). 

Benjamin E Deeley, captured June I."i, 1363; mustered out with com. 
pany 



98 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Edward Forester, on detached service . 

Conrad Filmore, absent— sick in liospital. 

Joseph Groff, captured June 13. l^^ili 

Joseph H. Goff. captured June 15. ISttJ: mustered out with company. 

George W. Greenhoe, captured June 15, lSt3; mustered out with com- 
pany 

Charles W Gillen, discharged tor disabiUty (records lost) 

Wilham Golden, captured August 16, 1864. 

George Golden, Jr., died June SI, 1865, 

Br>ant Headley, transferred by promotion to the One Hundred and 
First United States Colored Troops. September 1, 186J 

Charles Hegony, no date of muster out. 

John Harper, captured June 15, lHfi3 

James Hoyt, died March 6, 1863. 

William Hoyt, died May So, 1863, 

Richard Howe, captured June 1.5, ISCJ: mustered out with company 

Charles Hammond, discharged for disability : no record 

John Hines, on detached service. 

George Hines, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company 

Henry D. Johnson, died from wounds received in action June 15, 1863. 

Charles G Knight, promoted Corporal: captured June 15, 1863. 

Thomas Keyes, captured June 15, 1803: mustered out with company. 

Lyman Luce, mustered out with company. 

Patrick Laughlin, captured May 1.5, 1861: exchanged JIarch 11, 18&5: 
mustered out with company 

John La Fere, died in rebel prison (date not known). 

Andrew J. Lewis, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps (records lost) 

Frank Littlefleld, discharged for disability (records lost). 

James P. JIcElwain, died in rebel prison (date not known). 

William Morgan, mustered out with company. 

Barney McGookey, died in hospital May 9. 1865. 

Richard ^lartin. missing in action June 15. IStVl 

Foster Neil, captured June 15, 1863. 

Thomas Neil, died in Andersonville prison (starved to death). 

Theodore Ocks, killed in action March 31, 1865, 

Albert Ott, killed in action July IS, 18W. 

William Oehm, in hospital when company was mustered out. 

August Raab. absent in hospital when company was mustered out. 

Conrad Rhoela, discharged for wounds received in action June 13, 1863. 

Delos V. Ransom, captured June 15, 1863. 

William Reed, captured June 15. 18ii:J: mustered out with company. 

James Reed, died from wounds July IS, 1.864. 

Samuel E Stowe, captured June 15, 1813; mustered out with company 

Andrew Strawson, captured October 19, 18(i4. 

Albert Srutley, name not on muster out roll. 

John R. Savenack, mustered out with company 

Peter Sheur, captured .June 15, 1863; mustered out with company. 

George Stocklej-, captxired .June 15, 1863. 

George Shesley, on detached duty. 

Benjamin Thompson, on detached service. 

Frederick Tucker, in hospital when company was mustered out. 

Alfred C. Vantyne, discharged for wounds, Febru ary SO, 1865. 

George A. Warren, died in hospital at Cumberland, ^larjiand (no date). 

Albert L. Walker, promoted to First Lieutenant March 14, 1.865; assigned 
to the One Hundred and Eighty-.Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry 

William P. Wheeler, promoted Corporal; wounded in action September 
10, 1864; dischargeil from hospital. 

Solomon Kriss,fdischarged for disability, (record lost) 

William Stahl, discharged in hospital, (no date). 

George Weber, captured .lime 15. 1.863, 

John Mc(iookey, musteretl out wiih company . 

Richard H. Trimmer, wounded in action; captured Jime 15, IStW 

Thomas Persons, captured June 15, 1863. 

Milo H. Wager, wounded in action; captured June 1.5, 1863 

William Kelly, wounded in action; captured June !5, 186:J. 



COM PA XV H. 

Mustered into service Seiitember H, 186S, at Monroeville, Ohio. Mus- 
tered out of service with regiment June IS, 1865 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant John O, Davis, prisoner from May 1.5. to December (!, 1864; 
mustered out with company. 

CorjJoral Freilerick Staley, promoted Sergeant September I. 1865; cap- 
tured June l.i, 1863; mustered out with company 



Daniel Ambrosier, woumled October 19. 18B4, and left in hospital 
Shannon Blackford, name not on muster out roll, 
Wil'.lam Beck, captured June 1.5, 1863; mustered out wifh company 
Samuel K. Swisher, captured June 15, ISUI; mustered o\it with .'ompany. 
William L. Foy, died while a prisoner, June St, 1861 



COMPAXY I. 

Mustered into service September S4, 186S, at Monroeville. Ohio. Mus- 
tered ont of service June IS, 1865. 

PRIV.\TE5 

Joseph Sidell, mustered out with company. 

Samuel S. Carson, discharged for disability (records lost) 

H. M. Carey, captured June 15, 1863; mustered out with company 

Thomas McClintock, discharged for disability (records lost) . 

James W. English, captured June 15, 1863: mustered out with company. 

COMP.VXY K. 
Mustered into senice October 16. 186S, at Mdnroeville, Ohio. 

XON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant James Healy. captured June 15. 1863: mustered out 

with company 
Sergeant Joseph Goodsal, died of wounds. Septembers. 1864. 
Coqioral Ignatius BulT. discharged May 4. 1863 
Corporal Thomas Robinson, promoted Srrgeant: captured June 15. 1863; 

mustered out with company 



PRIVATES 



David S. -\mes, nmstered out with company. 

Thomas W. Boyce, pi omoted First Lieutenant of Company F, March, 

1864. 
James Caul, died June, 186:1. 

.\ndrew Dunahoe. killed in action, at Hatcher's Run, March 31, 1H65. 
James Duffey mustered out with company , , 

Arthur Donnelly, discharged at Cumberland, Maryland, (no records). I 
John Grant, promoted to Corporal; woimded September 3, 1864. 
Francis Higgins, captured Jtme 15, 18t>i; mustered out with company. 
John Hastings, transferred to Company B, October 16, 186S 
Michael Hyde, transferred to Company B, October 16, 1862. 
Daniel MeGrady, mustered out with c^'iupany. 

George R. Marvin, captured Jime 15, 1863; mustered out with company, 
John Robiuson, died of wouu<ls received in action, September IS, 1864, 
Ben,iamin Spittle, captured June 15. 1863. 

Edward Lavenack. transferred to Company B, October 16, 1862. 
Ozias Huntley, in hospital at City Point when company was mustered 

out 

HOFFMAX's BATTALIOX — COMPANY B — OXE HUN- 
DRED AND TWEXTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Mustered into service, February 27, 1862, at Johnsop's Island, Ohio 
Mustered out of service July 13, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant Leroy W Bailey, promoted to First Lieutenant. 

Sergeant William Koch, discharged to accept promotion as First Lieu- 
tenant in the One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

Sergeant Marshall Duray, promoted First Lieutenant: resigned De- 
cember 15, 18(i4, 

Sergeant John Doherty, discharged August ", 186S. 

Corporal Frank Berger, discharged at expiration of term of service, 

PRIVATES. 

George .\ikin, mustered out with company. 
Michael .\bele, mustered out with company. 
Henr.v Brewer, nmstered out with company, 
Frank Bridenbaugh. mustered out with company, 
Jacob Brunner, mustered out with company, 
John H, Carrington. mustered out with company. 
Michael Carroll, mustered out with cc>mpnn,v 
Christopher Crock, nmstered out with compan,v. 
John Eikler, mustered out with company. 
Franklin Ellis, nmstered out with compan,v. 
George Fleming, mustered out with company, 
Benjamin F. Fowler, mustered out with company 
John G'luld, mustered out with company. 
William Hart, mustered out with company 
James .\ Harvey, mustered out with compan,v. 
Alfred Luff, mustered out with company. 
Basil Mark, mustered out with company. 
Henrv Moti-y, nmstered out with comitany 
Arlacus OlTerman, mustered out with comiiany, - 
Frederick Offerman, mustered out with company, 
George W. Rohbacher, mustei-ed out with company. 
George O. Sharp, mustered out with compan,v, 
Samuel Steck, mustered out with company. 
Christian Steebig, mustered out with company. 
,Iolin Werner, uuistere<l with comjiaiiy 



lllsI'dl.'V OF IIUUON AM) ERIE COUM'lES, OHIO. 



99 



Abiani C. White, iiuistereii out with coiniiaiiy 
Benjamin F. Withington, niustcivd out with company 
Seth Woodwani. mustered out with' company. 
Edwin R. Wootlworth. mnsteied out with company 
David Wright, mustered out with coniijany 
John Wright, mustered out with company. 

(UMI'.W'Y C. 

Mustered into service June 6, 1S6-', at J ohnson's Island. Ohio . Mustered 
out of service July 13, lSfl.5, at Camp Chase, Ohio 

.N'O.V-COMMISSIO.VED OFFICER. 

(.'(trporal Emeiy Bureau, discharged Ji:ne 5, 1H65. 

PRIVATES. 

John Bnrge, discharged June .■>, 1865. 

Joel V. Bidwell, discliarged December?, 1863. 

Ler Bates, discharged June 5, 1S65, 

John L. Davis, dischargeil June .i. L^ffl. 

Charles A. Graves, nuistered out with company 

Joshua S. Harris, mustered out with company. 

Samuel Knight, discharged June 5. 1865, 

James McCarty, discharged June 5 1863. 

Philip Morton, discharged .\ugust 20. 1863. 

Etlwiu Moore, promoted to First Lieutenant in the One Hundred and 

Second United States Colored Troops, September. 6, 1863. 
Loeb Mark, discharged December 7, 1863 
Gaorge Van Buskirk. discharged June .">. 186') 

( OMI'A.NY 1). 

Mustered into service September 16, 1863, at Johnson's Island, Ohio. 
Mustered out of service July 13, 1863, at Camp Chase, Ohio. 

NOX-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Corporal Charles Waucke, mustered out. 
Corporal John Gluck, mustered out 

PRIVATES. 

Frank Beitchman. discharged April 35. 1863. 
William Beith, mustered out. 
John Baunling, mustered out with company. 
George Currie, mustered out with company 
August Glasier, nuistered 'tut with company. 
Charles Hittle. mustered out with company 
John Heyler. mustered out with company 
Valentine Henn. mustered out with company. 
Jacob Hartinann. discharged .\ugust 13. 1863. 
Joseph Koleuber. mustered out with company 
John N. Lehman mustered out with companj- 
John Lechler. nuistered out with company . 
Jacob Metzgan. mustereii out with compan.v 
George Martin, mustered out with company 
William Raymond, mustered out with company. 
Frank Rettman. nuistered out with company. 
Frederick N. Smith, mustered out with company. 
Charles Solomon, inusteied out with company. 
Sebastian Schwinford, mustered out with company. 
Mike Schlagter, mustered out with company 
Jacob Wellinger. mustered out 
Samuels. Yoder, promoted September36, 1864 
Benhani Zahni, died January 36. 1863. 

COMI'AXY K. 

Mustered into service January T, 1864, at Cleveland, Ohio. Mustered 
out of service July 13. 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Second Lieutenant Ftister V. Follett, transferred to Company A, .Vpril 4, 
1865. 

SO.N-COMMIHSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Ervin Hewit. mustered out with company. 
Ct»rpo:al Louis Ray, mustered out with company. 
Musician, Aloys Banmeister, mustered out with company. 

PRIVATES 

August Bottger, mustered out with company 
Boyd Ciendenning, mustered out with comi>any. 
Barney Conley. mustered out with company. 
Francis Conley. mustered out with company 
.lohn Conley. mustered out with company. 
Moses Hildine, mustered out with company. 
Benjamin S. Ervin 



William Ford, mustered out with company 
Doctor C. Gardner, mustered out with company 
Dyark W. Gardner, musteied out with company. 
Andrew- J. Hastings, nuistered out with company. 
Aaron J. Hunt, mustered out with company . 
William Hunt, mustered out with company. 
William Jones, mustered out with company. 
John Lahrnian. ilied September 34, 1864 
David T. Livingood. mustered out with company. 
Urban C. Livingood. mustered < ut with company 
Jacob Long, mustered out with company 
John Xoss, mustered out with company. 
Edward S. Pliilo. mustered out with company. 
George Reiter. mustered out with company 
James Ruggles. mustered out with company 
William Ruggles. mustered out with company 
Joseph Shebeley, mustered out with company 
Frank Speildenner. mustered out with company. 
George Spron. mustered out with company 
Jefferson Stephens, mustered out with company 

OXK HrxniiKI) AN'li .•^IXTV-.SIXTH OHIO NATIONAL 
GUAItl). COMI'.WY B. 

Mustered into service Jlay 13. 1864. at Norwalk, Ohio. Mustered out of 
service September 9. 1864. at Camp Cleveland, Ohio. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Edgar Martin . First Lieutenant Samuel W. Curtiss. 

Second Lieutenant Sterry H. Cole 

NOlJ-COMMISSIOSED OFFICERS. 



First Sergeant Edw'd A. Comstock 
Sergeant Walter Pettey s . 
Sergeant George S. Hoyt. 
Sergeant David M. Pelton. 
Sergeant Thomas Milliman. 
Corporal Edgar Barnhart . 
Corporal George Willsey 



Corporal Simon DeGraff 
Corporal Albert Dunn . 
Corporal Lyman J. Swift. 
Corporal Lorey Arnold 
Musician, Spencer C. Cornell . 
Musician, Henry Butt. 



David Acker. 
Cecil C. Abbott. 
George Beers. 
John Butt 
Asa Briggs. Jr. 
George F. Burton 
Michael Considing 
Garrah B. Clawson. 
Nicholas Dunn. 
Peter R. Draper 
Isaac N DeGraff 
Charles V. Fay . 
Charles H . Hoyt. 
Frederick Hines 
William H Haskell 
Chalres Isenhour. 
William N Jenkins. 
Sydney S. Lloyd 
Robert Lester 
Josiah Lawrence. 
James E. Lutts. 
Allen Morrison. 
Thomas W. Miller. 
Samuel B. Newcomb 
Seth W. Osborn. 
Henry C. Owens. 
John B Perkins. 
Henry Sayers. 
Hiam Stout. 
JohnR. Sly. 
Marcus .M . States. 
Jared C Tntsworth. 
Benjamin Worthington. 
Wilbur Waldron. 



PRIVATF.S 

Wiliiain H. Ames. 
Cyrus ,\rnett. 
Daniel .\. Jas. Baker 
Jacob Burdue 
.James N. Burdue. 
Myron H. Bentley 
George W. Curtis - 
AshurM. Cole. 
William C. Davis. 
Horace Draper. 
Reuben Emerson. 
Thomas Hagaman . 
Elhanau W, Hawks. 
Edmund J. Husted. 
Joseph Isenhour. 
Abbott Jones. 
Charles F. Lee. 
Marshal Lester. 
Andrew J. Lockwood. 
Alonzo E. Lawrence. 
Marshal W. Lowe. 
Robert ^lountain 
Carlos Norton. 
Josejih Nast. 
Allen D Owens. 
Harvey Palmer. 
William Rice. 
Elijah Soule 
John C. Sower. 
Van Ransaelaer Swift 
William S. Smith 
Ezra Tutsworth. 
Stedman Winchester. 
Giles Yaples. 



Corporal Norris D. Fay, July 14, 1864. 
Corporal Dwight Ruggles, August 3, 1864 

PRIVATES 

Spurry Green. Jul}- 31, 1864. 

Charles E. Burr. August 15. 1861 

John Pinney. .Vngust 19, 1864 

Cornelius S Plue. at home, September 3. 



i 



100 



HLSTOKY OF IIUKOA' AND ERIE COUJSTIErS, UiilU. 



COMPANY I). 

Clustered with regiment. (No muster out roll of this company on file 
or roster of non-commissioned oflficers.) 

COMMISSIONED OEFICER 

Captain Benjamin F. McCormick. Fii-st Lientenant Sidney M Owen. 
Second Lieutenant Jolm E. LaBarre. 



Halsey D. Atbertou. 
Brj'ant I. Bloomer - 
William H. Bishop, 
n. E Chaffee 
William Deuman. 
Robert Ellis. 
John Ford 
George F. Gunn. 
James Gray. 
Lucius L Hollis. 
Thomas C Hill 
Charles T. Hester 
Charles Higgins. 
Harrison MeConnell . 
Jacob 31. Miller. 
Joseph Brigffs. 
Lewis P. Bishop. 
James Conoly. 
Byron Culver, 
Benajah Dolba. 
John I. Dewitt. 
Augustus C. Fritchel. 
Leonard P. Fernauld. 
John Heffner. 
George W. Harrington. 
William Jones. 
John Kunehel. 
Robert Miller. 
Henry L. Moore 
Andrew MoFarlaud. 
Henry C. Niver 
William Norton, 
Alvin E Phillips 
William S. Prosser. 
Benjamin Robinson. 
John Roberts. 
John W. Sage 
David Summerlin. 
Thomas Simpson 
Eli Thomas 
Manson Terwilliger, 
Peter V. Woodruff. 
Daniel S. Watrous. 



PRIVATES. 

Ephraim Briggs. 

Robert A. Bloomer, 

George D. Cox. 
Albert L Crosby. 

Andrew Dufner. 

Frank E. Fitch 

George F. Fletcher. 

Homer P. Gibson. 

Addison Gardiner. 

Heber Harris 

William G. Holliday. 

J. P. Haskins. 
George Jenkins. 
Milo McCrillis 
Luther A. Amsden 
Doctor F. Brown 
» Francis Childs. 
Henry Cornell 
George W. Decker 
Benjamin Dolba. 
George W. Donelson. 
M. E. Fenson. 
Alonzo French . 
Benjamin F Heffner. 
William Hales. 
George JilUch. 
John Kraps. 
Marcus S Miles. 
Frank A Moore. 
John Nesbett. 
John M. Niver 
Byron E, Noble. 
Oscar Pease. 
Ludwig Reimer. 
Orlando E. Raymond. 
William Richardson. 
Jndson H. Snyder. 
William F. Smith 
John H. Smith. 
Daniel Truiuan. 
William H. Vogle. 
Humphrey Wliislow. 
William Wheaton 
David Knapp 



Arza B. Gllson was first Captain of this company. On organization of 
the regiment he was elected Major, but through informality in elec- 
tion, he was uot commissioned, and returned home. 

UNK HINORED AXD SEVENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY li. 

Mustertd into service in August ami September, 1864. for one year. 
Mustered out of service June 14, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee. 

COMUISSIOKED OFFICERS. 

Captain Ira B. Wambugb, promoted to Captain September 18. 1864; mus- 
tered out with company. 

Fii-st Lieutenant Henry H. Crane, promoted to Captain, and assigned to 
C»»mj>any G, April 3, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Joseph P. Owen, promoted to First Lieutenant, and 
assigned to Company E, February 3. 1865. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

lirst .St-rgeant Alfred W. House, died at NashTiUe. Tennessee Decem- 

bf r I'J, 1864 
Sergeant William H. Smith, died January 6, 1865 

Sergeant Charles M. Fiser. appnjnted Hospital Steward. October 2, 1864. 
Sergeant Nelson P. Hyland, mustered out with company. 
Con>oraI Willis Hague, promoted Sergeant December 26. 1864; mustered 

out with company. 
Corporal Joel S. Wolvertoii, promoted First bergeant Slarch 30, 1866; 

mustered out with company 
Con»oral William Wright, promoted Sei-geant October -^5, 1864; mustered 

out with company - 



Con>oral Lafayette T Trask, promoted Second Lieutenant March '^2, 

lHf\r>, and transferred to Company C 
Cor]>i^raI John J. Lowery, nuistered out with companj-. 
Corpora! Frederick M. lUiilds. discharged May 30. 1865. 
Corporal Stacy Packard, discharged April V2, 1865. 
Musician. George Kidd. died January 6. 1S65 
Musician, Geoi-ge Schneider, died January 6. 1865. 

PRIV.VTES 

James C. Bard, mustered out with company 

Eli Bushshawn. died January 12. 1805. 

Edward Butcher, mustered out with company. 

Anthony Bornes. died February 13, 1865 

Cornelius Chamberlain, mustered out in hospital. 

Joseph Cooper, mustered out with company 

James P. Carl, mustert-dout with comi)any 

William Coupples, mustered out with company. 

Charles Collins, mustered out with c mpany . 

Jeremiah Chamberlain, musiered out with company 

Leonard Dellmater, promoted Corporal: mustered out witli company. 

Lewis Dieble. mustored out with company. 

Frederick Dalton, this name is not on muster out roU. 

Charles Darby, discharged May 3. 18G5. 

Jacob Darr. mustered out with company, 

Thomas Evans, mustered out with company. 

Henry Fuglel)uy, mustered out with company. 

Benjamin F. Fowler, discharged in hospital, (no date). 

Sylvester B, Fleming, died February 5, 1864, 

John G. Gassman. not mustered out with company 

Nelson Gunn. appointed Hospital Steward. February 13, 1865. 

Simon Grubb, mustered out with company 

Calvin Hall, mustered out with company 

Cyrus Hinckley, appointed Corporal December :.'6, 18W; mustered out 
with company. 

Robert Holley, died Slarch 18, 1865. 

Charles A. Hearth, died October 2. 1865. 

Jeremiah Hint^n. mustered out with comiiauy. 

Charles Hall, died February 11, 1-^65 

Erastus Hatch, mustered out with company. 

Benjamin F. Holmes, mustered out with company. 

Mills B. Hinsdale, mustered out with company 

Ovitt S. Hinsdale, mustered out with company. 

Isaac L. Hendrixson. mustered out with company. 

Charles W. Hill, mustered out with company 

Samuel Holmes, mustered out with company. 

John R. Hoy. mustered out with company. 

Christian A. Jeffers, mustered out with company. 

Martin Kolb. mustered out with companj". 

John Keller, appointed Corporal October 2.5, 1864; nmstered out with 

company. 
Joseph Knapp, mustered out with company, 
Thomas Lundy, discharged May 3, isiis. 
Loran K. Loomis. died December 5, 1864. 
William E, Lohr, mustered out with company. 
Thomas Morrow, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Middleton. mustered out with company. 
Charles McKelvey. appointed musician; mustered out with company. 

William S. McGowan. appointed Corporal December 14. 1804; mustered 

out with company - 
Giles Mead, mustered out with companj-. 
Thomas Mills, dischargeil May 30, 1865. 
James Newman, mustered out with company. 
John Paxton. nmstered out with company. 
John E Patterson, appointed Corporal December 26, 1864; mustered out 

with company. 
George B. Powers, appointed Corporal April 2(t, 1865; mustered out with 

company. 
Newton Parsons, nmstered out with company. 

Barney Pratt, mustered out with company. 

Robert Rice, discharged May 3, 18fl5. 

Nelson Roby, nmstered out with company. 

John Reddisseller, not mustered out with company. 

Henry Shartzer, mustered out with company, 

Charles L. Shorts, nmstered out witli company. 

Pencil S. Shorts, died January 18. 1865. 

Brobus Sterger, appointed Corporal December 26. 1864; mustered out 

with company. 
Jacob Surge.ssou, mustered out in hospital. 
John T, Slackford. discharged May 3, 1865. 
John Snyder, pronioled Sergeant March 30. 18<>'»; mustered out with 

company 
Ezra Sturdevant, mustered out with company. : 
John Salt, nmstered out with company. 
Gabriel Spltzer, mustered out with company. 
Addrew Shaffer, nmstered out with coiuimuy. 
William J . Scott, mustered out with compan3'. 
James Smith, mustered out with company. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



101 



Charles Talbert. mustereil out with company. 
Thomas O Taylor, mustfred out with company. 
Franklin Vantlerpool, mustered out with company. 
Thomas White, died February 3. 1 SliS. 
David E Wells, died .Tanuary J6. IMB.i. 
Louis D Woolsey, mustered i>ul with company. 
Jackson Warnick, died February 10. 1H6.">. 
Thomas Wilson, mustered out with comimny. 
John Will, mustered out with company. 
Barney H. Weigle, mustered out with company. 
Isaiah Wilson, mustered out with company - 
William L. Wallace, mustereil out with company. 
Frank V. Young, mustered out in hospital. 

Theodore J. Youngs, promoted to Corporal October •^, IHtU; died at 
Nashville, Tennessee, December 14, 1864. 

RECRr ITS— PRIVATES. 

John M Byron, not mustei-ed out with company. 
■William H. Fletcher, not mustered out with company. 
Charles H. Fletcher, not nmstered out with company. 
James Grey, not mustered out with company 
Jameson Jameson, not mustered out with company 

ONE-HIXDKEIi .V.VII sr.\"EXT V-X 1 XTIl UElilMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER IXI-AXTliY, COMP.VNY E. 

Mustered into service September ati, l.sii4, for one year. Mustered out 
June 17, 1865. 

XOS-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Henry Ritz, died March IM. I.'itiS. 

Corporal Henry Martin, mustered out with company. 

Corporal HurIn.^n Callman, mustered out in hospital (no date). 



John Bichley, mustered out with company. 
Ferdinand Eccard. mustered out with company. 
Josiah .M Elder, mustered out with company. 
Thomas Eagon, died, January 1, 18C.5. 
Alvis Haren died, February i. 186.5. 
John Hurbel, mustered out in hospital, (no date). 
Alexander Kiefer, mustered out with company 
George Jlclntire, mustered tput with company, 
Antey Meier, mustered out with company. 
George W. Osborn, mustered ()Ut with company, 
William Oachs, mustered out with company. 
Otis Olney. mustered out with company. 
Ashlev Quayle. died April i. iS'io. 
Adam Schneider, mustered out with company. 
Columba Z. Squires, mustered out with company. 
Lucas Sickinger. mustered out with company. 
Englebert Zimmerman, mustered out with company. 

OXE HrXDKEl) .\N"Ii EIG IITY-TH 1 H U REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY A. 

Mustered into service August. September and October, 18G1, for one 
year. Mustered out of sei-vice .Tuly 17, 1865, at Salisbury, North 
Carolina. 

COMMISIOSED OFFICER. 

Second Lieutenant .Sanmel C Heiiiphill. discharged, March 27, 1865. 

PRIVATES 

James M. Bennett, mustered out in hospital, (no date). 

John H. Carden, discharged, June 7, ]H65, 

Eli Decker mustered out in hosijital, mo date). 

John F. Foster, appointed Sergeant, April 36, 1865, 

George W. Earick, appointed Corporal, October l.'l 1864, mustered out 

with company. 
Charles R. Ford, missing in action, November .30, Wj4. 
Jacob Feels mustered out with company. 
James Gassard, ilischarged. May i"). 1865. 
Philip Gossart, missing in action, November W, 1864. 
Francis I. Gossard, missing in action, November 30, 18tJ4, 
William H. Gossard, iiuistered out in hospital, (no date). 
John A. Hemphill, mustered out with company. 
Isaac Holt, died January iii*, 1865. 
Benjamin Holt, promoted Sergeant October IS, 18*4, noustered out with 

company 
Benjamin M. Hites, mustered out with company 
David Mahon, mustered out in hospital mo date). 
Joseph Reed, died February 10, 1H(W 
William Riley, discharged May ii). 1865 
John Richards, discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio (no date). 

13 A 



Joseph K. Russell, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

George Stimmell, mustered out with comjiany. 

George D. Stevenson, mustered out with company. 

Thomas T. Sessler, died February ,5, 1865. 

William Sheldon, died of wounds, December 17, 1864, 

Peter A. Thomas, mustered out with company, 

Samuel P. Tidd, mustered out with company. 

George W. Williams, discharge<l ,Iune 26, 1865. 

Jesse A. Williams, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

Joseph H. Williams, mustered out with company. 

James Walters, died .lune >< ISM."). 

James S. Wilson, discharged May i'i, IH(l."i. 

Philip Zupp, mustered out in hospital. 

ONE HUNDRED .AND EKJHTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY E. 

Mustered into service February 27, 1865, for one year. Mustered out of 
service September 18, 1865, at Nashville. Tennessee. 

PRIVATES. 

Oliver T. .\mes, mustered out with company. 

Jeremiah .\ndretts, mustered out with company 

.lames Bowe, mustered out with company. 

Dyer Drake, promoted to Sergeant July 8, 1865. 

Lewis Eoy, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

Stephen Gibson, mustered out with company. 

Alexander Harnden, promoted to Corporal August l'.l, 1865; mustered out 

w'ith company. 
James S. Kinman, mustered out with ci^Mnpany 
Galen D. Long, mustered out with company . 
Theodore Ludwig, retained under General Order 101. 
Giles 3Iore,y, retained under General Order 101 
3Iatthias Arendorf, Jr., discharged August -i, 1S65. 
Henry M. Smith, promoted to Corporal August 19, 1865; mustered out 

with companv. 
Robert \. St. John, mustered out in hospital (no date). 
George Shuler, retained under General Order 101 . 
Frederick C. Wise, retained under CJeneral Order 101 
Leo Long, mustered out with comtJany. 

ONE HUXDREIi AND EIGHTY-EIGHTH REIilMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY G. 

Mustered into service March .3, 1865. for one year. Mustered out of ser- 
vice September 21, 1865, at Nashville, Tennessee, 

PRIVATES 

Philip Buigle, mustered out with compan.y. 

John S. Duncan, nmstered out with company 

Samuel L. Eggleston, di-scharged May 25, 1865. 

Joseph Eckhart, mustered out in hospital (no date) 

Gabriel Gearhart, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

Joseph Gearhart, mustered out in hospital (no date). 

Sylvester Grover, mustered out with company. 

Jacob Hartman, mustered out in h'jspital (no date). 

Christ. Klepper, discharged 5Iay 3, 1865. 

William H Jlyers, retained under General Order 101 

William H. Owen, retained uiiiler General Order 101 

Fidill Saile, retained umler General Order 101 

Samuel W. Thomas, retained under General Order 101 

Frederick Warren, promoted Corporal; mustered out with company. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY G. 

Mustered into service March 8, 1864, for one year. Mustered out of ser- 
vice August 37, 1805, at Winchester, Virginia. 

PRIVATES. 

John Akers, mustered out with company 

Nathaniel Bracy, mustered out with company. 

Conrad Bauinan. pronn)ted to Cori)oral; mustered out with company. 

Thomas liiznett, mustered out with company. 

Bartholomew Biznett, mustered out with company 

Eleader Barrett, mustered out with company 

Sumner E. Barnes, mustered out with company. 

Joseph Cavalier, discharged May 30, 1865. 

John Couts, mustered out with company. 

Norman Curtiss, mustered out with company. 

James A. Conell, mustered out with company. 

Sumner Converse, mustered out with company 

Joel Cooley, mustered out with company 

James Converse, mustered out with company. 

Albert B. Cavelier, mustered out with company 

Amos B. Derby, mustered out with company. 

James S. Darby, mustered out with company . 



I 



102 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Austin H. Ellsworth, mustered out with company. 

David Fatzenger, mustered out wiih company 

Samuel P. Foreman, mustered out with ct'mpany. 

Philip Felder, mustered out with company. 

John B. Fisher, mustered out with company 

John Gensert, mustered out with company 

Frank Grill, mustered out with company. 

Joseph Hadd, mustered out with company 

Leri H. Harris, mustered out with company. 

Hewitt Harding, mustered out with company 

Anthony Huber, mustered out wiih company 

John C Houghtlen, mustered out with company. 

Robert H Johnston, mustered out with company. 

George Jenkins, promoted to Corporal : mustered out with company. 

Hiram Miner, mustered out with company. 

John W, Morse, discharged May ia. 186.i 

Silas B. Mann, mustered out with company. 

Cabin McNutt, mustered out with company. 

Franklin McLticas, mustered out with company 

William B. McConuell, mustered out with company 

Asahel A. Pond, piomoted to Corporal: mustered out with company. 

Emmet Porter, mustered out with company. 

John W Page, mustered out with company 

Alva Richmau. mustered out with company 

Isaac W. Richards, mustered out with company 

Samuel W Reed, promoted to Sergeant: mustered out with company. 

Frank E. Smith, mustered out with company 

Jared W, Stocking, mustered out witli company 

John Sencrant. mustered out with company 

Isaac Scisinger. mustered out with company. 

Reuben Shelden. mustered out with company 

Alanson E. Sheldon, mustered out with company 

Nathan Tanner, promoted to Con^oral: mustered out with company. 

Sidney Wheeler, discharged Jutie 9. 18ti5. 

William 31. Wade, mustered out with companj' 

Almond B. Wood, mustered out with company 

Eli Wolf, proiuoted to Cori)oral: mustered out with company. 

Sebastian Williocker: mustered out with company. 

ONE HIXDKED AXD XlXET'i -SECOXD KEGIilEXT OHIO 
VOLUXTEER IXFAXTRY, COMPAXY A. 

Mustered into service March 9, 1865. for one year. Mustered out of ser- 
vice September 1. 1.86.5, at Winchester. Virginia . 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Captain Frank E Pray, mustered out with company. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Amasa Heath mustered out with company. " 
Sergeant Henry C. Nickerson. mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Lewis S. Rouse, mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Richard H. Reid. nmstered out with company. 
Corporal Michael Beady, mustered out with company 
Corpora! Sylvanus F. Bishop, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Buel P. Barnum luustered out with company . 
Corporal Frank Eagle, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Charles B Halsey, mustered out with company. 
Coq>oral John W. Lee, mustered out with company 
Corporal William Selleger, mustered out with company- 
Corporal Judson H Snyder, nmstered out with company. 

PRIVATES. 

Halsey D. Atherton 
Frederick Aves. , 

Virgil Brooks, died April 13 
Garit Bowman, mustered out with company. 
John G Brunner, mustered out with company . 
Calvin Chattee, mustered out with company 
William D Crawford, nmstered out with company 
Frank J. Casper, mustered out with companj' 
Joseph Casper, mustered out with company. 
Alexander Cbapin, mustered out with company. 
Henry Dewitl, mustered out with company 
Martin Diggins. mustered out with company. 
David Dalbee, mustered out with corapany. 
'Andrew Dufner, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Darenback, mustered out with company. 
William H. Eichert, mustered out with company, 
Sanuiel Edwards, mustered out with company. 
Phillip Feller, mustered out with company. 
James Finch, mustered out \viih company. 
Peter Fuhr, mustered out with company. 
Eiza Ferguson, discharged Ma,v l.'i. 18G.i. 
James Fiser. mustered out with company 
Jai>heth Galagher, nmstered out with company. 



Horace D. Hill, mustered out with company . 

Thaddeus Hirbe, mustered out with company . 

William Holmes, mustered out with company. 

William H.yter, mustered out with company. 

Daniel Houts mustered out with company. 

Ambros Hubbell, discharged May l.>. 1865. 

Edgar Johnson, discharged May 1:3, 1865 . 

Lewis Johnson, discharged July 19, 1865. 

William F. Kellogg, mustered out with company. 

Sears Ketchum. mustered out with company 

Michael Kramer. luustered out with company 

Joseph Keljble. mustered out with company-. 

John Kreps, mustered out with company. 

James C Lutts, promoted Commissary Sergeant June 11. 

McCurdj' LeBean, mustered out with company. 

Herman Longyear, mustered out with company 

Frank Meyer, mustered out with company. 

Nicholas Mole, di-charged June IT, 186.5. 

John Mcsier, mustered out withcompany. 

Cain Mahony, mustered out with company 

Robert Jlarch m v.stered out with company 

John Morrison, mustered out with company. 

Michael Myers, mustered out with coiupany. 

Philip Maibadger. mustered out with company. 

Herman Jlichel, mustered out with company. 

Anthony Michel, mustered out with company 

Charles Moore, luustered out with company. 

Robert Mountain, nmstered out with company 

William D. Moor, mustered out with company. 

Patrick Mackin, mustered out with company 

Charles McCoy, mustered out with company 

William Norton, mustered out with company. 

Joseph D. Nash, mustered out with company. 

George S. Perry, mustered out with company, 

Partine Philli|)S, mustered out with company. 

Charles Richardson, mustered out with company. 

Edward Ritter, mustered out with company. 

Jacob Reimel. mustered out with company 

Edward Ricke.v. mustered out with company 

Charles Sallebauk, mustered out with company. 

Marcus Suydam, mustered out with coiupany 

Myron B. Seyn^onr, mustered out with coiupany. 

Emil Schick, mustered out with company 

Charles Siller, mustered out with company 

Samuel S. Smith, mustered out with company 

Philip Sowers, mustered out withcompany 

George Sohn, mustered out with company. 

Robert M Shaw, mustered out with company 

Rupert Stoker, mustered out with company 

Antony Steakley. mustered out with company . 

William M. Sanders, mustered out withcompany, 

Frank Tylor, mustered out with company 

Solomon Weckert, mustered out with company. 

Franklin Wilcox, discharged May 15. 1865. 

William Walker, mustered out with company. 

Jacob Wessert, mustered out w.th company. 

William Wheeler, name not on muster out roll. 

ONE HUXDRED AXD XIXETY-THIKD REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLIXTEER IXFAXTRY, COMPAXY E. 

Mustered into service March 11, 1863, for one year. Mustered out of 
service August 4, 1865, at Winchester, Virginia. 

NOX-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal Emanuel Sanders, mustered out with company. 

PRIVATES. 

Amos Baubecker, died July 30, 1865 
Levi Crawford, discharged June 6, 18ri5 
Henry Carson, mustered out with company. 
Joseph Cory, mustered out with company. 
Jackson Cory, mustered out with company. 
John J. Close, mustered out with company. 
George Carnuel, mustered out with company. 
John J. Craig, mustered out with company 
Benjamin Guire. mustered imt with company 
Jacob Glove, mustered out with company 
Joseph W. H. Gill, mustered out with company. 
Peter Heners, mustered out with company. 
William Haimah, ilischarged June 19, 1805 
Jacob Huntington, mustered out withcompany. 
Hervey Hunting, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Heneline. mustered out with company. 
Lewis C. Holloway. mustered out with company. 
John Hanan. mustered out with company. 



■I 



^bir 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



103 



iram G. John^sou, mustered out with company. 

Nelsou Johnson, mustered out with company. 
Lester Kuapp, mustered out with companj'. 
Marqui Knowles. mustered out with company 
Joseph Mackey, mustered out with companj'. 
Moses F. Maues, mustered out with company. 
John Mockermau, mustered out with company. 
Thomas O'Harra. mustered out with company, 
Philip M. Riker. mustered out with company 
Charles Reno, mustered out with company 
Alfred Stevens, mustered out with company. 
Alfred Slocum, mustered out with company. 
Henry Thomas, mustered out with company 
Samuel W. Vanpelt. discharged Juue 13, 1865. 
George Vanpelt, mustered out with company 
OUver Williams, mustered out with company 
Jacob Minzener. mustered out with company - 



|OXE Ht'XDKEI) AXD NIXETY-8IXTH REGIMENT OHIO 
VOLIXTEER IXFANTRY, COMPANY C. 

Ifustered into service March 21, lB6o, for one j'ear. Mustered out of 
service September 11. 1865, at Baltimore, Maryland. 

N0N-CO5IMISS1ONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Alexander Cavilee, mustered out with company . 
ergeant George S. Supner, mustered out withcompany. 
ergeant Gates Scobej'. mustered out with company, 
ergeant Joseph Shepard, mustered out witli company. 

Corporal Alexander Collie, mustered out with company. 

Corporal Zeriah D. Ells, mustered out with company. 

Corpora! Mason Green, mustered out with company 

Corporal William E. Geer. mustered out with company. 

Corporal Washburn Uuderhill, mustered out with company. 

Corporal Simeon O. Whaley. mustered out with company. 

Musician. Oliver O. Burgess, mustered out with company 



Charles E. Arnold, died April 17. 1865. 

Benjaniin?Auspa\rgh, mustered out with company. 

Albert Barl»er, mustered out with company. 

Richard Boulton, mustered out witli company, 

John Boyer. discharged March 29, 1865. 

James Borden, discharged June 2, 1865 

Edwin W. Chapman, mustered out with company 

Joseph Criver. mustered out with company. 

Watson D. Ciiase. mustered out with company. 

i^amuel Chrysler, mustered out with company. 

Josiah Coats, promoted to Second Lieutenant of Company C. 

John M. Chrysler, mustered out with company. 

David J. Collier, mustered out with company 

Peter Deel, discharged June 13. 1865. 

George Deel, mustered out with company 

Jacob Darr. mustered out with company. 

Sylvester Daniels, mustered out with company. 

Henry C. Dwight, mustered out with company, 

William Darr, mustered out with company. 

Henry M. Easterly, nmstered out with company 

Sylvester A. Filkiu, mustered out with company. 

John Ferguson. musterediOut with company. 

John R. Frank, mustered out with company. 

Walter Grigs, mustered out with company. 

Samuel E, Hartman, mustered out with company. 

Ferdinand Hanlenbrook, mustered out with company. 

William W. Hutchinson, promoted Second Lieutenant. 

Charles Higghis, died April 4. 1865. 

Henry Hatfield, mustered out with company 

John Harle}". mustered out with company, 

George Isahart, mustered out with company.. 

Charles L. Jones, mustered ojt with company, 

Josiah D. Johnson, mustered out with company. 

Jacol) Kollar. mustered out with company. 

John Lowery, mustered out with company, 

George Miller, mustered out with company. 

Edward S. McCioe, mustered out with company. 

James McCvUluugh, mustered out with eonipauy. 

Jo'in G. McCanaise. mistered out with company. 

William Ogle, discharged June 2, 1865. 

Natnatiiel R ib'n '>on, mustereJ ojt with company. 

Albert E. Re.*d. mustered out with company. 

Henry Joae.s Rin>u, mustered out with company. 

John S. Snurr, mustered out with company. 

William A. Tiiompson, mustered out with company. 

Edwin Thompson, died March 29, 1865. 

WilliiimTarris, mustered out with company. 



Alfred Vansickles, mustered out with company. 
Gottleib F. Winter, mustered out with company. 
Jefferson Wanzer, mustered out with company. 
Francis Wells, mustered out with company. 
Leonard Weis, mustered out with company. 
Robert Wilson, mustered out with company. 
Samuel A. Young, mustered out with company. 
Joseph Zimmenuan, mustered out with company. 
Jeremiah Zimmerman, mustered out with company 



ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVENTH REGIMENT 
OHIO VOU'XTEKK INFANTRY, COMPANY B. 

Mustered into service Jlarcb 28. 1865, for one year. Mustered out of 
service July 31, 1865, at Camp Bradford, Maryland. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Benjamin Ferris, mustered out with company. 
Serg^eant Rineheard Sickinger. mustered out with^company. 
Sergeant James Turner, mustered out with company. 
Sergeant George A. Trumble, mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Daniel Wood, nmstered out with company. 
Sergeant Roland Vale, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Eugene Emmons, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Jacob Klapfer. mustered out with company. 
Corporal Arthur L Osborn. mustered out with company. 
Corporal James E. Palmer, mustered out with company. 



Henry Butts mustered out with company 

FerryCurtiss. mustered out with company. 

Lewis A. Darling, mustered out with company. 

Helor Dewit, uiustered out with company. 

Clmrles R. Elwood, mustered out with company, 

Arnold B. Fuller, mustered out with company. 

John C. Hill, mustered out with compan.f, 

Benjamin F. Howe, mustered out with company. 

Hugh Slenagh, mustered out with comi)an>' 

John McEwen, mustered out with company. 

Oscar Pease, mustered out with company 

John G. Park, died April 18. 1865. 

Eli A. Roseo, mustered out with company. 

Tinas S. Rickard, mustered out with company. 

John Reeves, mustered out with company* , 

Peter Saeman, mustered out with company. 

Franklin E. Shupe, promoted to Commissary Sergeant, April 13, 1865; 

m,ustered out withcompan}- 
David W, Soper, mustered out with company. 
William L. Shupe, mustered out with company. 
Lewis Slyker, discharged in hospital; no date. 
William H. Speare, discharged in hospital; no date. 
David Whiddon. mustered out with company. 



COMPANY C. 

Mustered into service April 1, 18!55. Mustered out with Regiment. 

NOS-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal William E, Sherwood, nmstered out with company. 

PRIVATES. 

Perry B. Arnold mustered out with company. 

Seth Baxter, mustered out with company 

Byron H. Colveu, muster 'd out with company , 

George W. Cushman, mustered out \\ith company. 

Nicholas Deag. mustered out with company. 

John Fiarity. mustered out with company. 

William Flickiuger, mustered out with company. 

George Gunn. died April 7, 1865. 

Lester Gregory, mustered out with comi)aay. 

Jacob Gibbons, mustered out with company. 

Joseph Kritzer, mustered out with company. 

Flavins Kilburn, mustered out with company. 

Gilbert W, Lindsey. mustereJ out with company, 

Harrison McCouneU. mustered out with company. 

Richard Pryce. mustered out with company. 

Alvin E, Piiillips, mustered out with company. 

Bramir S. Smith, promoted to Hospital Steward, April 18, 1805. 

Haver Schenble, mustered out with company. 

Stephen Schualey. mustered out with company. 

JohnSpaulding, mustered out with company. 

Jesse Woodruff, mustered out with company, 

George W. Young, discharged fro:n hospital; no date. 



i 



104 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



COMPANY F. 



Mustered into service. April 8, 1865, for one year. Mustered out with 
regiment. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant George Beatty. mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Tninian L. Blakman. mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Alva Bartlett. mustered oat with company. 
Sergeant Thomas Banning, mustered out with company. 
Sergeant Isaac S. Gibson, mustered out with company, 
Sergeant David H. Lewis, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Aaron J, Bretz. mustered out with company. 
Corporal George J. Downing, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Edward P. Fisher, mustered out with company. 
Corporal Homer Millions, mustered out with company. 
Corporal William Shechy, mustered out with company. 

PRIVATES . 

Samuel Aulger, mustered out with company 
Learkin Partlett. mustered out with company. 
George Borer, mustered out with compmy. 
Freiloiin Borer, mustered out with company. 
William Bohl. mustered out with company- 
Cornelius Cniinor. mustered out with company. 
David Darr. mustered out with company. 
Richard C. Diraock. mustered out with company. 
George Egerer. mustered out with company 
Andrew Fell, mustered out with company. 
Edwin A. Gibson, mustered out with company. 
Blake W Griffin, mustered out with company. 
Frederick Holchour. died May rt, isiio 
Barthold Hartman mustered out with company 
Cornelius Heath, mustered out with company. 
tVancis Howe, mustered ont with company- 
George M. Jeffrey, mustered out with company. 
Peter J Kuhn, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Klarrh. mustered out with company ^ 
Conrad Kiefer, mustered out with company. 
Perry W Kuntz, mustered out^-ith company. 
Edward B. Lincoln, mustered out with company. 
Ichabod Lasey, mustered out with company. 
William C. Luff, discharged July 8, 186.5. 
John Merrills, mustered out with company. 
Oliver Martin, mustered out with company. 
John C. Pauley, mustered out with company. 
Charles Rider, mustered out with company. 
Henry C. Ransom, nmstered out witli company. 
Nathan Shinn, nmstered out with company. 
Isadore Shell, mustered out with company. 
Herbert W. Shaft, mustered out with company. 
Charles Wilson, mustered out with company. 
John Wilkinson, discharged .June 8, 1865. 

ONE HUNDRED AND XIXETY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 

OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, COMPANY B. 

Mustered into service April 2i. ih65, for one year. Mustered out of 

service May S, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio. 

PRIVATES . 

John Blair, mustered out with company 
Harrison Barber, mustered out with company. 
JudsoD D. Burns, mustered out with company. 
William Bagent, mustered out with company. 
Thomas Conner, mustered out with company. 
William H. Endsley. mustered out with company. 
James Endsley, mustered out with company. 
Hiram Fowler, mustered out with company 
Charles R. Gardner, mustered out with company 
Julius Hammel, mustered out with company. 
James Hanvill, mustered out with company. 
Alzeii Hale, mustered out with company. 
John S. Jennings, mustered out with company. 
Adelbert Jeffei^on, iiuistered out with company 
John Lichtey, mustered out with company 
William C. Tingley, mustered out with company 
Thomas Thompson, mustered out with company. 
George S. Walter, mustered out with company. 
Edward Ward, mustered out with company. 
Edwin J. Williams, mustered out with company. 



COMPANY F. 
Mustered into service April 22, 1S65, for one year. 
^Regiment. 

PRIVATES. 

James E. Heater, mustered out with company. 
Frank ^^litchell, mustered out with company. 
Jacob Osterlin, mustered out with company. 



Mustered out with 



SHARP-SHOOTERS. 
Rial Phelps, enlisted March 1, 1863. 

TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT UNITED STATP:S COL- 
ORED TROOPS, COMPANY C. 

Mustered into service February 26. 1864. Mustered out of service 
September 21, 1865. 

PRIVATES - 

James Ashland, mustered out with company. 

Simeon Banks, transferred to Twenty-Third Regiment United States 

Colored Troops. 
Isan Clay, discharged in hospital. 
George Stanley, mustered out with company. 

rOMPAXY D. 

Mustered into service February 26. 1864. Clustered out of service with 
Regiment. 

PRIVATE. 

George Bailey, mustered out with company 

COMPANY E. 

Mustered into service March 7 and 8. 18'>l. Mustered out of service 
with Regiment. 



Allen Bobson. mustered out with company. 
Bonrey Hidard. mustered out with company, 

COMPANY F. 

Mustered into service April 16, 1864. Mustered out of service with Regi 
ment. 

PRIVATE. 

Franklin Treadwell, mustered out with company. 

COMPANY H. 
Mustered into service in 1864. Mustered out of service with Regiment. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal William J. Thompson, mustered out with company. 

PRrVATES. 

John Farley, mustered out with company , 

Alexander Johnson, mustered out with company. 
Cornelius Johnson, mustered out with company- 
William Jones, mustered out with company. 
James H. Quails, mustered out with company 

FIRST REGIMENT OHIO HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Sergeant Major Alvin M. Woolson. mustered into service August 5. 1863; 

mustered out of service July 25, 1865. 
Hospital Steward. Wesley J. Andrews, mustered into service August 5, 

1863: mustered out of service July 25. 1865 

COMPANY M. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Captain Henry J. BIy. appointed Second Lieutenant June 23. 1803; pro- 
moted to Captain July 16. 1863; mustered out with company. 

First Lieutenant James H. Ainsley. enlisted as private June ^JO, 1863; 
appointed First Lieutenant August 13. 18*1;^: mustered out with com- 
pany 

First Lieutenant Nelson E. Prentice, enlisted June 24, 186;J; appointed 
Second Lieutenant August 13. 1S63; appointed First Lieutenant Sep- 
tember 5, 1863; mustered out with company. 

Second Lieutenant James G. Fish, enlisted June 25, 1863; promoted to 
Second Lieutenant November 26, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant Wallace E. Bratton. enlisted June 1, 1863; promoted 
to Second Lieutenant January SO, 1865, 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First Sergeant John B. Colby, enlisted June 28, 1863, veteran volunteer; 

mustered out with company . 
Quartermaster Sergeant William H. Hallenbeck. enlisted June 21. 1863. 

veteran volunteer: nmstered out with company 
Sergeant George W. Mears, enlisted June 28. 1863. veteran volunteer; 

mustered out with company. ■ 
Sergeant Thomas W. Hicks, enlisted July 13. 1863. veteran voluDteer; 

mustered out with company 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



1(15 



Sergeant Romanas Shepherd, enliNted June 33, 1863; mustered out with 
company 

Sergeant Simeon Yetter. enlisted June 32. 1?63; mustered out with com- 
pany 

Sergeant John Matt, enlisted July li. 11*3, veteran volunteer; mustered 
out with company. 

Sergeant James Hutchinson, enlisted July It, 1863; mustered out with 
company , 

Corporal Charles R. Logan, enlisted June &. 1863; mustered out with 
company . 

Corpora! Daniel Corvele, enlisted July 4, 1K(>3; mustere<l out with com- 
pany. 

Corporal Josiah M, Dancer, enlisted July 9, 1803; mustered out with 
company . 

Corporal Edwin C'owell. enlisted June 34, 1S63; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Corporal Alfred G. Runner, enlisted January 4, 1864; mustered out 
with company 

Corporal Richard Fowler, enlisted June 30, 1863; mustered out with 
company. 

Corporal Henry M. Elwood, enlisted July 17, 1863; mustered out with 
company. 

Corporal Charles Streeter, enlisted July 6, 1863; mustered out with 
company 

Corporal Levi A , Hultz. enlisted July 15,1863; mustered out with com- 
pany. 

Corporal Thomas C. Betts, enlisted December S3, 1863; mustered out 

with company. 
Corporal Silas .McDougal. enlisted December 33, 1863; mustered out 

with comijany. 
Corporal John R. Hale, enlisted July 32, 1863. 
Artificer, Andrew Houk, enlisted July 33, 1863. 
Musician, Frederick Lesser, enlisted July 17, 1863 
Musician, James Nobles, enlisted July 3, 1863. 
Wagoner, John J Tallman, enlisted July 6, 1863, 



PRIVATES. 

William Ainsley, enlisted July M, 1863. 

James Armatage, enlisted July 22, 1863. 

Warren C. Breckeuridge, enlisted July 13, 1863. 

Charles Bilderbach, enlisted July 33, 1863. 

Israel Borough, enlisted July 23, 1863. 

Edwin E. Jones, enlisted July 13, 1863; veteran volunteer. 

Francis L. Jupp, enlisted August 13, 1863; veteran volunteer 

John Kinney, enlisted July 5, 1863. 

Joseph Keiley, enlisted July 1.5, 1863. 

James Lemon, Jr , enlisted July 14, 1863. 

Jay Littleton, enlisted June 17. 1863. 

Andrew- H. Layman, enlisted July 14, 1863. 

Anthony Latere, enlisted July 1.5, 1863. 

James F. Lee, enlisted August 14, 1863. 

Channey Lathrop, enlisted August 17, 1863. 

Henry Murjihy, enlisted June 30, 1863. 

Charles B. Morris, enlisted July 13, 1863. 

Alexander Motry, enlisted July 13, 1663. 

Horace Martia, enlisted June 27. 1863. 

Frank Morris, enlisted July 6, 1863. 

Alfred J. Nichols, enlisted July ',1, 1863. 

John E. Nichols, enlisted July 0, 1863. 

Nelson Olmsted, enlisted August 16, 1863. 

Horace Place, enlisted July 18, 1863. 

George E. Pruden. enlisted July 18, IS&J. 

Samuel Payne, enlisted July 30, 1863. 

Jarvis D. Rolf, enUsted June !», 1863. 

George Row, enlisted .\ugvist 17. 1863. 

George W. Reed, enlisted June ;ii>, 186;J. 

Jones W. Rosco, enlisted June 30, 1863. 

Fred W. Rosco, enlisted June 30, 1863. 

Alsiha Schollield, enlisted January «l, 1864. 

Frank Stempson, "enlisted August 16, 1863. 

Adam Smith, enlisted July 26, 1863. 

Samuel J. Spangbourn. enlisted July 22, 1863. 

Henry Series, enliste<l July l-'i. 1863. • 

Zalman B. Slater, enlisted July 13. 1863. 

Henry C. Bowen, enlisted July 33, 1863. 

-Michael Beacy, enlisted June 32, 1863. 

Joseph Coxley, enlisted July 6, 1863; veteran volunteer, 

Delos C. Chapman, enlisted June 2>i, 1863 

John Carney, enlisted July it, 1863. 

John Cole, enlisted July 23, 1863; veteran volunteer 

James Cole, enlisted July 22, 1863. 

James Cartwright, enlisted May 2.5, 1864. 

Freeman Cables, enlisted .\ugust 17, 1863; veteran volunteer. 

Charles H. Ders. enlisted June 2«, 1803 

Isaac Dewitt, enlisted June 2a, 1863 

14 



Hubbard E. Dwelle, enlisted June 20 1863. 

Charles Dennison, enlisted July 11, 1863. 

Reuben G. Dickerson, enlisted .June 39, 1863. 

Peter Epp, enlisted June 25, 1863; veteran volunteer. 

Franklin Fry, enlisted July 14, 1863. 

Alpha B. Fally, enlisted June 27, 1.'63. 

John Gorham, enlisted July 14, 1863. 

William Grifflth. enlisted July 14, 1863. 

Charles Grauel, enlisted July 6, 1863. 

Wilson S. Gordon, enlisted June 3,5, 1863. 

Youngs Gregory, enlisted July 13, 1863. 

James N. Haines, enlisted July i;J, 1863. 

George Hotchkiss, enlisted July 4, 186;j. 

Lewis V. Hackett, enlisted July 6, 1863. 

John Hire, enlisted July 4, 1863. 

George Hess, enlisted July 16, 1863; veteran volunteer. 

Francis M. Halsey. enlisted July 18, 1863; veteran volunteer. 

Lewis Hutton. enlisted June 22, 1F63. 

William G. Henson. enlisted July 6. 1863. 

John Henderson, enlisted August 12, 1863. 

John R. Jewett. Jr., enlisted June 32, 1863. 

Frank Stible, enlisted July is. 1863 

Sanford Selvey. enlisted July 4, 1863 

Martin L. Shanks, enlisted July 31, 1863. 

Marlyn Sweatland, enlisted July 4, 1863. 

.lay C. Smith, enlisted July 14, 1863. 

Aaron Thewecter. enlisted July 7. 1863. 

John Tomkins, enlisted July 4. 1863. 

Claudius V. Turner, enlisted July 32, 1863. 

Theodore B. Tucker, enlisted July 9, 1863. 

William H. Wilson, enlisted July 11, lS6;j. 

Alexander Wiley, enlisted July 1, 1863. 

William Ward, enlisted July 23. 186:i. 

Allen White, enlisted July 19. 1863. 

John Y'etter, enlisted June 33, 1863. 

George C. Yowell, enlisted July 15, 1863. 

George Yetter. enlisted June 32. 1863. 

Corporal David W. Gibbs, discharged June 1, 1865. 

Corporal.Lafayette Billings, discharged June 1, 1864. 

Artificer, Chelon H. Young, discharged October 25, 1864- 

Milton L. Andrews, discharged May 30, 1865. 

Samuel L. Armstrong, discharged March 5, 1864. 

Alfred F. Bly, discharged November, 1, 1864. 

William H. Blair, discharged June 20, 1865. 

George W. Coit, discharged .June 20. 1865. 

James E. Heuron. disehargeil May 21, 1865. 

James Harding, discharged June 37, 1,%5. 

William M. Knowlton, discharged March 20, 1864. 

George Lamkins, discharged June 20. 1865. 

George B. Nickle, discharged June 18, 1865. 

Henry O. Place, discharged June 36, 1865. 

William Perry, discharge 1 :May 18. 1865. 

Preston Palmer, discharged May 30, 1865. 

Barnett Rowe, Jr., discharged June 30, 1865. 

Peter Ryan, discharged November 31, 1864. 

James Ryan, discharged May 37, 1865. 

Edwin F. Smith, discharged June 20, 1865. 

Joiin N. Simmons, discharge 1 ,Tuiie 30, 1865. 

Simeon Snyder, discharged May 34, 1865. 

George H. Sharp, discharged Jlay 18, 1865. 

Thomas Tildoii, discharged .May 13, 1865. 

William H. Van Horn, discharged May 22, 1865 . 

Isaac H. West, discharged June 20, 1865 

Lafayette Whittinger, discharged November 14, 1803. 

Evans P. Williams discharged November 14, 1863. 

Lucius A. West, discharged July 10, 1863. 

Philander S. Abbott, transferred to Company C. 

Hulbert L. Williams, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Francis Taylor, transferred to Nou-Commissioned Staff. 

Wesley J. Andrews, transferred to Non-Commissioned Staff, 

Jackson Ryan, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Thomas Williams, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Edward C. Wiles, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 

.Mvin M. Woolson, transferred to Non-Commissioned Staff. 

Corporal Charles Bailey, died at Covington, Kentucky, November 17, 1 

Artificer, James Murflt, died at Madison. Indiana, Decembers, 18(M. 

Thomas Germon, died at Kno.wille, Tennessee, .luly PI. 186* 

Thomas Harding, ilied March 17, 1864 

Christian Marsh, died February 18, 1864. 

Malcom G. Niles, died July 21, 1864. 

Stillman S. Nichols, died .\ugiist 5, 1864, 

Miner Powell, died ,Iuly 28, 1H64 

James Peterson, died November 17, 1863 

Henry A. Smith, died April 7, 1864, 

Virgil Stevens, died May 7, 1864. 

Leslie E. Sparks, died June 3, 1864 

William Waterman, died April 4, 1864 



lOG 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



FIRST REGIMENT OHIO LIGHT ARTILLERY, 
BATTERY I!. 



FIRST BAIT ALIOS. 



Clustered into service October 8, 1661. This battery re-enlisted and was 
dually mustered out of service July Ji. l.Stio. at Camp Cleveland 
Ohio. 

NON-COMMISSIOSED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Elislia D. Parker, discharged for disability . (Date not known). 
Corporal Silas H Judsou. promoted Sergeant: commanded the battery 

as Second Lieutenant; assigned to Battel y F. 
Artificer, William C. Hodge, died December 7, ISil 

PRIVATES. 

Jeremiah Arndt. veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Jo.seph Binehower, discharged June 15. 1%.5 

David K. Baile.v. died December IT, isiil 

John L. Barnes, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Jerome Boice, transferred to Battery K 

.lames Baker, died in hospital at Nashville. Tennessee (No date). 

Williara B. Carey, died at Nashville, Tennessee, November 6, 1802. 

John David, promoted to Corporal March 1. ISK; wounded at Chieka- 

mauga; died from same October 9. 1863. 
John Elliott, killed in battle of Stone River Decembers], 1.S63 
Samuel Earl, veteran volunteer; promoted Corporal: mustered out with 

company 
James H Fash, veteran volunteer: promoted Corporal: musteied out 

with company. 
Slartin P. Findley discharged May IT, 186J. 
Thomas M Hunter, discharged March 34. 1SK4. 
Rodman Harb discharged .June 16, 18ti5. 

Joshua R Krebs, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company 
John Lepper, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company 
William Leary, transferred to Battery K. 
Charles H. Millis, discharged Januaiy 9, 18ti;j 
Andrew J McLaughlin, dischargeil June 16, 1865. 
Thomas C. Potter, had both arms shot off in battle of Chickamauga 

October 20: died October SI. 1863 
Emanuel M. Peet, wounded at Chickamauga; veteran volunteer; mus- 
tered out with company 
A. B Peet, died April 10, 1S6.5 
Alexander Stratton, discharged March 23, 1863. 
John A. Shukers, promoted Coiporal; mustered out with company. 
Adam Sprinkle, veteran volunteer: nu;stered out with company 
William H. Singer, veteran volunteer; promoted Corporal; mustered 

out with company. 
Sherwood W. Shankland. 
Benjamin H. Searls, veteran volunteer; promoted Corporal; mustered 

out with company. 
William Twerrell, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company 
Jacob Wolf, transferred to Battery K, April 6, 1864 
Daniel White, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 
Frank M Yeckley, veteran volunteer; promoted Sergeant March 11 

186.5. 



KECON-1) REGIMENT IXITED STATES ARTILLERY. 

Brevet Major Frank B Hamilton, graduated at West Point June 14, 1863, 
as Second Lieutenant; breveted First Lieutenaiu in Third United 
States Artillery, September 17, 1S63, for --gallantry and meritorious 
service at the battle of .\ntietam, Maryland :" appointed First Lieuten- 
ant June 1, 1865; breveteil Captain August -311, 1866, "for gallantry at 
the 1. attic of Gettysburgh, Pennsylvania. July .3, 1S63;" appointed 
Captain in the Fourteenth Regiment United States Infantry March 15, 
186T; breveted Majoi- and now serving as Captain in the Second Reg- 
iment United States Artillery, at Fort Ontario, Oswego, New York, 
This offlcer is the second son of James Hamilton, at present and for 
some years past postmaster at Monroeville 

Tin HI. REGIMENT OHIO UOLINTEER CAVALRY. 

Musteied into service December II, IS61, for three yeai-s, at the expira- 
tion of which the Regiment t-eenlisted, and was finally mustered 
out August 4, 1805, 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel Lewis Zahm, mustered September ST, 1861; resigned January 5 
1863 ■ 

Chaplain, Reverend E. Y, Warner, mustered September ST, 1861; re- 
signed .\ugust 1, 186S. 

Adjutont Lewis R Zahm. mustered September ST, 18BI; resigned De- 
cember it, 1863. 

Chief Bugler, William Hinmaii, promoted from Company H, 

Chief Bugler, Jei-ome R, Graham, mustered December 11, 1881. 



Major John H. Foster, mustered September 13, 1861; resigned Febmaiy 

14, 18<». 
Adjutant William S Foster, mustered December 9, 1861; mustered out 

as supernumerary. 
Quartermaster George C. Probert. mustered .December 9. I8iil; mustered 

out as supernnm-rary, March 30, 1864. 
Sergeant Major J. Ransom Hall, promoted to Second Lieutenant May 21, 

1862; resigned March 31. 1.S63 
Quartermaster Sergeant, Robert H. Bliven 

Commissary Sergeant, ,lesse N. Squires, mustered out with company. 
Saddler.v Sergeant, Andrew J, Nogle 
Veteriiiarj- Sergeant, Levi Cook . 

SECOND BATTALION. 

Major James W. Paramore mustered September ST, 1861; promoted to 
Colonel January 5, 1863: dismissed July, 1863. 

Quartermaster, William R. Jackson, mustered November 4. 1861; pro- 
moted to Captain November 1, 1861. 

Commissary Sergeant, James H. Johnson 

Hospital Steward, .John C Grafton. 

Saddlery Sergeant. James M. Burg, mustered at expiration of term of 
enlistment. October 3, 1864, 

Veterinary Sergeant, Artemas Richards. 

THIRD BATTALLtON. 

Quartermaster Sergeant, Frank William, 
Commissary Sergeant, C. R. Hipkins 
Hospital Steward, Horace B. White. 
Veterinary Sergeant, James B. Page 

This regiment re-enlisted January 4, 1861. The muster out rolls of 
this date are not on file in the office of the Adjutant General of Ohio • 
thus !-endei-ing it impossible to give a perfect record of the enlisted men 
prior to that date 

COMPANY A. 

Mustered September 4, 1861 . 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Dewitt C, Doane, resigned November 12, 1863. 

Captain William B. Gates, musteied out with company. 

First Lieutenant Thomas D. ;McClelland, promoted to Captain, Septem-| 

ber 4, 1861 
Second Lieutenant Harrison Terry, promoted to Captain, February 14,1 

1863: resigned July 3, 1864, 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 



Quartermaster Sergeant George Millimaii 

First Sergeant James Ransom Hail, promoted Second, Lieutenant, 

21, 1.363; resigned March 31, 186:1 
Sergeant Edwin Clark 
Sergeant Edward S Hiirlburt. 
Sergeant John W. Ward 
Sergeant Charles B Bennett, 
Corporal Jacob Bauiuan. 
Conioral William E. Akei*s. 

Corporal Anson E. Ritter, promoted to First Sergeant, 
Corporal Siberia Keis 
Corporal William McMaster, 
Corporal J ohii T. Woodford . 
Coq^oral Henr,v M. IMeacham, 
Corjjoral ^lartin V. McCrillis. 
Bugler, Ralph N H. Osborn, 
Bugler, Eugene A. Osborn. 

Farriei:, Joel F. Smith, dischai^ed October 3, 1864, 
Farrier, John B. McFadden. 
Sadler, Edward Morton 
Wagoner, George Carlisle, 

PRIVATES, 

Harrison Ames, * 

Silas M, Adams. 

Ira Blackmail 

Daily Beiiuet 

Joseph Ball. 

Homer W Brooks, discharged October 3, 1864. 

John N. Burch. 

Alfred C. Broughton. 

Hiram C. Burch 

William Conley. discharged June 34, 186.5, 

Samuel C. Cunie, promoted Second Lieutenant, 

John Carpenter. 

David H. Crlp|)eii, 

William Crouse. 

Joseph Dolph, 

Henry Drage, 

Silas Engles. 



May ■ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



107 



Curtis Frost, discharged October 3, 1864. 
Norman T. Foster. 

Steplien French, discharged October 3, 1864. 
Isaac W. Ford, discharged October 3, 1864. 
Henry Glenn. 

Harrison Green, promoted Quartermater Sergeant 

Enos Gri.ss. 
Franklin Hart 

Silas H Hoplvins, discliarged October 3, 1SC4 

Thomas W. Hicks. 

Erwin Hewit 

William Himberger. 

William H Horton. 

Michael Hushes 

Isaac Hunt. 

Lewis Johnson 

Charles C. Jewell, discharged October 3. I8(>4. 

Joseph S. Keeler. 

George Letherer 

Samuel Lingo, promoted to Cor])oral 

Boston Lidurf. 

John W Large, discharged Octobers, 1864. 

Allen .McPherson, discharged October:!. 1864. 

Levi Miller- 
John Jlonaghan , 

Robert E Morton 

Richard Meredith 

Albert McMaster 

George W, Noggle. 

John G. Oats. 

John Parkason, discharged October 3. 1864 

Jay A . Polley, discharged October 3. 1864. 

Charles Payne, promoted to Coqwral. 

Patrick Purcel . 

Horace Reynolds 

Ezra H Root, discharged Octobers, 1864 

Theodore Riekey,discharged October 3, 1864. 
George Smith 

Isaac Skillman 

Joseph Sekinger. 

Pitt Simons, promoted Commissar}- Sergeant. 

Jasper Strong, died March 10, 1865 

Lewis B. Tooker. 

Thomas Tulley . 

Marshall M. Turner. 

George N. Veader. 

John W Willoughby. 

James Weldon. 

George W Wright 

Thomas C Wright, discharged October 3, 1864. 

Charles A Waite 

Benjamin F Welch 

Richard Wilson 

James O. Williams. 

Henry Young, 

This company served three years, re-enlisted, and was Anally mustered 
out of service at Edgefield, Tennessee, August 4, 1865. 

COMPANY B, 
Mnstereil into service September 4, 1861. Mustered out August 4, 1865 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Leonard B. Chapin, resigned March 5, 1863. 

First Lieutenant Elisha M. Calver. promoted Captain June 10, 1862- 

resigned .September -in, 1864. 
Second Lieutenant Alonzo B. Ennis, promoted First Lieutenant June 16 

1863; mustered out July 2, 1862. 

NO.N.C0MMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Quartermaster Sergeant Martin E EUis. 

First Sergeant Addison H. Pearl, promoted Captain November 30, 1864; 

mustered out with company. 
.Sergeant .lesse A. Squires, iiromoted Commissary Sergeant First Bat- 

tallion. 
Sergeant Judson Willard. 
Sergeant John Bartlett. 
Sergeant Henry N. Porter 
Corporal Charles P. Johnson 
Corporal Horace B Porter 
Corporal Geoige W. Surges. 
Corporal John J. Cowles, 
Cori'orjl Morgan J. Carpenter. 
Bugler, Ran-iom CoUonwood. 
Bugler. O'crge B. Squires, veteran volunteer; mustered out with com- 

Pivny. 
Farrier, William D. Chaffer. 
Blacksmith, Elihu Jenkins. 



Cornelius Ellis, promoted Sergeant; mustered out Octobers, 18M. 

Hiram C. Reed. 

Byron L. Wiite. 

Orrin Adams, promoted Corporal. 

Samuel B. Bassett, promoted Serjeant; mustered out October 3, 1864. 

Philip Bangle, promoted First Sergeant . 

Theodore Barber, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Simeon Blaekman. 

James Brooks 

Isaac Brown, mustered out on expiration of original enlistment. 

Charles Brown 

Henry Brown 

Frank Buckley 

George W. Cole, mustered out of service Octobers, 1864. 

Jerred Calvin. 

Anson Clinger. 

Jude Corbon. 

Luther Camfleld, discharged in hospital (no date). 

Benjamin F. Drake. 

Avery Edwards, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

William Eastman. 

Franklin Fay. mustered out at e.i;piration of original enlistment. 

James W. Fay 

William Fisar. 

James Fairfax. 

Eli S. Hardy 

Heman Hickok. veteran volunteer; mustered out withcompany. 

Jesse Hollister. veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Edwin Hollister, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Ambrose Haws, promoted Seconed Lieutenant and transferred, Decem- 
ber 2. 1864. to company H 

Garrett Hawley. 

William Hayse 

Lewis Harding. 

Benjamin B Hillman. 

Mendile Henry. 

Lorenzo Ingles. 

William Jenkins, mustered out June 17, 1865. 

Conrad Keim. 

Flavius Kilburn. 

Henry E Kress. 

John H. Lawrence. 

Mortimer Lawrence. 

Henry C. G Lane. 

David C. Lipke. 

Amos A . Morris . 

Charles M. McGloan . 

James Malki 

Almon Mason. 

Jeremiah JIason 

Norman Mason. 
Thomas McKim . 
John G. McFale. 
James C Ronk. 
Simon Roberts 
Arthur Rog^ers. 

Rodney Rice, mustered out October 3, 18li4. 

Myron Rice. 

Orlando Starr. 

Hiram Se.\-ton, promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 3, 1861. 

Willard Spurrier, mustered out April 20. 1865 

Myron Sweet 

Albert C. Smith 

Conrad Shillenburger, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Garner .Stimpson 

John H. Smith, veteran volunteer-; discharged from hospital. (,No 

date. 
Henry H. Scott. 
Edmond Tripp 
Parmer Tracy. 
David E Tyler. 
Edwin D. Tyler. 

Robert Welch, discharged in hospital (No date). 
George S Wilson, died of guo-sbot wound August 16, 1864. 
Peter Wets. 

David C. Fields, died from wounds Jidy 4, 1864. 
Lester Case. 

COMPANY C. 
Mustered October 8, 1861. Mustered out with Regiment. 

PRIVATES 

William Crompton, veteran volunteer; mustered out with (-ompauy. 
William H. Foster, mustered out June 17, 1865. 
Albeit L Williams, not on muster out roll. 



108 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



COMPANY D. 

Mustered September 10, 1861 . Mustered out with Regiment. 

C'OUUIBSIONED OFFICER. 

First Lieutenant Richard B. Wood, promoted Captain June 20,1862; 
killed in action Fehniarj' 33. 1864. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal Michael Farmer. 

PBIVATES. 

Edward W. Ausden. mustered out September 10, 1864 

Robert Benfer. mustered out September 10, 1864 

Jobn Britzer. 

Christopher Deleware 

Phihp Ebman. mustered out September 10, it6i. 

John Holland. 

Edward P Lehi. 

Edward Morse. 

Abraham Moyer 

Obed C. Russell, discharged November 23. 1864. 

Isaiah Stout. 

Alexander Tittle. 

Thomas Warren 

COMPANY E. 
Mustered November 4. 1861. Mustered out with regiment. 

PRIVATES. 

John Griffin 

Thomas Grant. 

Levi Hipoug, 

William B. Kerr, promoted First Sergeant: mustered out with company. 

COMPANY F. 
Mustered December 11. 1861. Mustered out with regiment. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Oliver G. Smith, honorably discharged, September 11, 1862. 
First Lieutenant George C. Roberts, promoted to Captain, September 

II, 1802; resigned April IT, 1863. 
Second Lieutenant Elihu Isbel, promoted Captain, August 12, 1663; 

mustered out with company. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Quartermaster Sergeant James Johnson 

First Sergeat Thomas Nunan, promoted Second Lieutenant; mustered 
out as Atljutant of regiment 

Sergeant L. La Charles. 

Corporal Samuel S. Hoyt. 

Corporal George G. Holliday. promoted Sergeant; mustered out No- 
vember 4. 18t;4 

Corporal Richard H. Reed. 

Corporal Alfred Washburn. 

Corporal Dudley W. Post. 

Corporal AsherW. Coon. 

Corporal Albert Fox. 

First Bugler. James Hanley. 

Second Bugler. I. A. Locher 

Farrier. A. Richards- 

Saddler, Thumas S. Cromwell, died April 18. 1863. 

Wagoner, Frank Rogers . 

PRIVATES . 

Barkdall Amott 

James .Amott. 

James H. Bailey. 

David Beardsley 

Malon J. Bassett, promoted Second Lieutenant of Company A; veteran 

volunteer; muatereil out with company 
Jacob Beckerstock. 
Lawrence Blily 
I ra Crow 

Jobn Duiberry, mustered out November 4. 1864. 
Llewellyn French. 
Albin Farley. 

L. D. Fisher, mustered out January 1, 1865 
Charles Hayne 
Isaac P Haskins. 
Nicholas Houghton. 
Alexander Houghton. 
E^Iward R. Holliday. 
Araasa Heath. 
Jchn King. 
Hayburn King. 
George Kedwell. 
Hiram Lynn, prnmote^l Corporal; killed August 20, lt"64. 



MelvinS. Lynn, mustered out November 4» 1864. 

William P. Lee. 

Lyman G. Lloyd, mustered out November 23, 1864. 

Daniel Le Clear. 

John Myers, mustered out November 4, 1864. 

Thomas Martin, promoted to Sergeant, and Second Lieutenant Com- 
pany K: veteran volunteer: mustered out with company 

William Morrison. 

James H. Mann. 

Albert F.Noble. 

Theodore L Prosser. 

Edwin S. Prosser. 

Jobn Peacock 

Samuel Riggs 

Martin Rowe, 

Lewis A. Rounds. 

William Sheldon. 

Richard Sheldon 

Royal Sikes. 

William Setchel. 

Abraham Sinfieid. 

George F. Sherwood . 

Louis Shreck. 

Byron Spencer. 

William Tappin. 

William Vauscoy. mustered out November 4. 1864, 

Almond Vincent. 

James Watson . 

John B. Young, promoted to Sergeant: veteran volunteer; drowned at 
Macon, Georgia. July 18, 1865. 



31 



COMPANY G. 

Mustered into service December 11, 1861. Mustered out of service with 
Regiment. 

PRrVATES. 

Philo St. John. 

Frank J. bniith, discharged December i, 1864 

Jobn J. Watterman, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Frederick Warren 



COMPANY I. 



Mustered into service December 11, 1861. 
Regiment. 



Mustered out of service with 



COUHISSIONBD OFFICERS. 

Captain Henry B. Gay lord, resigned May 2, 1864 . 

First Lieutenant Clark Center, honorably discharged January 21. 1863. 

Second Lieutenant William Goodnow, died May 30, 1862'. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 

Sergeant James Merroe, promoted to Second Lieutenant April 8, 1865. 
Sergeant Daniel C. Lewis, promoted to First Lieutenant and transferred 

to Company M 
Sergeant C'hauncey B. Wheeler. 

Sergeant Robert H. Spaulding. discharged October 3. 1864 . 
CoriJoral Thomas Hoffmire. 
Corporal James B. Page. 
Corporal Roswell Robbins . 
Corporal Albert Sweatland. 
Corporal .\mos S. Wallermire. 

Corporal Cyrus K. Livermore, discharged October 3, 1804 
Corporal Thomas Saltzgaber, discharged .June 5, 1865. 
First Bugler. Henry L. Bingham. 
Blacksmith. Jacob Howk. 

Blacksmith. .\dam M. Rock, discharged October 3, 1864. 
Saddler, Thomas D Stevenson . 
Wagoner, Frederick F. Drake, transferred to Company B, April 17, 

PRIVATES 

Henry H.Allen. 

William F .Allen 

John W Blacknian. 

Lewis M. Brightenstine 

Solomon Baker. 

Charles B. Benham, promoted Quartermaster Sergeant: discharged iu 

hospital 
James D. Benham, promoted Sergeant July 1, 1865; mustered out with 

company 
Harmon L Breneman, killed in action at Kenesaw Mountain, Qeorgia, 

June 15, 1864 
William Bolster, died March IK, 1865 
John S. Banks, discharged May 34, 1865. 
Frederick Bloom . 
Heary Broadman 
Seymour B Coe. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



10!) 



Frank t'obban. ilied February 4, 1865. 

Napolt-oii B. Downing 

Adam Fetter 

Henry B. Gayloid. ' 

William L. Ooodnow. 

Clark Center, 

AD2»on P. Green. 

Lewis Heniniinger. 

.Jacob Haninial. 

Marline Johnston 

Ednion Kiser. 

Vernon Kellogg 

Cieorge Kreider. 

Henry Libe 

William D. Leak. 

Pat Limber. 

Charles Me'Master. 

Charles Jlasijn. 

James Mitchell. 

James H Mann 

Dexter .^IcMaster. 

Christian Na^iann. 

Edwin Niver. captured Nov. 15, 1803; starved to death in .\ndersonville 
Prison June 19, 1S&4. 

Warren W. Parsons. 

Burr P Parks 

Otto N. Rogers. 

Henry Rogers, discharged October 3, 18(i4. 

David T Selance. 

Charles .\. Sanders, discharged October -3, 18(i4 

Henry Sweatland . 

Gaylord Saltzgaber. veteran volunteer; mustered out witli coriipany 

William Saltzgaber. mustered out at Macon, Georgia, (no date). 

Joseph Stephens, captured at Frog Springs September 20, 1863; in prison 
when company was mustered out. 

William Spencer, mustertd out at Macon. Georgia, (no date). 

Samuel Stuke. veteran viilunteer; mustered out with company 

Christian Summers. 

Henry Thomas. 

Curou Thomas. 

Hyatt Travis, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company 

Francella VanHorn. 

Wilson VanHorn, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 

Joseph M. Wileoi", mustere;! out at Macon, Georgia, (no date). 

George Watson, promoted to First Lieutenant and transferred to com- 
pany M. 

Richard Waggoner. 

COMPANY K. 
Mustered into service December 11. 18U1. Mustered out with regiment 

COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

First Lieutenant Darius E. Livermore. promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 
April s. isn.);. mustered out with regiment. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant B Walter Burr, discharged December 30, 1864. 
Sergeant John Maloney, discharged December 30, 1864 
Corporal Hiram Barnes. 
Bugler, Henry Ti-ott. 

Blacksmith, William G. Swartr, discharged May 30, 1865. 
Saddler, Robert Dutchman, transferred to company M; veteran volun- 
teer; mustered out with company. 
Wagoner, Charles Yance, discharged December 30, 1864. 

PRIVATES. 

Howard Bowman. 

George Cummings 

Peter M. Chilson 

, James Druery. 

Benjamin Grow. 

William Gowiize 

William Grow. 

Samuel tirow. 

tieorge Heslet. 

William Heslet. 

William Jones. 

Robert O Kennedy, promoted Corporal; veteran volunteer; mustered 

ctut with company. 
John Kelley. 
James Morrison 
James McCormick, promoted Corporal; veteran volunteer; nuistered 

<>ut with company 
.Jonathan R. Reed, 
.lohn Reynolds. 
William Rose 

14 A 



Francis Shares. 
Jacob Trott. 
John Toomy 

Cornelius Vandenburgh, discharged December 80, 1864 
Lew is Wright, discharged December :W, ISISJ 
L W Wilson 
,James Wildon. 
George Leitherer. 

Robert E. Morion, promoted Corporal December 31. 1864. veteral volun 
teer; mustered out with company 



roMl'AXV L. 
Mustered into and out of service with the Regiment 

NON-COMMISSIONKD OFFICERS. 

Sergeaut John T. Woodford, transferred tr) Company A, September 18, 

1864. 
Corporal Michael Hughes. 
Saddler, Michael .\mend. 

PRIVATES. 

William T Guion. 

Ezra Guinn . 

Jacob Rush discharged .Hay 18, 1863. 

Jacob Snider. 

William E. Thitcher, veteran vol intec-r; mustered out with ccmipany 

John W. Willoughby. 

COMPANY M. 
Musteied with the Regiment. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Farrier, Andrew Maxwell 

PRIVATES. 

Napoleon B. Benedict, died of disease at home in Ohio. 

Daniel Clinger, promoted Coi-poral; mustered out October 13, 1864. 

Michael Moulet, mustered out November 23, 1864. 

James Maxwell. 

Francis Ora. 

Samuel Simons. 

John B. Viele. 

FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLLNTEER CAVALRY. 
COMPANY K. 

Mustered into service November 14, 1861. Mustered out of service Oc- 
tober HO. 1865, at Charlotte. North Carolina. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Veterinary Sergeant, George W. Dimick, transferred to Third Ohio Vol- 
unteer Cavalry. 

PRIVATE. 

Franklin Palladay. 

SIXTH UEGIMENT OHIO Vol.lNTEER CAVALUY. 
CO.VPANY li. 

Mustered into service in October, November and December, 1861 Mus- 
tered out of service August 7, 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Quartermaster Sergeant Isaac W Kirk, i)rornoted to First Sergeant; 

veteran volunteer; wounded April 6, 1865. 
Sergeant Jacob B. Templiu, promoted to Second Lieutenant October 16, 

1864. 
Corporal William P. Cox, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, .lanu 

ary 1, 1865. 
Corporal Madison Ti ad, discharged October '.'5, 1862. 
Corporal David A. Musser, discharged October 30, 1862. 
Farrier, Selson R Gunder, discharged November 4, 1864. 
Farrier, John G. Carson, promoteil to Quartermaster Sergeant October 
1, 1862. 

PRIVATES 

Bazil Brooks, transterretl to Veteran Reserve Corps, March 31, 18tH, 

Jeremiah Culler, discharged November 4. 1864 

Daniel Crist, died September 8, 1862. 

David B. Cox. discharged tor disability .\ugust22, 18t;2. 

David Elliott, proinoteil to Corporal; veteran volunteer; mustered out 

with compi.ny. 
Thomas E. French, promoted U> Commissary Sergeant, February 10, 

1K65, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company . 
Henry J. Heisler, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 
Thomas P Hillman, discharged August 17, 1862 



110 



HISTOKY OF HLROJS AKD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



James A. Hughes, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company; pro- 
moted to Corporal. 

Jeremiah Hileman, veteran volunteer; mustered out in hospital. 

David Harmau, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May l."i. IStiJ. 

Jacob Ipes, promoted Corporal; veteran volunteer; discharged June 
10. 1865, by reason of wounds . 

James P. Jenkins, discharged June 28, 18ti5. 

George K. Mead, discharged November 4, 1864. 

Harmon Minard, discharged August 18. 1862. 

George Miiiard, veteran volunteer: mustered out with company. 

William D. Oswald, discharged December 11, 1804. 

John Pyle, died August 16, 1H62. 

John S. Regal, discharged February 23, ma. 

John Ripley, discharged June 7, 1862. 

John White, discharged February 2.3, 186:J. 



KINTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, 
COMPANY H. 

Mustered into service October 30, 186;i Mustered out of service July 30, 
1865, at Lexington, North Carolina 



Clark E. Caligan, veteran volunteer; mustered out with company. 
W'illiam H. Hurlburt, mustered ovit with company. 
Gregory K Winegardner, discharged from hospital 



COMPANY' I. 

Mustered into service December 4, 1863. Mustered out of service July 
20, 186.5, at Lexington, North Carolina 

PRIVATES. 

Harrison .\mes, promoted First Sergeant; veteran volunteei-; mustered 

out with company . 
■William A. Blandon discharged May 23, 1865 
Joseph Jopp, promoted Corporal; captured July 16, 1864. 
Julius Shruch, discharged in hospital ; veteran. 

TENTH REGIMENT OHIO VoLlNTEER CAVALRY, 
COMPANY D. 

Clustered into service March :^. 1864 , Mustered out of service July 24, 
1865, at Lexington, North Carolina 

PRIVATES 

John Battey, died August 18, 1863. 

Martin Golden, paroled prisoner, at Annnpolis, Maryland. 

Henry Hewitt, prisoner; surrendered January 3. 1865. 

WiUiam Nash, promoted Corporal; mustered out with company. 

Benjamin E. Parker, discharged from hospital, (no date) 

William E. Ring, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, April 26, 18f>4. 

William C. Siegling, bugler; transferred to Compan}' E. 

George Slackford. killed September lu, 1864 

Cook Smith, paroled prisoner when company was mustered out. 

Frank Smith, promoted Sergeant; mustered out with company. 



i\ 




l! 



il 



HISTORY 



OF 



Towns and Villages in Huron County, 



NORWALK. 



ORIGIN OF THE NAME. 

In 1040, the ludiau title to the knd upon which 
Norwalk, Connecticut, now stands, was purchased of 
the natives in two tracts. 

The bounds of the east tract purchased by Roger 
Ludlow, as described in the ancient records, were 
"From Norwalk river to Sawhatuc (Saugatuck) 
river, from sea, Indian one day walk into the coun- 
try." For this tract the following articles were 
given, to wit: Eight fathum wampum, six coats, ten 
hatchets, ten hoes, ten knives, ten scizers. ten juse- 
harps, ten fathom tobacco, three kettles, three hands- 
about. ten looking-glasses. 

The tract on the west side of the river, sold to one 
Captain Patrick, is described as follows: "From Nor- 
walk river to Five Mile river, from sea, Indian one 
day in country."' For this the following articles 
were given: " ten fathom wampum, three hatchets, 
three hoes, when ship comes: six glasses, twelve 
tobacco pipes, three knives, ten drillers, ten needles." 

The northern bounds of the lands purchased were 
to be from the sea one day's north walk into the 
country, hence the name Norwalk. 

The above explanation of the origiti of the name 
is, in substance, given in Barber's Historical Collec- 
tions, Hall's Historical Records of Norwalk, and 
Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, 
and, perhaps, should be accepted as conclusive; but 
it has always been a query with the writer, what the 
name of "Norwalk river'' was at the time of the pur- 
chase? If it was then Norwalk river, the name Nor- 
walk could not have been derived from terms used in 
desci'ibing that i)urchase; if it bore some other name, 
it would appear singular that the "ancient records" 
should describe the boundaries as beginning " From 
Norwalk river." 

THE TOVVXSHIP N.VMED. 

On tjic Dth day of November, 1808, I'hilip 13. 
Bradley, of Kidgefield; Taylor Sherman, of Nor- 



walk; Isaac Mills, of New Haven; William Eldridge, 
of New London; Jabez Fitch, of Greenwich: Ebenezer 
Jessup, Jr., of Fairfield; Guy Richards, of New 
London; Ebenezer Avery, Jr., of Groton, all of the 
State of Connecticut, met as the Board of Directors 
of " The proprietors of the half million acres of land 
lying south of Lake Erie, called the Sufferers' Land," 
at the court house, in New Haven, Connecticut, 
and among other business transacted that day, passed 
a resolution naming all the townships in tlie "Fire 
Lands;" in and ))y that resolution, township num- 
Ijer four in the twenty-second range was named Nor- 
walk. 

Taylor Sherman was the only member of that 
board from Norwalk, Connecticut, and probably stood 
sponsor at the christening. He was the grandfather 
of Gen. W. T. Sherman who led that magnificent 
column of American veterans on its memorable nuirch 
from "Atlanta to the sea," and of John Sherman, 
secretary of the treasury, who, to-day, staiuls Ijefore 
the nations, as first of financiers. 

ORIGIN OF L.\ND TITLES. 

July n, ITDT, Norwalk, Connecticut, was buriu'd 
by the British and tories under Governor Tryon. A 
committee of the general assembly estimated the 
losses by the inhabitants at one hundred and sixteen 
thousand two hundred and thirty-eight dollars and 
sixty-six cents. Half a million acres of land in 
"New Connecticut" was appropriated for the l)enefit 
of those sufferers, and those of other towns wliicii had 
sufl:ered a like calamity. 

The left hand column in the following table shows 
the name and amount of losses, in pounds, shillings 
and pence, of eacli Norwalk sufferer. The right hand 
column shows the names of the persons, to whom 
their claims were paid in land. For a more full and 
l)articular account of the classification and |)aynient 
of those claims, sec tlic general county history. 

(Ill) 



\ 



112 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



NORWALK, TOWN NUMBER FOUR, IN THE TWENTY- 
SECOND RANfiE. 

Classification No. 1. Section 1. 





£ 


s. 


d. 




*; 


s. 


P- 


Hannah Hooker 


an 


13 


9 


Haynes Fitch 


21 


13 


9 


James Fitch 


il9 


9 


5 




219 


9 


5 


Haynes Fitch, two 
















losses 


89 


11 


3 


" " 


89 


11 


3 


Jacob Jennlnjfs 


■TO 


5 


a 


Jacob Jennings 
Stephen Wood 


22 


5 


6 


Edward Wentworth 


ill 


13 


4 


SO 


13 


4 


Ebeuezei- u hitnev 


108 


13 


9 


Sam'l Middlebrook 


14 


2 


llj^ 


Benj. Belts. Jr. 


3 


10 






3 


10 




Michael Moiehouse 
















Jr. 


7 


7 


4 


" " 


7 


7 


4 


Michael Morehouse 


4 


3 




'. " 


4 


3 




A!idre^\- Morehouse 


1 


16 




t. t. 


1 


16 




Elizabetli liaylcjrd 


5 


8 




.. .« 


5 


8 




Samuel Bunal 


.30 


1.S 


6 


.. «i 


30 


18 


6 


Nehemiah St. John 


8» 


9 


6 


" "" 


89 


15 


4 


Samuel Comstoek 


■2 







•' '* 


2 







Ephraim Stewart 
Thaddeus Keeler 


r, 


4 


4 


" " 


5 


4 


■t 


•} 


5 


10 


■' " 


8 


5 


10 


Elizabeth Dunning 


7 


1 


4 


" •' 


7 


1 


4 


Silas Hiokoek 


.3 


12 


6 


" " 


3 


12 


6 


Nathan Hickuck 


o 


5 


3 


" " 


2 


5 


3 


Nathaniel Street 


33 


12 


9 


" *' 


33 


12 


9 


Jesse Burehard 


7 


12 




" •' 


7 


12 




John Benedict 


172 


12 


8 


•' " 


172 


12 


8 


David Jackson 


53 


2 


S 




53 


3 


5 


Samuel Keeler 


30 


14 




.. t. 


30 


14 




Benjamin Peck 


as 


16 


'9 


*• " 


23 


16 


9 


James Brown 


15 


5 


m 


*' " 


15 


5 


5K 


Anna Reynulds 


•>> 


2 


9 


.« 


22 


2 


9 


John Dovey 


iT 


4 




Sam'l Middlebrook 


11 


4 




Deborah Dickinson 


17 


a 


'fi 


Deborah Dickinson 


17 


o 


6 


Moses Dickinson's 
















heirs 


as!) 


16 


10 


Sarah Diekins-u 


86 


12 


3 


Moses Dickinson's 
















heirs 


a59 


16 


10 


Deborah Dickinson 


173 


4 


7 


Hannah Dickinson 


:33 


19 


9 


Hannah Dickinson * 23 


19 


9 


Piatt lownseud 


2 


17 


7 


Eliza LillibridKe 


2 


17 




Daniel Thatcher's 








Daniel Thatcher's 








heirs 


ai5 


17 




heirs 


143 


10 




James Smith 


21 


13 


.. 


Committee 


5 


18 


6 




Fo 


otiug 


of 01 


assiflcation No. 1, 


t'1,344 


; 








Classification 


No. a, Section a. 










£ 


s. 


d. 




« 


.s. 


[(. 


Stephen Lockwoot 


18 


12 




Stephen Lockwood 


18 


12 




Thaddeus Betts, 
















two losses 


■272 


17 


9 


" " 


272 


17 


9 


James Ciowley 


3 


14 






3 


14 


7 


Gershorn Hyatt 


.32 


5 






32 


5 




Simeon Raymond 


442 


7 


m 


Thomas Comstoek 


442 


7 


"m 


Thomas Benedict 


779 


1 


10 


Thomas Benedict 


502 


U 


5 


John Rich 


72 


6 




John Rich's heirs 


71 


18 


iiH 




Fc 


oting 


of C 


assiflcation No 3, 


£\,U\ 


7 







Classification 


No. 3, Section 3. 










« 


.S-. 


d. 




a 


s. 


d. 


Nathan Jarvis 


279 


7 


6 


Stephen Lockwood 


219 


16 


3 


Daniel Hantord's 
















two losses 


323 


16 


4 




32:j 


IB 


4 


Gold Hoyt 
.fames Hoyt's heir 


195 


H 




Thomas Comstoek 


195 


8 




s 26 


2 






26 


2 




Thomas Benedict 


779 


1 


10 


Thomas Benedict 


216 


10 


5 


Matthew Keeler 


165 


10 




Isaac Keeler 


32 


15 


5 


Jesse Ben.-dict 


144 


7 


6 


Jesse Benedict 


114 


7 


6 


Matthew Keeler 


165 


10 


10 


Jonathan Kiggs 


32 


15 


5 


.losiah Marvin 


l.'jS 


10 


1 




68 


10 


1 


Obediah Siscat 


3 







.. 


3 







Rebecca Smith 


3 


',> 


9 


" 


3 


a 


9 


Isaac Waring 


3 


10 




■ t 


3 


10 




James Hitchcock 


19 


H 


6 


.. •. 


4 


2 


10 


Thomas Haves 


IH 







.. t. 


16 


14 


8 


Deboraii Ricket 


22 







" " 


9 


2 




Samuel Kitcliam 


t 


1 


6 


.. .. 


o 


2 


4 


Joshua Ki gers 


II 


15 


3 


.• 1. 


12 


1 




Mary Avery 


11 


2 


6 




10 


10 





Footing of Classification No 3, 

Cl*A8SlFlCATION No. 4, SECTION 4 



.t:i,344 7 





X. 


a. 


d. 


f 


K. 


rf 


Capt. Joslah Starr 


13 


5 


8 


Josiah Starr 13 


5 


8 


Joshua Starr 


1 


IB 




4 


16 




Josiah Starr 


9 


3 


N 


9 


3 


8 


Ezra Siarr 








40O 


4 


8 


Fjjra Starr 


.214 


11 


4 


Comfort S. Mygatt 400 


8 





Dr. John Wood 


262 


15 


11 


His heirs 262 
Wm.Taylor in right 


13 


11 


Ezra Starr 


.214 


II 


4 


of wife 184 







John McLean 


.528 


7 


1 


69 


13 


1 




Footing of CI 


assiflcation No 4, tl,344 


7 






OKUANIZATHIX. 



At. tlif coiiiiiieiicciiu'iit of tlioyuiir 181?, Norwalk 
foniHMl |i:irt of the territory of the Mien extensive 
towiLsliip of Unroll. 



Early in that year, a petition for a separate 
organization was drawn up and signed by a number 
of citizens, but how many, or whom, cannot now be 
ascertained, the writer iiaving made a diligent search 
for the original pajier, among tlie puldic files, without 
successs. 

In pursuance of that petition, at a meeting of the 
Commissioners of Huron county held on on the 18th 
day of February, 1817, the following order was made: 

On the petition of David Gibbs and others, we set off the townships 
of Bronson and Norwalk (being numbers three and four in the twenty- 
second range of townships in Huron county) from the township of 
Huron, to be organized into a separate township by the name of Nor. 
walk. By order of the Commissioners, 

.\ttest : Frederick Fallv. P. 1. 

Frederick Fally, Ebenezer Merry and Bildad 
Adams were then, the county commissioners, and 
Frederick Fally was acting as clerk for the commis- 
sioners "P. T,'" {pro fern.) 

The two townships remained in tiiat state of or- 
ganization until on tlie Stli of March, I8'20, when at 
a meeting of the county commissioners,— present. 
Joseph Strong and Lyman Farwell, — it was 

Ordered, That towns numbers one and two, in th'e twenty-second 
range, be and the same is hereby annexed to the township of Norwalk, 

And tliat state of organization continued until at 
a meeting of the commissioners of Huron county, 
held on the -Itli day of Maroli, 18'.i2: present, Eli S. 
Barnum, Robert S, Southgate and Amos Woodward, 
commissioners, it was 

Ordered, That township number one, in the twenty-second range 
(called Ripley, be and same is hereby annexed to township number 
one, in the twenty-third range (called New Haven), fo. township pur- 
poses. 

Ordered, On the petition of Edward L. Cole and others, that townships 
numbers two and three, in Jhe twenty-second range (the first Bronson, 
the second Fairfield.) be organized with township privileges, and that 
the same be known by the name of Bronson. And notice of township 
meeting on the first Monday of .\pril next, given according to law. 
Attest : Moses Kimball, 

Clerk (ind Auditor, Huron County. 

Of the townships here named in parenthesis, the 
first should have been Fairfield, and tlie second, Bron- 
son, but the record stands as cited. 

Thus it will be seen that from February 18, 1817, 
to March 8, 1820, Norwalk embraced a territory five 
miles wide and ten miles long, and from March 8, 
lS".iO to Marcii 4, 1822, its territory was five miles 
wide and twenty miles long; forming an election pre- 
cinct which polled sixty-two votes at the first elec- 
tion, as appears by the certificate attached to the tally 
sheet of that election, now on file in the county 
clerk's ottice, wiiicli is as follows: 

.\t a regular election of the electors in the ti»wnship of Norwalk, at 
the house of D.%niel Tilden, in said Norwalk, on the third day of April, 
18i0, for two justices of the peace: 

We do h?i'e!)y certify, that Eao3 Gilbert h.id sixty-one votes: Samuel 
B. Lewis, forty. five; Luke Keeler, one; .Vbljah Comstoek, seven; .\sher 
Cole, one; and Joseph Pierce, three, for the offices of justices of the 
peace. Platt Benedict, 

Attest : W.M. Gardner, Eliphalet W. Day, 

Engs Gilbert, Robert S. Socthgate, 

Clerks. ./ndyes of Election. 

.\t an fiertioii for slieritf oi^ Decemher (!, 1820, (at 
wliieh Enos (Jiihert, of Norwalk, was elected) 
.seventy-two votes were jiojjcd. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



113 



At an election for justice on tlie 2d day of April, 
18-.il, (at wliicii Tiniotliy Taylor was elected) seventy- 
six votes were polled. 

At the election for county oHjcer.s. October 'J, 1831, 
ninety-two votes were polled. 

At tlie State election in 1877, the same territory 
jMiJled for governor: Fairfield, o03: Bronson, 220; 
Ripley, 212; Norwalk, 1,344. Total, 2,(i84. 

After Ripley, Fairfield and Rronson were detached 
from Xorwalk, and at the State election of Octobt'r S, 
1821, onlv fiftv-one votes were polled in Xoi walk. 

I'EliSilNAI. PKOPEKTV T.\X lOl! ISl."). 
(Abstract showing Norwalk. • 
Duplicate of taxes laid in Huron county for the year IM.i, by the 
county coniinissions of said county. 
Eli S Barnum, Caleb Palmer and Charles Parker, Commissioners. 
Tax bill for the county of Huron in the year 1815: 



WHEATSBOROUGH. 



HURON. 



Dillingham John . 
Reed, Hanson.. , 
Wilson. .lames. 



Total for Norwalk 



$3 MO 



550 

280 



. iK .30 



Coinstock, Abijah 

Lewis. Samuel B . . . 
Newcomb, Benjamin . 



Total forWheatsborough 
Total for 

Huron 

Vermillion 




Total tor Huron County, S192.40 



The townships of Wheatsborongli, Huron and 
Vermillion apjiear to have constituted the whole 
county, for purposes of taxation, at that time. 

This duplicate was probably made out in the early 
part of the year 181.5. In August, of that year, 
there was an entirely different arrangement of town- 
ship lines established, as appears by the following 
extract; from Volume I, page 1, of the Commissioners' 
Journal of Huron county: 

Commissioners' oflice, at county seat, August 1. 1815. First meet- 
ing held at David .\bbntt. Esq. 

Caleb Palmer. Charles Parker and Eli S. Bamum, Coniniissioners. 

Ichabod Marshall. Clerk, appointed pro tern. Abijah Comstock, 
appointed Ccjunty Treasurer. 

The new townships following are set off, viz: 

1. Wayne's Reserve, at Lower Sandusky, to be known by the name 
of Lower Sandusky. 

3. Vermillion— comprising the following tract, viz: The whole of 
the twentieth range of the Connecticut W^estern Reserve, together with 
all the tract of country belonging to the county of Huron, east of said 
twentieth range. 

•i. Greenfield— comjjrising townships numbers two and three, in the 
twenty -first, twenty-second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth ranges of 
the Connecticut 'VN'estern Reserve. 

4. New Haven— comprising number one in the twenty-first, twenty- 
second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth ranges. 

By order of the Commissioners, 
Ichabod Marshall, Commissioners' Clerk, pro ^e»i. 

PEUSONAL PROPERTY TAX FOR 18T.». 
(Extract showing Norwalk.) 
County ta.x assessed on the residents of Huron county for the 
year 1,«I9: 

Nor}rfilk Towiu^ihip. Horses. Cattle. Houses. 

Abbot, Ezi-a 450 $8 35 

•Ammerman, Simeon 3 30 

Benedict Piatt 2 8 ... 140 

Boalt, Eben 4 ... 40 

Boalt, John '2 .... SO 

Branson Hosea 1 10 

Cole, Levi 2 9 ... 150 

Comstock, Abijah 3 5 .... 140 

•Clark, Lestor 1 10 

•Clark, Jabez 1 4 . . 70 

•Cole. David 1 . 40 

IS 



Norwalk Tonmahip. Horses. 

•Clark, Halsey 1 

"Crawford, Joseph 

Cole, Thomas 

♦Deming, Jabez 

Forsythe. Frederick 1 

Fay, Lucius 

Oibbs. David 1 

Gibbs. Samuel R 1 

Gilbert Enos 

•Guthri.Eben I 

•Herrick, Ezra 1 

•Herrick. Ezra Jr 1 

*Hoskins. John 

*Hagerman, Thomas 

Houk, Henry 'J 

•Herrick, Lott 

Isham, Epaphroditus 

Isham, Seldon 

Innian, Malvara 

•Kellogg. .Martin I 

Kepler. Luke I 

Keeler, John 'i 

tLockwood, George '- 

Lockwood. Henry I 

Laylin, John I 

Laylin, Charles 

Lewis. Samuel B 1 

Marshall. Ichabod 1 

Mason, Cornelius 

Myre^, Adam '- 

Odway, Neheiniah 1 

•Pixley Reuben 'i 

Powers, Abraham '. 

•Rundle. Abijah. ./ 1 

Reed. Hanson. Vf 1 

•Reynolds. Job T 

•Sutliff. Nathan 

•Southgate, Robert S 1 

•S.ypher, Peter 1 

Strong. Silas G 

Tice, Peter 1 

Tice & Forsythe 

•Taylor, Benjamin 

•Terry, Henry 

•Tanner, Nathan 

tUnderhill, Jasper 

Wheeler, Edward 1 

Wells. Ezekiel 1 

•Welch, John 

White, John. 1^ . 1 

Wilson, James 1 

Todd. Manning S 1 

David Underhill. Levi Cole, Piatt Benedict, 
Peter Tice, Frederick Forsythe and 
Daniel Tilden, own all the town of Nor- 
walk, assessed at SI, 400 



Cattle. 


Houaen. 




4 




TO 


'J 




20 


2 




30 


3 




:W 


1 
1 
:i 
li 

I 


:«0 


3 .15 
40 
tlfl 
<«! 
10 


s 




1 10 


:( 




:J0 
:iO 


5 




.'iO 


•i 




80 


4 




40 


4 

1 




40 
U) 


3 




:W 


4 




;o 


4 




r() 


.* 




80 
i'.0 


1 
1 




40 
H) 


4 






1 

1 




III 
70 
30 


1 




70 


■.; 




31) 


4 




70 


4 




ri> 


:i 




:J0 


3 




m 


5 




80 


4 

1 




TO 
10 


1 


.300 


1 911 




300 


1 (Kl 


2 
1 




•30 
10 


4 




40 


■ > 

1 




30 

40 


4 




;o 


.T 




M 


3 




I'lO 


4 




70 
:iO 



'00 



Total for Norwalk 43 174 .... $43 10 

Total amount of the tax 81,31T 75 

Note— Total names on this duplicate — 63 

•Lived in Bronson. then attached to Norwalk 19 

tLived in Milan 1 

tLived in Ridgefield 1 — 21 

Residents of Norwalk 42 

To Hallet GALLfp— Sjr .'- The taxes herein contained, assessed on 
the residents of Huron county for the year 1819; you are by the Com- 
missioners of Huron count.v. authorized to collect, you will, therefore, 
proceed to collect the said taxes, ami pay the amount to the Treasurer 
of Huron count}- as the law directs 

By order of the Commissioners, 

Benj Abbott, Clerfc. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX FOR 1820. 
(Extract showing Norwalk.) 

List of Taxable Property is Norwalk Tow.nship 

Proprietors' yavies. Hor.^es. Cattls. 

•Ammermon, Simeon 1 5 80 80 

Bronker.John 3 1 70 

Brunson, Hosea 2 30 

Bangs. James 3 30 

Benton, William 1 10 

Baker, Timothy ... 2 3 80 

•Beckwith. William 'f 30 

Bangs. Theodore -' fit* 



114 



HISTORY OF HUEOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Proprietors' Names. 

Benedict, Piatt 

*Baker, Spencer 

*Baker. William 

♦Browuell. Abel 

Boalt. John 

Boalt. Eheu '. 

♦Clark, Daniel L 

♦Crawford, Joseph 

*Clark. Lester 

*CIa rk. Jabez 

Cole. Darid 

*Conger. David 

Cole. Thomas 

Case. Samuel 

Carver, Aid rich 

Cole, Asher 

Comstook. Abijah 

Dewir. Zurich W 

*Day, Eliphalet 

Decker. Elick 

Dimick. .John 

Dilliugham. John 

^Demming-. Jabez 

Dillingham. Henry , 

*Ervin. Thomas 

Forsythe. Frederick 

Finney. Erastus 

Foster, Seth 

Fay. John 

Fay , Lucius 

Gallup. Hallett 

Gardner, William 

Gibbs. David 

Gibl)s, Samuel R 

*Gnthrie. Ebeu 

Gilbert. Euos 

Huyck. Henry , 

Hutchins, Elias 

*Herrick. Lott 

*Hoskins. John 

*Hagarinan, Thomas 

*Herrick. Ezra 

*Herriuk, Ezra. Jr 

Ininan. Mulvery 

Isham, Epaphioditus 

Isham, Seiden 

*Johnson, Bryant 

Jerolomon, Thomas 

♦Kellogg, Martin 

Keeler, Lewis 

Kteler, John 

Lewis. Samuel B , 

Layhn. Charles 

Laylin, .Tohn , 

Lockwood, Henry 

Lane. Ebenezer 

Mu'On. Cornelia 

Marshall. Ichabod 

*Mofflt, Philip 

*Pixley, Reuben C 

Pratt. John 

Pierce, Joseph 

Pin-ter, William , 

♦Bundle, Abijah 

Raynmnd. Lenxuel , 

♦Reynolds, Job T 

♦Rusco, Armon.y 

Reed. Hanson../. 

♦Sutlitr, Nathan 

*S< lul hgate. Robert S 

♦Sample. John 

Sifort. Peter 

Sifurt, Peter, Jr 

•Tanner. Nathan 

TIce. Peter 

Tilden, Daniel 

Tt)dd. Manning S , 

♦Terry. Henry 

♦Taylor, Benjamin F 

♦Warren, Daniel 

Welch, John 

Wilson. James y 

White, John../ 

Wheeler, Levi 

Western, Jonathan 

Wells, Roswell.. 



Hor 



'ses. Cattle. 



o 


a 


1.20 


I 


3 


60 




4 


40 




3 


30 


I 


3 


60 




4 


40 


1 


4 


70 




4 


40 


1 


4 


40 

m 




2 


20 




1 


10 




3 


30 




3 

1 


30 
40 




6 


90 




7 


1.60 




1 


10 




4 


40 




5 


50 




: 


10 




15 


1.50 




3 


30 




3 


30 


1 


a 


50 


1 


1 


40 




1 
1 


10 
10 


1 




30 




5 


50 


1 
1 




30 
30 


2 


4 


1.00 




6 


60 


1 


8 


1.10 




1 


10 


2 


2 


80 




1 
3 


10 
30 




1 


10 


1 


4 


70 


2 


2 


80 




2 


20 




3 
1 


30 
10 


2 


I 


70 




5 


50 




3 


30 




5 


50 




6 


1.80 




2 


80 




7 


1.00 




4 


40 




3 


30 




3 


60 




1 


40 




1 


10 




3 


30 




4 
1 
I 
1 
1 


40 
40 
40 
10 
10 




5 


50 




4 


70 




5 


50 




1 


10 




5 


80 




5 


50 




7 


1.00 




2 


50 




4 


70 
10 




6 


ao 




3 

1 


30 
.30 
30 
10 




5 

1 


50 
:J0 

10 




4 


70 




4 


40 




3 


60 




4 


40 




5 


80 



Proprietors^ Names. 

Wilson. Thomas C 

Ordway, Nehemiah 



Amount of Ti-wn Plat. 



TOW\ PLAT OF NORWALK. 
proprietors' kames. 

Benedict, Piatt 

Benton. William 

Bangs. James 

Bangs, Theodore : 

tButmau, John S 

Cole Levi 

Finney Erastus : 

Fay, John 

Fors.vtlie Frederick 

Gallup. William 

Henry, Samuel 

Lane, Ebenezer 

Blason, Cornelia 

Tice, Peter 

Tilden, Daniel '. 

tUnderhill. David 

Williams, James . - 

Whittlesey and Benedict 



Horses. 


Cattle 






1 


10 




1 


10 


54 


2S3 


+4.50 
47 60 



Total amount of page footings of this duplicate. 



$l,Ui 



892,10 

T(u-. 

5.72!^ 

35 

35 

30 

30 
4.50 
1.35 
1.62!4 
2 25 
1.50 

50 
1.50 

a 00 

5.75 
8.00 
3.75 
1 25 
6.60 

147, (iO 
14 



To David W. Hinman, Esq., 

Sir: — The county levies herein contained, assessed on the inliabitants 
of Huron County, for the year 1S20, you are, by the Commissioners of 
Huron county, authorized to collect, j'tiu will therefore proceed to col- 
lect the same and pay to the Treasurer of Huron county as the law 
directs By order of the Commissicuers. 

For Lyman Farwell, Clerk. 

Ichabod Marshall. 

Note. Total names on this duplicate, including lot owners. . - 101 

* Lived in Bronson, then attached to Norwalk 3^1 

tLived in IHilan I 

JLived in Ridgefleld 1-35 

Residents of Norwalk 60 



PERSONAL PUOPEKTY, ETr. — TAX FOR 
(Extract showing Norwalk.) 



l&i-Z. 



Duplicate of the county tax levied on the personal anil town property 
of Huron county for the year 1822. 

Norwalk. Horses. 

Arnold. Alfred 

Bangs, Theodore S., lot 60, 1820, 30c; 1821, $1,25: 1822, 



Butmaii, Jno. S., lot 58, 1820, 41c; 1821, 79Hc; 1822,37^0; . . 

Boalt. Ebeu 

Boukee, John 1 

Baker, Timotliy, 1 house 8400 3 

Benedict, Piatt, 1 house S400, half No. 1 2 

lot 14, 1821, 8714c; 1822, 50c 

lot 15, 1821, $4.40; 1S22, .50c 

• lot 18, 1821, 62!4c; 1822, 50c 

lot 33, 1821, 02Hc; 1822, 50c 

Benton, William 

Boalt, John 1 

Comstock, Abijah 1 

Cole, Asher, 1 house S250 2 

Norwaiklots 4. 11, 19, 21, 87, 29 

Cole, Asa, lot 22, 50c 

lot 30, 1820, {2,18; 1821, S0,81H; 1832, 50c 

Drake, Benjamin F 1 

Drake, William, lot 26, half 1820, J1.09J4; 1821, tO.SlH; 

1S22, 80.25 

Doimce, John . 

Dillingham, John, 1 house 12,50 

Forsythe, Frederick, 1 house 82.50 1 

4s lot 9, 1821 and 1822 .. 

Finny, Erastus, 1 house •. 200, 14 lot 24 

Fay, Lucius 

Fay, John, delinquent, 1820, 1 house, lot 16 

same same for 1822 

Gardner, William 1 

Gallup, Hallet, lot 61 1 

Gilbert, Enos 1 

Gibbs, David ... 1 



Cattle 


Ta.r. 


1 


$0.10 




2.30 




1.50 


5 


50 


1 


40 


11 


4,00 


5 


3.25 




1.37)4 




4.90 




1.1214 




1.12)4 


1 


10 


1 


40 


11 


1.40 


7 


2.55 




3.00 


4 


90 




3.4I1H 




30 




2.16 


1 


111 


12 


2.45 


1 


1.65 




3.67 




1.25 


5 


SO 




1.62H 




1 00 


2 


.50 




1.42^ 


2 


,50 


4 


70 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



115 



Horses. Cattle 



3 

19 

1 



Tax. 

30 

10 

2.45 

50 

1 (HI 
10 

40 

an 

75 
1)0 
40 
60 
30 
40 
30 
1.50 

2 20 
TO 
50 
80 
80 

2.00 
40 



yortvalk. 

(ialhiii. William, 10162,1820, '21, '22 -... .. 

Ciiblis, .Samuel R .. 

llurnnirt, Henry 

Henrv, Samuel lot ir, 1S20, '21. -22 

Hnskins, Thomas 1 

Huyck.Heury 3 

IshaMi, Eiiaphroditus 

Ishain, Selden ' 

Innian. .Malvery 

Kiiiihall, Moses, halt 28. 

Keeler. .John ; 1 

Keeler, Luke 1 

Keeler. Lewis — .. 

Latimer. Pickets ^ 

Lockwood Henry 

Laylin. Charles 

Lane. Ehenezer, 1 house :200 1 

Lewis. Samuel B 1 

Laylin. John — 2 

Merrynian, Enoch B 1 

Marshall, Ichabod 1 

" lots 36 and 37 ,f 

Mason. Cornelia, lot 34 

Marvin, Zachariah, lot 35 

Odway. Nehemiah, delinquent of 1821 

Pratt, John 

I'earce. Joseph, delinquent of 1820 

Reed, Hanson ..r. 1 

Richmond Everett, lot 66, 1821, "22 

Stratten. Daniel 

Tice, Peter, ig lot 9 2 

lots 

lots6, 8, 1821, "22 

lots 25, 38, 1821, '22 

Tilden, Daniel 

half lots 12. 26, 1820, 'Jl, '22 .. 

UnderhiU, David, lots 23, 28 

Underhill. Benedict ct Cole, lots 2, 3, 10, 20 

Williams. James, lot 64, 1820, '21, '22 1 

Wells, Ezekiel 

Wells, Roswell 

Woodward. William 

Wilson, James . „ 1 

White. John ./ 

Wheeler, Samuel 

Wood, Andrew 

Wheeler, Edward 2 

Whittlesey. Elisha, lots 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 54, 

56. 56, 57, .59, 03 and 65, 1821 and 1822 

Unknown, lots 7 and 31, 18-21 and 1822 

Totals 47 182 $121. 52H 

Auditor's Office, Huron Co., Aug. 1, 1822. 
I, Moses Kimball, certify the foregoing to be a correct duplicate of the 
county tax for 1822. Moses Kimball, C. A. 

Note.— The total tax for the county, including Brownhelm, Black River 
and Elyria. is footed up Jl,'i59.36. 

It will be remembered that Norwalk ami Bronson 
were set off into a township by the name uf Norwalk on 
February IS, 1817, and that Bronson wa.s .set otf from 
Norwalk on March 4, IS'ti. This, tlien, is the first 
personal ])rojierty tax duplicate for Norwalk town- 
ship pro})er, and shows a list of sixty-si.\ taxal)le per- 
sons; but Butman, Underiiill and Whittlesey were 
not residents, leaving the actual resident tax payers 
only sixty-three. 

KESUJEyT REAL ESTATE TAX IN 1S1,5. 

(Extract showing Norwalk). 

Resident proprietors' land tax, in the year 1815. for the counties of Cuy- 

ah< ga and Huron. State of Ohio. 



1 


10 




10 


3 


60 




1 31H 


4 


40 


9 


2.6694 




50 




6.75 




2.99)^ 


2 


20 




■i'V^ 




1 CO 




J. 00 


2 


4.65 


4 


40 


1 


10 


1 


10 


4 


70 


4 


40 


1 


10 


6 


60. 


2 


SO 




14.4594 




2.63 



Proprietors" 
Names. 



Conistook.Aliijah 
Frink. William ^ 
Wood. Standish 



i2 5 5 B ^ -^ . 5 



... 145022 4 

.200.... 22 4 
. 200 ... . 22 4 



2* 8 Huron 

2 1 do 
4 I do 



.-^mimnt ot 
Taxes 



8 cts. mills20(i 



— TT^un — 

Amiiimt L)ue 



I have compared this duplicate with the original, and find it coi-rect. 

Oeor<;e Pease. 

The charge for drawing off Ibe within duplicate is cne dollar and 
fifty cents. Received payment of Charles Parker.t Ueohoe Pease. 

•There is one name on this duplicate for Portage ( ounty. and one for 
Cuyahoga, with forty-seven other mimes for Huron county, the three 
above given being all there are for Norwalk. 

; Charles Parker was one of the county commissioners in*IM.5. 

S William Frink was a resident of Ridgefield in 1S12 and 1S13. anil ot 
Sherman in 1820. and probably never resi<led in Norwalk. 

TAX IN 1810. 

(Extract showing Norwalk). 

Resident proprietors' land taxjfor the year 1816. in the Counlv of Huron. 

State of Ohio, 



Proprietors' 
Names. 


^ 

w 


3 

7, 


1 1 


= 


§ 


Amotmt ot 
Tax 


lolal 
,\inoiint Due 


S'l£- 


. 1 
..1 

.4 

..2&3 

.2 


Sets. 

4 21 

3 48 
17 50 
27 75 

4 50 


mills 

5 
5 




$_ 

4 

3 
17 
27 

4 


cts. mills 






1 
281^22 
23222 
.. 22 

185022 




21 5 


BulI.EpaphrusW 




778 


48 

50 5 

75 


Krink, William 

t 




^^ 


-r 




50 

1 



Total am't tax (with rest of county), S1.1S5 07.7H 

CoMMissioNEEs' OFFICE. Huron County, Ohio. June 8. ISIC. 
We hereby certify that the within and foregoing is a duplicate of the 
State tax, for the County of Huion. for the year 1816. 

l?^^E?^f;^'[t^— 

Frederick Fallv, Clerk. 

t There are in this duplicate one name from Portage county, two 
names from Medina county, four names from Cuyahoga county, one 
hundred and seven names from Huron couty,— four being from Nor- 
walk, and Comstock the only actual resilient. 

TAX IN 1817. 

(Extract showing Norwalk). 

Resident proprietors' land tax, for the year 1817, for Hiuon county. 

Ohio. 



Proprietors' Names 



Colwell and others 

do 

Bull, Epaphrus W 

Comstock, Abijah 

Fay, Aaron 

Frink, William 

Gibbs. David 

Lockwood. Henry 

Second Rate (for county) 

5 Third Rate (for county 



cs o 



•J -S S 



:f- SO iJ 



•232 



iro 

'200 
300 
•200 



281 



18.50 



280 



■22 41 Huron 

. 22 4 1 "I do 

22 44 ■ do 

22 42*3 do 
.22 44 
.22 4|2 
.22 42 

,22 4i3 



2374!;K> I 



-Amount 
of Tax 



$ cts 



4'31H 

5-32 

7501^ 

7 75 " 

2-25 

4 50 

B09H 

870 



1339 87^ 



Commissioners* Office. Huron County, Ohio, Aprils. 1817. 
We hereby certify that the within aod foregoing is a duplicate of the 
State tax, tor the county of Hin'on. for the year 1817. 

Frederick Fally, t , 
JoBN S. Reede, 



■ CnmmiKsioutrs. 



§ There are in this duplicate one name from Portage county, two 
names from Medina county, two names from Cuyahoga county, one 
hundred and twenty-thiee names from Huron county.— seven l}eing 
from Norwalk. 

♦ These figures are the total for the county. The total for Norwalk is 
878.23J^. 

TAX IN 1818. 

(Extract showing Norwalk), 

Resident uroprietors' land tax. for the year 181H. for Huron roniity. 



Proprietoi-s' Names. 



8 cts. 


mills20O 


25 81 
5 37 

5 37 


00 

5 
5 


00 



Trumbvd 

Beattv. John 

do 

Comstock. Abijab.. 

Fay. Aaron 

Frink. William 

Gibbs, David 

Lockwood. Henry.. 
Lewis, Samuel B. . . 
Reed, Ilansi'n 



&.S. 



IS c S s e 



...22 4 4 

381-22 4 1 

282. ...,22 4 1 

185()-22 42*3 



100. 

aoo. 

360. 
200 
20O. 
311 . 



.'22 44 

, . . 22 4 2 

,. . •2-21 42 

>80'2-2l 4 2 

. . . -22 4 1 

...'^4 4 4 



.\mouut 
of Tax 

8 cts. 



1167 
2 HI 
.■i4S 

18 50 
IM 
SkX) 
5 40 
.',80 



J7H 



L 



11(5 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



There are in thi.'s duplicate one name from Portage county, one name 
from Medina county, une humlred and eighty -eight names from Huron 
county.— nine being from Norwalk. 

There is no certificate attached to this paijer. but it is authentic, and 
forms part of tlie official record in the Auditors' office of Huron county. 

T.W IS ISl'.). 
• (Extract showing Nonvalki 

The following Collector'.* duplicate, for the ta.x of 
the year 1819, found anioung the papers of the late 
Hallet Gallup, is the earliest one that the most 
thorough search litis hroaght to light. None are on 
file in the Auditor's office. 



Land tax 


of the residents of Huron county. 


for 1S19, 








rt's 

22 4! 1 
22 4! 1 
22 42,3 
22 4' 4 
22 4 2 
32 4 2 
22 4 3 
22 4' 1 
22 4 2 
22 4 4 




r 


■/ 




Beatv. John 


281 




Huron 


281 
4 1.II1 
i; TO 
175 
350 
630 
6:l.s 
520 
140 
544 


Returned 
R 




do 


i12 .^. 

100.... 
SCO . . . 
SCO .... 
■iM 288 

■m... 

80 ... . 
311.... 




Comstock, Abijah 

Fay, Aaron 

Frink. William . . . 












Paid 

Returned 12H, 

Paid 

Paid 

Paid 

Paid 

Returned 








20 


Gibbs. David .. . 








Lockwood, Henry. 
Lewis, Samuel B. . 
Marvin. Zachariab 








part;4 















Total am't of tax (for eounty), Sl.605.90 



Attest: 
Benjahi.s- Adams, Clerk. 



Joseph Strong, i ^_,.,„ 
BiLDAD Adams, i '-'""" 



TAX IN' 18-.2tl. 
lExti-act sUriwing Norwalk). 



Non-Resident 
Proprietors. 



Resident 
Propi ietors. 



RT S 



$!cts. 



Burrill. Jnn. Ellas. 
Burtiss. Samuel. . 

Bene'lict. Thomas. 

do 
Benedict, Elijah. .. 



250 

i 65 

Beatty, John 51:3 

497 



bickerson, Hannah 
Dickerson, Sarah 



97 
127 
100 



.22 



Baker Timothy., 
do 

do 
Benedict Pljtt, 

for Salley and 

Mary Pettit ) 

Boalt. Eben aOO 

Benedict. William :J00 

Comstock, Abijah. 1160 

do . .543 

Curtiss. Ira 262^ 

Cole,Asa& Thomas, 20t) 
Crawford, Joseph. Sfli^ 
Cole, Levi, heirs of 200 " 



347 



22 



do 
do 



Fitch. Grant. . . 
Filch. Zaiinon. 



Dillineham. John. 
Fay, Lucins 



Jessup, James . 



Frink, WUliamt. 
Gibbs, SamuelR . 
Gibbs, David .... 
Huyck, Hemy . 
Ininan, Slelverj*. 
Jennings. Seth . . 



100 
140 
193 
263 
168H 
100^ 
80 



550 

360 
60 
87H 



Keeler.Isaac, heirs of . 

Lockwood, Stephen. . 

do 



Keeler, Samuel. 
iKeeler. Luke . . . 

do 

do 



95 

317 

50 

1 



873 



Lewis Samuel B .. . | 200 
Lockwood. Henry. 4S0 

Lane. E 

Meei-s. Moody I 50 

Man'in, Zachariah! 80 



4 
4 

.22 4 
.22 4 
.22 4 
22 4 
' 22 4 
.22 4 
■22, 4, 
.22, 4 
.^ 4l 

iiSSi 4 
.22 4 

.as 4| 



200 



4 
4 
4 
4 
22| 4 
22 4 
22 4 
22, 4 
22 4 
22 4 
'221 4 
22 4 
1199K>22 4 
.22 4 
.■22 4 
22 4 
.22, 4 
.2* 4 



103 



I fl37H 

1 1:13?^ 

2 870 

3 203 

3 304W 

4: iWi 

* 175 

I, 1204?i 

4 350 

3 535 

3 ItoG 20:J0 

3 950U 

4 59U 

i 350 

4 6.3?i 

2 350 

4| 175 

1 245 

1, 302« 

1, 4S0M 

l! 291 

4! I 175 

4 1,40 

2, 172)1 

2 6.30 " 

4 ! 105 

4 1 1.53 

i; 1 108 

3 200 

li 166M 

1 1 551M 

4 |..|87f 

3 ..015 

3, 103 

a ;1527M 

3 ill99>| 

1 350 

3 840 

. out lot; . . 1)4 

3! \.:»7i4 

2' I 140 



I 



John S. Reed says, the tax against Cornelius Reed was paid for last 
year. 

To Hallet Galliij,: 

You are. by the commissioners o' Huron county appointed collector 
of the foregoing taxes, of the residents, on land iu the county of Huron. 
You are. therefore, bereb)- authoi ized to collect the same, and make 
returns as the law directs. 



Tax in 1820— coxtinced. 



Non-Resident 
Proprietors. 



Middlebrook.Sam'l 

heirs of 
Russ. Isaac 
Riggs. Jonah. heirs of 

Towusend. Jacob. 
Tousey, Hannah F 

White, Moss. I. 

E. Tweedy. & otliers ( 

Whitlock. Thadeous, 
Whittlesey. Elisha 
Wood. Stephen 




(S cts. 








722% 

24»H 
4:« 
297H 
113 
105 
07?i 

2:J73 

249 
I3iy 
1532 
4-30^ 
262U 




..'43 - 



Total for Norwalk 8267 49^1 

I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a correct duplicate of I 
the land ta.v in the county of Huron, for the year 1820. 

Asa Sanford, 
Auditor of Huron Conn ti/. 

tWilliaui Frink appears as a resident of Sherman, this year. 
TAX DIPLICATE FOR 1878. 

The present County Auditor, H. W. Owen. Esfj. 
has kindly furnished the writer with a statement of 
the several footings of vtiluations and taxes for the 
township and corporation of Norwalk in tne yea^' 

1878: 

Township— total valuation 5748,736 00 

Township— total tax 8,834 79 

btate proportion , 2.171 :i3 

County proportion 2,545 70 

Township proportion. Norwalk township 4,117 40 

Corporation— total valuation ?2,294,783 00 

Total amount of tax 52.261 88 

State proportion 6,654 87 , 

County proportion 7,802 26 i 

Corporation proportion ' 37,804 75 

Total for township and corporation $61,096 67 

FIRST ELECTION. 

Of the tirst election ever held within the limits of 
the present township of Norwalk, Samuel B. Lewis 
says (see Fire-londs Pioneer of June, 18-58, page 33): 
"During the summer and autumn of 1815, I built a 
house on the farm I have so long dwelt upon, and in 
that house, in the spring of 181G. was formed a town- 
ship organization, just after which was held, iu my 
house, the first Norwalk township election. I do not, 
at this distant day, recollect all who were present at 
that election, but can only name, timong others, pre- 
sent: Judge Southgate, David Gibbs, Esq., Henry 
Loekwood, James AVilsou, Hanson Reed, Abijiih 
Comstock, Esq., myself and some fifteen or twenty 
others. Judge Southgate, Abijah Comstock, Es(|., 
and Samuel B. Lewis, Es(|,. ctuistituted the board at 
this election. 

Miirtiu Kellogg .says (see Fire-laiuls Pioneer of 
March, 1S59, page 41): "Thetirst election in Norwalk 
township was held at the house of Hanson Reed in 
Ajiril, 1817. Norwtilk and Bronson were tit this time 
organized as an election distrii-t. There was no jus- 
tice of the iieacc or other officer who could lawfully 



II 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



iir 



qualify the election Ijoard before entering upon the 
duties for which they were chosen. 

''Aliijah Comstock had been justice of the peace, 
but his commission had expired previous to this elec- 
tion. After the electors had met and the board was 
formed, they had to send to Ridgeficld for Esquire 
Littletield to come and qualify the Iward." 

"On the 6tli of April, 1818, (Norwalk and Bronson 
l)eiug together as an election district,) R. S. South- 
gate was elected justice of the peace. Xumljer of 
votes at said election, twenty-two, of which Mr. 
Southgatc had twenty-one votes. On the 28th of 
May, he was (jualitied liy James Williams, Esq., 
county clerk. On the 13th of April, 1818, an elec- 
tion was held at the liouse of Samuel B. Lewis, in 
Xorwalk township, (Bronson and Xorwalk together.) 
At this election fifty-six votes were given. S. B. 
Lewis, Lott Herrick and Martin Kellogg were judges, 
and Reuben Pixley and Dr. Joseph Pearce were clerks 
of election."' 

"Norwalk and Bronson were together as an election 
district from 1817 (the time of their first organiza- 
tion) to 182"^. For a part of this time Fairfield was 
included in the same organization, making an election 
district five miles wide and fifteen miles long, the 
same being called Norwalk; and while so together, all 
the elections were held in the part called Norwalk 
proper. " 

Mrs. Elizabeth Minn, formerly Reed, says (see 
Fire-lands Pioneer of March, 1859. page 48): "The 
first town meeting was held at our house, as near as 
I can remember, in 1818. The officers I do not re- 
meniVier except Reuben Pixley. He was town clerk." 

The foregoing statements are all in conflict with 
each other, and leave the question as to date, in 
doubt. 

Mr. Lewis is undoulitedly mistaken in fixing the 
date in 1810. for Norwalk was not set off from the 
township of Huron until February 18, 1817. 

Mr. Kellogg evidently speaks from memory in fix- 
ing the date as April. 1817, and does not give the 
names of any of the officers officiating at the election 
he describes, nor the names of any of the officers 
elected. He speaks by the record in his account of 
the election of April C, 1818, but puts them in a 
little thick when he gives us another election (ju April 
13. 1818. only seven days after that of the 0th. In 
the number of votes and names of officers officiating, 
he exactly descriljes the election for governor and 
other officers held on Octo))er 13, 1818. There is 
no official record in any of the county offices, from 
which an inference e<nild be drawn, that any election 
was held on April 13th; so he is prol^ably incorrect in 
that statement. 

He is, in part, correct in stating that part of the 
time between 1817 and 1832, Fairfiehl formed part 
of the election district "called Norwalk." From 
Fel)ruary 18, 1817, to March 8, 1S2)), Bronson and 
Norwalk were one organization named Norwalk; at 
the latter date, Rii)ley and Fairfield were attached to 



Norwalk, and the four townships constituted an elec- 
tion district, five miles wide and twenty miles long, 
from that time until March 4, 1822, wheu Bronson 
and Fairfield were set otf into an organization by the 
name of Bronson, and Ripley was attached to New 
Haven. 

No poll-liook. nor certifirate of election can be 
found in any of the county offices, relating tn an 
election in Norwalk in 1817. but in vulumc one of 
the "Commissioners" Journal"" of Huron county, 
showing the dislnirsements Ijy the County Treasurer 
for 1817, appears the following entry: 

Voucher 238. 

I-^IT — June 4. — To Abijah Comstock, for making returns of 
Justice elect Si 00 

Voucher 258, now on file in the Auditor's office, 
reads as follows: 

1 hereby certify that Abijah Comstock made return of the election of 
a justice of the peace for the township of Norwalk, and that by said 
returns he was a judfje of the election. 

May 20, liilV. David Abbott, Cleric Common PI*'(ih. 

In the probate judges office, at Norwalk, is a little 
old record book containing a medley of official memo- 
randa of estrays, store, tavern and ferry licenses, 
marriages, certificates of the organization of dif- 
ferent religious societies, and official qualification of 
justices of the peace: among which is the following; 

.June 4, 1817. David Gibbs sworn into office of justice of the peac" 
tor Norwalk township, before me, David Abbott, Jitstice. 

The foregoing entries and voucher fully corroborate 
and establish the correctness of Mr. Kellogg's state- 
ment, that the first election was held in 1817, and it 
is undoubtedly true that April was the month, and 
Hanson Reed's house the place, when and where it 
occurred. 

Hanson Reed's house was situated on the east side 
of the road leading from near the water works to the 
Fairfield road, and about thirty rods from the latter 
road. 

No poll-t)ouk can be found of the election of April 
G, 1818, but an official certificate of an abstract of 
the votes cast at that election is on file in the county 
clerk's office, and is as follows: 

Whereas, By poll-book transmitted to me, and opened in the pres- 
ence of David Abbott and David W. Hinman, two justices of the peace 
in and for the county of Huron, it appears that at an election in and for 
the township of Norwalk. on the litU day of .\pril, ISIS, the number of 
votes amounted totwenty-two. and that Rjbert SSouthgatehad twenty- 
one votes and Sanmel B. Lewis one vote, consequently the said Robert 
S. Southgate was duly elected a justice of the peace, in and for the 
township of Norwalk, in the comity aforesaid. 

We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the above is a true 
abstract of the above mentioned poll-book opened b}- us. 

Dated this 13th day of April. 1S.18. David .\bbott, 

David W, Hinman, 

Justkes of thf Peace. 

In the Commissioners' Journal, account of disburse- 
ments for the year 1818, appears the following entry 
under date of May 27: 

Voucher 360 
ToS B Lewis for election ivturii 04 cents. 

N'liucher Ni>. 3tl(i, for I hat year, reads: 

I do hereby certif.v th It Samuel B Lewis nmde a return of the poll- 
book of the election of a justice of the peace, in and for the township 
of Norwalk, whereby it appeals that Robert S Southgate was elected a 
justice. ;Jas. Wiu.iams, C Plean. 



i 



118 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The foregoing certificates and commissioners' entry 
form the only ofKcial recognition of the election of 
April 6, 1818. They fully corroborate Mr. Kellogg 
as to his statement of that election. It i.s probable 
that Samuel B. Lewis, Lott Herrick and Martin Kel- 
logg, were the judges, as .stated by Mr. Kellogg, and 
Reuben Pixley one of the clerks, as stahd hy both 
Mr. Kellogg and Mrs. Minn. 

The pii!l-biiok of the State election of ()ctoi)er 13, 
1818, (which Mr. Kellogg so exactly describes as hav- 
ing been held April 13.) is the first and oldest one 
found (jn the files in the county clerk's office. This is 
probably the election referred to by Mr. Lewis and 
Mr. Kellogg as the one held at tlic house of the former. 
The following is a copy: 

I'OLL ROOK, OCTOBER 13, 1818. 

Poll Book of the election held in the township of Norwalk. in the 
county of Huron, on the thirteenth day of October, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Martin Kellogg, Sam- 
uel B. Lewis, and Lot Herrick. juilges; and Reuben Pixley and Joseph 
Pearce, clerks of this election, were severally sworn as the law directs, 
previous to their entering on the duties of their offices. 

Xo. Xo. . 

of Names of Electors. of Names of Electors. 

Votes Votes. 

1. Levi Cole. 89. Peter Tice. 

2. 'Eben Guthrie. 30. Simon Timermon. 

3. Mulvery Inman. 31. Reuben C. Pixley. 

4. Ezra Abbott. 32 James Wilson. 
5 Burwell Whitlock. 33. 'Lester Clark, 
li. 'Stewart Southgate. 34. 'Nathan Sutlift. 
7, Asher Cole. 35. Thomas Cole. 

K. Edward Wbeele;'. 36 Truman Rusco, 

9. Hanson Read. ^ 37. John White, y 

10. Joseph Pearce. 38. Eben Boalt. 

H. John Laylin. -39 Asa W. Ruggles. 

12 Charles Laylin 40. 'Nathan Tanner. 

13. 'William W. Beckwith 41. Seth Jeimings. 

14. 'Joseph Crawford. 42. David Cole. 

15. 'Job T Reynolds. 43 Abraham Powers. 

16. Carlton Hoskins 44. 'Abijnh Rundell. 
IT. Piatt Benedict. 45. John Boalt. 

18. 'Lot Herrick 40. Jabez Newcomb 

19. 'Martin Kellogg. 47. Luke Keeler 

20. 'Daniel Warren. 4S. John Keeler. 

21. Lucius Fay. 49. Henry Lockwood. 

22. Samuel B. Lewis. 50. Louis Keeler. 

23. 'Robert S. Southgate. 51. 'Daniel Clark. 

24. 'Jabez Deinming. 52. Seth Keeler. 

25. Jasper Vnderhill. 53 'Halsey Clark 
26 John Welch. 54. James Mead 

27. 'Reuben Pi.^ley, 55 Abijah Comstock. 

28. David Underbill. .'lO Charles Taylor. 

It is hereby cerlifleil that the number of electors at this election 
amounts to fifty-si.'c 

Samuel B. Lewis 

Attest: Martin Kellobb, 

Rei'ben Pixley, Lott Herrick, 

Joseph Pearce, Jiirlges of Election. 
Clerks. 

On the reverse side of the half sjicct of unruled 
foolscap paper nptm which tiie foregoing "Poll 
Book " is written, an abstract and certificate of the 
votes east at tiiat election are entered, as follows: 

KAHE8 OF PERSO.VS VOTED FOR, AND FOR WHAT OFFICES. CONTAININO THE 
NlllBER OF VOTES FOR EACH PERSON. 

Governor— 

Thomas Worthington, number of votes 2 

Ethan A. Brown, number of votes r>3 

Representatives in the State Legislatvre— 

Senate— John Campbell, number of votes 49 

Representative- Alf red Kelley. number of votes 49 



Representative in Cosoress— 

Peter Hitchcock, number of votes t> 

John Sloane, number of votes 49 

County Commissio.ners— 

Erastus Smith, number of votes 5 

Bildad .\dams, number of votes ^. . . , 50 

We hereby certify that Ethan A. Brown had fifty -three votes for Gov- 
ernor, and Thi^mas Worthington had two votes for Governor: John 
Campbell had forty-nine votes for Senator in the State Legislature; 
Alfred Kelley had forty-nine votes tor Representative in the State Legis- 
lature: John Sloane had foiny-nine votes for Representative in Con- 
gress, and Peter Hitchcock had six vctes for representative in Congress; 
Bildad Adams had fifty votes for County Commissioner, and Erastus 
Smith had five votes for Coimty Commissioner 

Samtel B. Lewis. 
.Attest: Martin Kellogg. 

Recbes Pixley. Lo^t Herrick, 

Joseph Pearce. Judges of Election. 

Clerks. 



PULL BOOK. APRIL 0. 



1824. 



Poll-book of the election held in the township of Norwalk. in the 
coimty of Huron, and State of Ohio, this fifth day of April, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four. Piatt Bene- 
dict, Ebeu Boal!' and Asher Cole, judges; and John Tice and Abel 
Trac}'. clerks, were severally sworn, as the law directs, previous ta 
their entering upon the duties of their respective offices. 



NAMES OF ELECTORS. 

Cyrus Butler 

Matthew W. Junkins. 

Perry G Beckwith. 

Piatt Benedict, 

Isaac Herrick. 

John White,*/ 

E<hvard Wheeler. 

John Hiiyck. 

James Wilson 

Luke Keeler. 

Erastus Butler. 

Henry Hurlbutt. 

Samuel Henry. 

Ebenezer Lane. 

Alexander Dickson. 

John Laylin, 

Henry Huyck. 

Roswell Wells. 

Oliver Day. 

Epaphroditns Isham. 

Sehion Isham. 

Zachariah Marvin. 

Josiah Wells, 

It is hereby certified that the number of electors at this electioD 
amount to sixty-seven. 

pLiTT Benedict, 
Attest: Asher Cole, 

John Tice, Eben Boalt, 

Abel Tracy. Judges of Election. 

Clerks. 

Enos Gilbert, was elected Justice of the Peace. 

Samuel Preston, was elected Township Clerk 

Eben Boalt. Platl Benedict and Asher Cole, were elected Trustees. 

Timothy Baker, was elected Treasurer. 

CEXSIS OF 181i). 

Enume? ation of the male inhabitants of the town of Norwalk over the 
age of twenty-one years. Eben Boalt. Lister. 



Andrew Woods. 
Ammi Keeler. 
John Tice. 
Hallet Gallup , 
Lucius Fay." 
Erastus Fenney . 
Richard Huj'k. 
John G. Taylor. 
Abimel Dodge. 
Thomas Buchannan 
John Dillingham . 
Pickett Latimer 
Malaverj' Inman, 
Samuel Preston . 
JohnT. Hilton. 
Asa Cole. 
Henry Lockwood - 
Frederick Forsythe. 
Thomas Holmes. 
Daniel Samnveslane 
Daniel G. Raitt 
Enos Gilbert. 
Benjamin Junkins 



Joshua Drake. 
Alvin Barton. 
Abijah Comstock. 
Ruluf Andrus. 
Jabez Clark. 
IchaLod Marshall. 
David Gibbs. 
Abel Tracy 
Eben Boalt 
Theodore Baker. 
Ezekiel Wells. 
John Dounce. 
Charles Laylin. 
Har\-ey G Morse. 
Timothy Baker, 
George Springsted. 
Hanson Read. ^Z 
Daniel Whitney. 
John Keeler. 
Asher Cole. 
Benjamin Hoyt. 



•Lived *n Bronson. theq part of Nonvalk . 



Abbott. Ezra. 
Ammerman. Simeon. 
Amniidon. Daniel. 
Arnold. Alfred. 
Benedict, Piatt. 
Beckwith. Perry. ■ 
Beckwith, William.' 
Boalt. Eben . 
Boalt. John. 
Bninson, Hozeah. 
Baily. Hyram. 
Brownell. Abel " 
Betts. John 
Cole, Levi . 
Cole, Asber. 



Gallup. Hallet 
' Guthra. Eben.' 
Gurley. M 
Herrick. Ezra." 
Herrick. Ezra, Jr. ' 
Hurlbutt. Henry 
Hoskins, John 
Hoskins, Carleton ' 
Hagerman. Thomas ' 
Houk, H^nry. 
Herrick. Lott. ' 
Inman, Malvara. 
Isham, Epaphroditns. 
Isham, Seldon. 
Kellogg, Martin. ' 



Potter, Thomas 
Prentice, Oliver." 
Pettet, Edward. 
Raitt, Daniel G. 
Rundle. Abijah.'^ 
Reed, Hanson. -^ 
Reynolds, JobT."^ 
Sutliff, Nathan. ' 
Southgate. Roberts. 
Sypher. Peter. ■=* 
,Sypher. Peter, Jr.* 
Smith, John. 
Strong. Silas G, 
Sypher, Henry ' 
Stone, Joel. 



1 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



119 



Carpenter, J..lm L. 
Comstock, Abijah. 
Cherry. Henry " 
Clark. Lester." 
Clark, Jabez. 
Cole, David. 
Clark. Holsey. 
Crawford, Joseph. ■' 
Cole. Thomas 
Cole, Asa. 
Carver, AMrich. 
Dickerson. .\lexander. 
Deniming. .Jabez.'-' 
Davis, Joshua. 
Forsythe. Frederick 
Fay, Lucius. 
Fay. PoUus 
Felt, Joshua 
Gibbs, David 
Gibbs. Samuel R. 
Gilbert, Enos. 
Gallup, William. 



Keeler, Luke 
Keeler, Ami. 
Keeler. Lewis 
Keeler, John 
Keeler. Seth . 
Lockwood, George. 
Lockwood, Ralph. 
Lockwood. Henry. 
Layliu. .John 
Laylin, Charles 
Lewis. Samuel B. 
Loomis. Alnian. 
Marshall, lohabod 
Myre-*, Adam 
McLin, John 
Xewcomb. Jabez 
Nims. Slaham, 
Odway, Xehemiah. 
Fearce, Joseph. 
Pixley. Reuben _ 
Pixley, Reuben, Jr. 
Powers, Abraham. 



Sanders, Stephen. 
Soles, Charles. 
Tice. Peter 
Ta.vlor, Benjamin."' 
Terry. Henry. 
Tanner, Nathan. * 
Underhill, Jasper 
Underbill. David. 
Wheeler, Edward 
Wells, Ezekiel. 
Wells, Roswell 
Welch, John 
Warren. Daniel W ■■' 
White. John. / 
Wilson, James 
Todd. Mannings. 
Shaddock, Joseph. 
Ruggles, Asa. 
Rusco, Armon,' 
Southgate, Stewart. 



CEJT.SL-S OF 1827. 



I do hereby certify the within to be a correct enumeration of the white 
male inhabitants of the township of Norwalk, in the county of Huron, as 
taken by me. Eben Boalt, Lister. 

XORWALK, Slay 24, 1819, 



This enuuieration shows a total of 

Liveti in Bronson, attached to Norwalk 

Total for Norwalk proper ... 



109 
.34 



CENSUS OF 1823. 

The euanieratiou of the white male inhabitants of 
Norwalk above tweiitv-oiie rears of a2:e. in 1823. 



John Keeler 1 

Abijah Comstook 1 

Neheraiah Odway 1 

Ezekiel Wells 1 

Roswell Wells 1 

Seldou Isham 1 

Epaphroditus Isham 1 

Samuel R. Gibbs 1 

Daniel Strattou 1 

Andrew Woods I 

Samuel B. Lewis 1 

Henry Hurlbutt 1 

Eben Boalt 1 

Henry Huyck. 3 

John Dillingham 1 

■ Buck 1 

Daniel Sowers 1 

John Dounce 1 

John Layland . ; I 

Edward Wheeler 3 

Josiah Wells 1 

Asa Cole 2 

.lames Wilson I 

Slalvery Inman 1 

Charles Laylin 1 



John White 



^ 



y 



1 



Peter Tice i 

Frederick Forsythe .3 

Daniel G. Raitt 1 

Edward Pettit 1 

Harvey G. Morse .3 

Cyrus Butler 1 

Erastus Finney. 1 

Enos Gilbert 1 

Daniel Tildeu 1 

Henrj- Buckingham 1 

Moses Kimball. 1 

Piatt Benedict 1 

Samuel Preston 2 

Samuel Henry 1 

William Benton 1 

Ichabod Marshall 2 

Zachai iah Marvin 1 

Hallet Gallup 1 

Theodore Bangs 1 

Nathan B. Johnson 1 

Ebeuezer Lane \ 

Pickett Latimer 1 

Timothy Baker 3 

Luke Keeler 2 

Lewis Keeler 1 

David Gibbs 1 

Henrj- Lockwood 3 

Thomas Buchannon 1 

Alfreil Arnold. . i 

John T. Hilton. 1 



Hanson Reed .Y. 3 

Lemuel Raymond 1 

Thomas Holmes 1 

Asher Cole 3 

Lucius Fay 1 

The whole amount of the white male inhabitants of the township of 

Norwalk is eighty. Attest by LrKK Keeler, 

Lister for the Toicnship of Xorwalk. 

It is to be regretted that the foregoing "ennmera- 
tion '" was not more e.\[)licit in /•aitiiiif^ the inliabi- 
tants: nineteen person are counted witliout being 
iiamod. It is probable the list is imperfect. Wil- 
liam Gallup, the head of a family, and within the 
class called for l)y the enumeration, does not appear. 
He did not belong in any of the families containing 
more than one person given al)ove: the same is true of 
Benjamin Tavlor, James Williams and some others. 



County Assessors returns of the white male inhabitants, above the 
age of twenty-one years in Huron county, agreeable t'> an act regulat- 
ing the mode of taking the enumeration of the white male inhabitants 
above the age of twenty -one years, passed January lu, 1S37. 



\ 



2d 



NORWALK 1.31. 

Ichabod Marshall. 
Zaehariah Marvin, 
Benjamiu F. Harman. 
Daniel Tilden 
M'ises Kimball. 
Timothy Baker. 
Theodore Baker. 
Picket Latimer 
David Gibbs 
Enos Gilbert 
Augustus P. Tower. 
Gilbert Brigbtman 
Saitiuel Preston 
John P. McArdle. 
William F. Kitterage. 
Daniel G. Raitt 
John G. Tailor. 
Nelson Haughlon. 
Horace Howard. 
Asahel W. Howe 
Isaac Wilson. 
William Benton 
Samuel Henry. 
James Springstead 
Leverett Bradley. 
John Tice. 
Lewis Curtiss. 
Joseph C. Curtiss. 
Thomas Holmes. 
James Wilson. 
Malavara Inmau. 
Thomas Buehaunan 
John White ^ 
Union White. ^ 
John W Haughton 
Asa Cole 

William Haughton. 
Edward Wheeler. 
Samuel Wheeler. 
John Laylin. 
John Dounce. 
John Dillingham. 
Jesse C. Brayman 
Henry Huyck, 
Michael F. Cisco 
Seth Jennings. 



Levi Wilson. 
Samuel R. Gibbs. 
Oliver Day 
Seldon Isham . 
David Sutton . 
Epaphroditus Isham 
Roswell Wells 
Josiah Wells. 
Ezekiel Wells 
Ezekiel Wells, Jr, 
Lewis Keeler. 
Jacob Tetter. 
Andrew Woods. 
Thonias Philips. 
Obadiah Jenuej-. 
John V Buskark 
John V. Buskark, 
Richard Numsin 
Joseph Wilson. 
Thaddeus B. Sturgis 
Thomas Adams. 
Jacob Wilson 
H G. Morse. 
Aurelius Mason . 
Benj. Carman. 
Ebeuezer Lane 
C. P Brouson. 
Josiah Botstord 
Samuel Barnes. 
Samuel Sherman . 
Luke Keeler. 
Ami Keeler 
Jonathan Jennings. 
Andrew Millburn. 
Thomas iMillburn. 
Lucius Fay. 
Asher Cole. 
Levi Cole. 
Miner Cole. 
Abel Brownell 
John Keeler. 
Dr. Joseph Pearce. 
Abrahahi Powers. 
Jacob Morton 
Piatt Benedict . 
Jonas B Benedict. 

I, George ShefBeld, Assessor of Huron Couuty, certify that the fore- 
going is a correct list of the white male inhabitants above the age of 
twenty one years, taken by me agreeable to an act of the Legislature of 
the State of Ohio, passed January 10, 1847. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official signature 
this 4th day of June, 1837. George Sheffield, Ax.tessor. 

The '•poll-book" of an eleution held in Norwalk on 
the 2d of April, 1827, shows that the following per- 
sons voted at that election, whose names do not ap- 
pear in the foregoing •'enumeration:" 



Benjamin Junkins. 
Matthew W. Junkins. 
Frederick Forsyth . 
Oliver Woodhouse . 

Read. 

Caleb Gallup. 
Barnet CarkhiifT. 
Asa H Beard. 
Abraham Emmitt. 
Ery Keeler 
Henry Hurlbut. 
John Miller. 
Cyrus Butler. 
William H Hunter. 
William W, Nugent. 
JohuV. Vredenburgh. 
Mathew Callaway 
Hallett Gallup. 
James Williams. Esq. 
Joseph Wilson, Jr. 
Charles L. Curtis. 
William Gallup 
John V. Sharp 
Henry Buckingham. 
Henry Rider. 
J^ies Minshel. 
Carlton B. Gane. 
Lewis M. Howard. 
John Ebert, Jr. 
Jabez^A B. Calkins. 
Daniel Stratton. 
Charles Laylin. 
Perry G. Beckwith. 
Samuel B. Lewis. 
George Powers, 
Nathan Parks. 
Jonathan Brown. 
Ruluf Andrus. 
John T. Hilton. 
Norwalk 131. 

[The returns of other 
towns omitted as not 
connected with Norwalk 
history ] 



Stephen V. R. Bogert. 
Eben Boalt. 
AliJheus Buchannau. 
Nelson Horton, 
William Buck. 



Burrell Keeler. 
David H. Sutton. 
William Miller. 
John Huyck. 
Robert Morton. 



Daviil Lawrence 
Sylvester Pomeroy. 
Isaac M. >Iarvin. 
Seth Keeler. 



NATHAN S. COMSTOCK. 

At the time Norwalk. Connecticut, was burned 
(July 11, 1T9;) l)y (u'licral Tryon. in the ••Revolu- 
tionary War." Thomas Comstock, of New Canaan, ex- 
tended shelter, and such assistance as his means per- 
mitted, to many of the Norwalk sufferers. Not iiaving 
the means of repaying hi.> kindness, Simeon Iiaymond 
and Colli Iloyt proposed to, and did release to him 



120 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



any claims they might have against the government 
on account of their lossc.-;. As a result, he afterwards 
became the owner of a large tract of land in sections 
two and three of Norwalk, Ohio. 

1806. — In this year, his son, Nathan S. Comstock, 
in coni|)any with several others, started on an ex])lor- 
ing expedition to "spy out the country" wlierc tlieir 
new possessions lay. They spent .<onie time in look- 
ing over the country, lint not being iirovided witli 
suitable niajis or guides, were not certain tiiey found 
the particular land they were in search of. 

1800.— Early in the spring of this year. Xatiiiin en- 
gaged the services of Darius Ferris and Elijah Hoyt 
to accomi)any him on a second expedition to Norwalk 
with the intention of nniking a pernument settlement. 
They started with a spun of horses and wagon and 
such tools as would be necessary in clearing and build- 
ing. At Buffalo they found it impracticable to proceed 
further with their wagon, so a small boat was pur- 
chased, into which their goods were packed, with the 
addition of a barrel of wdiisky. Two of them manned 
the boat, and proceeded up the lake, keeping near 
the shore, while the other took charge of the horses, 
and traveled o^*erland, keeping near the lake. In 
this manner they reached the month of Huron river. 

There were at that time quite a number of Indian 
settlements along that river, the largest of which was 
where the village of Milan now stands, and was called 
Pennatting. They were Moravians, in charge of a 
missionary named Frederick Drake, and had a mission 
house. Being very friendly, they offered the new 
comers the use of their mission house until a struc- 
ture could be erected to shelter them. A site was 
selected for the new house in section two. near a 
.spring, and in the immediate neighlxirhood of the 
fine brick residence erected a few years ago by Philo 
Comstock, Esq., and now occupied by John Ran- 
dolph, Esq.. in section three of Norwalk. After cut- 
ting the logs, the few white men then in the country, 
of whom F. W. Fowler, uf Milan, was one, were 
invited to assist in putting up the house. 

This was the first house erected by white nicii. in 
the township of Norwalk. of which any record can be 
traced, and was, most jn-obably, the pioneer house. 
It was not covered liy a mansard nxjf ; the windows 
were not .•^et with crown-plate glass; the front door 
was not of carved walnut, nor mahogany; the back 
door dill not exist; its floor was not covered with a 
brussi'ls (iirin't: there was no piano and no sewing 
maciiine within its avmIIs; upon the niarlile-tiqqied 
center table (which was not there) lay no daily morn- 
ing jiaper containing the latest telegrajih news and 
the last time card of the Lake Shore i*< Michigan 
Southern Kail Road, nor even that of the AVheeling & 
Lake Erie Railroad Comjiany. In fact, it was no 
palatial residence, bnt rough ami strong, and made 
for service like the strong-willed, inm-handed men 
whe built it. Its roof was made of "shakes;"" its 
walls of iough logs; its floor was the face of mother- 
earth, carpeted with (he moss of tiie growth of ages; 



tlie bedsteads were "bunks" with poles for springs, 
and their mattresses were sacks filled with leaves and 
mosses; its cooking range was a l)rass kettle linng on 
a pole supported by two crotchcd sticks driven into 
the floor, and its chimney was a hole left open in the 
roof. Rough, uncouth, homely, yet it was a Jmiue. — 
fJic fir-sf home of Norwalk. 

The house having been erected, they next cmn- 
menced a clearing of about ten acres which they com- 
pleted, in a manner, and sowed to wheat that fall. 

Nathan was a genuine Yankee, and jiossessed of 
the same fertility of genius that invented "wooden 
nutmegs."' The Indians had got a taste of his whisky, 
and became frequent vjsitors; he improved the quan- 
tity of it by the addition of three gallons of water to 
each gallon of s^jirits, and the color and quality by 
adding burned maple sngar and Avild cherries. This 
"doctored" compound he sold readily to the Indians 
as "French brandy" at one dollar a (piart. It would 
be fortunate for the "red-nosed fraternity" of 
the present generation if they indulged in no worse 
brandy than was sold by Nathan S. Comstock in 1809. 

While making their clearing, the three kejtt "bache- 
lor's hall,"' and a common dish with them was pork 
and beans. One morning they set their ])ot of beans 
and pork over the fire, so as to have their dinner 
ready cooked when they should come in at mid-day, 
and then wont to tlieir work. When the sun marked 
noon, they returned in time to sec two or three 
sneaking wolves disappear down a neighboring ravine, 
and found their fire burned out, their dinner gone, 
and the unlucky lirass kettle much the worse from 
having been used as a j)latter by .several wolves instead 
of one. It is jirohable those hungry men then in- 
dulged in a few remarks, not complimentary to the 
f(nir-legged tramps. 

The clearing having been made, and the wheat put 
in, they returned to Connecticut. Nathan intended 
to return the next spring with his family, and remain 
a permanent settler, but his health had become so 
]ioor in consequence of exposures and hardships ex- 
perienced on his return in the fall of 1809, and his 
wife being unwilling to risk the hards!ii]is and jiriva- 
tions of a frontier life, he resigned his interest in the 
west to his brother Abijali. 

Nathan S. Comstock was the father of Philo Com- 
stock, Es(|., now living in Milan, Ohio, and grand- 
father of E. A. Comstock, of this village, und Mrs. 
John Randolph, of this t<iwnshi]i, and an uncle of 
Giles. Stephen and Augusta Boalt. of this village. 

AHI.IAII <i)MSTOCK. 

Abijah Comstock was born at New Canaan, Con- 
necticut, September i, 1781, and in 1810 came to 
Norwalk, and by arrangement with his father and 
brother, Nathan S., took the interest of Nathan S. 
in the Norwalk land, and becoming an actual resi- 
dent. — in the house built by his brother the j'ear 
previous, — harvested the crop of wheat which had 
been )uit in by Nathan ami his two hired men. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



121 



I 



In Ihu hitH'j- jiart of 1810 or fore part of ISll, he 
iiKirried Kstlicr Iscft, sister of Hosiner Merry's wife, 
at that time living at the phice whicli becuim- wliat is 
now known as the "Old County Seat."' 

He l)rou<,'lit with him from Connecticut two yoke 
of oxen, a wagon and the supplies necessary for his 
permaniMit sojourn, and was ai-eomiianied by a lad 
nanifd Alfre'<l Arnold, who is yet living in Townsend 
township, well advanrfd in years. 

In 1S12, his first child, 'riiomas. was horn. When 
the child was only a day or two old, Alfred Arnold, 
wild had been away on an errand through the woods, 
met, on his return, an Indian named Omick,* who 
stopped him and made very particular ini|uiry as to 
"How Comstock? IIow scpiaw? How pappoose?" 
The fact of the Indian being aware of the birth of 
the child, which had so recently occurred, surprised 
young Arnold, but he was quickly cured of that sur- 
prise by a greater one. The Indian seized him by 
the hair of his head and said, "Arnold no be fraid, 
.Vrnold good boy: Indian no scalp Anio/il." He 
then released his grasp and plunged into the woods. 

Arnold was so impressed by the questions, manner 
and actions of Omick, that he hastened home and 
told Comstock that they must leave at once, or they 
would be murdered. His warning was acted upon, 
the oxen and wagon got ready, and the whole family 
sought safety in flight toward the Vermillion river. 
Soon after, their house was burned by the Indians, 
probably by the same band that destroyed Benjamin 
Newcomb's house. 

While Norwalk was yet attached to, and |iart of, 
the Township of Huron, Mr. Comstock was elected 
a justice of the peace. And he was also electe<l and 
served as the first county tieasiirer, l)nt this position 
j)rovcd unfortunate for him. He was of a generous 
disposition, and could not refuse to grant a favor 
asked by one who came to him in need, or in the 
character of a friend, and looked upon all men as 
honest and meaning just what they said. No sooner 
had the taxes been collected and returned to him 
than he was successfully beseiged by numiM-ous appli- 
cants for temj)orary loans of money, eiich and all 
assuring him of their certainty of returning it to 
him Ijefore he shouhl he called upon to account for 
it. The usual result in such cases followed, and' he 
found the time for settlement at hand, but no funds. 
In this dilemma he hastened back to Connecticut, 
Miortgagcd all his interest in the N(jrwalk lands to his 
brother Nathan S. , in exchange for money suflicient to 
meet his deficit; returned to Huron county, and fully 
jiaid iiji all his liabilities as treasurer, and from that 



•Mr Arnold's rccollectinn is. that it wag Omick, but in this he is 
probably mistaken, for the incident related, is not likely to have occur- 
red before the commencement of the war of 1812. CVinpret^s passed 
the act lieclarini^ that war on June IHh, and it was proclaimed on the 
next day In April, 1812, Omick and another Indian. Semo, murdered 
Michael Gibbs and a Mr. Buel near "Ogontz Place" (now Sandusky 
<*ity), and were sorm after arrested, when Semo blew his own i)rainH out 
with a gun, and Omick was taken to Cleveland, tried, convicted, and on 
,Iune2*i, 1H12, executed. 



time to his death, remained a comparatively poor 
man, luit always honorable and respected. 

The mortgage was never paid, and the property 
eventually passed to Natiian. who, in IS'.^.'^, sent his 
son Philo out to look after it, and so faithful has been 
his .stewardship thrit he lias remained looking after it 
to this day. 

He died February 1, IB.")?, at the hou.se of Stephen 
Boalt, whose mother was a sister to Nathan and 
Abijali. 

liKN.lAMlN NEWCOMIi. 

Benjamin Newcon Ij was l)orn in Durham, Connecti- 
cut. He there married, and afterwards with his wife 
and iwo .sons, Samuel S. and Benjamin C, removed 
to Kinsman, Trumliull county, Ohio. From there at 
some time previous to the war of 18r.i. he removed 
to Norwalk township, and located in the southwest 
corner of section four on the fai-in now owned and 
occupied by Miner Cole. He probably took the land 
under a contract from Comfort S. Mygatt, but never 
obtained a deed. His name appears on the tax dupli- 
cate of personal projjerty for 1S1.5, l)ut not on the 
real estate duplicate. 

181.5. — In the summer of this year, he transferred 
whatever interest he had in the land to Joseph Pierce, 
who afterwards, in 1 81 H, sold it to Levi Cole who 
obtained a deed from Mygatt. 

1816. — On July 4th, Mr. Newcomb was instantly 
killed by the kick of a horse. 

Wliile residing in Norwalk, he hail occasion to go 
to Huron, and while* there had an altercation with 
an intoxicated Indian who took offence at .something 
Mr. Newcomb said or did. The Indian attacked him 
with an axe, but Mr. NewcomI) took the axe away 
from him, and then knocked him down with his fist. 
The next day the Indian on horseback passed Mr. 
Newcomb near his house, and watching his ojipor- 
tunity, hit him a severe blow with a club. .Mr. New- 
comb sprang forward, seized the "red-skin" l)y one 
foot, dragged him from his pony, and gave him so 
severe a beating that he was thought to lie dead, and 
was put in the fence corner, and the children covered 
him up with sticks and leaves, but the next morning 
he was gone. 

Soon after Hull's surrender in August. 1812, John 
Laylin. then of Berlin township, while on his way to 
Greenfield to notify liis uncle, Hanson Reed, of the 
danger from the Indians, called in the night, and 
gave the alarm to Newcomb that the Indians were 
coming, and they must at once leave the country. 
Very hastily such things as were neces-sary for a long 
tedious tramp through an almost trackless wilderness, 
were i)acked up. and the family, consisting of fatiur, 
mother, tAvo boys and an infant, Mary,* less than two 
years of age, started for the older .settlements east. 
By day-break, they reached the "old State road." and 
at a place since calleil Burdy's Corners, met othei- 

* Mary Newcomb married I*hiIo Comstock [-"ebruary ."», lH;i]. and 
died in September following; aged a little over twenty years. 



1 •)•> 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



refugees from Huron. Together they kept ou to Ver- 
million river, where a halt was made, and Mr. Xew- 
comb returned to reeonnoiter, and reacheil his place, 
two or three days after leaving it, in time to see. from 
a safe cover, his house burned by the Indians, and he 
supposed they must have Ijeen led there by the one 
he had so severely punisiied some time before, as it 
was the only house burned so far away from tlie lake. 
After crossing the Vermillion river, they directed their 
course to the "portage" of Cuyahoga river, from 
there to Charlestown, and from there to Vernon, and 
from there Mr. Newcoml) entered the army as a 
teamster. In preparing for flight, Mr. Newcomb hid 
his log-chains and some other projierty in a hole he 
dug in the ground, but upon his return after the 
war, could not find where he had made his deposit, 
and the articles have never been found. 

Towards night of the next day after Newcomb and 
family had left their house, several persons from the 
township of Wheatsborough, now Lyme, fleeing from 
the dreaded Indian incursion, reaehed the deserted 
house, and determined to camp there over night. 
They "lioi)pled"" their horses by tieing their front feet 
so near together that they could not step more than 
about a foot at a time, and let them loose to feed; 
then commenced to pre[i!n'e their supper, which they 
soon had ready, and were about commencing to eat 
when they were startled by the much tlreaded and 
unearthly Indian war-whoop. Stricken with iiorvor, 
they stood not upon the order of their going, but preci- 
pitately sought safety in the darkness of the unbroken 
forest: their horses, goods and tempting supper were 
left Ijehind; even their guns were abandoned, so com- 
plete and bewildering was their surprise; life, or 
torture and death hung upon the action of moments; 
property, resistance, the means of protection were 
unthought of, in the dire necessity for immediate 
escape and shelter from the merciless foe who tortured 
for pleasure, and murdered for revenge. 

They all escaped successfully, and hour after hour, 
all night long, hurried southward through the swamps, 
thickets, and over the fallen logs of the trackless 
wilderness; at day-break, they were near the south line 
of the county, some of them so nearly exhausted that 
they wanted to halt and rest, but others of the party 
insisted the Indians could follow their track like a 
puck of wolves, and so the weary, famishing flight, 
kept on during the long, long hours of the day, until 
the weaker ones were ready to fall out of line, abandon 
the escape, and submit to their fate. But there were 
warm hearts and strong hands in that party. A long 
light pole was secured, each person took firm hold of 
it, and thus, the strong supjjorting the weak, the 
weary march dragged on, and did not stop until 
Mansfield and safety were reached. 

The day this party passed through the township of 
Ridgeficld on their way to Newcomb's house. Reuben 
Pixley, Sr., then living in Ridgefield township, heard 
in some way that there was no danger to be appre- 
hended fnim the Indians, and started after the party 



'II 



to induce them to return. On his way he met Seth 
Brown who lived in the fourth section of Ridgefield, 
and consented to accompany Pixley in search of the 
refugees. 

They arrived near Newcomb's place, just as the 
party were about to commence eating their supper,, 
and thinking to havesmne sport, tried their ability to* 
counterfeit the hideous war-whoop of the savages. 
The success of their jiowers of imitation was greater 
than they had anticipated, and although they made 
strenuous efforts to overtake the frightened people, 
and explain their little joke, were totally unable to 
do so. They remained at Newcomb's house that 
night, fared sumptuously, and in the morning re- 
turned with the abandoned property, and soon sent 
word on to Mansfield explaining their miseral)le i)rac- 
tical joke. This story was recently related to the 
writer by Miner Cole, Esq., of this township, who 
says he has heard it many times from the lips of 
Reuben Pixley, Sr., one of the practical jokers. 

The Newcomb house, burned by the Indians in 
1812, stood on the east side of the creek, close under 
the hill, and l)ut a few rods from the town line 
between Norwalk and Bronson. There are now 
standing near its site a stately poplar and an olil 
descrepit apple tree planted there by that early 
settler nearly seventy years ago. 

A military road or trail then existed upon the 
town line, just south of his house, which Mr. New- 
comb had assisted in opening, and it was while at 
work on that road that he was attracted by the beauty 
of that particular location which afterwards he settled 
upon as related. 

At the close of the war, he returned to his i)lace, 
and erected another log house on the west side of the 
creek, on a gravel blutf overlooking the valley. From 
that bluff the gravel was taken that filters the water 
used by the citizens of Norwalk from the water 
works, and West Main street was graveled partly from 
the same source. 

Yesterday, May 2, 18T0, the writer and his little 
daughter, in company with Miner Cole, visited the 
spot; the old house is gone; its site is marked by an 
indentation where the cellar used to be, and the old 
hearthstones yet remain in place. Standing upon 
that memento of the first steps of civilization, and 
looking forth in the bright sunlight of the ))aln)y 
May afternoon, over the beautiful valley at his feet, 
upon which a fiock of shee]) and lambs were grazing, 
busy fancies l)rought to him echoes of the scream of 
the panther and howl of the wolf, followed by the 
.inging sound of the woodman's axe. and the voices 
of children playing at the creek, then by screams and 
shouts of terror-stricken fugitives, soon followed by 
the dim vision of a stealthy band of half-naked, painted 
savages, quickly made distinct in all their wild orgie- 
l»y the lurid light of a burning home: then another 
sound broke in. gentle, sweet and pleading — "Pai)a. 
l)lease buy me a little baa-baa-lamb?" 

The contrast was too great: the fancies took to 



I 




Among the pioneers of the Fire-Lands, whose long residence 
and active labors have made them conspicuous, none occupy 
a more prominent position, and deservedly so, tlian Ashbel G. 
Post. Coming here at a time wlien the then infant settlement 
was devoid of all those improvements that now add to the 
convenience and comfort of the people; when the present 
county of Huron was almost without roads and bridges ; when 
it required bard and jiersistent labor, toil, and care to mal<e 
the soil produce enough for the bare necessities of life, — he 
has lived to witness all the various developments now existing, 
and in his life and character has assisted in this great work of 
progress. 

Ashbel G. Post is the second child and only son of Ashbel 
Post, the latter of whom was born in Old Saybrook, Conn., 
in the year 17G7, and died in Huron Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 
1823. 

His mother was Betsey Phelps, who died May 26, 1796, in 
the nineteenth year of her age. Ashbel G. Post was born in 
Greene Co., N. Y., May 20, 1796, and is consequently in the 
eighty-third year of liis age. His father and uncle, Col. Ezra 
Post, were among the pioneers of Greene Co., N. Y. The 
latter had been in the Kevolutionary war, and also held a 
colonel's commission in the army during the war of 1812, and 
was a member of tlic Legislature of the State of New York 
during the palmy days of J)e Witt Clinton. 

Ashbel Post was a man of a somewhat changeable disposi- 
tion, but of great personal integrity. For seven years he was 
master of a sailing vessel out of Boston. He subsequently 
married again and settled on a small farm in Middlesex Co!, 
Conn., and afterward was (proprietor of a hotel in the village 
of Cromwell. In 1821 he came to Ohio, and located between 
six and seven hundred acres of land in Fitchville. He erected 
a log cabin, and proceeded to make the necessary improve- 
ments preparatory to moving his family, and had nearly com- 
pleted his arrangements logo East for them when, on the Hth 
of August, 1823, he died. He left behind him a reputation 
for industry and perseverance which, had be lived, would 
have resulted in much hai)pincss and comfort for his family. 



It was in July, 1823, that Ashbel G. Post first came West- 
He was then a young man, ardent in his desire to succeed, and 
willing to assume the arduous duties of the ]>ioneer. After 
visiting his father and looking around some, with the inten- 
tion of coming out to settle, he returned East and soon received 
the melanchol}- intelligence of his father's death. In Novem- 
ber following he returned to the Fire-Lands, and obtaining his 
share of his father's estate he went to work, paid off the re- 
maining incumbrance, and from that time all through his 
active business life succeeded well. In 1830 he removed to 
Berlin township (now Erie County), where he purchased four 
hundred acres of land, of whicli he made the best farm in what 
now constitutes the two counties of Huron and Erie, and for 
several years he took the first premium for the most highly 
cultivated, the best improved, and the neatest farm, thus de- 
monstrating his ability as a good, practical farmer. 

Mr. Post has been three times married. His first wife was 
Tamia Palmer, with whom he was united Nov. 15, 1824. 
She died April 1, 1836. They had five children, namely: 
Sanford G., now resides in Nevada; Fanny P , married and 
lives in Michigan ; Eleanor, married and resides in Vermil- 
ion ; Wesley (deceased) ; William 11., now resides at home. 

For his second wife, Mr. Post married Ellen S. Parmenter, 
who died March 28, 1855, leaving one daughter, Louisa P., 
who now resides in Wood Co., Ohio. They had also one son, 
James A., who died young. For his third partner in life, Mr. 
Post married Mrs. Fannj- AI. Piatt, of Connecticut, Sept. 24, 
185.5. In 1829, Mr. Post was elected to the office of justice of 
the peace, and re-elected in 1832. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and in religion liberal. 

In 18.')5, Mr. Post sold his six hundred acres in Erie County, 
and after traveling and visiting his Eastern home, in 1859, he 
settled in his present residence in Norwalk. 

The main characteristics of his long and eminently useful life 
are his industrious habits, his indomitable energy, and his 
uncompromising persimal integrity. These good qualities he 
will leave as a worthy example for future generations to fol- 
low, and as an imperishable legacy to his children. 



< 



' 







Residence: of AG. POST ,]Vo. 77 West |i«AiN St., |\Iorwau, 0. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



l-.'3 



fliglit, t'l.se the writer to this iiour miglit luive stood 
on tliat ancient hearth, listening to echoes from the 
i-einote past. 

SAMUEL K. LEWIS 

lbl4. — .Mr. Lewis was born in South Salcni, West- 
chester county. New York, in ITOO, and died at 
Xorwalk, July 14, ISTd, in tiie eighty-first yeaj- of 
his age. 

In 1814, he jiurchased two hundred acres of land 
about one and a half miles south of the present loca- 
tion of the village of Norwalk, paying for it two dol- 
lars per acre, and in the spring of that year came on 
to make preparation for a permanent settlement. He 
made some clearing, and jmt in a small piece of 
wheat, then returning to New York. 

1815.— On the fifteenth of February, 1815, he 
started with his family, then consisting of his wife 
and a little daughter, named Angeline, (who died at 
Norwalk, September 1, 1817), for the new home in 
the West. The journey was made in a covered wagon 
drawn by a span of horses, and required forfy-^'i.c 
(Ifii/s to complete. They arrived at Norwalk, April 
2, 1815, or rather, they arrived at their new home on 
that day, for Norwalk was yet to be; only an " Indian 
trail" marked the crest of the "sand ridge" where 
Main street now is. 

Soon after arriving with his family, lie sold the 
land upon which he had commenced his improve- 
ments the year before, to Hanson Reed, for five dol- 
lars per acre, and purchased another tract of two 
hundred acres, in section one, for one dollar and fifty 
cents per acre. 

During the summer and autumn of 1815, he built 
a house on his new purchase, an<l in that house the 
election for State officers, of October, 1818, was held. 
In an article written by Mr. Lewis, and published 
in the Fire-lands Pioneer, of June, 1858, and from 
which most of the foregoing facts of his history have 
been taken, he says: 

"When I first came to Ohio, jjrovisions of all 
[kinds were scarce, and prices high. Wheat was sold 
[at two dollars per bushel, also the first oats I sowed 
jcost me two dollars per bushel; I bought them (jf 
jjudge Meeker, on the lake shore, as I came into the 
^ountry; and at another time I paid him five dollars 
lor a common axe, and went twelve miles for it; how- 
ever, upon the cessation of the war of 181 "2, people 
liaving turned their attention more to clearing their 
lands, and to agriculture, when soon field was added 
Ito field, and farm to farm, and, rich in their virgin 
[Boil, they sent forth tlieir luxuriant harvests until 
plenty filled the land. Then produce fell to an 
Bxtremely low price; so low that the year previous to 
|>he opening of the New York and Erie canal, the 
ost that I could get offered for a fine i|uality of 
rheat, was twelce and a half rents per huahel. and 
liaul it a distance of six miles to market, whidi was 
then at Milan." 

In those eai'Iy days, wild tiii'koys were vi'r\' plenty. 



and did great damage to wheat and corn erojis. Mr. 
Lewis relates that in 1827, they were so numerous as 
to endanger his wheat crop. He built a rail pen about 
eleven feet square, with rails laid near together on 
top. A trap-door was provided, and grain freely 
scattered around and within the pen. Tlie turkeys 
came, entered the traji, and his first catch was nine 
fat birds, but one got away. Two or three days after- 
wards, twelve more fell victims to the trap, and this 
put an end to their depredations, for no others came 
around that season. 

During the infancy of the settlement of Norwalk, 
Mr. Lewis' house was always ojien, free of charge, to 
the new comers, wiio sought his hospitality, and on 
one occasion, from the frequency of such calls upon 
him, his stock of breadstuffs ran very short. There 
were no mills in the country, and no flonr market 
nearer than Mansfield, and no road practicable for a 
wagon to that place; so he went there on horseback, 
and constructing a rude rack to fit the back of his 
horse, loaded a barrel of flour on that, and in that 
manner transported it himie. 

On another occasion he was called back to the east, 
and performed the whole journey from Norwalk to 
Jersey City, on foot. 

Mr. Lewis, with another pioneer, named William 
Marshall, a surveyor, traveled over and surveyed 
many of the lands in Huron county. These two 
went days and sometimes weeks together through the 
wilderness, camping out nights, while they were sur- 
veying farms, and running out public roads. 

He held at different times the office of justice of 
the peace, townshiji trustee, assessor, and lister. 

The maiden name of iiis wife was Amy Ferris. 
She was born at Newtown, Fairfield county, Con- 
necticut, and until her death, in October. 1850, bore 
her share of the privations of ]iioncer life cheerfully, 
and with courage. 

In those early days, they were surrounded by the 
dense wilderness, the home of thousands of savage 
men, bears, wolves and panthers. 

On one occasion, when there was no one at home 
but Mrs. Lewis and her little daughter, there came 
on horseback to the house two Indian women, or 
squaws, who wanted flour, which was kept in the 
house up stairs. ]\Irs. Lewis went up, and was get- 
ting the flour, when the two squaws followed, and 
commenced impudently lifting the lids of boxes and 
barrels, to see what they contained. Mrs. Lewis 
shook her head at them, and they shook theii- heads at 
her. When the floor was put up, they all descended, 
and one of the squaws seized the little girl, then 
nearly two years old. and the two hastened to their 
horses, mounted and galloped away witli the child 
before Mrs. Lewis fully realized what they were at. 
But the mother's heart (|iiickly took the alarm, and 
desperation nerved her to an almost sui)erhuman 
effort for the recovery of lier little one. The route 
taken by the squaws Avould comjiel them, at the cWs- 
tance of about <me mile, to pass the house of another 



i 



124 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



settler,* but before that was leachcd, the mother was 
so close after them, and screaming so lustily, that 
they dared not pass the settler's clearing, ahead of 
them, with the child, for fear of being ca])tured, so 
the child was put down on the ground, the squaws 
scami)ered off with all the speed tliej- could get out 
of their ponies, and the mother returned home with 
her child and a heart full of thankfulness. 

I)H. .lOSEPH PIERCE. 

1815. — Dr. Joseph Pierce came to Xurwalk in 1815, 
in comjjany with Major David Underbill, Timothy 
Baker, Levi Cole and Horace Morse. That summer 
he purchased of Benjamin Newcomb all the interest 
held by the latter in lot number one of section four of 
Norwalk, lieing the Xewcomb place, now Miner Cole's 
farm, and, in 1816, transferred his interest to Levi 
Cole, but continued, with his sister Rhoda, to make 
it iiis home wiih i[r. Cole for a number of years. 
He was the first practicing physician in Norwalk 
township, and the first postmaster, of which more 
particular mention is made under the head of "'First 
Post OtKce." Dr. Pierce was from Herkimer county, 
New York. He remained here until about 1825, and 
then removed to New Ha\en and remained for some 
time, and then removed to Indiana. 

LEVI COLE. 

Levi Cole was born in Windom county, Connecti- 
cut, November 20, 17(56, married November 25. IT'.M). 
and died February 11, 1820, at Norwalk, Ohio. His 
wife, Hannah Kinney, was born in Windom county, 
Connecticut, July 24, 1?70, and died at Norwalk, 
Ohio, Feln-uary 27, 1840. They had seven sons, as 
follows: Jeremy, born March 17, 17!)5; died July 
30, 1818; came to Ohio in 1815. Asher, born April 
23, 1797; died November 4, 1830; came to Ohio in 
1816. James, born April 25, 1709; now living in 
Norwalk township; came to Ohio in 1816. Levi, 
born March 23, 1801 ; now living in Ridgefield town- 
ship; came to Ohio in 1816. Miner, born July 26, 
1803; now living in Norwalk township; came to Ohio 
in 1816. Manly K., born February 11, 1807; now liv- 
ing in Bronson township; came to Ohio in 1816. 
Lyman, born March 10, 1810; died October 10, 1843; 
came to Ohio in 1816. 

In lisl4, Mr. Cole was living in Herkimer county, 
New York, and, that year, in company with Major 
David Underbill and Timothy Baker, came on to look 
at lands held by Jlr. Underhill in Ridgefield township. 
He was pleased with the land and bargained for a 
piece this side of the present farm of Sidney Brown, 
and then returned home. 

In 1815, he came out again, accompanied by his 
son Jeremy, Horace Morse, Dr. Joseph Pierce and 
David Underhill, put up a house on the land, com- 
menced a clearing, and otho'wise prepared for bring- 



•This was probably Captain John Boalt's place, on the comer of what 
is now Medhia street, and the "Old State Road." where tlie sexton's 
house stands, on the tfioiinds of Woodlawn t'emeterj- 



ing his family out the nest year. In the Fall, leaving 
Jeremy to look after the place and continue the im- 
]irovements, he returned home again. 

During this visit, and on the 16th day of July, 
1815, he. Major Underhill and Dr. Joseph Piei'ce, 
brushed out a " trail," or road, from Abijah Com- 
stock's place to the "Sand Ridge," as it was tiien 
called (now Norwalk), and at night returned and 
stayed at Comstock's until the next day, and then 
started out and comi^leted their work through to 
Undei-hill's place on the 17th. Tiiis was the first 
highway labor ever done on ^lain street. It was not 
done in pursuance of an ordinance, and no sti-eet com- 
missioner "bossed" the job; perhaps that will account 
for its rapid completion. They followed the old " In- 
dian trail," which came out on to the ridge some- 
where between Milan and Chatham streets. 

In January of 1816, Mr. Cole and Major Under- 
hill started with their families and such goods and 
supplies as they might require in their new homes, 
with six teams and sleighs, three to each family. The 
party contained twenty persons, to-wit: Mr, and Mrs. 
Cole and six of their boys, Mr. and Mrs. Underhill 
and six children, Jasper Underhill (a nephew of the 
Major). D.iniel Warren. JIarks Rosbeck, Rhoda 
Pierce, sister to Joseph Pierce, and a person l)y the 
name of Wilcox. 

After spending six weeks upon the road (five days 
resting at x\very, the old county seat.) they reached 
Major Uuderhill's on the 22d day of February, 1816. 
The Huron river was then, so high that Mr. Cole 
could not cross with his family and teams to his own 
house, so he took them to Dr. Pierce's house (the 
Benjamin Newcoml) place), and soon after purchased 
that })lace, and remained there so long as he lived. 

1818. — In this year Mr. Cole took a lu-ominent part 
in the movement which culminated in the removal of 
the county seat to Norwalk, of which a more particu- 
lar account is given in another part of this history. 

On the 9th of February, 1820, Mr. Cole was en- 
gaged hauling a large saw-log, to which four yoke of 
oxen were attached, by a chain, into Underliiirs saw- 
mill yard; finding it was likely to strike another log 
which projected partly tiver the road, he attempted to 
jump over the chain, and in doing so one of his limlis 
was caught between the logs, and so terribly crushed 
that he died two days afterwards. 

DAVID (illiliS AND HEXKY LOCKWOOD. 

David (iil)bs and Henry Lockwood were natives of 
Norwalk, Connecticut, and were ))rothers-in-law, Mr.s, 
Gibbs being Lockwood's sister. 

In the summer of 1815, Mr. Oilibs, Jlr. Lockwooil, 
his father, L. Lockwood, and Stephen Lockwood, left 
Norwalk, Connecticut, to look up homes in Ohio, 
After visiting and examining several places they at 
last, after ten week's travel and prospecting, arrived 
at Abijah Comstock's place in Norwalk, Ohio, on the 
16th day of July, 1S15. There tjiey met ilajor David 
Underhill, Levi Cole and Dr. .loseuli Pierce, who had 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



125 



been at work that day clearing out a road to the saud 
ridge, on which Norwalk now is located. 

After sjiending about a week in examining hinds 
belonging to L. Lockwood. in Xorwalk township, 
tliey selected a site for a home on tlie hill just south 
of the first ereek. on the section line road going north 
from tile present ••Alling"s Corners," and on the east 
side of tliat road. During the months of August, 
Seiitember and part of October, they cleared off and 
put into wheat aViout six acres of land, and put up a 
large double log liouse. 

There were then three families living in the town- 
ship, those of Abijah C'onistock, Benjamin Newcomb 
and Samuel B. Lewis. Gibbs aud the two Lockwoods 
boarded at Comstock's while engaged in making their 
improvements. Provisions were scarce. Salt was not 
to be obtained, for there was then none in that part of 
the country, and as a consequence the family and 
hoarders fi-eijuently were compelled to use meat that 
was more odorous than iialatable. Bread, milk and 
potatoes was their only other reliance. 

When the walls of the house were up ready for the 
roof, they let to Benjamin Newcomb a contract for 
its completion, and started back to Connecticut. 

At this time, the sand ridge from Alling's or Gibb's 
Corners to Major UnderhilFs place (the present Isaac 
Underhill farm) was covered sparsely by oak trees, 
forming what was called an "oak opening." Whor- 
tlelierry bushes and columbo grew in abundance, the 
root of the latter being used by the inhabitants as a 
tonic in bilious diseases. The oak trees were of the 
scrub variety, specimens of which may yet be seen 
both in the east and west ends of the village. 

On the 2-lrth day of January, 1816, they left Nor- 
walk, Connecticut, with their families, and arrived 
at their new home in Xorwalk, Ohio, on the 30th of 
April, having been ninety-five days in making the 
journey. The party consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, 
their daughter Eliza (now Mrs. Pruden Ailing, yet 
living in Norwalk), then five years old; their son 
David, three years old; Mr. Henry Lockwood, his 
wife and their Httle child Henry; and Lewis Keeler, 
who came along as a teamster iu charge of the bag- 
gage wagon, drawn by two yoke of oxen. 

Mrs. Gdjbs and Mrs. Lockwood, with their chil- 
dren, were provided with a substantial wagon, covered 
with oil-cloth, lined with blankets, cari)eted and pro- 
vided with spring seats; very comfortable and decent, 
and drawn by a heavy span of bay horses. They were 
well clothed, and j^rovided with abundant blankets 
and a foot stove. Their provision chest contained 
cold chickens, hams, hard biscuit, pies, dough-nuts 
by the bushel, tea, coffee, pickles, dried fruit, pre- 
serves, aud all the necessary etceteras, so they were 
"well-to-do'" in the world. 

On the "-ioth of Feliruary, in crossing Cattaraugus 
creek, west of Buffalo, on the ice, their baggage 
wagon broke through near the west shore. One yoke 
of oxen, a horse which they had purchased on the 
wav as a leader for the ox team, and iiianv of their 



house-keeping articles, were lost. In this dilemma 
they were assisted by some friendly Indians, who, by 
diving and fishing with poles, brought up most of 
the lost articles, among them a box of log chains, 
axes, plow-shares, kitchen ware, etc. Tliey were \md 
for their services thirty or forty dollars. They also 
Ijrought up the bodies of the two oxen, gave up the 
hides aud shoes, but eagerly accepted the carcasses for 
food. This mishap caused a halt of about a week, 
during which little Henry Lockwood sickened and 
died. Soon afterwards, at Fredonia, little David Gibbs 
was taken severely ill, and after lingering twelve days 
also died. The trouble was "camp dysentery," and 
several others of the party were also attacked, but all 
recovered. 

The expense of this enforced sojourn at Fredonia 
was over five hundred dollars, provisions being scarce 
and high, codfish fifty cents per pound, and other 
things in in'oportion. 

Their house was built double, with a hall through the 
center open at both ends; the window sash were slats 
fastened together, and set with greased pajier instead 
of glass; the doors were rough slabs split out of logs; 
and the first table was a square one, with no leaves, 
hewed out of a black-walnut log. 

After the privation and sufferings and sorrows of 
their long, exhausting march, this homely two-roomed 
house seemed to these weary travelers a very jtalace 
and haven of rest; and not only to them, but to 
many who came after. At one time, for some ilays, 
their families were increased to forty souls. Among 
them were the families of Piatt Benedict, seven per- 
sons; and Captain .John Boalt, father of the late 
Charles L. Boalt, thirteen persons, of whom nine were 
down with the ague. 

For all this numerous family Mrs. Gibbs did the 
cooking, baking, etc., with rude and limited utensils 
designed for less than one-fourth of that number; 
whilst Mrs. Lockwood ministered to the sick with 
means for their comfort equally limited. But they 
had strength given them for the task, and were blessed 
aud hapjjy in their labors of love. They were at one 
time short of provisions, aud had to send to Cleveland 
for flour aud pay twenty-five dollars per barrel, and 
for pork about the same; the families in the mean- 
time subsisting, for a week, on milk and potatoes 
alone. 

Mr. Lockwood lemaincd in Xorwalk oidy a few 
years, and then removed t(^ Mil.iu. Mr. Gibljs was 
elected the first justice of the peace in Norwalk town- 
ship in April, 181T, aud was appointed county clerk 
in 182.5, and continued to iiold that office until his 
death, at Norwalk, March Ki, 1840, aged fifty-one 
years, nine months and twenty-four days. His wife, 
Elizabeth L. Gil)l)S, died at Norwalk October 4, 187.3, 
aged eighty-two years, six months and eleven days. 
They were the parents of ten children, viz: An in- 
fant, died in Connecticut: David, died at Fredonia in 
ISHi; a little daughter, died in 1832, aged one year, 
seven nn)ntlis and twentv-two davs: .lames B., <lied 



i 



126 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



August 3, 1850, aged twenty-eight years, two months 
and thirteen days; Ralph M., died August 16, 1854, 
aged thirty years and sixteen days (of cholera); Mrs. 
Eliza Ailing, now living at Norwalk, the only sur- 
vivor of 1816; David, now living at Le Mars, Iowa; 
Roswell, now living at Troy, Miami county. Ohio; 
Charles (Rev.), now living at Cedar Falls, Iowa: Mrs. 
S. L. Adams, now living at Clarksfield, Huron county, 
Ohio. 

FIRST MARRIAGE. 

In Vol. I. of Marriage Records of Huron County, 
on page nine, appears the following entry: 

William Gallup and Sally Boalt were joined in marriage on the 2d day 
of May, 1SI9. by Davzd W. Hinmas, 

Justice Pence. 

Upon a careful examination of the record of mar- 
riages, the foregoing is found to be the first one in 
which tlie marriage was solemnized in tlie township, 
between parties, both residents. And Henry Lock- 
wood, Esq., in an article published in the Pioneer of 
May, 1850, on i)age twenty-eight, says: "About the 
marriages we are uncertain. Hallet and William Gal- 
lup were among the first." 

William Gallup was born at Kingston, Luzerne 
county, Pennsylvania, in ITO-l, and, in ISl'i, in com- 
pany with his brother Hallet, came to Ohio, but not 
to Norwalk until 1818. He built the old frame block 
of stores now occupied by Link's grocery, James 
Seeley's shoe store, and the Casper Brothers. It was 
one of the first ventures in the new village to provide 
business rooms for renting. The second story was 
used by him as a cabinet shop and furniture ware- 
room. He was the contractor who built the "Old 
Court House," now Central Hotel, on Whittlesey 
avenue. He died at Tittin, Ohio, .lanuary 15, 1858. 

Sally Boalt was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, and 
came to Norwalk, Ohio, with her father's family, in 
1817. She was a sister of Charles L. Boalt and 
daughter of Ca])taiii John Boalt, who made his first 
settlement in this township upon tlic present ceme- 
tery property. And there in their new double log 
house she was married. 

Her death occurred at Osborn, Greene county, Ohio, 
January -^0, 1871. Her husband's remains were then 
taken from Tiffin, and, with hers, Itrought to Nor- 
walk, and, side by side, laid away to rest within 
about twenty rods of the site of the log house where 
they were married. 

KIKJST lilKTIl. 

Soon after Hull's sun-enderat Detroit in August of 
1812, Thomas, son of Abijah Comstock, Avas born on 
section two of Norwalk. When he was only a few 
days old, his ])arents had to fiee from their home to 
escape the Indians, which they did just in time, tak- 
ing him and their other valuables with them, for the 
night after their departure their house was burned. 
This, was the first Avhite child born in Norwalk, 
and that pioneer is yet living, a resident of Ridgeville, 
Lorain conntv, (")hio. 



FIRST DEATH. 

In all the researches made by the writer after data 
from which to compile the history of Norwalk, the 
first death of which he has found any record, was that 
of Angeline Lewis. She was the daughter of Samuel 
B. and Amy Lewis; born at South Salem, Westchester 
county. New York, probably in the fall of 1S14:;» was 
brought by her parents to Norwalk in the spring of 
1815, and died September 1, 1817. She was probably 
the child stolen by two squaws, and rescued by her 
mother, of which an account is given in the history of 
Samuel B. Lewis. 

THE FIRST SA\V AND GRIST MILL. 

In the spring or summer of 1815, Hanson Reed, 
then living in Greenfield, purchased of Samuel B. 
Lewis, the place upon which Mr. Lewis had erected a 
house the previous year. 

He soon moved in with his family, and in 1816 or 
1817, commenced bitilding a saw mill on the creek 
which runs through the present L. B. Mesnard and 
S. J. Rogers farms, on the north side of the Fairfield 
road, and a few rods to the west of the stone bridge 
over that creek. In erecting this mill, he was assisted 
by his father-in-law, Mr. Aljraham Powers. Soon 
after its completion, it was destroyed by fire. The 
two men then made a workshop of the house, and 
commenced work on the machinery of another mill, 
and in about five weeks had it completed, running 
and doing a good business, liut when the fall rains 
came on, a freshet swept away their dam. They 
were now without funds, all having been put into 
building and re-building, but were not discouraged; 
the dam was soon replaced, and then they began to 
plan for a grist mill attachment to the saw mill, and I 
carried their ]ilans into execution in a year or two 
afterwards. 

These were the first mills erected in the township. 
The old frame was taken down several years ago, but 
the old dam is destined to remain, perhaps, for cen- 
turies, for it forms part of the road embankment 
across the ravine. 

MURDER OF WOOD AND KISHOP. 

Early in April, 1819, John Wood, a married man, 
keeping tavern at Venice, (ieorge Bisho)), a sin- 
gle man, by occupation a sailor, living in Danbury, 
Aliiather Shirley, and Barnabus Meeker, organized a 
hunting and tra])ping expedition to the " Peninsula," 
now part of Ottawa couniy. 

They made their camp in a little cabin near the 
bank of the Portage, then called "Carrying River," 
about twelve miles from its mouth. About the mid- 
dle of A]u-il, Meeker and Sliirley left the camp, and 
returned to their homes, Wood and Bishop still re- 
maining to prosecute their enterprise. Being well 
sujiplied with traps, ammunition, and camp equip- 
jiage, and being expert in hunting ami trajijiing, they 
Were quite successful, and bad aecunuilated (|uite a 



CEIAllLES B. STICKNEY. 



Tlio subject of this skutth was born at Moira, Franklin 
Co., N. Y.," Jan. 20, 1810. He was the oldest of twelve 
children, six sons and six daughters, of Charles and Betsey 
Stickuey. 

His iiuhcr, Capt. Charles Stickncy, was born at Corn- 
wall, Addison Co., Vt., May 17, 1785, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Pierce, at New Salem, Franklin 
Co., Mass., April 11, 1790. They were married in the town 
of Dickinson, Franklin Co., N. Y., April 11, 1809. Both 
are now dead. They were of English descent. His father's 
earliest ancestor in America was William Stickney, who 
came to this country, in 1637, from Hull, Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, and settled with his family at Rowley, Mass. From 
liim it is believed that all bearing the name of Stickney 
in America are descended. 

Mr. Stickney 's early years were required by his father on 
his farm, where he remained until his twenty-first year, 
engaged in hard work, and receiving only a district-school 
education, when he was 
given his time, $5.50 in 
money, and the blessing "of 
his kind parents, with which 
he started forth to seek his 
fortune. 

He entered the academy 
at Potsdam, St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y., then in charge 
of Rev. Asa Brainard, 
where he remained nearly 
four years, supporting him- 
self in the mean time by 
teaching school winters. 

His health having be- 
come impaired from close 
application, he reluctantly 
left the academy and came 
to Ohio. He reached Ash- 
tabula County, where he 
was taken sick at the house 
of his maternal uncle, Jesse 
Pierce, in the town of Say- 
brook, his sickness contin- 
uing for nearly six months. 

Recovering his health 
somewhat, he adopted the 
teaching of penmanship as 
a means of livelihood, and 
taught in different places 
in Western Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and Southern 
Ohio. 

In the year 1841 he visited his brother, Hon. E. T. 
Stickney, at Scipio, Seneca Co., Ohio, and, meeting with 
a former fellow-student of Potsdam Academy, the late 
Jairus Kennan, Esq., who was then practicing law at 
Norwalk, he was induced to enter his oflfice, and commence 
the study of law. He arrived at Norwalk, Nov. 13, 1841, 
and pursued his studies with Mr. Kennan. Was admitted 
to the Bar Aug. 1, 1841, and subsequently to practice in 
the Federal Courts, at Cleveland, April 12, 1860. 

During his term of study he was a.ssociated with the 
late Ezra M. Stone in the preparation of a large number of 
cases in bankruptcy, under the then existing bankrupt law 
of the United States. 

After he commenced practice he was several times a can- 
didate for prosecuting attorney, always running ahead of 
his ticket, but not being able to overcome the party odds 
against him. 

The now constitution of Ohio created the Court of Pro- 
bate, and upon its going into operation, in 1851, Mr. 




"^. 



~^"'^\>l^lt^ 



Stickney was nominated on the Democratic ticket for the 
new ofiice of judge of said court, and was elected over his 
competitor, Hon. F. Wickham, by thirty-one majority, 
having run ahead of his ticket about five hundred votes. 
He performed the duties of his office faithfully and satis- 
factorily to all for the term of three years, and was again 
nominated in 1854. The newly-formed Republican and 
Know-Nothing parties swept the field, the general majority 
of the party in Huron County being about sixteen hundred, 
but the majority for his competitor, Hon. F. Sears, was cut 
down to about eight hundred. 

He has served several terms as a member of the com- 
mon council, and in April, 1874, was elected mayor of 
Norwalk, and served two years, being an acceptable and 
popular officer. 

He was for several years school examiner for Huron 
County, and a member of the Board of Education of the 
Union School for four years, during which time he was 

clerk of the Board. He 
has at all times taken a 
deep interest in educational 
matters. He is also a 
member of the Whittlesey 
Academy of Arts and Sci- 
ences, of whicli he has been 
president. 

He became a member, by 
initiation, April 30, 1845, 
of Huron Lodge, No. 37, 
I. 0. 0. F., and has been a 
prominent and respected 
member of the order, hold- 
ing many of its important 
ofiiccs. 

On Feb. 20, 1856, he 
was elected Most Worthy 
Grand INIaster of the Grand 
Lodge of Ohio, serving one 
term with distinguished 
ability. For his faithful 
and efficient services in 
this office he received 
from the Grand Lodge 
its beautiful and costly 
medal. 

Li 1858, Judge Stickney 
was appointed assistant ad- 
jutant-general, with the 
rank of lieutenant-colonel, 
on the staff of Maj.-Gen. 
James A Jones, 17th Division Ohio Volunteer Militia, and 
was commissioned by Gov. Chase. He also acted as in- 
spector-general of division. 

Judge Stickney, on coming to Norwalk, became a boarder 
at the Blansion House, then kept by Obadiah Jenney, Esq., 
and, to the surprise of all, has remained unmarried, and 
a constant boarder at one liotel, now over thirty-.seven 
years. 

Though not a communicant he has long been an attend- 
ant at St. l^iul's Episco])al Church at Norwalk, and has 
served several years as vestryman and clerk of the vestry, 
yet charitable and liberal in his religit>us views toward all 
church organizations. 

Judge Stickuey has always had an exten.sive law practice, 
and been especially suceessful ;is a collection lawyer, and, in 
the .settlement of estates and matters of guardianship, he 
has been, througli his professional life, regarded as an 
upright man. He is a gontlenian of taste and culture, kind 
and benevolent, esteemed by all who know him, and is an 
eminently popular member of society. 



.^^ 



^ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



127 



stock of skins of the fur-bearing animals, tlien numer- 
ous iu that wild, unsettled region. 

At that time tliere was a camp of Ottawa Indians 
on the iwnk of the " Miami of the Lakes," (now Mau- 
niee River). About the middle of April, three mem- 
bers of that tribe, named Negosheek, (Xe-go-sheek), 
Negoneba, (Xe-gon-e-ba), and Xegossum, (Xe-gos- 
8um), the last a boy of about seventeen years of age, 
started on an expedition to the mouth of the Portage 
river, and while passing down tlie river in tlieir 
canoes, discovered the trapper's camj), and, no doulit, 
with their usual cunning, became fully posted as to 
its valuable contents. They stayed around tlie mouth 
of the river a day or two, "loiiiing," and the two old- 
estdrinking whisky, the boy doing what he could to 
prevent their getting drunk. On their return up the 
river, Xegosheek plotted the murder of Wood and 
Bishop, and the plunder of their camp. X'egoneba 
consented and agreed to assist; the boy, Xegossum, 
remaining passive from fear of X'egosheek, who was 
a ''bad Indian" when drunk. On the morning of 
Wednesday, April 21, about two hours before daylight, 
they reached the cabin of the trappers, and, stealthily 
approaching, X'egosheek and X'egoneba drew aside 
the blanket which hung as a curtain over the door- 
way, entered, and finding the trappers asleep, each 
singled out his victim, and with their ever present 
tomahawks, quickly sent the two white men to a hap- 
pier hunting ground. Then calling in X'egossum, 
the Ijoy, who had remained outside, Xegosheek com- 
pelled him to strike the legs of one of the dead men 
with the handle of his tomahawk, so that he should 
feel that he too was a party to the crime, and from 
fear of the consequences as to himself, keep it a 
secret. 

They now plundered the camj) of its contents, con- 
sisting of a gun, tea-kettle, spider, some flour, a 
blanket, tow-shirt, a handkerchief, two powder horns 
and powder, nine traps, three dozen muskrat skins, 
some pork, and from one of the men three dollars in 
silver money. They hid the kettle, spider, flour, 
traps and gun on the west side of a small stream 
culled Crane Creek, and selling the skins to a French 
trader, named Ouy, who was stationed a few miles 
awav, then immediately started for their camp on the 
Maumee. 

The testimony taken at the subsequent trial shows 
that they soon very indi.screetly divulged their secret 
to a half-breed Indian, named Chazee, (Cha-zee), 
who on going down the river, found the murdered 
men still lying in their cabin where slain. He went 
on to the mouth of tiie river, and informed one 
Charles C. Tupper, a constable, of the facts, who at 
<ince obtained a warrant from Truman Petti bone, a 
justice of the peace for l)anbury township. 

Armed with this warrant, and accompanied by An- 
son Gray, Peter Mauminin, (and perhaps others, 
tliough it is not possible at this distant day "to ascer- 
tain whom, or how many), he at once went to the 
camp of the Ottawas, on the Maunu'c. and made 



known his errand to a friendly Indian, named Sac-e- 
saw, who at once pointed out the three implicated 
Indians, and they were pronijitly arrested, the chief 
informed of the charge against them, and the long 
and tedious return march commenced. 

On April 30, Tupper returned the warrant to the 
justice, with the three prisoners, and an examination 
was at once held, the result of which was the holding 
of the accused for trial in the court of common 
pleas. At that e.\amination John B. Flammond, 
a French trader, acted as interpreter. 

X'egossum, the boy, was first examined, and con- 
fessed that he was jjresent with the others when they 
committed the murder, but protested his innocence. 
X'egoneba was next examined, and. confessed that he 
was one of the men who committed the murder on 
Portage river nine nights before; claiming that Xe- 
gossum, the boy, struck one of the men they were 
murdering, with the handle of his hatchet; and that 
Xegosheek first plotted the murder, and struck the 
first blow. He also confessed the taking and secret- 
ing the property, and the sale of some of it. X'ego- 
sheek was next examined, and confessed the crime. 
He said when sober he had no idea of committing the 
murder, but on getting drunk, he jjlotted the attack, 
and assisted in executing it. 

The prisoners were then shackled, and in charge of 
Tu2iper and his assistants, started for the county seat, 
Xorwalk. 

The party crossed Sandusky Bay on a ferry, kept 
by a man named Luther Chapiu, at "Ogontz Place," 
now Sandusky City. They stayed from the evening 
of April -SOth to May 3d, at an inn kejit by Cyrua 
W. Marsh. Their bill of fare, afterwards allowed 
by the county commissioners, and now on file in the 
auditor's office, is as follows: 

VOCCHER 577. 

181«. HcRON CoL-.STY. Dr. to U. W. Mab.sh. 

By Mr. Tupper. 
April TO. To 1 pt. w'j- and seven suppers for Indians on guard . . .$2 87)4 

To 1 pt. of whisky 25 

To !i suppers for the prisoners I 12 

May 1. To .'JH pts. of w'y 62^ 

To 7 breakfasts for tlie Indians 2 SS^ 

To 2 breakfasts and 2 suppers for himself '. . . 1 50 

:i. To 4!4 Pts. Wy and 1 lodging 62^ 

To 3!4 days' board for 2 prisoners 3 50 

To 1 day's board for 1 prisoner .' 50 

3. To breakfast for 3 Indians 1 l'4i 

To m pts. Wy and 1 lodging 50 

To 1 day'? board for Tupper 75 

Tupper. S15 50 

Slay 17. To entertainment on his return with the prisoner 131)4 

Capt. Burt's bill, by Tupper's orders 87)^ 

While at Sandusky one of the Indians was taken 
back to the scene of the murder, in order to point out 
the precise locality of the hidden property, wiiicli lie 
did, and nearly all was recovered. 

On arriving at Xorwalk. tiiere being no jail tlicii. 
they were all confined in a log cabin owned by Daniel 
G. Raitt, which then stood on the lot the '"Xewman 
block" now stands on (luu-thwest corner of Main and 
Hester streets), and a few rods back from Main street. 



i 



128 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



In this cabin they were kept, with the shackles on, 
under tiie guard of Daniel (i. Raitt, Charles Soules, 
Charles C. Tupper, J. (i. Thaver, Calvin Bates, and 
perhaps others whose names are now lost to history. 
These guards were not all on duty at the same time, 
but served at different times as a relief to each other. 

After being in confinement a short time the Indians 
planned an escape, and Negoneba and Negossum suc- 
ceeded in removing their shackles, hiding them behind 
a log, and by keeping covered up witii their blankets 
and feigning sleep escaped the suspicion of the guards. 
Raitt was on guard the night of their escape, but at 
midnight was relieved by Soules. Not long afterward 
Negosheek asked him to remove his shackles and 
accompany him outside the building a few steps. 
Soules removed the shackles from one leg, leaving it 
fast to the other, and, supposing the two others sound 
asleep, left the door ojien as they went out; very soon 
after he saw the two Indians running away, and at 
once realized that he had been made the victim of 
misplaced confidence; he called to them, and also to 
Raitt, for the purpose of arousing him, and as he did 
so Negosheek jumped up and started to run. Soules 
had his rifle with him and, as he gave chase, tired at 
the retreating savage, and before losing sight of him 
loaded and fired twice moi-e. Satisfied that he had 
wounded the fellow, and all having escaped, he re- 
turned to town. 

On the 15th of Ajnil, .John Hawk, a young man, 
while out hunting along Pijie creek, near the west 
boundary of the county, discovered Negosheek in a 
swamp along the border of the creek, hunting for 
"craw-fish"' (the river lobster or crab), upon whicii, 
with roots, he had lived since escaping. The shackle, 
whicli was fast to one leg when he ran away, had 
stuck to him like a brother, though rather an incon- 
venient appendage in his case. After watching him 
for a short time. Hawk became satisfied that the 
Indian was sutfering from wounds, and concluded to 
investigate his discovery more closely, and upon ap- 
proaching nearer saw the shackles which {he Indian 
vainly tried to conceal; he then captured the fellow 
and took him to an old hunter named .John Pum- 
phrey, who brought him back to Norwalk. Pumphrey 
afterward, on behalf of Hawk and himself, filed a 
claim fur the reward of one hundred and twenty-five 
dollars which the sheriff had offered for the recapture 
of the three Indians, of which claim the commis- 
sioners allowed twenty-five dollars. 

Dr. Daniel Tilden was called in to attend to the 
wounded prisoner, and examination developed the 
fact that Soule was good at a running shot, for there 
was one wound in the shouldei', one in the hip, and 
one in the leg. 

Raitt undertook the ])osition of nurse to the 
wounded and half-famished prisoner, and turned him 
over fully healed l)efore he was hung. From that day 
to his death Raitt boi'e the pre-fix of "Doc." 

Soon after the escape of the Indian.i, Ca))taiii .Inhn 
BoaK. the father of the hite C. L. Boalt, Captain 



Henry Burt, of Monroeville, and the Frenchman, 
.John B. Flammond, started for the Ottawa camp on 
the Maumee river, with the expectation of finding 
and re-capturing the fugitives; they arranged among 
themselves that Captain Burt, who was dressed in 
"regimentals" (military uniform), should be presented 
to the Ottawa chief as the governor of Ohio, and that 
as such he should demand the surrender of the mur- 
derers. The plan proved a success, and Negoneba 
was immediately delivered up to them, searched, de- 
prived of his weapons, his hands Ijound behind him, 
and with a rope fastened around his body as a leading 
string, placed in charge of Captain Burt and a guard 
of friendly Indians, ■ and conducted to Norwalk. 
The chief insisted that Negossum. the boy, was inno- 
cent, but upon being assured if that were true, he 
would not be injured, promised to send him on to 
Norwalk in a few days. Captain Boalt and Flam- 
mond remained to see that the promise should be ful- 
filled: it was, to the letter, and in due time they re- 
turned the boy to the custody of the sheriff at Nor- 
walk. 

Captain Burt, with his prisoner and Indian guards, 
made their way directly for the shore of Lake Erie. 
The first night they camped in the woods; it was wet 
and uncomfortable; Burt wanted a fire; upon l)eing 
promised a quart of whisky, one of the guards 
gathered some dry leaves upon which he emptied some 
powder from his horn, and bending over the pile, 
struck sparks of fire into it witJi flint and steel; an 
explosion followed, and the Indian, taken by surprise, 
jumped high in the air, but the fire was started, and 
the whisky was forgotten by the faithless ••i)ale-face." 
He, however, was reminded of the promise the next 
day, by the Indian performing in pantomime what he 
had acted in earnest the night liefore: the whisky 
was delivered, and faith was kept. 

At the lake shore the Indian guards turned back, 
and Burt leading his prisoner by the rope, jiroceedeil 
on his journey. Once Negoneba thought his chance 
had come to escape, and with a sudden spring, made 
a liold and desperate strike for liberty, but Burt, who 
was a large, muscular man, in the i)rime of life, gave 
him some vigorous jerks with the rope; and then 
seizing him by the shoulders, shook him so severely 
as to effectually i|Ucll all thoughts of further resist- 
ance. 

They arrived at Marsh's tavern on the 17th of May, 
ami from there Tupper accompanied them to Nor- 
walk. Here Negoneba was again searched, and a 
knife, probably given him by his squaw just before 
the commencement of the journey, was found se- 
creted on his person. Had Burt been less watcliful 
and determined, he probably would have followetl 
Wood and BisJio|) to the happy hunting ground, on 
a free pass from the hand of this desperate sayage. 

On Tuesday, the 18th of May, 1819, the court of 
common pleas commenccil its session in the old 
court house, which then stood where the present court 
house now stands, but was removed nianv vears ago 



HISTORY OF IITRON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



l-.".i 



to tlu' east side of "Enteriu-ise l»o;nl,"" afterwards 
"Mechanic street," now "Whittlesey avenue," and 
is the "Central Hotel" Ijiiilding-. kept l)y A. H. 
Rose. 

Hon. George Tod, father of Ex-governor Toil, was 
[iresiding .judge: Hons. Jabez Wright, Stephen 
.Meeker and Ezra Sprague were the associate judges. 
The late James Williams, of Xorwalk, was clerk; 
Lyman Farwell, tJien of Norwalk, since for many 
years of Watertown. New York, sheriff; Ebcnezer 
Lane, then of XoVwalk, and for many years since 
chief justice of Ohio, was prosecuting attorney, and 
was assisted by Peter Hitchcock, of Cleveland, after- 
ward for many years a judge of the supreme court 
of Ohio. 

The indictment returned by the grand jury against 
these Indians charges the crime to have been com- 
mitted "at Lower Sandusky, in the said county of 
Huron." It will be seen by ivference to (Jhase's 
Statutes, vol. 3, page "-i,!!!), that Huroiv county was 
set otf, February Tth. ISO'.l, as the five western-most 
ranges of the Connecticut Western Reserve; being 
that part called the Fire-lands: By act of January 
:Ust, 181.5 (Chase's Statutes, vol. 3, page ••^,130), a 
portion of the nnorganized territory west of the 
Reserve and n(5rth of its south line, reaching about as 
far west as t!ie present western boundaries of San- 
dusky and Ottawa counties, was attached to Huron 
county for jiulicial purposes; Lower San<liisky was 
within this attached territory. 

A copy of the indictment found against the three 
parties charged, taken from the first volume of "Law 
Records" of Huron county court of common pleas, 
is as follows: 

Pleas before the honorable, the president, and judges of the court of 
common pleas, holden at Xonvalk, in and for the county of Huron 
and State of Ohio, in the term of May, A.X>., 181!i. 



State of Ohio 



NO. f'l — MAY TERM. A.D., 1819. 



Neoosheek, f IniUctvwnt for .Vurtler. 
Neooneby 

AND 

NEOOSSL'M 

SU'te 0/ Ohio, Count!/ of Huron^ 

.\t a court (»f common pleas begun and holden at the court house in 
Norwalk. withm and for the count.y of Huron, on the eighteenth day of 
JIay. in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, 
before the honorable George Tod. president, and Jabez Wright. Stephen 
Meeker and Ezra Sprague, Esqs., associate judges holding said court. 
The grand jurors of the State of Ohio, in and for said count.y of Huron, 
to-wit: Henry .teftry. Tinker R. Smith, Isaac Powers. Elihu Clary, John 
Drewry, .\ugustus R. Deinick, Daniel Curti--, Ezekiel Barnes, James 
Forniun. Charles Hubbell. Reuben Pixley, Henry Barney, Sdas («. Strong, 
Wilham (Jallup and Eli Holliday, good and lawful men of said county, 
then and there dul.v returned, tried, impauueled, charged and sworn to 
iniiuire for the body of the cunty of Huron, do, upon their oaths in the 
name and by the authoi-ity of the State of Ohio, present anil dnd that 
Negosheek, an Indian of the tribe ottninix, Xegoneby, an Indian of the 
said tribe, and Xegossuni, an Indian of the same tribe, at Lower .San- 
dusky, in the said county of Huron, on the twenty-first day of .\pril, in 
the year one thousand eight imndred and nineteen, not having the fear 
of Cto<! before their e.yes, but moved and seduced by the instigation of 
the devil, with force anrl arms in an<l upon the bod.v of John Wood, in 
the peace of (lodaud the State of Ohio, then and there being feloniously, 
unlaw-fnlly. willfully, purposely ami nf deliberate and premeditated 
malice, did make an assault; and thi- saitl Xcgosheek, with a tnniehawk 
in his right hand then and there held, of the value of one floUar. the said 
Jiihn Wood, in and upon the head of him the said Wood, behind the left 



ear of him the said Wood, and also in and upon the left side oi th.- luad 
over the left shoidder of him ihe said W'kkI, then and there feloniously, 
unlaw-fully, willfull.v. purposely and of his deliberate and premeditated 
malice, did strike, cut and penetrate, then and there giving to him the 
said John Wood, wijh the tomehawk aforesaid, in and upon the head 
behind the left ear of him the said John Wood, and also iu and upon the 
left side of the head and over the left shoulder of him the said John 
Wood, two mortal wounds, each of the breadth of three inches and of 
the depth of three inches, of which said mortal w-ounds the said John 
Wood then and there instantly died; and the said Xegoneby and the 
said Xegossuni, at the time "f the committing the said felony and miu-- 
der by the said Xegosheek in the manner and form aforesaid, unlaw- 
fully, feloniously, willfully, purposely ami of their delihei-ate and pre- 
meditated malice, were present aiding, assisting, abetting, counselling, 
procuring, helping, comforting and maintaining the said Xegosheek the 
felony and murder aforesaid in manner and form aforesaid to do, com- 
mit and perpetrate: and so the jvn-ors aforesaid, upon their oaths afore- 
said, do further say that the said Xegosheek and the said Xegoneby 
and the said Xegossuni, him. the said John Wood, then and there, in 
manner and form aforesa d, feloniously, unlawfully, willfully, pur- 
posely and of their deliberate and piemediiated malice, did kill and 
murder, contrary to the form of the statute, in such case made and pro- 
vided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Ohio. 

And the jurors aforesaid, at the teini aforesaid, and on their oath 
aforesaid, in the name and by the authority aforesaid, do further pre- 
sent and find that the said Xegojheek. the said Xfgoneby. and the said 
Negossum, at Lower Sandusky aforesaid, ron the tw-enty-fiist day of 
April, aforesaid, not having the fear of God before their eyes, but 
moved and seduced by the instigation of the devil, with force and arms 
in and upon the body of George Bishop, in the peace of God and of the 
State of Ohio, then and there being feloniously, unlawfully, willfully, 
purposely, and of their deliberate and premeditated malice, did make 
an assault, and that the said Xegoneby. with a certain tomehawk, of 
the. value of one dollar, in his. the said Xegoneby 's right hand, then and 
there hit the said George Bishop in and upon the head of him. the said 
George Bishop, and also in and upon the breast of him, the said 
George Bishop, then and there unlawfully, feloniously, wilfully, pur- 
posely, and of his deliberate and premeditated malice, did strike, cut, 
and penetrate; giving to the said George Bishop, then and there with 
the tomehawk aforesaid, in and upon the head of the said Geoige 
Bishop six mortal wounds, of the breadth of three inches, and the depth 
of three inches each, and also giving to him, the said George Bishop, 
then and there, with the trjmehawk aforesaid, in and upon the breast of 
the said George Bishop two other mortal w ounds, each of the breadth 
of three inches, and of the depth ot six inches: of which mort.il wounds 
the said George Bishop then and there instantly died. .\nd that the 
said Xegosheek, and the said Xegossuni, at the time of committing the 
last m(?ntioned felony and murder aforesaid, by the said Xegoneby, in 
manner and form aforesaid, unlawfully, feloni.iusly, wilfully, purposely 
and of their deliberate and premeditated malice, were piesent. aiding, 
abetting, counselling and procuring, helping, assisting, comforting and 
maintaining the said XVgoneby the felony and murder last mentioned 
aforesaid, in manner and form aforesaid, to do, commit, and perpetrate; 
and so the jurors aforesaid, upon their oaths aforesaid, do further say 
that the said Xegosheek, and the said Xegoneby, and the said Xegossum, 
him, the said George Bishop, then and there, in manner and form 
aforesaid, feloniously, unlawfully, wilfully, purposely, and of their de- 
liberate and premeditated malice, did kill and murder, contraryito the 
form ot the s-tatute, in such case made and provided, and against the 

peace and dignity of the State of Ohio 

E. Lane, Pros. Attorney 

Upon the back of which indictment appears the 
following, to wit: 

"A true bill. Tiled Jlav term, islil." 

Silas G. Strong. Foienian. 

The trial took place on Friday. May -Msi. '{"lie 
court-room was crowded to its fullest capacity, and 
many who could not gain access were congregated in 
the front yard. David Abliott, of Avery (the old 
county .-'eat), and Samuel Cowles, of Cleveland, 
appeared as attorneys for the Indians. 

On being arraigned and the indictment read and 
interpreted to them, each i)lead "not guilty," and 
demanded separate trials. 

Negoneba was first put upon trial, a jury called and 
he informed of his right of challenge, which he at 
once exercised by rejecting every red-headed man on 
the list. The jury finally selected and sw.>rn were 



17 



130 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE (JOUKTIEtJ, OHIO. 



Josiali HunuTV, Ezra Alibott, William AVatkins, Syl- 
vester Pomeroy. William K. Beebe, Samuel Spencer, 
Moody Hears, Daniel Mack, Royal X. Powers, Daniel 
Warren, William Speers and Isaac Allen. 

The witnesses for the State were Charles C. Tapper, 
the lialf-lirced Chazee. Abiather Shirley, Barnabas 
Meeker, and some others called on minOr matters. 

The prosecutor made no opening argument. 
Cowles, for the defense, read some authorities and 
addressed the jury upon the evidence. Hitchcock, 
for the State, replied, and upon a charge from the 
court the jury retired, and soon returned with a 
verdict of murder in the first degree. 

Xegosheek was next put upon trial before the fol- 
lowing jury: Anthony Beers, Samuel Cockrane, 
Beckwith Cook, Jacob Hawhn, .John Barney, Samuel 
B. Carpenter, Gamaliel Townsend, Samuel B. Lewis, 
Joseph Strong, Jared Ward, Joseph Ozier and Levi 
Cole. The same witnesses appeared for the State as 
in the first case: and a like verdict was rendered. 

Negossum, the boy, was then put upon trial, but 
the testimony was so clearly in his favor that the 
prosecutor declared he would not further prosecute 
the indictment against him, and the court ordered 
his discharge. 

Xegoneba and Xegosheek were sentenced by the 
court to lie remanded to the jail from whence they 
came, and there remain until the first dav of July 
next, and from thence, between the hours of ten and 
twelve o'clock in the forenoon of said day, be taken 
by the sheriff of the county to the place of execution, 
and then and there, by said sheriff, be hancred by the 
neck until they be dead. 

They did not approve of the sentence of hanging. 
and asked that they might be shot, but when they 
fully realized that they should surely lie hung, they 
tried experiments upon each other; one would lie 
down upon his back and the other would sit astride 
of him, and with both hands clasped around his neck, 
choke him until nearly gone, and then let go; when 
sufficiently recovered, he would slowly arise and 
sagely shake his head and exclaim, "ugh! no good, 
no good;" then they would change places, and the 
compliment be returned in kind, with the same result; 
it was still "No good, no good." 

The day of execution was warm and sultry. At an 
early hour people began to gather from far and near, 
dressed in the rude costume of those days; with the 
men, "buckskin trousers" were common; and one 
young man, who in coming from Huron had got his 
(not doeskin cassimere) "breeches" thoroughly wet 
in passing a creek, found them stretching down to an 
inconvenient length; he cut off enough to make them 
right, they continued to stretch, he cut them off 
again and again: on arriving at Xorwalk the hot sun 
began to dry them and they began to shrink, and 
kept on shrinking until the bottoms crawled up above 
his knees, and in that plight he became an ol)ject of 
almost as much attention as the two criminals. 



Seven or eight Indians, Ottawas, were present at 
the execution, some of them lieing the ones who had 
assisted in their capture on both occasions. 

The "gallos" (gallows) was erected on the sand 
ridge just south of Main street, on the lot and near 
the site of the residence of A, G. Post, Esq., next 
west of the Episcopal cemetery. 

A rifle company formed one or two years before, of 
about one hundred men. under command of Captain 
Henry Burt, attended the execution as a guard, and 
to assist the civil authorities. 

They marched to the jail, and the jirisoners having 
been dressed in their shrouds, with ropes around 
their necks, were taken out by the sheriff and placed 
in a wagon, and, escorted by the guard, taken to the 
place of execution, when lieing asked if they had 
anything to say, Xegosheek spoke a _few words in 
broken English, but what he said cannot now l)e 
ascertained. 

After life was extinct the bodies were placed in 
coffins and bui-ied at the place of execution. The 
civil officers and military company then marched to 
the house of Capt. Boalt, and were furnished a boun- 
tiful repast by him, after which a funeral discourse 
was i)reached by the Rev. William Hanford, a Pres- 
Ijyteriau clei'gymau. 

Before X^egosheek was executed he confessed the 
murder of six other white men, previous to that of 
Wood and Bishop. ^ 

This was the first important criminal trial in f | 
Huron county, and the first execution in X'orwalk. 
Since then there has been only one other execution 
for murder in Xorwalk; that of Bennett Scop for the 
murder of a peddler named Jacob Goodman in Green- 
field township, on the Oth day of October, A. D. 
1869. 

The cost of the capture and trial of the Indians 
was a heavy tax upon the new settlement, and the 
bills rendered are primitive curiosities. Some of them 
are here given in the original form and spelling: 

Voucher No - 661). 

Huron Coukty to Jennings, Darling & Co., Dr. 

Paid Sasa 813 00 

Cabian li 00 

Paqahkemann 9 00 

James 9 00 

Undeno .".... 9 00 

Measseka 9 00 

Ogeuee 9 00 

Thunder 4 50 

ST3 30 

Goods and provisions to Mr. Tupper for going after pro- 
perty : 

1 deer slvin " 81 .W 

12 feet bed cord 19 

28)^ lb . bacon 5 35 

J^ II) . young liyson tea 94 

Paid Indians for going after property as per order of C. 
Tupper: 

1 black silk liandk'f 1 25 

Hyrd. calico 31 

ayrd ribben 44 

3 yrd plaid 1 50 

1 bandana handk'f 1 00 



65 !)8 



Allowed . 



Jennings, Darling & Co.. 

Per Moses Farwell. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



131 



VOfCHER No. 636. 

May as. Huron county to Charles C Tupper. one ilollar and sixty- 
two it 'o cents. Charles C Tipper. 

Note. — On the liack of the voucher is the following: 

Charles C. Tupper deter to Enos (Jilbert. for liqur whist on gard. 
thirteen shilling i sixpence. Charles C Tipper. 

This claim was allowed by the commissioners, and entered on their 
journal as follows: 

To C. Tupper. for services SI 62^ 

VoiCHER mb. 

HlROS Col'NTY TO CHARLES C TfPPER, Dr. 

My services !) days in apprehending, securing and delivering the 

Indians on the first expedition 5-36 00 

Ditto, ditto, 1 1 days on the second expedition 56 00 

Cash paid for expenses in pursuit of Indians 7 00 

Ditto, to be jiaid to Anson Gray for 7 days services in apprehend- 
ing and securing the Indians on first expedition 10 50 

Ditto ditto, to Peter Mauniinin for 5 days service in apprehend- 
ing and inten^reting on first expedition 10 00 

Ditto, ditto, Thos Denias, days services for ditto, on second 

expedition 10 25 

Ditto, ditto, \Vni. Austin, 6 days services for ditto, on second ex- 
pedition 9 00 

S128 75 
Note. — The following addition to the bill is in the hand-writing 
of E. Lane, then prosecuting attorney: 

Two days attending as guard i 00 

Charles C. Tupper. attending the grand jury three days 1 .^0 



E. Lane, Pros. Atfij 



J]:!-.' it, 



VORCHER 634 

CofNTV OF Huron to John B, Flemino, Dr. 
To eleven days service to pursue, retake and interpret for the 

Indian prisoners. ((7, >4 per day S44 00 

Norwalk, aid May, 1819. J B. Flammond. ' 

'■'This is Flammond's own signature and shows the correct spelling; 
in all the records it is spelled wrong. 

Voucher No. 35 (new numbering t. 

I>R- The Honorable the Commissioners for the County of Huron to 
John B. Flammond. 

-' days services. :Wth June and 1st July, as interpreter J4 Ofl 

Note,— This bill was allowed by the commissioners, and entered in 
their journal as follows: 

To John B, Fleming, for services hanging Inilian ?4 00 

Voucher No. 17 (new numbering). 

Swan Creek, Ilth May, 1819. 
Lieut. Charles C. Tupper Dr. to Matthew McKelvey, 

May 11, To,-i0>41b bacon, w Ss 7 56>4 

I qt, whisky, (* 4s 50 

13. To 1 (it. whisky, i<* 3s 37)^ 

.Money paid Mr. Printis, 8s I 00 

1 |it. whisky, 3s; to Hpt., Is; to 1 qt., 3s 75 

Whisky for your men, 4s ,50 

13 To ] qt . whisky, :^s 

Money paid Capt . Henderson, 93 1 1214 

1 qt. whisky, ;is 37^^ 

Paid Joseph Printis, 8s I 00 

Rope to bind an Indian, 3s 37J^ 

14. To 3 qts, whisky 75 

SI 4 3114 
Lyman Farwell pay .Matthew McKelvey the above amount, and 
oblige yours, ,tc.. it being articles had on our campaign after the runa- 
way Indians. Charles C. Tupper. 

Note.— The use of the "necessaries of life" on the cainpuign men- 
tioned in the above bill, were in about the following proportion: One 
quart of whisky to four pounds of bacon. Hominy, potatoi s and lodg- 
ing were either not necessary, or were thrown in as not of sufBcient 
;i. -count to l>e charged for. 

Voucher No. IH (new numbering) 

Swan Creek, 18th May, IKI'J. 
Mr. Bolt Dr. to Matthew McKelvey. 

To two gal . whisky S3 00 

To two hired hands, three days 8 00 

I " use of boat same time 1 00 

5 10 00 
AlA-rriiEw McK elvey 



VotTCRER $61. 

To charges in hunting Indians, 

Services in hunting 

May 33d, 181') 



County of Huron, Dr, to H. Burt 



.*! 75 

16 00 



Henry Burt 



Voucher 6.58. 

County OF Huron, to John Boalt, Dr. 
To nine davs services to Pursue Indian Prisoners, v? 48 86 00 

Norwalk, Sil Jlay, 1819. 837 00 

John Boalt 

Voucher 657. 

County of Huron. Dr. 
to nine days >ervises on guard over the ingins a dollar a 
day and night Norwalk, May the 33. 1819 

D. G Raitt 

Voucher 634 

Gentlemen Commissioners of Huron County : — J, G, Thayer has 
served five days as a Guard during this term of Court, 

Lyman Farwell. Sheriff 
Norwalk, May 33, 1819. 
$5,00 allowed 

Voucher 623 

Gentlemen Commissioners of Huron County:— Calvin Bates has 
served two days in Guarding Prisoners during this term of the Court 

May 31st, 1819, Ly-man Farwell, Sheriff . 

200 cts allowed by Commissioners , 

Voucher 659. 

Huron County to Lyman Farwell, Dr. 

To paying Guard at Portland 4 50 

To iransporting Prisoners 5 OO 

To cash paid Tupper 3 31— S12 81 

Norwalk, May 33, 1819. 

Voucher 641 

I, John Pumphry, do hejeby certify that John Hawk and myself 
did, on the 1.5th of this instant, take up Negossheek, one of the Indian 
murders and on the Kith Instant delivered said Indian to the Jailor of 
Huron County, for which we the said John Hawk and John Pumphry 
claim the Reward offered by the Sheriff of said county, it being one 
hundred and twenty-flve dollars. Norwalk, May 30. 1819. 

John Pumphrev. 
.Allowed on the above 35 dollars. 

Voucher 636. 

The sum of twenty-five dollars is allowed Peter Hitchcock for assisting 
in prosecuting the pleas of the State in the county of Huron, at the May 
term, 1819, By oider of the Court George Ton, PiesV, 

Voucher 635. 

County of Huro.n to Samuel Cowles, Dr 

To assisting on the trial of Naugeshek, Negonebee and Negossum as 

Counsel for prisoners S35 00 

May term, 1819. The above amount is allowed by order of the Court. 

George Tod, Pres't. 

Voucher No. 36iiiew numbering), 
-VUowed to Ezra Abbott: 

July the 1, 1M9 Dr. the Commissihoers of the County of Huron. 

To building Gallos H 00 

to two Coffins -4 each 8 00 

to making Srowd 1 00 

to one shirt I 00-S24 00 

VOUUBER 113. 

Huron County Dr. to ,\lman Loomis. 

Dr to Diging Grave for Indians SI 00 

July 1. 1819. Certified by me Lyman Farwell, Sheriff 

Voucher 113 (new nuniberini;). 

May 1th 1819. County of Huron. Dr. 

To 111 larding 3 Indians six days 18 days. 
They then escaped . 

Afterwards Negasset 11 days. 

Negunneba 7 days. 

Negassum 4days. 

Rowlin 8 days. 

Downing 6 days. 

To the end of May Court 54 days. — 7 weeks 5 days. 

Kowlin two weeks 2 weeks. 

Two Indians live weeks four days 11 weeks 1 day, 

at two dollars p week. 20 weeks tl days. 



13-2 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHlU. 



Twi) Guards six days Vi days. 

Two •' four days 8 days 

Four •■ seven days iS das-s 

Fire *' two days 10 days. 

58 days, — 8 weeks 2 days. 
Three " five weeks three days 16 " 2 " 

34 weeks 4 days. 

Three old shirts 1.50 24)4 weeks at 2.50 jjer week 

lOH lb. candles at 2s. 6d . . . -3.28 

Meals for e.Ttra Guards a.OO ~ lil 38 

14 meals for seven Indians.. 3.50 Criminal 41 87^ 

Whisky to dress the wounds 17 53 

of the Indians and extra 

Guards 4V4 Gallons 4.25 120 78)^ 

Ending July 1st 1819. JI7.53 

S120.78. tor LvjiAN F.\rwell, Sheriff. 

Enos Gilbert. 

Note. — For much of the information contained in the foregoing ac- 
c lunt of facts, scenes and incidents attending the murder, capture, 
trial and conviction, tlie writer is largely indebted to an article pub- 
lished in the Fire-lands Pioneer of June, 1.S65, page 4^3. Also, to official 
records and files, and to his own meinor.v of conversation between 
"Doc. Raitt" and the late Hallet Gallup, in his hearingwhen a boy. 

Kf:.MO\ AL OF THE COrXTY .SEAT. 

In Seiirember of 1815, Piatt Benedict, then of Dan- 
bury, Connecticut, canio we.st to prospect for a new 
home. He stopjied to see his cousin, Eli Boughton, 
then living at Canfield, Trumbull county, Ohio, and 
was there introduced to Elisha Whittlesey. Mr. Whit- 
tlesey was about starting for Huron county with Judge 
Todd, to attend the first court soon to be held at the 
'•old county seat." Jlr. Benedict joined their com- 
pany and came on with them. 

The first court was held at the house of David 
Abbott, and there was a very general dissatisfaction 
expressed at the location, and the propriety of select- 
ing another site was freely discussed. Some person 
(whose name cannot now be ascertained) suggested 
that there was a fine sand ridge in Norwalk township 
that would make a good location. 

Major Frederick Folly, of Margaretta township, was 
one of the parties pre.--ent at that court; and after 
the adjournment, he, Mr. Whittlesey and Mr. Bene- 
dict, started to examine the "sand ridge'' with the 
intention of ascertaining its desiraliility as a site for 
the future seat of justice, and no doubt with some 
speculative design in view. On arriving at the place 
of Abijah Comstock, they invited him to accomjjany 
them and act as guide. After "prospecting'' the site 
of the future city which loomed up in their "minds' 
eye," and finding good water (which the opponents 
of a change of county seat asserted "could not be 
had in that barren sand ridge"), they turned their 
steps towards Cleveland, and soon after arriving there. 
drew up and signed an agreement, the original of 
wliich is now in possession of the writer, and is as 
follows: 

This Aoreeme.s'T, made this the .'iOth day of October, ini,^,, by and 
between Frederick Fally, PlatI Benedict and Elisha Whittlesey, wit- 
nesseth that they have, and by these presents do covenant, and. agree 
to and with each other, to purchase so much of the fourth section, in 
the town of Norwalk, in the county of Huron, as is for sale, lielonging 
to Eli Starr, Ilhamer Canfleld and Betsey Canfield. Wm. Taylor and 
Abigail Taylor, John Dodd and the heirs of Ephraphus W, Bull: and it 
the wholi- of their rights in said section cannot be purchased, then they 
agree to inuchase so much of each of the above proprietors as can be 
procured, and to pay therefor at such price, and on such terms of 



payment as shall be agreed on by the person making such purchase, in 
the following proportions, to wit: The said Frederick Fally one-fourth 
of the purchase money, the said Piatt Benedict, one-fourth, and the 
saitl Elisha Whittlesey, one-half of the purchase money. It is. however, 
mutually agreed that if JIathew B, Whittlesey and Moss White, or either 
of them if lioth do not consent and agree tn become partners in the 
purchase, nia.v one or either of them be jjermitted to take one fourth 
of the purchase, which is to be deducted from the proportion agreed 
above to be taken by the said E. Whittlese}-. on their agreeing if 
both consent, or on either of them agreeing if onl.v one consents, to 
become part proprietors in the purchase, to be bound by the cove- 
nants which bind each of the above contracting parties, which shall 
be evidenced by expressing the intention in signing these covenants, 
with api»ropriate and fit words to bind him or them to eacii of the 
above contracting parties, in which case each of us hereby agree to 
become bound to him or them, as we shall be to each other in these 
covenants. We further covenant and agree to and with each other, 
that on effecting the purchase aforesaid, or a part thereof, in case the 
same shall include a suitable site for a town, to lay out a plat of ground 
suitable in extent to the object in view; and in case the seal of justice 
is removed from where it is now established in the county of Huron, 
on to the lands which may be purchased in said section as above; or if 
the legislature should appoint a committee to view for a suitable place 
to which to leniove the seat of justice to, that such part and proportion 
of said plat shall and ma.v be offered for the use and benefit of the 
county, for the erection of public buildings as shall hereafter be agreed 
on by a majnrit.v of the pri. prietors voting by the interest each one ma.^' 
have, the least share counting one vote, and to increase in proportion to 
the quantum of interest, in case that quantum shall double to the least 
share, and so on in the same ratio. 

It is further covenanted and agreed, to dispose of right to the plat 
to the best advantage, either at public or private sale, or so much 
thereof as may be tlii:)Ught advisable, to be agreed on in the same 
manner as is above covenanted in case any ditference of opinion should 
exist. We further covenant and agree to la.v off the residue of the land 
into suitable outlots and farms, and dispose of the same to the best 
advantage for those concerned: and whereas some one or more of the 
contracting parties may wish to reside on some parts of said land, it is 
further agreed that a preference shall be given to such in the selection 
of suitable quantity of land, or such lots as he or they maj- choose, 
paying therefor such pi'ice as the same lots would sell for in market; 
and whereas it is doubtful in whose name a deed or contract maj' be 
given, it is further covenanted and agreed that the person in whose 
name the contract is executed, or to whom the deeds maj" be given, 
shall, prior to disposing of any of said lands, bind himself in suitable 
bonds, payable to the other propriettirs, for the faithful accounting for 
all mone.ys received, and paying over the same to the other proprietors 
in the proportion they may own whenever thereunto required. Each of 
the contracting parties binds himself to the other, and each of them 
to bear the |jroportionable part of the expense that m,ay be incurred in 
procuring an ai-ticle or a title for the above lands, or so much thereof 
as can be purchased. The intention of the contracting parties being to 
erect and build a town on some part of the above lands, if purchased, it 
is agreed that each one is to render all the assistance in his power to 
procure settlers and promote the settlement. It is further agreed, that 
no one of the contracting parties shall sell out his interest in said pur- 
chase to any person, without the consent and approbation of the other 
proprietors. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, and to 
triplicates hereof, which are delivered to each of the contracthig par- 
ties the day and year above written, viz.- October :30th. 1815. 

Frederick Falley, [l. s.J 
Platt Benedict, [l. s.] 

E. Whittlesey, [l. s.l 

Upon the execution of the foregoing contract it 
was arranged that Mr. Benedict should return to 
Connecticut and effect the purchases contemplated, 
upon the best terms attainable; and he at once started, 
taking the following letter, addressed by Elisha 
Whittlesey to his brother, Mathew B. Whittlesey, of 
Danbury, Connecticut, explaining the foregoing con- 
tract, and soliciting his co-operation: 

Cleveland. October 31, 1815. 

Dear Brother: You will perceive by contract in the possession of 
Mr. Benedict, that he. Major Fally, and myself, design purchasing a tract 
of land lying in the fourth section of the town of Norwalk. By this 
map you will be able to see the situation of the land among the several 
owners. Mr. Benedict will inform you of the prospect of moving the 
seat of justice. The tract of land is a valuable one and can soon be 
disi»osed of, even if we should fail in the object we have in view. 

The site on this tract, owned by Starr and Canfield, is as handsome as 
any one I ever saw. Mr. Benedict will descend into particulars, as also 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



133 



of Ihe land adjoining. We sliould be Uaiipy of having j-ou join, and 
Col. Moss White, it consistent, otherwise the parts reserved will be dis- 
posed of here. We wish vour assistance in making this purchase, and 
leave it tor you, Mr. Benedict and Mr. White to devise the most eligible 
plan. It the deed is taken in the names of a part ot the proprietors, it 
is expected that suitable covenants will be entered into to secure the 
others in t .e participation ot the profits of the contracts. It will be- 
come necessary that those wlio reside here have the disposal ot the lots, 
and be able to give titles, or otherwise you will perceive the business 
would be much procrastinated and embarrassed. The i>rice ot land in 
the unsettled towns adjoining is from one dollar to two dollars and two 
dollars and fifty cents per acre. We have not proscribed Mr. Benedict 
as to the price, but wish tlie purchase on the most favorable terms. 
It contract cannot be made with Starr and Canfleld we propose to 
purchase so much as they will sell, provided they come in and are 
bound with the rest ot us, tor the building the town. But we do 
not wish to have any thing to do with it. unless the business is so 
arranged that lands can be disposed ot with a certainty of having the 
title, when requested, made to the purchaser. Major Fally is a man 
ot respectability, business and honor, and well calculated to be engaged 
in Inisinessof this kind. You will perceive that much confidence must 
be reposed in each other until such time as the title is procured and du- 
plicate convenants signed for the security of each proprietor. Unless 
Starr and Canfleld sell, they need not fiatter themselves of the seat of 
justice, for there are other places which will be favored. 

Since writing tlie above Mr Benedict and Fally wish the title to be 
vested ultimately in me Ot that do as you shall judge best. Mr. Ben- 
edict will inform you of the health ot my family, Ac In haste. 

Yours affectionately, E. Whittlesey 

Tlie following mejiioninda appear on the back of 
this letter, in the handwriting of Piatt Benedict, 
.showing liis disbursements while on the trip to make 
the purclia;se coutenlplated by the contract: 

expenses by platt benedict. 

Nov. 19. i days to New- Milford, and expense for horse, <S:c. S3 .W 

Jan. 36. I day to New Milford and expense 2 50 

March 87. To 1 dav and expenses to New Milford 2 50 

To postage of 3 letters 1 13)4 

April 3. Cash paid Col Taylor 10 00 

do. do. do. do 10 00 

Postage on letter 35 

{29 8r!4 

Moss White paid do 15 00 

M. B. Whittlesey do 19 00 

Moss White paid 19th July 35 00 

59 m 

P. Benedict paid do 15 00 

3 days going to New Milford to complete the business, &c , 

expenses with 5Irs. Bull 7 50 

553 3714 
Amount ot expense and cash paid by P. Benedict as above, 39 8714 

Cash paid by P. Benedict In 00 

do for expense 7 50 

$52 37H 

April 3, 1816. — Contracted with Wm. Taylor tor 5tj3 acres in Norwalk, 
Ohio, for $1,310. Paid him 510. Platt Benedict, Matthew B. Whittlesey, 
Moss White notes as follows: one note on demand to Eli Mygatt, for 
$43 81— one to Col. Taylor, sixty days, $356— one for J450, one year from 
date — one for $4.50, two years from date. 

15th Nov.. 1815.— P. Benedict note on demand tor $406— one note for 
S406 payable one .year from date — one for $406 payable 3 years from date 
— and one of $406 payable 3 years from date. 

Matthew B. Whittlesey and 3Ioss White. July 9th. — Paid on the note on 
demand $40— $35 paid by M. White and $15 by P. Benedict. 

Mr. Benedict, having left Cleveland on or about 
October 31, on horseback, reached Danbury in eleven 
days, making an average daily ride of over tiftv miles, 
and, on the 15th of November, went to New Milford, 
si.xteeu miles distant, and commenced negotiations 
with Colonel William Taylor, who, '"in right of his 
wife," held part nf the desired land. After .several such 
trips, he at length, on .Vpril 3. 181 li, concluded a 
contract with him for five hundred and si.\ty-two 
acres, for the sum of one thousand two hundred and 
I 111 ilolhir.-. Tliis purchase covered the hind upmi 



which all of the original town plat of Norwalk east of 
Hester street was afterwards laid out. Eight hun - 
dred and twelve acres were also purchased of Mrs. 
PoUey Bull for two dollars per acre. This land lies 
east of the Taylor tract, and all of the east part of 
the present village south of the section line is l)uilt 
upon it. The Taylor tract was part of the claim of 
tire sufferer, Ezra Starr; and the Policy Bull tract 
was part of claim of fire sufferer, John McLean. 

In accordance with the suggestion of Mr. Whit- 
tlesey, in his letter to his brother above given, Mathew 
B. Whittlesey and E. Moss White entered into the 
enterprise and joined with Mr. Benedict in giving 
notes for the purchase price of the lands, as fully 
appears by many papers in the writer's pos.session. 

On April 8, 1810, Colonel Wni. Taylor executed a 
deed of the five hundred and sixty-two acre tract to 
Elisha Whittlesey; and. on June 8, 1816, Mrs. Bull 
executed a deed of the eight hundred and twelve acre 
tract to the same party. The reason of these deeds 
being executed to Mr. Whittlesey is fully explained in 
his foreffoing letter. On the execution of the deeds 
they were at once sent on to Mr. Whittlesey, and he 
soon after came on, and, after consulting ilajor Un- 
derbill, employed Almond Ruggles sis a surveyor to 
run out a portion of the land into village lots and plat 
the same. On October 16. 181G, the survey and plat 
having been completed, Mr. Whittlesey signed and 
acknowledged the plat before Jabez Wright, associate 
judge, and the same day it was received for record 
and recorded in volume inie of records of deeds on 
page seventeen, by Ichabod Marshall, recorder. The 
instrument recorded with the plat contains the fol- 
lowing dedication: "Lot thirteen is given for a site 
to build a court house, lot twelve a meeting house, lot 
one for an academy or college, and lot twenty-four for 
a goal" — evidently meaning gaol, or jail. The court 
house and jail now stand on lot thirteen, the Metho- 
dist Church on lot twelve, Whittlesey Academy on lot 
one. and the Parker Block on lot twenty-four. 

From the fact that the gift of these lots appears 
upon the records in the name of Elisha Whittlesey 
alone, the impression long since sprang up in this 
community that to him only belonged the credit of 
the grant. The foregoing contract and Mr. Whittle- 
sey's letter to his brother with the other facts stated 
in this history, fully disprove the correctness of that 
impression. Mr. Whittlesey, in executing that dedi- 
cation, and having it recorded, acted in fact as a 
trustee for himself, M. B. Whittlesey, E. M. White 
and Platt Benedict, and they deserve the credit 
jointly with him. 

Frederick Falley, living in .Margaret la townshii), 
never fulfilled his part of the contract by advancing 
any part of the purchase money, nor of the expenses, 
and was quietly dropped out. 

On September 0, 1817, Mr. Benedict arrived in 
Norwalk town.ship with his family, and finding his 
house, which he had put up in the spring of 1817, 
Inirned to the ground, at once erected another one on 



13-i 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the same site, and on November 4, 1817, commenced 
work clearing, as appears by the following entries 
selected from his account book, now in possession of 
the writer: 

1817— Nov. 4. To 4 days and team clearing out road on ridge. . «5.00 

1818.— May 6. To 1 gall, whisky for hands clearing ground 1.50 

" To 4 days clearing ground for county seat 4.00 

Tlien .some cliange seems to have been decided upon 
in the arrangement and plan of the plat; as a result, 
four of the eight two rod alleys, between the present 
Benedict avenue and ^Medina street, were vacated, 
and the arrangement of lots changed to correspond, 
(Did as finis changed, it noir remain.^: but no record 
was ever made of that change, and as the old plat 
recorded in 1810 is the only one ujion the county re- 
cords, title searchers are puzzled, at this day, to ac- 
count for the wide variance between the recorded and 
the actual plat. 

The writer has found among the papers of Piatt 
Benedict, an ancient, much worn map of the present 
actual plat, but there is no endorsement upon it 
showing by whom, or when it was made. A fair copy 
of it is now in possession of E. S. Houghton, present 
recorder of deeds. 

The following entries, also taken from the account 
book of Mr. Benedict, give a little more light upon 
this change: 

1818. — June 15. To 1 day surveying and laying out town plot SI. 25 

" To boardina: surveyor and hand ] day each 75 

This strange omission in not having the changed 
plat recorded, might, long years ago, have been seized 
upon as a pretext for vexatious litigation, but the 
statutes of repose have long since thrown their pro- 
tecting mantle over it. 

In the year 1817, schemes were devised, and plans 
perfected for accomplishing the second step in this 
campaign for the capture of the county seat. Peti- 
tions were circulated, and the result shows they must 
have been fjuite generally signed. 

In the mean time, a number of men of energy 
and public spirit had come in, and settled upon the 
new town plat, and by the spring of 1818, it began 
to assume the <lignity of a village. A subscription 
l)aper was circulated to raise funds for the erection of 
county buildings, and several hundred dollars were 
rai.sed. Almond Ruggles was employed to go to 
Columbus in January, 1818. with tiie petitions for 
removing tlie county seat, and "lobby" a bill tlirough 
the legislature; tliis he did successfully, and was paid 
for that service as appears by the following receii)t, 
the original of which is now in [lossessioii of Jliner 
('i)le, Ksi|. : 

Received of Peter Tice and Piatt Benedict, one hundred dollars for 
services rendered in going to Columbus, tor the purpose of settling the 
question as to the removal of the seat of justice to Norwalk, at the 
request of those interested. ..^lmoxd Ricoles. 

The 1)111 pas.sed by the legislature. a|i|Miiiited a 
commission of three jicrsons •' to view the jn-esent 
and .such other sites for seats of justice, as might be 
shown to them in the county of Huron,"' and also 
charged the conimissimi with the duty of apin-aising 



the damage which those who had purchased property 
at the old county seat would suffer by the removal 
of it. 

At the time appointed for a meeting of the com 
missioners, only two were present. The following- 
places were applicants for the location, viz. : Abbott's 
place in Eldridge (Berlin); Milan, Abijah C'omstock's 
place on section two of this town; Gibbs and Lock- 
wood's Corners (now Alling's Corners), Norwalk vil- 
lage, Monroeville, Widow Parker's (on the west side 
of Huron river opposite Milan), and Sandusky City. 
The commission proceeded to view all the proposed 
sites, selected Norwalk, and appraised the damages 
of the several property owners at the old site at a 
total of three thousand four hundred and forty dollars. 

Most of the foregoing facts will more fully a])pear 
by reference to the following bond which exjilains 
itself, and which was, no doubt, an important factor 
in determining the action of the commission: 

Know all men by these presents That we, Elisha Whittlesey and 

Piatt Benedict, as principals, and David tinderhill. Levi Cole, Peter 
Tice and Daniel Tilden. as sureties, are firmly bound and obligated to 
Abijah Comstock, treasurer of the county of Huron, and his successors 
in said office, and to Ebenezer Merry. Ephraim Quimby," Frederick W. 
Fowler, Lyman Fay, Ichabod Marshall. Richmond Rhodes, ntlmiel 
Fields and Joseph Kairns. in the penal sum of eight thousand dollars, 
to the payment of which sum we liereby bind ourselves, our heirs, and 
executors, firmly by these presents, signed with our hands, and sealed 
with our seals, this, the eighth day of May, in the year of our Lonl, one 
thousand eight hundred and eighteen. In presence of. 

The condition of this bond is such that, whereas the Legislature of the 
State of Ohio, cm the twenty-^i-xth day of .January, one thou-sand eight 
hundred and eighteen, passed a law appoiTiting Abraham Tappan. Wil- 
liam Wetmore, and Elias Lee, commissioners to view the pi-esent and 
such other sites for seats of justice as might be shown to theni in the 
county of Huron, and to take into consideration the necessity and pro- 
priety of removing said seat of justice for said county; and whereas. 
the said commissioners, by said act. are to appraise the damage that 
each person might sustain who had purchased in the present seat of 
justice in and for said county: and whereas, the said Abraham Tap- 
pan, and William Wetmore, two of said committee, have attended to 
the duties of their appointment, and have assessed to the said Ebenezer 
Merry, and Ephraim Quiinby. damage to the amount of two thousand, 
two htmdred dollars: to Lyman Fay. damage to the amount of one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars: Frederick W. Fowler, damage to the amount of 
six hundred and eighty dollars: Richmond Rhodes, damage to the 
amount of sixty dollars: Ichabod Marshall, damage to the amount of • 
one hundred and fifty dollars; to Othniel Fields, damage to the amount 
of one hundred dollars: to Joseph Kairns. damage tuthe amountof one 
huntlred dollars. 

And. whereas, also by said act, the damage so assessed, is to be paid 
to the several stifferers within two years: and, whereas, also the dona- 
tions heretofore suliscribed for public buildings, or a sum equal thereto 
are to be paid within one year Now. therefore, the condition of this 
bond is such that if the said commissioners shall fix the seat of justice 
on the town plat of Norwalk, and the said obligors do not pay to the said 
treasurer, or his said successor in said oifice. for the use of ;the county, 
a sum equal to the present amotmt of donations for public buiUlings, 
within one year from this date, or if the said obligors do not pay the 
said Ebenezer Merry, and Ephraim Quimby. the said sum of two thou- 
sand two hundred dollars; to the said Lyman Fay, the said sum of one 
hundred and fifty dollars; to the said Frederick W. Fowler, the said 
sum of six hundred and eighty dollars; to the said Richmond Rhodes, 
the said sum of sixty dollars: to the said Ichabod Marshall, the said 
Sinn of onehimilred and fifty dollars: to the said ttthniel Fields, the 
said sum of one hundred dollars: to the said Joseph Kairns, the said 
sum of one himdred dollars, within two years from this date, then this 
bond to be and remain in full force ami etfect ; but if the sevei al sums of 
money above mentioned iie paid as above stipulated, then this bond to 
be mdl and void. 

Elisra Whittlesey, |l s ] 

Pl.ATT UeXEDICT, Il.S.J 

Witness; Davih Underbill. [l.s.] 

David Abbott. Levi Cole, Il.s.] 

Bex.i W. Abbott. Daniel Tilden. [l s.) 

Peter Tice [l s. I 

Note.— Copied from journalof Conmion Pleas Couit of May term. 181,s. 








N Ca/N^ (j^\y\yy '^ C^/^^- 



"x/yvv/^ 



The subject of this sketch was born in Auburn, Crawford 
Co., Oliio, July 13, 1825. His parents, Erastus and Sally 
Sawyer, were natives of the State of New York. His father's 
ancestors emigrated to this country from Lancashire, England, 
and his mother's (whose maiden name was Snider) from Hol- 
land. His parents were pioneers in that then wilderness 
country. He has one brother, Albanus, older, and one sis- 
ter, Mrs. Lucy Kellogg, younger, than himself, who reside 
in Crawford County. 

He remained upon his father's farm until his seventeenth 
year, employed in the hard work of the new country', and 
attending the common school of the neighborhood when there 
happened to be one. In 18-43 he was a student at Norwalk 
Seminary, and the next year at Granville College, supporting 
himself during this time, and while studying law, by teaching 
school winters. In 18-15 he commenced the study of the law 
at Norwalk, and was admitted to the Bar in 1847, and soon 
had a respectable |iractice. 

In 1850 ho was elected ]irosecuting attorney, which office 
ho held two years, during which time he was successful in 
breaking up a noted gang of horse thieves, counterfeiters, and 
professional witnesses who infested the county. 

In 18-54 he formed a partnership with George H. Safford, 
which continued until both threw up the profession to enter 
the army. The firm did an extensive and successful business. 
In 18G0, at the instance of Gov. Dennison, Mr. Sawyer 
organized a military company known as the Norwalk Light 
Guards, and on the 10th day of April, 1801, was ordered into 
the service for three months, and reported with his company 
at Camp Dennison as Co. "D," 8th Ohio Volunteers. The 
regiment soon reorganized for three years, and ho was pro- 
moted to major, and soon after to lieutenant-colonel. In July 
the regiment went to Western Virginia and jiarticipated in 
the cam]>aign of that summer. S. S. Carroll, of the U.S.A., 
was a])pointed colonel, and took the regiment into the valley 
in the spring of 1801, where it fought conspicuously in the 
battle of AVinchester. Col. Carroll was there given the com- 
mand of a brigade, and from this time the regiment was in 
command of Col. Sawyer. It was then ordered to Harrison's 
Landing, and became part of the 2d Corps. He commanded 
the regiment in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, 
Chaneellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, j\torton's Ford, 
the Wilderness, and Siiottsylvania, and in innumerable 
skirmishes. In most of these battles he was assigned to 
ditlicult positions, and iti every instance was complimented by 
his superior olHcers for his gallant i-onduct. At (iettj'sburg, 
he was ordered to drive out » rebel force posted in an im- 
portant position in front of Hancock's battle-line, which was 
luiudsomely done witli the bayom-l, though at a heavy loss. 
This position he maintained for two days unsupported, and 
far in advance of the line, although three times attacked by 
superior force; and finally, charging an advancing column of 
rebels, took a number of prisoners and three battle-Hags. In 
this battle, and also the battle of Antietam, over one-half of 



his men engaged were killed or wounded. His horse was shot 
from under him at Antietam, Chaneellorsville, and Locust 
Grove. He was severely wounded at Gettysburg, Morton's 
Ford, and Spottsylvania, at the latter place the wound dis- 
abling him from further service and partially paralyzing the 
left side. During the draft-riots ho was sent to the city of 
New York with his regiment, and occupied a position on 
Brooklyn Heights until the consummation of the draft. 

Promotion was several times tendered him, but he preferred 
to remain with his "gallant old 8th." His popularity with 
his men was unbounded, his ability as an officer was con- 
ceded, and his absolute bravery in battle uncpicstioned. The 
rank of brevet brigadier-general was conferred for meritorious 
conduct during the war. 

In the fall of 1804 he visited the Ohio troops on the lino of 
the Mississippi, New Orleans, Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern 
Alabama, and Georgia, on a sjiecial commission from Gov. 
Brough. He then acted as assistant judge advocate in the 
office of Judge Advocate Gen. Holt, at Washington, until 
the close of tlie war, and the triumphal return of the Union 
army to Washington, in June, 1805. 

In 1805 he was elected representative to the Legislature for 
Huron County on the Hepublican ticket, and served two 
sessions. Was a member of the committees on finance, schools, 
and the agricultural college fund. The C'lrrctand Lender, in 
a review of this Legislature, said of him : " Few men in the 
State achieved a brighter reputation in the recent war than 
Gen. Sawyer, the member for Huron. As a legislator he is 
chiefly distinguished for his ability in ]ircscnting his case and 
' dumfounding' his adversary, if anybody has the temerity to 
oppose him. For real humor, as well as solid argument, lio 
has few superior.^. Sometimes his rare blending of humor and 
argument would convulse with laughter the entire house, and 
upset the gravity of everybody within hearing." 

In May, 1807, ho was ap]iointed one of the registers in 
bankruptcy for the Northern District of Ohio, which otlic(^ ho 
has held during the existence of the act, a period of over 
twelve years, being regarded as a careful and impartial officer. 
Ho has also during this period continued successfully in his 
law practice. Gen. Sawyer has always taken a lively interest 
in the prosperity of Norwalk. He was a trustee of the Nor- 
walk Institute for several years, and until it was discontinued 
on account of the non-popular public-school system, and was 
then for fifteen years a member of the board of education of 
the union schools. 

As a lawyer he occupies a prominent ]iosition at the Bar, 
and is regarded as a man of strict integrity ; he is an interest- 
ing speaker and ready debater, anil a thorough student of 
literature and history. 

He was married to Lucinda Jf. Lathrop, Jan. 30, 1848, who 
died June 12, 1854. Nov. 29, 1855, he was married to Eliza- 
beth B. Bostwick, of Delaware Co., N. Y., who died Jan. 
6, 1878. He has one son, Frank, who is being educated for 
the profession of the law. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



i:i5 



Tin' location haviug been sL'ttknl. Mr. Whittlesey 
proposed to deed the entire town plat, except lots 
number one. twelve, thirteen and twenty-four, to cer- 
tain individuals if they wnuld relieve him from his 
liabitity on the foregoing bond. His proposition was 
accei)ted, and (m May 3o. 1818, they executed to him 
the following bond of indemnity: 

Kxuw ALL MEX BV THESE PRESENTS, That We, David Underbill, Peter 
Tiee. Levi Cole, Piatt Beuedict and Daniel Tildeu. of Huron county, 
are held and stand firml.v bound unto Elislia Wliittlesey in the penal 
sum of eight thousand dollars, lo the payment of which we liind our- 
selves, our heirs, executors and administrators, firmly by these presents. 
Signed with our hands and sealed with our seals this, the thirtieth da,v 
of ftla.v, one thousand eight himdred and eighteen 

The condition of this bond is such that whereas the said Elisha Whit, 
tlesey, heretofore at our request, became bound as principal in a certain 
bond executed by him to Abijah Comstock. treasurer of the county of 
Huron aforesaid and his successors in said office, in the penal sum of 
eight thousand dollars, conditioned for the payment of three thousai d 
four hundred and fortj- dollars, or thereabouts, to certain individuals 
therein named, being the damages assessed to be i>aid to them by the 
appraisal of .\braham Tappan and William Wetmore. commissioners 
appointed to remove the seat of justice in Huron county: and, also, 
having this further condition that the donation should be kept good for 
the benefit of the county aforesaid, reference being had to said botd 
returned to the clerk of the court of conmion pleas, and by him 
entered on the journal of said court. 

Now. therefore, if the said David Underbill. Peter Tice, Levi Cole, 
Piatt Benedict and Daniel Tilden, shall exouei'ate and save harndess the 
said Elisha Whittlesey from all suits, legal liabilities and costs of. in 
and concerning said bond, by performing the conditions therein con. 
tained, as they severally become due, then this bontl to be void and of 
no effect, otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect. 

Signed and sealed the day and year above. 

David U.nderhill, Il.s.] 

In presence of Peter Tice, [l.s.] 

Nathan Strong, Levi Cole, [l.s.] 

C S. Hale Platt Benedict, [l.s,] 

Daniel Tilden. [l.s.] 

Note.— Copied from the original, now in possession of Miner Cole, Esq. 

The foregoing bond having been executed May 30, 
1818, on June 8, 1818, ilr. Whittlesey executed, in 
favor of the parties who signed said bond, a deed of 
lots from one to forty-eight, being the whole of Nor- 
walk town plat, except iniblic lots one, twelve, thir- 
teen and tweuty-four, which is recorded in volume II, 
of Huron county record of deeds, at page 445. 

These parties afterwards fultilled their oldigations 
assumed in the two bonds, and in lS-2o }iartitioned 
the lots among themselves by a joint deed, which is 
recorded in volume II, of Huron county record of 
deeds, at page 884. 

At a meeting of the county commissioners on 
October 21, 1818, the following resolution was passed: 

Ordered, By the commissioners, that notice be given that the commis- 
sioners will, on the first Monday of December next, receive proposals 
tor the building of a courthouse, forty by thirty feet, and a jail . 

Previous to that, however, and upon the consuma- 
tion of the bargain between Mr. Whittlesey and the 
five who had executed the foregoing boml. the latter 
had commenced the erection of a court iiouse, under 
a contract with William (Jallup as builder, and had it 
so far completed that on the third Tuesday of Octo- 
ber, 1818, the first term of tiie court at the "new 
county seat "" was held in it. 

On Monday, December 7, 1818, the commissioners 
caused the following entry to be made in their 
journal : 

"Commissioners purcha.sed a building of Uaxid 



Underbill & Co., for a court house, for the sum of 

eight hundred and forty-eight dollars, which is to 
apply on their donations given at the sand ridge, 
except four hundred and fifty dollars, which is to he 
allowed to William Gallup." 

The original suliscrijition papers for the county- 
seat fund cannot now be found, and it is therefore 
impossible to determine whether the three hundred 
and ninety-eight dollars, above applied "on their 
donations given at the sand ridge," was the amount, 
or part of the amount, of the individual subscrip- 
tions of the five, composing "David Underbill & Co," 
but as the subscriptions were made for (lie benefit of 
file vonntii, it is most proliable tluit the papers were 
in the hands of the county otlieers for collection, and 
that by the above application they collected the whole 
or a part of the individual donations of Underbill, 
Tice, Cole, Benedict and Tilden, and paid Gallup his 
four hundred and fifty dollars, balance due on build- 
ing, in county orders (which another part of their 
journal shows), trusting to further collections to meet 
the orders. 

At a meeting of the commissioners, held March 
2, 1819, they caused the following entry to be made 
in their journal: 

"Contracted with Platt Benedict to build a jail, 
twenty-four by forty-six, two stories, for the sum of 
twelve hundred and seventy-five dollars." 

This contract was sulj-let to Hallet Gallup, and on 
August 8, 1819, the commissioners causetl the follow- 
ing entry to be made in their journal: 

"Commissioners agreed to accejit the jail from 
Hallet Gallup, and have deducted twenty dollars 
from the contract, for work which remains unfinished, 
and have paid the balance, with this proviso: the said 
Gallup claims that he has done some e.xtra work, 
which the contract and custom does not require, 
which question the said Gallup and the commissioners 
have agreed to submit to some disinterested judges, 
and abide their decree. Said decision to be submitted 
toS. Benton, Timothy Baker and Frederick Forsyth." 

The contract price of this jail was paid in county 
orders, the commissioners probably relying upon the 
collection of donation subscriptions to meet them. 

The old court bouse was removed many years ago, 
to give place to the present brick structure, and now 
stands m all its original "Ijeauty" on Whittlesey avenue, 
and is the present "Central Hotel." 

The old jail was removed in 1872. to give place to 
the present Parker Block, and now stands on Rule 
street, north side, between Huron and ^\'ooster streets, 
as a dwelling house. It, however, had not been used 
as a jail since about 1837. 

FIRST POST OFFICE. 

up to August, 181G, tiie new settlers received and 
sent their mail from the }iost office at Huron. This 
was so inconvenient that Maj. I'nderhill, meeting 
Judge Ruggles one day, represented to him the diffi- 
culty and annoyance of carrying on corresi)ondence 



i 



13G 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



1 



with the east. Rnggles replied: "Find a postmastei", 
and I will write to the department and have the 
appointment made.'" Dr. Joseph Peai'ce was selected, 
Ruggles fulfilled his promise, and the aj)pointment 
was, in due time, made, and received as a ray of light 
penetrating into an oppressive darkness. The follow- 
ing e.xtractfrom a letter written b)' Harriet Underhill, 
to her sister, Mrs. Horace Morse, in Herkimer, New 
York, refers to this appointment. The letter is dated 
"Ridgclield, August 6, ISIG." 

After referring to family matters, the writer says: 
"Ma wishes you to write and let us know when you 
are coming out here. Perhaps 3'ou think of taking 
us by surprise, but do not think of that, for we shall 
hear all the news that is stirring, for this day a post 
office has been establisjied here, and Dr. Pearce is 
postmaster. Please direct your letters to Xorwalk 
Post Office." 

This office was kept at the house of Levi Cole (Ben- 
jamin Newcomb's second house), on the present Miner 
Cole farm, until, in July, 1818, when Mr. Pearce 
resigned and his resignation was accepted. 

Tlie total business done by the office, while held by 
Dr. Pearce, is shown by the following statement of 
account made out at Washington, at that time, and 
found among the fiapers of Piatt Benedict, now in 
possession of the writer: 

JosEPB Pearce, Esq., late Postmastei-, Nomalk, Ohio, in account with 
the General Post ofBce. 



Dr. 
To bal, due on his post office ac't. 
From 

August ti to October 1, 1SI6, 1 , •» 
October 1 to Dec. 31, '• 3.73 
January I to April 1. 181T, 8.93 
April 1 to July 1, " 13.98 
July 1 to October 1. " 1161 
October 1 to Dec. 31, " 11.09 
January 1 to April 1, 1818. 9U 
April 1 to July 1, " 30.21 
Balance 5.85 

^78 00 



Cb. 

1817 
January S9. By Cash $ 5 . 00 

1818 
May 14, By Cash 1.00 

1819 
January 1, By Draft in favor 

David Abbott 73.00 



878.00 



I'lRST Vn.I,A(iK POST OFFICE. 



Dr. Pearce having tendered his res'ignation, the 
following letter was sent to him from the department, 
the original of which is now in the writer's possession: 



Sir: 



(iEXERAL Post Office, 

City of Washington, 35 July, 1818. 



Your letter resigning the office of postmaster at Norwalk, Ohio, has 

been received, and accei)ted. It has Leen concluded to appoint Mr. 

Piatt Benedict to fill the vacancy; a bond for his signature is enclosed 

and you will oblige nie by seeing' it done with proper surety, and then 

return it. with a certifiiate that he has taken the retiuisite oaths, to this 

office. When those papers are receive.l here, a coniniissiou will be 

made nut and forwarded to him. and you will then, or as soon as the 

bond is forwarded, if mi>re convenient, hand over to bim all the articles 

of post office property in your possession, the ni.ineys due to this office 

excepted. Yours respectfully, 

, „ „ R. I. .Meigs. Jr. 

Joseph Pearce. Esq. 

.\l iIkiI tiiiir. Piatt Benedict was living in a log 
hoii.se, which stood on the lot. and in the rear of 
where the present Gallup block now stands. That 
log hoibse was built in Septembor, 1817, iiiion the 
site of <inc ImiJtby.Mr. Benedict in the siirii.g 1817. 



but burned down early in September of that year, — 
these two being the first houses erected within the 
present corporate limits of Norwalk. 

The office was at once removed by Mr. Benedict to 
his residence, and the first post office in the village 
was there opened and kept until 1819: and the first 
mail brought only one letter and one newspaper. In 
tbat year Mr. Benedict erected and moved into his 
"splendid new brick house,'" (the first brick structure 
erected within the present limits of Huron county), 
now forming part of the present Gallui) block, in the 
rear. In the little room (back of store room number 
fourteen, East Main street, now used as a fitting room 
by S. C. Kinsley, fancy goods merchant,) the post 
office was opened uj) "in state,"' and there kept, 
until Picket Latimer and Harvey G. Morse, some 
years afterwards, opened a general store, in a building 
standing about where Harley's grocery now is, (store 
room number nine, West Main street), when it 
was removed to that location, and put in charge of 
Jonas B. Benedict, (son of Piatt Benedict, and father 
of Dr. D. D. Benedict), as deputy. There it was 
kept at the west front seven by nine glass window, 
until in 1837, when Latimer & Co. moved to the "Old 
Red Store," standing where the Norwalk National 
Bank now is, (Baker & Kinibiill succeeding Latimer 
& Co. in the old stand). The post office went with 
Latimer & Co., and remained there, in charge 
of D. A. Baker, (jiresent president of the First Na- 
tional Bank), as deputy, until the early part of 1828. 
Asahel W. Howe, that year, leased of Horace Howard 
the tavern stand that is now the wooden buildinof 

o 

standing ne.xt west of Whittlesey lilock, so long known 
as the Mansion house, the sign of which is yet indis- 
tinctly visible on ths east end of the old brick block 
next west. 

On January 10. 18-.28, Howe was sworn in as 
deputy, and the office was moved there. He proved 
to be unworthy of the trust; robbed the mails, was ar- 
rested, tried, convicted, sentenced to imprisonment 
for a term of years, and pardoned out m about one 
year. 

Daniel A. Baker was sworn in. as dejuity, on March 
29, 1827, before Samuel Preston, justice of the peace, 
as appear by the official oath of office, now in posses- 
sion of the writer. ■! 

The first official draft by the department ujion the 
Norwalk post office, was drawn against Joseph Pearce, 
.lanuavy 1. 181!i. 

The .second was drawn against Piatt Benedict, and 
is as follows: 



"Dols. .^^).— Cents. No. 2, General Postoffice. I 

Washington City, .\pril 1, 1819 i 

Sir— .-it sight, pay David .\bbott, or order. fiftysi.\ dollars cent 

and charge to account of this office. Abm. Bradley, Jr., 

Assistant Postmaster General/ 
To Platt Benedict, Esquire, 
Postmaster at Xonvalk, Ohio. 



The official list of newspajiers. pamphlets, an 
magazines received at this office from October 1, 182s, 
to .I.inuaiy 1, 1829, sliows tiiat .seventy-three copie> 



it-^ 

I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



137 



wore receivi'd, upon wliicli tlie postage was twelve tlol- 
lai's and twenty-foiir cents. 

All iifticial statement of aceount made out at Wash- 
ington, in 18-^9, shows the total husiness of the otHce 
from July 1, 1818, to September 1, 1839, (a period 
of eleven years and two months, during which tiie 
office was held hy Piatt Benedict), as liaving amounted 
to one thousand four hundred and thirty-tue dollars 
and tifty-seven cents, or an average of one hundred 
and thirty dollars and fifty cents per year, the last 
year, however, from July 1. 1828, to July 1. 1829, it 
was one hundred and ninety-seven dollars and thirteen 
cents. 

The pi-eseiit postmaster, Frederick (_'. Wickliam, 
grandson of Samuel Preston, who administered the 
oath of otticc to D. A. Baker, in 1827, has kindly 
furnished the writer with the following statement of 
the business of the office, for the year ending March 
;il, 1879: 

AUOl'.VT OF STAMPS, STAMPED ENVELOPES, NEWSPAPER WRAPPERS, AND 
POSTAL CARDS SOLD 

For the quarter ending June 30, 1878 6 1,607 51 

' •• •• •• September 30, IS78 1,49a gj 

December 31, 1878 1,815 77 

March 31, 1879 1,793 86 



Total for one year f G,709 98 

AMOl'NT COLLECTED FOR BOX RENT. 

For the iiuarter ending June 30, 1878 3 226 25 

" September 30, 1878 236 00 

" December 31, 1878 226 25 

■• March 31, 1879 229 00 



Total for one year S 907 50 

RECEIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES. 

For the quarter ending June 39, 1878 $ 3 20 



September 30, 1878, 
December 31, 1878. 
March 31, 1879 



3 86 
3 4'1 
5 11 



Total for one year ? 14 63 

Urand total for year S7,632 01 

MONEY ORDERS ISSUED. 

Number of money orders issued during the year ending 

March 31, 1S79 3,871 

Amount issued for the year $41,040 05 

Amount of fees received for same 460 05 



Number of orders paid during the year. 
Amount of orders paid during the year 



.3,109 



S41,]0K 97 



Perliaps no single department of business in the 
town affords a Ijetter criterion by whicli to measure 
its growth and improvement. 

In 1818-19 the office was a log dwelling house with 
one room, — parlor, sitting-room, bed-room, kitchen 
and post office in one ; its windows were set with 
greased paper instead of glass ; it was warmed from a 
huge stone-built fire-place, by burning logs, so large 
that a man coiilil only \n\t them in place by the "end 
over end" process ; there was only one mail per week. 
The total recei|)ts of the office from July 1, 1818 to 
July 1, 1819, were 8112.08, and ))Ostage was then 
twenty-Hve cents for each half-ounce letter. 

The total population of the the whole towiishij) 
was probably about two hundred, wliich would make 
the average contribution of each inhiibitant, to the 
receipts of the office, about lifly-si.x cents per year, or 
e<|iial to about two and onc-(|uarter letters sent by 

18 



each inhabitant during the year ; erpial to about 
eighteen and two-thirds letters at the present three- 
cent rate of postage. 

Sixty years have rolled l)y since then, and our 
fathers and mothers, who wore then the actors upon 
the stage of life, are now sleeping in their ipiiet, 
silent graves :>a new and liusy generation of men and 
women, mostly strangers to them, till, according to 
their ability, the vacant places. 

And to-day, that post office is housed in a commo- 
dious room, upon the same premises where it was first 
opened, nearly sixty-one \'ears ago ; its windows are 
of plate glass, each light of which is live and a half 
by ten and a half feet s(|uare, and it is fitted up with 
most of the modern appliances for facilitating busi- 
ness, and ten or twelve mails per day, arrive and de- 
part. 

The receipts of the office, aside from the money 
order deiiartment, from March 1, 18T8, to March 31, 
18T9, having been §r,0;52.()l, and estimating the 
present population of the township at nine thousand, 
would average a contribution, by each inhabitant, to 
those receipts, of about eighty-five cents, or at three 
cents per half-onnce letter, would equal the annual 
sending of nearly sixty-five letters by each inhabitant 
now, as against the two and one-(|uarter letters sent 
in 1818-19. 

As a conclusion, based ujion the foregoing figures, 
while the ])opulation has increased in those sixty 
years, only about forty-times, the annual receipts of 
the post office have increased nearly sixty-eight times, 
notwithstanding the fact that the rate of postage has 
been reduced from twenty-five, to three cents ])er 
half-ounce, or over eight times ; taking that fact into 
consideration, the business of the office has increased 
about five hundred and forty-four times. 

The names and date of commission of each person 
who has held the office, from its estalilishment to tlie 
present time, have been furnished the writer by the 
Department at Washington, and are as follows : 

Joseph Pearce commissioned October 1,1810 



Piatt Benedict 

Cyrus Butler 

John Buckingham. . . 

Obadiah Jenney 

Daniel Mallery 

A. S. Sutton 

.\mos Parks 

John V Vredenburgh.. 

Juhus S. Coe 

Hiram Rose 

Frederick C Wickham 



October a, 1818 

July 29, 1829 

September 21, 1S.30 

May 20, ISll 

May 1, ISI9 

July 0, 18.5.3 

April .'iO, 1S57 

December 15. IS-'iS 

December :W, 1858 

October 24. 1871 

December 15, 1875 



KIHST MEltcIIANTS. 



Tre & Foiis\T]i (Peter Tice anil Frederick For- 
syth), commenced business in 1818, in the "Red 
Store," on the corner of ^Fain and Hester streets, 
where the Norwalk national bank now stands; dis- 
continued Inisiness about 1821. 

C'yius BiTLKK commenced business as successor 
of Tice & For.«ythe. in the " l?ed Store:" David .M. 
Benedict, clerk. In 1^2.") buill the brick store now 



138 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



occupied by C. H. Wine.< & Co., grocers, on the 
Latimer property. Removed to Birmingham in 18"-i7. 

Fredekick Fok.syth commenced business, about 
1821, in a building wliich stood wliere Harley's 
grocer}- store, number nine. West Main street now 
is, and discontinued about 1823. 

Morse & Latimek (Harvey G. ilorse and Picket 
Latimer,) commenced business about 1823, in tlie 
store vacated by Forsythe, and continued there until 
they removed to the "Red Store," to give place to 
Baker & Kimball, in 1827. 

Bakek & Kimball (Timothy Baker and Moses 
Kimljall.) commenced business about 1825, in the 
Ijuilding so long used as a store by Shepard Patrick, 
standing where G. Jacobson's clothing store now is, 
store number seven, W. Main street, and in 1827 re- 
moved to store vacated l)y Morse & Latimer. 

JoHx V. Vkedexburgh commenced business about 
1825, in the building built by him on the lot corner 
of Main street and Railroad avenue, where Cline's 
building now stands. 



EARLY merchants. 

A copy of the list of merchants trading in the 
county of Huron, on the first day of April, A. I). 
182G, with the amount of capital. 

Cyrus Butler, Norwalk,* $5,000 

Enos Gilbert " 50 

Joseph Strong, Jr. , " 1,500 

J . V. Vredenburgh, " 3,000 

I certify the above to be a true copy of the list nf merchants in said 
countj-, doing business on the first day of April, A. D. Wid. 

Geo. Sheffield, 
Dated June 1. 1826 County Assessor. 

* The list of the other towns Is omitted here, because not connected 
with the history of Norwalk. 

Tiie following are similar lists made by the county 
assessor for 1828, 1829, 1830 and 1831. 

LIST FOR 1828. 

Baker & Kimball, Norwalk. SI, 500 

P. Latimer & Co., " 2 5U0 

John V, Vredenburgh, Norwalk ; 1 500 

T ., ,0,0 Philo Adams, 

June o, loao. Assessor. 

Note— This year the name of Cyrus Butler appears in the list for 
Florence, capital J500. 

LIST FOR ISa'J. 

John V. Vredenburgh, Norwalk $1,000 

Wm. C. Spolden, " 75O 

Baker & Kimball, " 1 5O0 

Piatt Benedict & Co , " , I'goo 

Picket Latimer. " 2 000 

Tilden & Kittiidge, " ]0q 

John Wliyler, " 0150 

Philo Adams, 

June 3. 1839. County Assessor. 

Note— Butler does not appear on the list this year. 

LI.ST FOR 18:30. 

Cyrus Butler & Co., Norwalk $1 000 

Baker i Kimball, " j'gQQ 

P. Latimer & Co., " 1 800 

TUdeu & Kittridge, " 150 

John Whj'ler, *' ,^00 

Geo. Sheffield, 
June 1, WJO. Assessor. Huron Co\inty. 

NoTE-The name of John \ . Vredenbuigh appears in the list for 
Florence, capital SIKIO. 



LLST FOR IS.3I. 

Baker it Kimball, Noi-walk S8,000 

Buckingham & Sturges. Norwalk 1,500 

David H. Fitch, " since April 1 1.500 

P. Latimer & Co., . " 3,.30O 

John Whyler, " since April 1 1,300 

Attest: Geo. Sheffield. Assessor. 

Note— This year the name of Cjrus Butler appears as a merchant in 
Florence, wi'h a capital of $800, and J. V, Vredenburgh. with a capital 

of sroo. 

No further lists of this kind have been found, and 
it is prol)al:)le that the i)ractice of a general listing of 
merchants was abandoned after 1831, and the present 
mode of assessment adopted. 

In addition to the list for 1828, S. A. Bronson 
advertised in the Norwalk Reporter of May 31, 1828: 
BOOKS: rooks: 

SEVERAL thousand volumes of Books are now received in Norwalk, 
among which are as follows- (Here follows a descriptive list, i Sta- 
tionery. &c.. &c., all o; which will be sold cheap for ready pay, eithei- in 
cash or produce, at the market price. Enquire of S. A. BRONSON 
immediately under the printing office. 
Norwalk, May 37, 1838. 

Also, in the issue of the Reporter of AjM-il 5, 1828, 
Aurelius Mason advertised: 

JUST RECEIVED 

AND for sale, by Aui-elius Mason, Dried Peaches, of an excellent 
qualit}-, and a quantitj- of Stoneware. 
Norwalk, April 4, 18-iS. 

In the issue of the Reporter of ,June 28, 1828, John 
Whyler announces that he "has .just opened his shop 
in Norwiilk, adjoining the public square, where he 
intends keeping at all times a general assortment of 
tin ware, which he will sell low for cash, or most 
kinds of country produce." 

The history of John Whyler, as a merchant of Nor- 
walk, is one of thrift and singular prosperity. The 
writer has heard Mr. Whyler relate that 'he came to 
Norwalk with all his worldly goods packed in a wheel- 
barrow. He commenced business here as a peddler of 
threads, laces, l)uttons, etc., in the latter 2)art of 
1827, or the early part of 1828, carrying from house 
to house his stock in trade in two tin boxes. His 
trade increased so that he soon opened a small store 
ou the lot now occupied by Mrs. J. M. Farr, corner 
of Pleasant and Main streets. As announced in the 
above advertisement, he, in 1828, ojiened a tin shop 
adjoining tliei)ublic square, which was put in charge 
of his son, George Whyler, (father of John G. 
Whyler, the present plumlier of Norwalk). In 1830, 
the store was removed to the building occuj)ied Ijy the 
tin shoii, and a general stock of merclumdise oj>encd 
up. The place of business was then known as ''The 
Red .Store." From this location he removed iiis busi- 
ness as a general merchant, some years afterwards, to 
the lot on the northwest corner of Main and Prospect 
streets, wliere. in company with his sons, John, Jr., 
and Edward, he for many years, and until about 
1849, carried on a very extensive and general mer- 
cantile business. 

This place of business was called "'Tho Old For- 
tress," and in the piiliny days of 'the grain traffic at 
Milan, the streets of Norwalk were, year after year, 
in the grain season, lilied and almost l)loekaded bv 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ElMK COUNTIES, OHIO. 



139 



two. I'oiii'. .six, eight ;iiu! ten liiir,~e trams attudu'd to 
"Peniisvlvania ScIuioiuts."" (as tlio.sc inimoiise canvas 
covered grain wagons were called,) while their owners 
were making purchases to carry home. Those "teani- 
sters" came from all the territory s(juth from here to 
Fi'anklin county, and a very large iirojiortioii of them 
wouhl buy their "store goods" of no one lait "Ole 
Wyler." 

He w;is a blutf. bow-legged, corimient, jolly, wide- 
awake Englishman, and the hearty, "hail-fellow, 
well-met" manner of the man won the hearts and 
the trade of the ''Pennsylvania Dutch" farmers of 
Central Ohio. 

The successful opening of the Sandusky, Mansfield 
& Newark Kail Road and the Cleveland, Columbus 
lie Cincinnati Rail Hoad killed Milan and •■The Old 
Fortress." 

Mr. Whvler was born in Lincolnshire, England, 
and there commenced business as a bakei', in which 
he proved a failure: then he emigrated and settled in 
(Jleveland, Ohio, but continueil only a short time; 
from there he came to Norwalk. and remained until 
his death. 

vili,a(;e incorpokateii. 

Norwalk was iiicoi'iiorated by Act of Legislature, 
February 11,18:^8. The following are tlie two first 
sections of the act of incorporation: 

Section 1 Be it enacted by the Generid Aasembly of the State of Ofiio, 
That so much of the township of Norwalk, in the county of Huron, as 
lies within the following boundaries, to-wit: Commencing at the s. uth 
east corner of the town plat of Norwalk, in the center of the roail lead- 
ing to Medina, nmning along the south side of the back alley as far as 
it extends, from thence in the same direction to the center of the road 
passing AVidow Tice's dwelling, a distance of two hundred and sixteen 
rods from the starting point; ttience alongthe center of said road forty 
rods; thence northeastwardly and parallel with the first line to the 
center of the road passing Ebenezer Lane's dwelling to Milan, a distance 
of two hundred and sixteen rods; thence along the center of said road 
forty rods to the place of beginning, be and the same is hereby created 
a town corporate, and shall henceforth be known and distinguished by 
the name of the town of Noru'alk, 

Sec. '-i- That it shall be lawful for the white nude inhabitants of said 
town, having the qualifications of electors of members of the General 
Assembly, to meet at some convenient place in said town, on the first 
Monday of .May next, and the first Jlonday of ^lay annually thereafter, 
and then and there proceed, by a plurality of votes, to elect by ballot 
one mayor, one recorder and five trustees, who shall have the qualifica- 
tions of electors; and the persons so elected shall hold their office for 
one year, and until their successors shall be chosen and qualified, and 
they shall constitute the town council. 

I'IKST CDKl'OliATION ELECTION. 

The following is taken from the first [lages of the 
first book of record of the corj)oration of Norwalk, 
and comjirises the ])oll-book and tally sheet of the 
first election held as an incori)orated village: 

Poll-book of the election held in the town of Norwalk, in the county 
of Huron, and State of O)hio. this fifth day of May, in the year of our 
Lord one thousan<l eight hundred and twenty-eight. Joseph C, C'urtiss 
Benjamin t'artnon and Wni. Gallup, judges, and Geo T. Buckingham, 
clerk, of this election, were severally sworn as the law tlirects previous 
to their entering on thedTities of their respective offices. 



iVo. 

Voter 


.Xamrti of Electors 


iVo. 
Votei 


Xntneso/ Electnm 


1. 
■i. 
3. 
4. 
5. 


.James Williams. 
Win. H. Hunter. 
Ichabod .Marshall 
Eri Keeler. 
Halleti Gallup 


36. 
87. 

38. 

40 


Geo. GautT 
Henry TIce 
Piatt Benedict 
Seth Jennings. 
Geo. T. Buckingham 



«. 


Moses Kimball. 


41 


7. 


Pelatiah Strong. 


42 


8. 


Daniel Tilden. 


13 


U. 


John P. McArdle. 


44 


10. 


Wm. Haughtoii. 


45 


11 


Sherlock A. Bmnson. 


4U 


IJ. 


Zachariah Marvin. 


47 


13. 


Sam B. Ames. 


48 


14 


Levi Wilson. 


49 


l.-> 


Barton Sweet. 


50 


11) 


John V. Sharp. 


51 


17. 


John G. Taylor. 


52 


18 


Henry Buckingham. 


■ .53 


19. 


Isaac M. Wilson. 


54 


SO. 


Joseph Wilson. 


.55 


■a. 


Joseph H. W*ilson. 


.50 


23. 


Denison Clark. 


57. 


23 


John Ebbett, Jr. 


58 


24 


t'ira Collin<. 


59. 


25. 


Benjamin Junkins. 


00. 


26, 


Henry Hnrlbert. 


Bl 


27 


Nelson Haught(>n 


62. 


28 


John Ebliert. 


Ki. 


29. 


Nathan Sweet 


64. 


30 


Charles Lindsay. 


05. 


31. 


Wm. Taylor. 


66. 


•32. 


John P. Savin. 


c- 


33. 


Barney C'arkhoof. 


68 


34. 


John Miller. 


6'J. 


35. 


Enos Gilbert. 




It 


s hereby certified that the 


numb 


amounted to sixty-nine. 




Attes 


t; 

Geo. T. Bvcki.soham, 






Clerk. 





Samuel Preston. 
Daniel G. Railt 
Thadeus B. Sturges. 
Jacob Wilson. 
John V, Vredenburgh. 
Leverett Bradley. 
Ozias S. Baker. 
William Gallup. 
Joseph V. C'urtiss. 
Benjamin Cannon. 
Josiah L. Bottsford. 
Abraham Emmet. 
Wm. C. Enos. 
.4urelius Mason. 
James Minsball. 
Joseph Mason. 
Frederick Forsythe. 
Asahel W. Howe. 
Michael F. Cisco. 
Wm. M. Newgent. 
Charles Slocum. 
Picket Latimer. 
John Felton. 
Lewis M. Howard. 
Cyrus Butler. 
Jonas B. Benedict. 
John Ford. 
Jonas Denton 
John Knott. 



number of electors at this election 



William Gallup, 
B. Carhox, 

Judges of Election. 



The following is a copy of the tally sheet of this 
election, with the certificate of the .judges of the 
election: 

Names of persons voted for and for what offices, containing the num- 
ber of votes for each candidate. 



James W'illiams, 4! votes. 



Leverett Bradley, 37 votes. 



Pick»t Latimer, 40 votes, 
Frederick Forsythe, 39 votes. 
Daniel Tilden, 41 votes. 
Cyrus Butler, 31 votes. 
Charles Lindsay. 29 votes. 
Jonas Benedict, 1 vote. 
L. M. Howard, 2 votes. 



MAYOR, 

William H. Hunter, 20 votes. 

RECORDER. 

John V. Vredenburgh. .30 votes. 

TRrSTEES. 

Samuel Preston, 38 votes. 
Henry Buckingham. 41 votes. 
Lewis M. Howard. 28 votes. 
Isaac M. Wilson, 2)) votes. 
Daniel E. Raitt, 27 votes. 
William Galluji, 1 vote. 
Isaac Wilson. 1 vole. 



We do hereby certify that James Williams had forty-one votes, and 
William H. Hunter had twenty -six votes, for mayor; and that Leverett 
Bradley had thirty-seven votes, and John G. Vredenburgh hat thirty 
votes, for recorder; and that Picket Latimer had forty votes. Sanuiel 
I'reston had thirty eight votes, Frederick Forsythe bad thirty-nine votes, 
Henry Buckingham had forty-one votes Daniel Tilden had forty-one 
votes, Lewis M. Howard had twenty eight votes, Cyrus Butler had thirty- 
one votes, Isaac JI. Wilson had twenty-six votes, Charles Lindsay had 
twenty-nine votes, Daniel G. Raitt had twenty-seven votes, Jonas Bene- 
dict had one vote, William Gollup had one vote. L. M. Howard had two 
votes, and Isaac Wilson bad one vote, for trustees. 

Ben.). C'armon, 
Wm. Galh-p. 
Attest: Joseph C. CiBTiss, 

Geo. T, Btc kinoham, Jitduesnf Election. 

Clerk. 

The first meeting of the town council took place on 
May 8, 18'28, at which time the members were duly 
(|ualified, after which Ichabod Marshall was aiijiointed 
treasurer, and John Miller, marshal. 

Council again met ilay I'-K and apiMiinted James 
Williams, Frederick For.syth and Picket Latimer, a 
committee to draft a code of by-laws and rejiort at 
the next meeting. 



140 



HISTOKY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUJSTIES, OlllU. 



On May 30, council met to receive the report of the 
coiniiiittee on Ijy-hiws. At this meeting Eri Keeler 
was appointed pound-keeper, and authorized to build 
a i)ublic pound. This meeting was adjourned to 
June G, and from that date again to June 10. 

At the meeting of June 10, a long ordinance of five 
.•sections was adopted ; the substance of which was 
that "no hog or hogs, shoat or shoats, pig or pigs," 
sliould be allowed to run at large within the limits 
of the corpoj'ation. This ordinance was repealed May 
20, 1835, as appears in the record book, page 59. 

Xo further record of meetings of the council is en- 
tered until that of April G, 182!». 

The poll book of the election held May 4, 1830, 
contains the names of twent3--eight electors. The 
officers for the ensuing year were, Frederick Forsyth, 
mayor : John Miller, recorder ; Mathew Callaway, 
Lewis M. Howard, Thaddeus B. Sturges, Moses Kim- 
ball and William JI. Newgent, trustees. 

The first book of the records extends to the year 
1840, the last meeting of tiie council, that is recorded, 
being lield April 25, of that year. 

At the election held the first Monday in May, of 
that year, Piatt Benedict was elected nuiyor ; J. Sid- 
ney Skinner, recorder ; F. Wickham, assessor ; Tinr- 
othy Baker, John Kennan, John Beebe, Robert\Mor- 
ton and John Cline, Trustees. 

The elections in those days were held at the 
"Council House," which stood where "Whittlesey 
Block" now stands ; it was a one story frame building 
of about twenty-four by forty feet, with about twelve 
feet of the north part partitioned off for a council- 
room, the front part being used for the storage of the 
old rotary pump fire engine, a two-wheeled hose-cart 
and some massive hooks and ladders that re([uit'ed 
great strength to handle. The old, black, home- 
made hearse, for many years owned and driven by Eri 
Keeler, used to be kept there too. For a number of 
years previous to 1850, Benjamin Shipley used the 
council-room as a barber shop. The old building was 
moved away in 1854 to give place to Whittlesey Block. 

At the corporation election held in April, 1879, 
there were one thousand and forty-eight votes polled. 

The present (1879) corporation officers are : S. P. 
Hildreth, mayor ; W. V. Watrous, clerk ; E. A. 
Pray, solicitor ; Win. Suhr, treasurer ; Jefferson 
Barber, marshal ; H. P. Smith, street commissioner ; 
C. J. Baldwin, Ira T. Conclin, Col. J. A. Jones, J. 
B. Millen, J. A. Nichols, S. S. Wing, councilmen. 

FUGITIVE SLAVES. 

In October, 1842, live men, three women and four 
children, all but one members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and residents of Campbell county, 
Kentucky, concluded to emigrate to Canada, They 
crossed the Ohio river and tookiwssage on the "Under 
Ground Railroad," the earliest, most economical and 
efficiently managetl railroad in the State of Ohio, and 
had pnjgresscd on theii' journey so far as Fitchville, 
in this countv,— a station on that road, R. Palmer 



agent, — when they were arrested by virtue of a wur- 
I'ant, issued by Samuel Pennewell, Esq., a justice of 
the peace, of Norwalk townsiiip, under what was then 
called the "Black Law," and lirouglit to Xorwalk, 
on November 2iid. charged with being fugitive slaves. 
Mr. Pennewell was not in sympathy with the "Black 
Law," and had publicly stated that he should require 
the most conclusive evidence of not only ownership, 
but birth in slavery: and that, before he would issue 
an order for their rendition, the testimony would 
have to be so conclusive that it would suffice to estab- 
lish the legitinuicy of a royal heir to his throne. 

In consequence of Mr. Pennewell's expressed views, 
no doubt, a writ of haheas corpus was taken out, and 
the examination removed from before Esquire Penne- 
well and brought before A. G. Sutton, then an Asso- 
ciate Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and resulted 
in five of the fugitives being remanded back to 
slavery; but, for technical insufficiency in the testi- 
mony, no order was given against the others, but they 
were held to await the procuring of further testimony 
from Kentucky. 

Discouraged by the order against five of their [larty, 
the other seven then gave up tlie contest and con- 
sented to 1)6 taken Ijack. 

Two of them were claimed by one party, three l)y 
another and seven by a third. 

The owners were represented here by an agent, or 
"slave hunter," who, it appears, was assisted by par- 
ties living in Ohio, of whom the citizens of Fitchville 
say, in one of many resolutions adopted by them 
November 9, 1842, and signed "Stephen Pomeroy, 
moderator, and E. A. Pray, secretary:" 

"Be it therefore resolved * * * tJmt a large 
majority of our worthy citizens feel grieved that a 
Kentucky slaveholder, with a number of bought up 
(what is called here) Ohio Ijlood hounds, or slave- 
catchers, shoitld be secretly ([uartered among us, for 
the purpose of carrying their nefarious purposes into 
operation." 

At that time Edward E. llusted was sheriff of 
Huron county, and he refused to have the fugitives 
confined in the jail. They were consequently kept 
at the old "Golf House," (which stood where the 
Congregational C'hurch now is,) under an armed 
guard, for about one week, and until the close ^f the 
examination. 

On Sunday morning, after the onler of rendition 
had been given, they were ironed, loaded on to a four- 
horse stage and taken through Main street on their 
way back to — no one here knows }r]iat. 

Hallet Gallup then lived ne.xt west of the old "Goff 
House," which had an upper and lower veranda across 
its whole front; the negroes were pe;'niitted frequently 
to exercise ujion the upper one, and a son of Mr. 
Gallup, a little lad, took advantage of those occasions 
to tlirow apjiles up to them, and for such favors 
received as hearty thanks as have ever been tendered 
to him since, and by those acts probably won the 
confidence of the slaves; at all events, on the Sunday 




HON. JOHN A. WILLIAMSON, 



son of the lute James Williamson and Phcbc Williamsun, 
and, on the maternal side, grandson of Abizah Griffin, one of 
the early settlers of Greenwich township, was born Sept. 25, 
1842, in the township of New London, Huron Co., Ohio. 
His parents were natives of the Empire State, having been 
born and reared in Hunter, Greene Co., N. Y., and, removing 
to Ohio at a comparative early day, were here married in 
the year 1839. His father was a farmer by occupation, and 
the subject of this sketch was reared at the family homestead, 
the old farm still owned by him, upon which the Williamsons 
originally settled, and wliich lies in tlie townshijis of New 
London and Fitchville, into tlie latter of which the residence 
was transferred in 1852. 

Mr. Williamson's youth was passed in a manner of life 
similar to that of many farmer boys, but, possessing a more 
than usually vigorous constitution, together with bright and 
acute intellectual qualities, he began early in life to manifest 
those traits of mind and character which, in their mature 
development, have rendered him eminent, professionally and 
politically. His was naturally an ambitious nature, and so it 
happened that he could not be satisfied with the education 
gained in the common schools, but when be had passed 
through their course of study, cho.se to avail himself of further 
opportunities and fit himself for the occupation of higher 
positions in life than he could attain to without so doing. 

At the age of sixteen years he cntorrd upon a course in the 
preparatory department of Oberlin College, and two years 
later he became a member of the Freshman class of that insti- 
tution of learning. Ho remained until the com)iletion of the 
Sophomore year, 18112, when that one of many exciting war 
alarms, the news that the Confederate Gen. Kirby Smith 
was about to make a raid upon Cincinnati, was flashed through 
the loyal North, and a call was made for the minute-men of 
the State to rally to the protection of its chief city. Mr. 
AVilliamson, being a strong supporter of the Union sentinient, 
and feeling that ho should do anything that lay within his 
means to assist the overthrow of the power which menaced 
our free soil, notwithstanding the reluctance of parental 
solicit\idc for the safety of an only cliild, went out as one of 
that hastily-summoned and quickly-prepared body of men, 
as did also many of his class. 



After returning from the service of that brief campaign, 
which by no means, however, promised to be short, he asked 
for and received an honorable dismissal from Oberlin, and be- 
came a member of the Junior class at Yale, from which col- 
lege he graduated with honors in the year 1804. Immediately 
after finishing his academic course he entered upon the study 
of law in the Law School of the University of New York, at 
Albany, from which he graduated in 1865. The time inter- 
vening between this date and 1867 was spent in a law-ofEco 
in Cincinnati, and in traveling and general reading. 

On the 9th of February, 1867, he became deputy clerk of 
courts in Huron County, under A. B. Griifin, Esq., clerk, 
which position he held until his resignation, in 1868, for the 
purpose of entering into a partnership for the practice of law 
with Hon. W. S. Tennant, at East Saginaw, Mich. In 1869 
he removed from East Saginaw to Toledo, where he resided 
until the spring of 1871, when he removed to Norwalk, in his 
native county. At this point he has since lived )irominently 
in the eye of the public, and in such manner as to have no 
cause to fear its watching. He engaged in the practice of his 
profession, and followed it assiduously and uninterruptedly 
until 1877, when he was elected to the Legislature as a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives from Huron County. 

Politically, Mr. Williamson is a Kepublican, and an earnest 
supporter of the men and measures of that party. He has 
been a worker for the success of princi]dcs and of the best men 
in the party, rather than a seeker of political preferment for 
himself. He has not sought place, and in accejiting it has 
only done so in response to the clearly expressed will of his 
friends and the suffrage of the people. 

Mr. Williamson is a man of fine as well as forcible intel- 
lectual qualities, an extensive reader and close thinker, of a 
remarkably practical cast of mind, and yet, withal, alive to 
whatever there is of beauty in the many refinements of sur- 
roundings and of being. He is cautious but firm in his 
judgments, and reliable. In manner he is social and friendly, 
and he possesses qualities that readily win admiration and 
respect, whether from his political compeers, or bis private 
companions and acquaintances. 

He was married to Miss Celestia N. Tennant, of Camden, 
Lorain Co., Ohio, Jan. 19, 1869. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



141 



before they were taken away, lie was engaged in 
throwing them apples again, wlien one of them, a 
large and powerful man, stepi)ed near the railing and 
threw something wiiich sparkled and flashed in the 
sunliglit as it came through the air and fell into the 
tall grass at the lad's feet. The guards were near, 
and a crowd of boisterous men were gathered on the 
lower porcli. Fearing detection, the boy took no no- 
tice of what had Ijeen tlirown him. Init soon went 
and informed his father of wliat had occurred. That 
night Mr. Uallup went, and, searching througli tlie 
grass, found a large silver- handled double-edged 
'•bowie knife," witli a silver-trimmed leatlier sheath. 
About one year afterwards, a constable of Xorwalk 
called on Mr. Gallup and demanded the knife, saying 
he had a search warrant for it. ilr. GalluiJ stepped 
to the hu-ge old-fasliioned •'fire-place," and picking 
up an iron poker, turned and asked tlie constable if 
that wa'nt the knife he was looking for; but the 
valiant officer at once became an.xious to go back to 
the justice that issued the warrant so as to return it 
"not found." Suit was then commenced Ijefore a 
justice against Mr. Gallup for the value of the knife; 
Viut upon his demanding a jury trial, it was with- 
drawn, and nothing further was done about it. That 
cruel, l)lood-stained knife is now in possession of a 
son of Hallet Gallup. 

In the volume on "Population and Social Statis- 
tics," United States Census of 1870, on page fifty-six, 
it is stated that the free colored population of Huron 
county, Ohio, was in 1830, seven; in 1830. fifty-six; 
in 1840. one liundred and six; in 18.50, tliirtj'-nine; 
in 18'')0, seventy-nine; and in 1870, two hundred. 
From this it will be seen, that in the decade from 
1840 to IS.ait, tlie colored population of Huron county 
decreased from one hundred and six to thirty-nine, 
or nearly two-thirds — i)robaljly in consequence of the 
fear of Ijeing elainu'd and sent soutli as slaves — a fear 
engendered by this inhuman violation of personal 
liberty, whicli was sanctioned by law and submitted 
to Ijy tlie freemen of the north in 1S42. It will fur- 
ther Vie noticed, that after slavery had Ijeen abolished, 
and terror of the "black hiw" no longer hung as a 
sable pall over the land, in tlie decade from 1860 to 
1870, the colored population increased from seventy- 
nine to two hundred, or more than two and a half 
times, and probably a greater part of this increase 
occurred after the close of the war in 1805. The 
people of Norwalk and of the whole North were never 
in sympatliy with slavery nor the fugitive slave law, 
hut they were law abiding, and submitted to the 
decrees of tlie courts. The question is pertinent: have 
the people of the old slave States ever, even to this 
day, shown a like submission to law? 

riRE DEl'.VKTMENT. 

Norwalk having ijcen iucoriiorated in 18"28, one of 
the first acts of its first council was to provide the 
newly organized village with some efficient method for 
extinguishing fires. Muscle then was paramount, 



and the only machine accessible was the bucket; con- 
se((uently the first organization was known as the 
"bucket brigade." The first ordinance required that 
each property owner on Main street should keej) a 
certain number of leathern buckets, suitably num- 
bered, and lettered with the owner's name, and hung 
in the building as assessed, convenient for u.se, usu- 
ally in the front hall. Some of these old Ijuckets are 
still in existence, and might have been seen hanging 
up to a recent date in the hall entrance of Judge 
Stickney's office. The judge was an efficient and 
"leading engine" in that organization. One is now 
in possession of C. II. Gallup, Es(|., iiiarl\e<l "P. 
Benedict," who was one of the members of the brigade. 
This organization was well disciplined, and at tlie first 
" blowing of the horn." which was then the alarm, 
every man was on liaiid with his buckets, and two 
lines were formed from the burning building to the 
nearest water, and the "stream" passed from hand to 
hand, in these buckets, the second line returning the 
emptv ones. Every man was then a fireman, and 
worked with a will and efficiency that might well be 
imitated with more modern ai)pliances and by more 
elaborate organizations. But it formed the germ from 
which has sprung a company that stands at the head 
of its class and department in the United States, the 
" Rescue" hook and ladder company, now holding the 
championship belt and gold ^irizes won at Chicago in 
1878, of which we will speak hereafter. 

Following closely upon this first step was the con- 
struction of town wells, designed only for fire pur- 
poses, and mainly planked or timbered up, one of 
which may still be seen at the corner of Railroad ave- 
nue and Monroe street, but the first were located on 
Main street. As time passed and the village increased 
in population, it was thought best to purchase a ma- 
ciiine, but, as it could not be reached by taxation, a 
subscription was started for that purpose, and the 
project was successful. After doing years of service 
this old engine was passed over to the "boys." many of 
whom are now middle-aged business men. and remem- 
ber with much pride their first "playing firemen" 
with the old machine. Then the " Champion" was 
purchased, and the department more efficiently or- 
ganized; but as yet there was but one company, con- 
trolled by a chief engineer, one foreman with two 
assistants, etc. In 1854, the Whittlesey block was 
erected, and the corporation built iri connection with 
the other owners of rooms the north room on the 
ground-tioor of said building and dedicated it to the 
use of the department; and it was so used by them as 
their headquarters, in connection with a rented hall 
above, until June, 1877, when the new hall on Sem- 
inary street was taken possession of and dedicated, 
and the rented room given up. 

Many years jirevious to this, however, the needs of 
the village had outgrown the " Champion." and the 
"Pho'nix" engine was purchased. As yet but one 
company existed, nearly all the members of which 
transferred their affections to the new engine. At 



U2 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the head of the department with this new engine, 
stood E. 0. Hill (afterwwds master mechanic at the 
railroad shojts), as chief engineer, and many were the 
tilts he had with other departments and engines of 
the State, in most cases successfully. Under his 
management the dejiartnient attained a great degree 
of efficiency, which it maintained up to its disband- 
ment in 1873. It had furni.-^hed its hall creditably — 
had ijuite a large library, many good pictures, and 
much other property incident to that department, 
and its company numbered about sixty. 

The increase of risks to property in the corporation, 
consequent upon its extending its limits, and the 
natural decrea.se of the water, had forced upon the 
citizens the necessity of procuring some more abun- 
dant supply and efficient protection, and they very 
wisely combined the two in the adoption of their 
present system of water works. This system em- 
braced the supply and protection principles, and very 
largflv superseded the liand engines then in use, and 
necessitated the reorganization of the whole depart- 
ment, or rather the creation of a new one to harmon- 
ize, in its workings, with the changed order of things. 
The project of a change met with the most violent 
opposition from the old company, and eventuated in 
their ignoring the whole thing, and refusing, almost 
to a man, to have anything to do with it: but an ordi- 
nance was passed dividing the village into five tire 
districts, each district to organize a company consisting 
of fifteen men, and they to elect of their own number 
a foreman and one assistant, and also to designate one 
man as policeman, who is to be called into active 
service in emergencies by the mayor. In addition to 
these five companies there was created a hook and 
ladder company of twenty members, with like officers, 
making the whole de]iartment for actual service con- 
sist of six companies, with a total of about one 
hundred men. The force is under the direct man- 
agement of a chief engineer appointed by the council, 
who is paid fifty dollars a year for his services — the 
only man of the whole force that is paid — the depart- 
ment being otherwise volunteers. This arrangement 
has proved entirely satisfactory, and the organization 
is OTie of the most efficient and successful in the State, 
or, in fact, in the Ignited States, of its class, as the 
record of the '' Rescues," the hook and ladder com- 
pany, has demonstrated. 

In September of 1878, the first national tourna- 
ment of volunteer firemen was held at Chicago, and 
among its prizes offered was a championship belt of tiie 
United States with a cash prize of five hundred dol- 
lars in gold, and several individual prizes of less value. 
The "Rescues" of Norwalk had made an enviable 
record in the State contests during the season and 
desired to take part in the national contest, but re- 
ceived no encouragement or assistance from the city 
council. They therefore ai)]H'aled direct to the citi- 
zens, who generously contributed the funds necessary 
to make the trial, and they entered the contest. This 
tournament lasted the whole of one week, and was 



participated in by all the various departments of the 
volunteer service of the United States. The contest 
of hook and ladder companies was to make a run of 
three hundred yards — a trifle more than fifty-five rods 
— running their trucks loaded with the full service of 
ladders, and all other apparatus necessary for efficient 
work at a fire, to raise a thirty foot ladder, a man of 
the company making the full run with them and 
climbing from the ground to the toj). 

In this contest there were twelve competing com- 
panies, among whom were the champions of Illinois 
and Indiaha, who had been under training for months 
for the struggle. There were to be two runs made by 
each comjiany, a"nd the average time taken to decide 
it. The first run was made by the '' Monmouths," 
the chamjjions of Illinois, who made it in forty-nine 
and one-half seconds, the fastest time then ever made. 
The ''Rescues'' next went over the course and made 
the run in forty-eight seconds, beating their strongest 
competitors a second and a half, and making the 
fastest time now on record. The other companies in 
the contest made runs varying in time from fifty t" 
sixty-eight and three-fourths seconds, a difference in 
time of more that twenty seconds. After an interval 
of two hours the second runs were made, when the 
"Rescues" met with an accident to their climber, 
who, when near the top of tlie ladder, made a misstep 
and partial fall that lost him a second and a half, 
making their time forty-nine seconds, while their 
competitors had reduced theirs to forty-eight and a 
half seconds, leaving the "Rescues" a clear second 
ahead and the winners of the prize, the two runs of 
the "Rescues" being ninety-seven seconds, while those 
of the " Jlonniouth.s," their closest contestants, nnide 
ninety-eight. 

The company nn-t with a perfect ovation on their 
return home. Toledo felt that they had an interest 
in them, advancing as they had the credit of the 
State of Ohio. They were met by that department, 
taken in carriages and driven over the city. At home 
they were received by almost the entire pojiulation — 
drawn by their comrades through the city, and given a 
public dinner. TJie emjdoyes of the railroad gave them 
their heavy mounted cannon and their large national 
flag, and in all this whirl and excitement they realized 
the responsibility of their position as champions of 
the United States, and conducted themselves in ac- 
cordance with that responsibilty. 

Each of these five fire districts is provided with a 
neat hose house, besides the large building and hall for 
the head(iuarters of the department for general meet- 
ings. The first floor of this building is used by the 
hook and ladder company in storing their trucks and 
ai)paratus, and also a hand engine, of which they have 
control, for emergencies outside of the water works 
limits. Each of the other five companies is provided 
with fine hose trucks, uniforms, etc. All the ajjpli- 
ances necessary for efficiency and for service depend 
entirely upon the water works, located two miles 
away — but connecli'd with the department by tele- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



143 



gnqili ;uh1 tolophor.c — and which during their eight 
years of existence have never failed them. 

Norwalk may well fell proud of her fire department, 
and need not hesitate to compare it with any in the 
larger cities of the State. 

WATER WORKS. 

The citizens of Xorwalk, as the town increased to 
a goodly size, felt the need of a more adequate sup- 
ply of water for all purposes, than could be ol)tained 
from wells and cisterns, and in 1869, or before that 
time, the question of erecting a system of water 
works began to be agitated. Meetings were held, and 
the council engaged the services of an engineer to 
make surveys with such an object in view in the 
future. It was found nnpracticable to adopt the re- 
servoir system, which was at first proposed. Surveys 
were nnide at Maxville, but would require seven miles 
of pipe. For similar reasons other places, where 
water could be procured, were discarded. A com- 
mittee was appointed by the village council to visit 
Kalamazoo. Michigan, and examine into the Holly 
svstem of water works, which had been adopted, and 
were in use in that city. They were well satisfied with 
the results of their examination, and on their return 
the council passed an ordinance which was published 
December 20, 1869, submitting the question of es- 
tablishmg the Holly system of water works, to a 
jiopular vote, the cost of the same not to exceed 
seventy-five thousand dollars. A meeting of the 
citizens was called at the court house, January 28, 
1870, which was enthusiastic in favor of the proposi- 
tion. The election to decide the question was held 
February 7th, and resulted in a vote of five hundred 
and eighty in favor to twenty-one against. The pro- 
position was to issue bonds for the whole amount, the 
same to run not to exceed fifteen years at seven per 
cent, interest. It being feared after the vote was 
taken that the bonds could not be negotiated with 
but seven per cent, interest, it was thought best to 
again sul)mit it to the people, with a change in the 
rate of interest the bonds were to l)ear, to eight 
cent. The requisite notice was given, and the second 
election was held Ain-il .30, 1870, resulting in three 
hundred and ninety in favor of the works, to thirty- 
eight against. 

The erection of water works being determined on, 
three trustees were elected at the regular time of hold- 
ing elections, April 4, 1870; the members elected be- 
ing 0. A. White, S. J. Patrick and .lohn (rardiner. 
On June 1st, a contract was entered into liy the village 
of Xorwalk and the Holly Manufacturing Company, 
of Lockport, New York, for suitable machinery for the 
purpose desired, the water capacity to be not less than 
two million gallons every twenty-four hours, and the 
machinery to be shipped on or before August 15, 1870. 
\York was at once begun on a well, filters, and a brick 
house for the machinery, which were erected at a cost 
of four thousand dollars. The work of laying pipe 
was also commenced, but was not completed until the 



spring of 1871. It had been decided to procure the 
water from the east brauch of the Huron river, some 
two miles west from the court house. The machinery 
was duly placed in position, and on March 30, 1871, 
a test of the working of the machinery was made. 
A committee of citizens was invited by the council to 
visit the works. Yisitors were also present from 
Sandusky, Milan, Fremont, Adrian, Michigan, Mans- 
field and other places. The test proved entirely satis- 
factory, and was duly reported in the leading papers 
of this poi'tion of the State. The citizens, one and 
all, took great pride in tiie fact of the establishment 
of a water works system in the beautiful village, tiieir 
home. 

The building for the machinery is fift3--four by 
fifty-eight feet. Tiie machinery comprised three 
engines, one being a rotary for reserve purposes, the 
others double-cylinder piston engines. Two boilers 
furnished steam, and six gang pumps forced the water, 
which runs through a filter of stone, charcoal and 
coarse sand, into a well twenty-five feet deep and 
twenty-two feet wide, capable of holding fifty-six 
thousand gallons of water. A telegraph line runs 
from the works to town; there is also a telephone 
attached to the wire. 

It was found, after a while, that the Holly engines 
were not satisfactory, and, in the spring of 1878, two 
new Worthington low-pressure engines and pumps 
were placed in position, and were tested, in presence 
of the trustees, April 23, 1878, proving pntirely 
satisfactory. 

The cost of the Holly works was a little more thau 
ninety-six thousand dollars, and the new Worthington . 
engines and pipes have cost fourteen thousand dollars 
more, making a total cost of aljout one hundred and 
ten thousand dollars. In the near future it will be 
necessary to replace the main pipe with a larger size, 
as the one now in use causes a great loss in pressure 
from its being too small. At the present time, it 
requires a pressure of one hundred and sixty- five to 
one hundred and eighty-five pounds at the works to 
produce ninety to ninety-seven and one-half at the 
court house, which is elevated about fifty feet above 
the works and two miles distant. The system, as 
a whole, has proved a good investment to Norwalk, 
and such defects as it may have will, in time. l)e 
remedied. 

The number of water takers, the l.^)tii of May, 1879, 
was about three hundred and sevent}--five. There are 
now in place, for use, some ninety hydrants, about 
fourteen miles of street mains, and two tanks for the 
use of the traveling iniblic in watering their teams. 

The power at the water works is utilized instead of 
fire engines, in case of fire on any of the streets in 
the village. As soon as an alarm is sounded, the 
signal for fire pressure to be applied is sent over the 
wire to the engineer at his post, at the water works 
building. The fire comiianies respond to tlie alarm, 
and as soon as tlie liose are attached to the hydi'ants, 
powerful streams of water can lie thrown; thus the 



144 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



water works power answers tlie same pmiiose as half 
a dozen fire engines, anil at no additional cost. 

Many of the citizens have small rubber hose, which 
can he attached to the i)ipes in their yards and used 
to water the flo.wers, the lawn and garden, and some- 
times to settle the dust on the street. Different forms 
of lawn sprinklers are used, some of them producing 
a beautiful spray, and serving the purpose of a foun- 
tain. In addition to these fixtures, there are a num- 
ber of fine private fountains, in different parts of the 
village, the power for which is furnislied by the aid 
of the heavy engines, located two miles distant. 

The ])resent (18T9) oflScers of the works are as 
follows: W. A. Mack, president: \V. A. Mack. 
J. M. Crosbv, David Stoutenburgh, trustees: M. V. 
Watrous, secretary; U. Pritchard, superintendent. 

CE.METEKY ASSOCIATIOX. 

The subject of a new cemetery began to agitate the 
minds of the citizens during the winter of 1854, 
and a notice was posted calling a meeting for the pur- 
pose of organizing a cemetery association. This 
meeting was called at seven o'clock, p. m., February 
1st, in the Court House, the notice l)eiug signed by 
C. L. Boalt, Samuel T. Worcester and C. L. Latimer 
as committee, they having been appointed at a pre- 
liminary meeting held previously. At this meeting 
articles of association were presented. Another 
meeting was held at the same place February 22d, 
at which time an organization was effected under the 
statutes of Ohio, the same to be known as the Xor- 
walk Cemetery Association. The following trustees 
were elected: C. L. Latimer, S. T. Worcester. Henry 
Brown, John Tifft and Ciles Boalt. At a meetinsof 
the trustees, held March 1, 1S54, at the office of S. 
T. Worcester, John Tifft was elected president, and 
H. Brown, clerk and treasurer. ^Ir. Tifft has con- 
tinued as president of the association U> the present 
time, and for a number of years has also held the 
offices of secretary, treasurer and su)ieriuteiident. 
The present officers of the association are John Gar- 
diner, Theo. Williams, Henry Brown, D. D. Benedict, 
and John Tifft, trustees, the latter holding all the 
offices of the board. 

The original members of tiie association at its 
formation, as sliown by the signatures to its articles, 
were H. Brown. Shepherd Patrick.* John Tifft. 
George H. Safford, Jairus Kennan,* John H. Foster,* 
Joel E. Mead.* Samuel T. Woucester, 0. G. Carter, 
C. E. Pennewell. G. T. Stewart, 0. Jenny. C. L. 
Latimer, M. Olmstead. Xatiuin Wooster,* C. E. 
Newman, E. E. Husted,* Cyrus Lyman,* Steplien 
Boalt, Jos. M. Farr,* John" Whitbeek. Russel M. 
Wheeler,* Isaac rnderhill and I). D. Benedict. 

The ]property selected for the purpose by the board 
of trustees, was a part of the Gibbs" farm, a mile 
from town on the old Medina road, and containino- 



•Thnsf marked willi a • have found a last lestliiBplace in the grounds 
they provided for ar that time 



about thirty acres. The original cost was one thou- 
sand five hundred dollars, which amount was raised 
by subscription. The deed of the property was given 
by Henry and Sarah Brown to the association, on the 
sixth day of January, 1858. Consideral)le difficulty was 
experienced in raising a sufficient amount of means 
to pay for the same, but it was finally accomplished. 
Five hundred and thirty-four lots have been sold, 
and one thousand one hundred and twelve burials 
have taken place to May 9, 1879. 

A receiving vault of cut stone and fine architec- 
tural design, is now being erected under the charge 
of Dr. Tifft and Theodore Williams, Esq. It is 
eighteen by twenty-eight feet over all, and fourteen 
by twenty-four feet inside measurement, and will 
accommodate twenty-Rve to tliirty caskets. 

The first burial in the new cemetery was that of 
Herbert Barnhart. aged six months and twenty-four 
days, and was on July 13. 1854. 

The affairs of the association have always been 
managed with marked ability and integrity l)y its 
officers, who liave served long and well without fee or 
pecuniary reward. 

It has now a permanent fund, mostly invested in 
real estate security, of about eight thousand dollars, 
the interest from which is devoted to repairs and 
improvements. 

The grounds upon which tlie cemetery is laid out, 
form part of the Captain John Boalt farm, where the 
youtliful days of his sons, Charles L. Boalt, John M. 
Boalt and their brothers and sisters were passed. 
There their sister, Sarah was married to William Gal- 
lup, May 2, 1819. John is now postmaster at Sandusky 
City, Ohio, and Charles L. and his sister Sarah and 
her hus1)and, have come back to their old home to go 
hence no more. 

From Captain John Boalt the property passed to 
Samuel R. Gibbs, grandfather of P. C. Breckenridge, 
present sheriff of Huron county, whose family occu- 
pied it until inirchased foi' its present use. 

But prior to any of these occupants, prior to the 
first settlement of the white man in " New Connec- 
ticut;'" prior to the records of liistory or tradition, it 
was a favorite resort of a race of ]>eoi)le wliose origin 
and fate are shrouded in mystery: that they existed, 
and at some time in the unrecorded i)ast freipiented 
this beautiful siuit, is beyond question, for they left 
behind them enduring evidence of their workman- 
ship and primitive habits. Nearly forty years ago, 
wiien our present ''city of the dead" was a cornfield, 
and the writer a little boy, he gathered many speci- 
mens of wliat are called Indian iiatchets and Indian 
arrow-heads from that very spot. Now well-kept 
avenues and foot-paths, sightly monuments and hum- 
ble head stones, ornamental shrul>bery and stately 
shade trees, and our sacred dead, are tiiere. 

Again in the cycles of time it is the resort of an- 
other race of people, not with weapons of war and 
destruction, but armed with floral tributes and com- 
memorative garlands; ami tiiere, one by one, in end- 



JOHN TIFFT, M.D. 



The medical profession is the most arduous of all 
jrofessions, and particularly is this the case in new and 
;hinly-sett]ed localities. Therefore, when we find a man 
ivho, for upward of a quarter of a century, and witii 
:)ersistcnt perseverance and labor, worked in the capacity 
)f family and general physician, many traits of character 
Df an admiraljlc nature are presented. Away Ijack in 
1833, when Huron County was comparatively new, and 
the country consequently but sparsely settled. Dr. John 
Tiffl removed here, and. 



until 1859, uninterrupt- 
edly practiced medicine 
in and around Norwalk. 

John Tiift is the son 
of John and Martha 
(Rose) Tiffi, the former 
of whom was born at 
Exeter, R. I., Oct. 11, 
1775, and the latter at 
Stephcntown, Rensse- 
laer Co., N. Y., April 
2(5, 1775. 

John Tifft, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was 
born at Scipio, Cayuga 
Co., N. Y., June 11, 
1808. He received most 
of iiis literary education 
at the district schools, 
completing the same at 
Auburn Academy. On 
leaving the latter insti- 
tution he chose the prac- 
tice of medicine as a 
profession, and entered 
the office of Joseph T. 
Pitney, M.D., at Au- 
burn, for its study. He 
remained with Dr. Pit- 
ney about two years, 
and then attended the 
Berkshire Medical Insti- 
tute, at Pittsfield, Mass. 
(a branch of Williams CoHege), from which 
he was graduated with honors, receiving 




his diploma, Sept. 5, 1832. He practiced 
his profession for about one year in York State, and 
then, in 1833, removed to Norwalk, Ohio, where he 
commenced a practice which subsequently developed 
into au extensive and lucrative business. 

From 1833 to 184G, Dr. Tifft continued in the allo- 
pathic school, but in the latter year lie ciianged his mode 
of practice, and soon became as successful in the homceo- 




m 



pathic as lie had been in the regular school. In 1859 
losing his wife, he retired from active work, and has 
since attended to the management and supervision of 
his projjerty. He is among the oldest living practi- 
tioners in Huron County, as he has been among the most 
successful. He has been twice married,— first to Louisa 
Fitch, of Auburn, N. Y., in May, 1833, who died Sept. 
19, 1859; second, to Nancy V. Earl, Nov. 4, 1862, who 
is still living. He is a Democrat, and always belonged 

^ to that jjolitical faith. In 

1860 he was chosen one 
of the delegates to the 
Charleston and Balti- 
more Conventions. He 
has held various offices, 
botii professional and 
political. He was elected 
one of the trustees of the 
Homceopathic Medical 
College of Cleveland ; 
was treasurer of Nor- 
walk township for sev- 
eral years; a member of 
the corporation council, 
and mayor of the village 
in 1872-73. He has oc- 
cupied the offices in the 
Cemetery Association of 
trustee, president, secre- 
tary, and treasurer, and 
to him is due, in a large 
measure, the i)resent suc- 
cess of that well-man- 
nged institution. 

In these various posi- 
tions of honor and trust 
thedoctor has invariably 
given siitisfaction. He 
brouglit the same integ- 
rity and ability to the 
fnlfiliiicnt of his various 
otlieial duties that made 
his jirofessional life both 
popular and successful. All public enter- 
prises and interests tending to the material 
development of the community in which 
he has lived so long, and attained a reputation so credita- 
able, meets with his ardent supjwrt and aid. 

He is public-spirited, honest, and i'air in his deal- 
ings with his fellow-men ; and, though affiliated with 
no particular religious denomination, yet he possesses 
all the essential qualities of the Christian gentleman and 
the enterprising citizen that he is. 



^A~ 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



145 



less march, we lay awav mir dead, and as tune rolls 
on we follow them. 

It is a fitting memory to be recorded tliut Cliarles 
L. Boalt was the most active member of our commu- 
nity ill organizing the association and procuring the 
-ite. And Dr. John Tifft, its one president and su- 
perintendent, and for some years, also secretary and 
ti-easurer, is entitled to the credit of having carefully 
guarded its financial interests, and judiciously directed 
its improvement. 

ST. l'.\rL"s EPISCOPAL. 

The cemetery connected with St. PauFs (Episco- 
iial) church was one of the very earliest in use for 
that purpose in the township. It comprises about 
four acres of. ground near the center of the village, on 
West Main street, and the grass-covered mounds in 
this home of the dead, are very thickly strewn over 
its surface. At the present time, and since the or- 
ganization of the Xorwalk cemetery association, this 
ground has been but little used. The oldest stone in 
the yard hears the following inscription: 

CAROLINE TICE. 
Died, March, 1S20, 

AGED NINE MONTHS. 

" I am the first come here to lie 
Children and youth prepare to die 

The projii-rtv un wiiich stands the churcli and the 
ground used for burial })urposes, was a part of the 
original Starr and Canfield tract, which at an early 
day came into the possession of White, Tweedy and 
Hoyt, who sold this lot for the above named purpose, 
for the sum of sixty-one dollars The deed for this 
pi'operty is recorded in volume V. of records, page 
mil. The grantee in th.i' deed is St. Paul's Episcopal 
church. 

No record has been preserved of the burials in this 
old burving ground, and it is not known how many 
there are, and j)robal)ly it never will be known until 
each grave gives up its dead. 

Whole families lie there with uo one left to tend 
and trim their graves; and the present busy genera- 
tion, with all its interests centered uj)on the ever- 
changing affairs of life, passes by unheeding; but 
nature, more kind, is rapidly hiding the neglect un- 
der a dense cojise of hazel and blackben-y l)nshes. 

ST. Paul's •■.\tholic. 

The cemetery belonging to St. Paul's Churcli, 
(German Catholic), was purchased about the year 
1870. and comprises a little more than five acres, 
situated on South West street. From tlie date of its 
purchase, until the present time, 1879, there iiave 
been aliout sixty interments. 

ST. peteh's catholic. 

St. Peter's cemetery, belonging to the First Ger- 
man Catholic Church, was established with the 
church in 1841, the first burial taking place while 
the church was in pro<'oss of construction. Up to 

19 



the present time there have been about five liiindred 
interments. 

ST. MAItV's ( ATHOLIC. 

The Irish Catholic cemetery, belonging to St. 
Mary's parish, is located near the'e.\tension of Main 
street, at some distance from town. The property 
contains about three acres, and was purchased about 
18()8. sinr-e which time it has been used as a church 
burial ground. 

SOCIETIES. 

SOLIHER's All) SOCIETY. 

\'ery early in the year isiJl, rlic citizens of Xorwalk 
began to work for the soldiers. A part of the Eighth 
regiment had been collected, quartered ami drilled 
there. On the Sabliath before they left, religious ser- 
vices were held m their cam]is, and the occasion, so 
new and affecting, called forth the most profound 
sensations of sorrow and apjirehension. Some days 
previously, the ladies had been engaged in su))plying 
these soldiers with such necessaries and luxuries as 
the deepest interesl could suggest. Immediately after 
their departure, a society of both sexes was formed, 
the object of which was to follow those who went 
from the vicinity, with aid and comfort in any form, 
and by any means that could reach them ; thus secur- 
ing, as was hoped, an unbroken intercourse with 
them. A quarterly subscription among the gentle- 
men, was estalilished, the first installment of which 
is dated May 18. 1801. The officers elected were: 
Charles B. Stickney, ])resident : J. C. Curtis, secre- 
tary ; David H. Pease, treasurer ; Mrs. G. G. Baker, 
Mrs. J. W. Baker, Mrs. 0. Jenney, Mrs. C. E. 
Pennewell and Mrs. S. T. Worcester, board of direc- 
tors—the last named secretary of the board. From 
that time till November, 1862, something was contin- 
ually being done, but the diflSculties in the way of 
reaching the regiments, after they went into actual 
service, and the consequent irregularity of the quar- 
terly pavments, seriously obstructed progress. In 
the meantime, a society had been organized in Cleve- 
land, through which, as a medium, it was believed that 
the regiments could lie reached. Aiqilication was per- 
sonally niaile to that society, liy the secretary of the 
board, in Xorwalk, for assistance in sending a box of 
hospital stores to the Eighth regiment, then in West 
Virginia : the surgeon of that regiment having, by 
letter, applied for immediate aid. The rei[uest was 
cheerfully granted ; the box sent, received in time, 
and earnest thanks therefor returned. This occur- 
ence awakened new life, and eventually led to the 
formation, in August, 1802, of the Alert Club, to 
collect funds, and in November of the same year, to 
the transfer of all the offices to the ladies. At the 
time of the transfer, Mrs. J. M, Farr was elected 
president ; Mrs. D. H. Pease, secretary ; and Mrs. 
T. S. Worcester, treasurer. The work then went on 
prosperously, funds were ample, the contributions 
sent forward. Iai''^c and v;ilual>ie. aiul mostlv trans- 



14G 



HISTORY OF HUPtOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



niitted tliroiigh the organization in Cleveland. No- 
vember 20, 1863, Mrs. S. T. Worcester was elected 
president ; Mrs. W. 0. Parker and Mrs. C. E. Pen- 
newell, vice-presidents ; Mrs. M. A. Corwin, secre- 
tary ; and Mrs. N. S. Moultou, treasurer ; Before the 
close of the year, Mrs. C. Gallup took the place of 
Mrs. Worcester, and Mrs. F. Sawder that of Mrs. 
Moulton, those ladies liaviiig resigned. At the next 
annual meeting, November 10, 1804, Mrs. J. F. 
Dewey was elected president, and Mrs. E. E. Husted, 
vice-president. There were no other changes. Total 
funds received. 83.4.5.5.94. Total disbursed, 83,385.- 
!I4. The remaining 870 were given to the Young 
Men's Library, to assist in its establishment. No ac- 
count of the stores sent forward, before the transfer, 
has l)een preserved, though they are known to have 
been creditable. Since that date, two hundred and 
twenty-five bo.xes, barrels or kegs have been forwarded, 
with various, and sometimes quite large sums in casii, 
to be disposed of by known and trusty agents. They 
were sent to the sanitary commission, Christian com- 
mission, relief association in Washington; to Annap- 
olis, Richmond, Gettysburg, Martinsburg, Winchester, 
Harper's Ferry, Alexandria, Hilton Head; to Gov- 
ernor Brough for the use of State agents; to the 
Eighth, Fifty-fifth, One Hundred and First, and 
One Hundred and Twenty Tliird regiments, and oc- 
casionally to others. Many letters from many 
soldiers, in different localities, attest tiie fidelity of 
those to whom they were entrusted, and the donors 
rest satisfied with the result of their labors. The 
society disbanded June 1, 1865. 

NORWALK L'NION. 

Mrs. H. M. Wooster, president: Mrs. Eli Peters 
and Miss M. A. AVatsou, vice-presidents; Mrs. J. M. 
Farr, secretary; and Mrs. D. W. Newton, treasurer. 

The memliers of this society had been active mem- 
bers in the Soldier's Aid Society of Norwalk until 
November 27, 18G3, and the results of their industry 
prior to that date are included in the foregoing- 
report. On forming a separate organization, thev 
continued their labors for the soldiers with remark- 
able vigor and success, and with uniform loyalty to 
the sanitary commission. 

In the year and a half of their independent organi- 
zation, they disbursed in cash one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty dollars and foi'ty-four cents, and 
forwarded two hundred packages of hospital stores, 
valued at one thousand dollars — making a total con- 
tribution of two thousand eight hundred and sixty 
dollars and forty-four cents. The hospital garden 
at Chattanooga was an object of much interest to 
the ladies of this society, who frequently remembered 
it in their gifts, and in the si)ring of 1864 forwarded 
onion sets, and garden seeds in great variety for 
its early cultivation. The preparation of "chopped 
pickcl" was a specialty of the Norwalk Union, over 
one thousand gallons having been forwarded to the 
arm\ in the course of one summer. At the close 



of the war, the surplus funds of this society were 
distributed as follows: One hundred dollars to the 
Columbus Soldiers' Home; one hundred dollars to the 
Union Commission, New Y'ork; fifty dollars to the 
Cleveland Soldiers' Home; and the remainder, eighty 
dollars, to the Norwalk Young Men's Library Asso- 
ciation. 

YOl'NG ladies' ALEUT CUB. 

The Alert Club commenced its labors in August, 
1802, l)ut was not fully organized until September 
13th, of that year, when the following officers were 
elected: Mrs. S. T. Worcester, president; Miss Lizzie 
Gallup, secretary; Misses Mary Graves and Lucy Pres- 
ton, treasurers; and Mrs. T. W. Christian, Misses S. 
Rowland and C. Jenney, directresses, with an indefi- 
nite number of collectors. 

The Soldiers' Aid Society had been in operation 
over a year, but was languishing for want of funds, 
the quarterly subscription on which it depended being 
irregularly paid. In this emergency, thirty-seven 
young ladies, whose numbers soon increased to sixty, 
agreed to unite for one year, specially to raise funds 
for that society, but also to he on the alert (hence 
their name) to contribute in every possible way to 
the comfort of the needy soldier. They immediately 
revived the gentlemen's (piarterly subscription and 
collected it, and without delay established a ladies' 
monthly, and in October following, a gentlemen's 
monthly subscription. These three subscriptions they 
faithfully and promptly collected the entire year, and 
paid over the proceeds (eight hundred and twenty- 
four dollars and seventj'-five cents) to the aid society. 
They held regular meetings, prepared large quan- 
tities of lint and bandages; made over one hundred 
and eighty pairs of slijipers, over six hundred hand- 
kerchiefs, ninety-six towels, two quills, and cut and 
dried thirty-one l)ushels of apples — all which they 
passed over to the aid society; besides sending many 
kind remembrances, in various forms, to the regi- 
ments with which they were acquainted. They also 
collected a special subscription, to pay the debt on 
the house of Bessie Lynch, her husband being the 
first Norwalk soldier killed in battle, and herself and 
three young children left destitute. This, with some 
small debts which the creditors at their request remit- 
ted, amounted to sixty dollars and six cents. 

At the expiration of the year, they voted to asso- 
ciate for another year. Miss C. .Jenney resigned. 
Miss S. C. Mason was elected recorder, a new othce 
which the nature of the service soon to be entered 
upon renuired. 

Thev now agreed to leave the subscription lists to 
the aid society and to raise their own funds by festivals, 
tableaux, dramatic entertainments, etc., and to devote 
them to clothing the children of absent soldiers, and 
of poor widows, furnishing them with all the acces- 
saries required by well conditioned scholars, looking 
after them, keeping them in school, etc. In this ser- 
vice, they were greatly assisted by Mr. Stephenson, 
superintendent of the jmblic schools, and by a uiuu- 



i 





■W ' 



'^y^ 



g-^'-^m^'^m^' 



ANSEL BAKER. 



Thomas Baker, the fatlier of the subject of this 
notice, M'as a native of Massachusetts. In 1803 he 
removed with his family to Lafayette, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., wliere Ansel was born, Aug. 4, 1818, 
being the eighth in a family of ten children. When 
fourteen years of age he went to live with a married 
sister in Lafayette, with whom he remained until 
he was twenty-one. He cast his first vote, at the 
Presidential election in 1840, for Gen. Harrison, 
and the next day started on his journey to the distant 
West, as Ohio was then regarded. After his arrival 
there he began to work by the month at the iuird 
work of clearing of that early time; working thus 
in the summer, and teaching school during the win- 
ter months, getting forty dollars for a term of three 
months. At the close of his school-teaching he 
began work upon the farm for Daniel A. Baker, now 
of the First National Bank of Norwalk, at eleven 
dollars per month, continuing two years, at the ex- 
j)iration of which he married Martha S. Foster, 
daughter of Moses S. Foster, of Peru township, 
Huron Co., who came from Vermont in 18."52. She 
was born Dec. 21, 1823. After his marriage lie 
rented the farm of his former em])loyer, Mr. JJakir, 
for two years, when he moved to the farm upon 
which he now resides, in the southeast part of Nor- 
walk township, having made his purchase some four 



or five years previous. When he began there this 
part of the township was very new, the nearest im- . 
provement being that of Ezra Wait, west of him, 
which was then the eastern end of the road. His 
first purchase of land was fifty-four acres, for which 
he paid eight dollars per acre. He has since added, 
and now owns two hundred acres, paying seventy 
dollars per acre for the last purchase. 

His wife died Sept. 20, 1878, having borne him 
six children, who are all living: Mary Frances, 
born Jan. 11, 1848, married Chester Robbins in 
the fall of 1869, and resides on the southeast corner 
farm of this township; Moses F., born Nov. 26, 
1849, has his second wife, and lives in Rice Co., 
Kan., where he was one of the first settlers; Nor- 
man, born Aug. 26, 1855, married Jennie Adams, 
May 15, 1878, and occupies the farm with his father. 
Charles Eri, born Jan. 15, 1860, Lewis, born Oct. 
4, 1863, and Albert Thomas, born July 21, 1870, 
are living at home. 

Mrs. Fanny Foster, the mother of the deceased 
wife of Mr. B:iker, has lived with her son-in-law 
about twenty years. Her husband die<l a few years 
after his settlement in Peru. Mrs. Foster is now 
aged nearly eighty-nine years, and is entirely help- 
less, having sustained an accident to one of her limbs 
some twelve years since. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



U7 



1mi- of judicious married ladies. Tliey had, from the 
first of Seiitumljer, 18(33, to the first of November, 
18(J4, forty-nine different families as beneficiaries, 
furnishing to eacii new material, acconling to their 
need, in value from two dollars and fifty-two cents, 
the lowest sum. to sixty-one dollars and nineteen 
cents, the highest. Total amount raised during that 
time, one thousand eight hundred and forty dollars 
and eighty-two cents: total expended: one thousand 
four hundred and ninety-six dollars and ninety-nine 
cents. They also sent forward various contributions, 
assym])athy prompted, to the soldiers. In Noveml)er 
1804, they organized as a regular soldiers" aid society, 
specially voting to retain their own distinctive name. 
Ofticers: Mrs. S. T. Worcester, president: Mrs. T. W. 
Christian and Miss S. Rowland, vice-presidents: Miss 
Lizzie Gallup, recording secretary; Miss Mary Wick- 
ham, corresponding secretary: and Mrs. W. M. Cline, 
treasurer. They began this year with three hundred 
and forty-three dollars and eighty-three cents, the 
overplus of last year. They continued to acrjuire as 
well as expend, so that at their last regular meeting 
in May, 18G5, they had forwarded in all, thirty-seven 
boxes, barrels or kegs, of hospital stores, three hun- 
dred dollars in cash, and had in possession or expect- 
ancy, four hundred and sixty dollars. To this sum 
they added tiie net gain of a subsetjuent series of 
tableaux, ami eventually presented to tiie young 
mens' liln'arv. then being established, the sum of nine 
hundred dollars. With the remainder they purcliased, 
framed and suitaldy lettered the two engravings 
entitled '•Tiie First Reading of the Emancipation 
Proclamation," and '' Washington Irving and His 
Friends," and presented them to the grammar school, 
from which many of their tableau performers had 
been taken. Total funds raised and expended, three 
tliousaud nine hundred and thirty-two dollars and 
ninety-three cents. 

MEMORIAL ASSOCIATIOX. 

The Soldiers Memorial association was organized 
to perpetuate the memories of our nolde dead, who 
served or suffered for our common country during 
her wars. The organization was perfected on the 
20th of .July, 1877, with the following officers: Col. 
C. P. Wickham, .55th 0. V. I., president: Clias. W. 
Lee, U. S. N., vice-president; David T. Hall, Uth 
0. V. I., secretary; Baxtor Trevor, treasurer: Col. 
H. Kellogg, -Mrs. .7. F. Dewey, and Miss Lottie Gibbs, 
executive committee. 

The association has annually decorated the graves 
of their fallen comrades, on the .30th of May each 
year, with appropriate services. 

MASONIC FR.\TERNITY. 
MT.' VEHXON LODGE, .VO. 04, K. AND A. M. 

Dispensation to work was granted by Brother John 
Snow, Most Worshipful (rrand .Master, .Viiril 10 
18'^ 1; the charter was granted December 12, A. L. 
5821, A. D. 1821, to T'iiuothy Baker, i'latt Bene- 



dict, .John D. Haskins, Schuyler \anrensselae.r, 
Amos Woodward, Daniel Tilden, P^nos Gilbert. Icha- 
bod Marshall, David Underbill and David Gibbs. 

WoKsHii'KfL Masteks. — Timothy Baker, 1821 to 
1825; riatt Benedict, 1820; Timothy Baker, 1827; 
Theodore Baker, 1828; no record from May 26, 1828, 
to April 30, 1834: Piatt Benedict, 1834 to 1841; 
Benjamin Carman, 1842; no record from .January 24, 
1842, to February 26, 1844; James R. Norton, 1844; 
Piatt Benedict, 1845; James R. Norton, 1840; John 
P. Worstell, 1847: Eli Barnum, 1848 to 1851; Oliver 
True, 1852; M. R. Brailey, 1853 and 1854: S. F. 
Rogers, 1855; R. W. Beck with, 185G; D. M. Bar- 
num, 1857; Oscar Welch, 1858; Marshall 0. Wag- 
goner, 1859; Oscar Welch, 1800: Horace Kellogg, 
1861: James S. Felton, 1862: John H. Powers, 1863 . 
to 1805: Oscar Welch, 1860; J. H. F. Weirs, 1867 
and 1868; T. P. Bishop, 1809; J. H. F. Weirs, 1870, 
T. P. Bishop, 1871 to 1873; 0. A. White, 1874 to 
1876; C. M. Wilcox, 1877 and 1878; 0. A. White, 
1879. 

The present officers are, 0. A. White, W. M.: T. 
L. Williams, S. W. : J. D. Cook. J. W.; W. Suhr. 
Treas.; G. W. Shultz, Sec: R. H. Burlin. S. D. : J. 
H. Weirs, J. D.; P. Ganung, Tyler. 

HUROX ROYAL ARCH (HAHTER, NO. I. 

December 13, 1820, a dispensation was issued by 
the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio to 
Timothy Baker, David Underhill, Frederick Fally, 
Rodolphus Morse, David Gibbs, Schuyler Vanrensse- 
laer. Piatt Benedict, Wm. Hall and Jacques Hubbard, 
to form a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. The 
Royal Arch degree was conferred the first time Octo- 
ber 25, 1820, upon E. Whittlesey. Samuel Spencer 
and Moses Farwell. 

December 15, 1821, a charter was issued to the 
above named companions, constituting Huron Royal 
Arch Chapter, No. 7, in due form. Timothy Baker 
appointed First High Priest; David Underhill, First 
King; Piatt Benedict, First Seribo. 

The first election of otiicers was held December 20, 
1822. Timothy Baker, elected High Priest; David 
Underhill, King: Piatt Benedict, Scribe; S. Vau- 
rensselaer, C. of H. : E. Cook. P. S. ; Amos Woodward, 
R. A. C: J. D. Haskins, 1st V.; .M. Farwell, 2nd 
v.; L. Fay, 3rd V.; J. Marshall, Treasurer: David 
Gibbs. Secretary; II. P. Morse, Guard. 

Early in 1822, the subject of building a Masonic 
hall was talked of, but did not assume any definite 
form until January, 1824, when a committee was 
appointed to confer with like committees from Mt. 
Vernon Lodge, No. 64, and Norwalk Academy, to 
make arrangements to build a Masonic hall. March, 
1824, the committee made their report; when the 
Chapter appointed a building committee, with power 
to act, and the Treasurer ordered to jiay to the build- 
ing committee two hundred dollais. Here the pro- 
ject seems to have died, as wc find no records of any 
action thereon. 



148 



HISTORY OF HUKOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The Chapter held its regular meetings and did a 
great deal of work until Novemljer, 1828, wiieu, in 
conseijuence of the anti-masonic movement, it sus- 
pended work, and soon after surrendered its charter 
to the Grand Chapter. 

Timothy Baker was the presiding otlicer from the 
organization to November, 182T, when Piatt Bene- 
dict was elected High Priest, which position he held 
at the time the charter was surrendered. 

In 1848, the Grand Chapter returned tiie old 
charter to the companions of Huron Royal Arch 
Chapter, when they commeuced holding regular 
meetings, Piatt Benedict being the High Priest, in 
which position he was continued until 1853. 

Marcli 1, 18.54, a committee was appointed to con- 
fer with a like committee from Mt. Vernon Lodge, 
No. (14, to make such arrangements as they might 
deem proper to build a new hall in tiie Whittlesey 
academy building. 

June •■24, 1854, St. Jolm's day was celeljrated by 
laying the corner stone of Whittlesey academy Iniild- 
ing. June 34, 1858, the new masonic hall was dedi- 
cated. 

Since the reorganization in 1848, to the present 
time, Huron Royal Arch Chapter, No. 7. has con- 
tinued to hold its meetings regularly, and is now in a 
•flourishing condition, numljering nearly one luiudred 
members. 

Its present citheers are Wm. Suhr, Iligii Priest; T. 
P. Bishop, King; G. M. Darling, Scribe; C. Close, 
C. of H.; Wm. Rutherford, P. S. ; M. A. Mclntyre, 
R. A. C. ; C. G. Drake, 1st Y. ; John Pettys, 2nd 
V. ; A. N. Pebbles, ;3rd X. : N. H. Pebbles. Treasurer: 
J. D. Cook. Secretary: E. A. Pray, Chaplain: P. 
Gaming. (4nard. 

NORWALK corXCIL ROYAL ANM) SELECT MASTERS, 
N'O. 24 I-. i A. M. 

October 2!), A. D. 1855. a disjiensation was issued 
by the Grand Puissant Grand Master of the Grand 
Council of tlie State of Ohio, directed to Piatt Bene- 
dict, Wm. C. Huestis. 11. V. Bogart, J. S. Felton. 
H. Bromley, Samuel Neff, B. F. Gray, il. R. Brailey, 
L. Wood, A. Hamilton. T. Gibson, C. Buck and W. 
H. Couch. 

October lli, 1857, a charter was issued to the aliove 
named companions constituting Norwalk Council 
Royal and Select Masters, No. 24, in due form. Piatt 
Benedict, appointed first "Thrice Illustrious Jlas- 
ter,'" in which office he continued until the time of 
his death in October, LSOG. 

The following named companions have been elected: 
T. I. Masters, James S. Felton, for the year 1807; 
Wm. Suhr, 18G8-7(i; Wm. A. Mack, 1870; Coleman 
Close, 1871-4; Wm. Suhr, 1874-79. Present officers, 
Wm. Suhr. "Thrice Illustrious Master;" George M. 
Darling. '•Deputy Master:'' Nelson II. Pebbles, "Prin- 
cipal t!ondu(tor iif the AV%>rk:"" Horace Kellogg, "Cap- 
tain of the Guard:" .John H. Pettys. Treasurer; Ethan 



A. Pray, Recorder; Asher F. Rowland. "Condijctor 
of the Council;" Peter Ganung. Sentinel. 

yORWALK LODGE. 

Norwalk Lodge, No. 407. Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, was granted a disi)ensation by the Most Wor- 
shipful Grand Master of the State of Ohio, viz: 
Alexander H. Newcomb, on the 12th day of July, A. 
D., 1872, on the petition of George W. Skyrm. S. E. 
Carrington, William H. Couch. Walter Pettys, M. 
M. Perkins, W. 0. Smith, William Arnold. Omar 
Bailey, George M. Darling, H. C. Edwards, Thomas 
Smith and Irving K. Cole. The dispensation ap- 
pointed Walter Pettys, W. M., S. E. Carrington, 
S. W., and George W. Skyrm J. W., until the time 
of the regular annual election of officers. The Wor- 
shipful Masters of this Lodge have been as follows, 
viz: Walter Pettys. from July 12. 1872. to December 
12, 1872: William A. Mack, from December, 1872, to 
Decem})er, 1877; 0. Prentiss, from December, 1877, 
to December, 1878, and from Deceml)er, 1878, now 
serving. L. C. Laylin. The officers, in full, at the 
present time are as follows: L. C. Laylin, W. M. ; 
John Harley, S. W.; A. L. Osborn, J. W. : George 
M. Darling. Treas.: E. W. Gilson, Sec; C. L. 
Merry, S. D. ; F. H. Boalt. J. D. ; Walter Pettys. T. 

K.VIOHTS TEMPLAR. 

Norwalk Commandery, No. 18, Knights Templar, 
was org'anized Fel)ruary 8, 1809, under dispensation 
of the Grand Commandery of the State of Ohio, Sir 
Hemau Ely. of Elyria. being at the time R. E. G. 
Commander. The following namad Sir Knights were 
the charter members: I. S. Felton. M. 0. Waggoner, 
J. W. Develin. II. S. Mitchell. J. H. F. Weirs. W. 
A. Mack, W. C. Ilustis, E, A. Pray, H. 0. Wadlie, 
William Suhr, Ira Lake. Major Mclntyre, C. N. 
Thorpe. At the next stated meeting of the Grand 
Commandery a charter was granted under date of 
October 15. 1809. Sir J. S. Felton was appointed 
by (Jrand Commander Ely first Eminent Commander. 
The (lommandery now numbers si.Kty two members, 
and the following named Knights are its officers: H. 
S. Mitchell, E. C; L. L. Chandler, Gen.; 0. W. 
Williams, 0. G. ; L. C. Laylin. Prelate; C. L. Merry, 
S. W.; M. S. Hill, J. W,: C. R. Bostwick, Treas.; 
C. W^ Flinn, Rec; E. A Pray, Std. B.; 0. Prentiss, 
Swd. B. ; A. F. Rowland, Warder; Major Mclntyre, 
Sentinel. 

INDEI'EN'UEN'T ORDER Of ODD FELLOWS. 

Huron Lodge, No. 37, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
at Norwalk, April 14, 1845, by authority of a charter 
granted by the Right AVorthy Grand Lodge of Ohio, 
to the following charter members: Liberty Waite. 
A. Powers, N. F. Benson. T. C. Evans and Franklm 
Parker. And the following members were added by 
initiation: Noah Newton, Jr., E. P. Cheesobroiigh, 
Thomas Powers, Timothy Baker, John F. Day, 
Hiram K. Steele, Benj. F. Biowii. Erastus Gray, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



149 



John S. Ki'ljy, William D. Perkias and James Sharpe. 
The lodge having been thus siuicessfully huuicheil on 
its mission of friendsliip, love and truth, was pros- 
perous, and included in its membership many citizens 
of prominence, among others Dr. .1. Tittt, C. B. 
Stickney, J. M. Farr, S. L. Hatch, W. W. Redfield, 
Hiram Rose. J. F. Dewey, G. T. Stewart, P. N. 
Schuyler, J. H. Rule, W. 0. Parker, Franklin Saw- 
yer, M. F. Wooster, John Cline, S. II. Berry, R. A. 
Pantlind. W. 0. Abbott, Edwin H. Brown, B. P. 
Smith and many others. Since its organization it 
has admitted three hundred and sixty-one members, 
and at this date (:\Iay 10, ISTU,) has one liundred and 
ten members. In furtherance of its charitable mis- 
sion it has expended twenty-one thousand dollars; 
and has now invested in real and personal property, 
and in its widows' and orphans' fund, about ten 
thousand dollars, all of which is pledged to the bene- 
ficient purposes of the friendly order of American 
Odd Fellowsliii>. 

SON'S OF TEMPEKAN'CE. 

The Xorwalk Division. Xo. •217. Sons of Temper- 
ance, was chartered and instituted on the ;3d day of 
June, IS-tT. witli the following charter members: 
Samuel T. Worcester, Geo. T. Cole, James N. Good- 
hue, Geo. Gongh, Chas. A. Preston, A. R. Berry, 
Timothy Baker, Jr., Phillip N. Schuyler, Erastus 
Gray, Charles E. Pennewell, Henry ]\I. Ilotehkiss, A. 
S. Curtiss, Gideou T. Stewart, Daniel A. Baker and 
Edwin H. Brown. The first elected officers were, 
Samuel T. Worcester, W. P.; Daniel A. Baker, W. 
A.: Gideon T. Stewart, R. S. ; E. H. Brown, A. R. 
S. ; A. S. Curtiss, F. S., Timothy Baker, Jr., Treas. ; 
P. N. Schuyler, Con.: A. R. Berry. A. C. : Benj. 
Ellis. I. S.; Addison C. Brown, 0. S. 

The organization of this division was mainly due 
t(. the enterpiise of Mr. G. T. Stewart, who is and 
always has been a zealous worker in the temperance 
cause. The division is its own historian. The record 
of more than one thousand six hundred meetings, 
and of thirty-three years of associated life, with all 
tlieir trials, sacrifices, doubts, fears, hopes and tri- 
um[)hs, lies before us. Thirty-three years ago, on 
the first Tuesday evening of June, 1847, this division 
was instituted in tiie Odd Fellows hall, on .Mechanic 
.street (now Whittlesey avenue). The division con- 
tinued to hold its meetings in that hall for over three 
years, a bond of fraternal sympathy springing up 
between the two orders which has continued to this 
day. During these three years the division iuid accu- 
iiuilated suffieienti- funds to ))urchaseand fit up a hall 
fur its own use, in tiie second story of tiie frame 
building then standing next door of tlie Norwalk 
Braneli Bank of the State of Ohio, on Main street, 
over the store occupied Ijy Jonney & Peters, clotliing 
store, wliich was \)ublicly dedicated on the evening of 
.Vugust V-), 1850. Here the division held its meet- 
ings for five years, nntil the morning of October I'-i, 
IS.")."), wlien the building was discovered to be on fire. 



and all was reduced to ashes — furniture, library, 
regalia, books and papers — except the records of tlie 
recording scribe, which were at his house. The 
meetings were held at the county auditor's office for 
about four months, and on February C, 1850, a new 
hall was fitted up over C. E. Newman's store. The 
former hall having been insured for about six hundred 
dollars, and the division having an interest in the 
ground on which it stood, was enabled to lease the 
new hall on long time, and fit it up in good style. 
Here it continued to meet for more than eleven years, 
until June, 1867, when it dedicated a fine hall in the 
third story of C. E. Newman's new briek block, and 
took a lease for twenty years, wiiich it paid in ad- 
vance, and expended about one thousand dollars in 
fitting up, finishing it and [iul)Uely celebrating its 
twentieth anniversary. The luimljer of members in 
good standing was five hundred and twenty-two, liav- 
ing nearly one-eighth of the entire population of 
Norwalk at that time. This number does not include 
two hundred and twenty members of the Fiftv-Fifth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who were in camp 
here, and were initiated before they entered the field. 
Their names remain in perpetual honor on the records 
of this division. Of the former members sixty vol- 
unteered in tlie Union army, and a numbev held 
official commissions. 

The apathy wliieh fell up ui the temperance cause 
throughout the country, the financial depression 
and political excitement resulting from the war, 
caused a decline in the membership, until, in the 
spring of 1876, it disposed of its hall and suspended 
weekly meetings. During the year ending May 1, 
1877. the division held monthly meetings at the 
house of Past Worthy Patriarch Erastus Gray, who 
set apart one of his rooms for its use. On the 1st 
of May it leased a hall of Mr. Moses Yale, occupied 
by the locomotive engineers, and resumed regular 
weekly meetings, and in four weeks increased its 
membership to fifty-six. Its trustees deeming it 
proper leased the large hall in Patrick's i>lock, ad- 
joining the Methodist church, for ten years, i)aying 
the rent in advance for the whole term, and after 
suitably fitting it up have saved over five hundred 
dollars for future operations. Tlie division now 
nnml)ers over two hundred active memljers, and is 
increasing weekly, ranking. as the banner division of 
Ohio, numerically and financinlly. It has had the 
honor of having three of its memliers, David H. 
' Pease, Thomas P. Bishop and Mrs. Harriet N. Bishop, 
e.xalted to the office of grand worthy jjatriareh of the 
State of Ohio. Mrs. H. N. Bishop, the present grand 
worthy patriarch, is the first lady who has had this 
honor conferred njion her in the international juris- 
iliction. Norwalk may well feel proud of iier divi- 
sion of the Sons of Temperance. 

,s<r[0()i,s. 

The first school house for many miles was built in 
the tail of 18 Hi, a few rods from thi- township line 



150 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



between Ridgefield and Norwalk, on lot number two of 
Ridgefield. It stood upon the bank on the left hand 
after crossing the bridge upon the present road to 
Peru, about half a mile from the bridge, and was 
made of logs. The first teacher was Charles Seymour 
Hale, son of General Hale, of Herkimer; the next 
was Ann Boalt, sister of C. L. Boalt; and the next, 
Tamar Palmer. The scholars were Asher, James, 
Miner, Lyman and Manley Cole; David, Isaac, Aurelia 
and Louisa Underbill; Alanson, Alva and Betsey 
Pixley; Jonas and Eliza Ann Benedict; Almira, Di'.niel 
and John Morse; Mary Ann Morse and others. In 
September of the same year, Peter Tice and his son 
John put up a small framed building, the first framed 
building in the region, upon the flats in the bend of 
the road as it turns toward Peru, and used it for a 
store. Afterward, when the Tices removed to Nor- 
walk, it was used by Judge Baker as a dwelling house, 
and subsequently became a school house, as a sub- 
stitute for that above described. Oliver Prentiss, 
Zacharias Marion and Horace Johnson taught in it 
at different times. The building was afterward re- 
moved to Xorwalk and used as a wagon shop; then 
converted into a dwelling, and used by different fami- 
lies, among which was that of the late Hon. J. M. 
Root and wife, of Sandusky City, whose first house- 
keeping experience commenced in it about 18-35. 
Again it was removed to tlie first lot next north of 
Whittlesey avenue school house, and then used as a 
dwelling by several difl'erent faniiHcs. among them 
that of Hon. C. S. Parker, present Ohio State sen- 
ator. About fifteen years ago it again became restless 
and changed its location to Prospect street, where it 
now rests for a time, the second dwelling house south 
of the railroad track. 

Beside these, school was taught by J. A. Jennings, 
afterward doctor, in a brick-maker"s shanty, on the 
south side of Avhat is now Seminary street, and a few 
rods east of Benedict avenue, and later in a framed 
building standing where the high-school building now 
stands, but now moved to South street and occupied as 
a dwelling. School was taught also by Doctor Amos 
B.Harris, in tiie old court house, ])riibaltly parts of two 
two or three years, Ijut tiie dates during tJiese first ten 
years are uncertain, and our information is not posi- 
tive until, in October, 18"2(.i, an association of individ- 
uals was organized, under the name of "The Presi- 
dent, Trustees, etc., of the Norwalk Academy," having 
])revi()us!y ])urchased of Elisha Whittlesey four lots, 
known then as numbers thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty 
and forty-one, and being the same lots now occupied 
by our high-school building, who erected and partially 
finished a three story brick building upon these lots, 
the first and second stories of which were designed for 
the jjurposes of the academy, and tlie third story for a 
masonic lodge. The first and second stories, though 
far from complete, were occupied and the academy 
opened in December of thesameyear (18"2ij) with Kev. 
C. P. Bronson, rector of St. Paul's Church, as princi- 
]ial.and Iirv. S. \. Ilrouson. .-Xbram Bronson. Mr. War- 



ner and Josiah Botsford, assistants. A female teacher. 
Miss Bostwick, was soon after added, who taught 
ornamental branches — drawing, painting, etc. At the 
end of the first quarter, the principal reported the 
number of pupils in attendance at ninety. The prices 
fixed for tuition were as follows: Reading, writing 
and spelling per (piarter, one dollar and seventy-five 
cents; if paid in two weeks, one dollar and fifty cents; 
arithmetic and English grammar, two dollars; paid m 
two weeks, one dollar and seventy-five cents; higher 
branches of education, three dollars; paid in two weeks, 
two dollars and fifty cents; Greek and Latin, four 
dollars; paid in two weeks, three dollars and fifty 
cents. Beside the tuition, each pupil was required to 
furnish one-half cord of wood or twenty-five cents in 
money, toward warming the building. 

At the close of the first year, the trustees re]iorted 
one hundred scholars in attendance as the average for 
the vear. The academy continued under the super- 
intendence of Mr. Bronson until May. 18'28, when he 
was succeeded Ijy Mr. Henry Tucker, a graduate of 
Union College. Owing to the difficulty of sustaining 
the school, an effort was made to increase the number 
of pupils by reducing still lower the jirice of tuition. 
The salaries of the superintendents and assistants 
depended niton the amount the principal could collect 
for tuition, which rendered their compensation very 
uncertain and generally very unsatisfactory. Mr. 
Tucker remained until the fall of that year (1828) 
when he was succeeded by Mr. John Kennan, of Herki- 
mer, New York. There was no lack of ability in these 
differentprincii)als to establish for the academy a high 
reputation, but it was evidently ])remature. The 
country was too sparsely populated and tlie people too 
poor to support the expenses necessary for its suc- 
cessful continuance, and we find, in October of 1829, 
a consolidation of the academy with the district schools, 
with Mr. Kennan as principal. The number of pupils 
was thus increased, but even then the salary of the prin- 
cipal amounted to less than four hundred dollars ]ier 
year. Mr. Kennan continued in charge of the school 
until the fall of 1830, when he resigned his position, 
and Rev. Mr. -Johnson, formerly lu-incipal of the 
Classical ami Young Ladies" Boarding School, of 
Utica, New* York, succeeded him in the superintend-^HJ 
ency. The ]iopulation of the Xorwalk coriioration at 
this time wa? tliree hundred and ten. The board of 
school examiners was aiqtointed by the court, and 
consisted at this time of Ebeiiezer Andrews, Doctor 
'Anios, B. Harris, Closes Kimball and L. Bradley. 

In August, 1831, Miss Roxana Sprague was employed 
to teach the school in district numbSi' one, and occu- 
pied a room upon the first floor of the academy build- 
ing. The studies taught in the academy at this time 
were all the common branches, including rhetoric, 
elocution, astrmiomy, chemistry, philosophy, mineral- 
ogy, geology, music, engineering and surveying, and 
the Latin and Greek languages. 

In April, 1833, Miss Eliza Ware ojiened a school 
exclusiveh' for vouna bulies. in tlie acadcniv luiilding. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



151 



uiuU'i- the title of •'Norvvalk Female Seminary," but 
soon after it was moved to the residence of C. P. 
Bronson. who then resided on the lot directly west of 
St. Paul's Church. This school was not of long dura- 
tion. 

NORWALK SEMINARY. 

On the nth of Xovembei\ 1833. the ••Xnrwalk Semi- 
nary" was opened in the academy building, under the 
auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with 
Rev. Jonathan E. Chaplin as. principal. Norwalk at 
this time had a population of eight hundred and 
ninety-nine. 

The seminary opened with the principal and one 
male assistant, and three female teachers. Miss Jen- 
kins, Miss Louisa Hamlin and Miss Anna Langford. 

The school was opened successfully, and was jirose- 
cuted vigorously, and, at the close of the first year, 
showed an average attendance of one hundred pupils. 
Our population in July, 1834, was one thousand and 
twenty. During the second year a course of lectures 
was delivered by Dr. Bigelow upon chemistry, and a 
philosophical apparatus was procured for the use of 
the school. The number of pupils rapidly increased 
as the character of tha institution became more widely 
known, and at the end of the second year they re- 
ported one hundred and eighty-nine in attendance; 
and a very large proportion of this number was made 
up of young ladies and gentlemen of more advanced 
years, who labored with unusual zeal in aciiuiring an 
education. 

The seminary burned down on the night of Febru- 
ary 21), 1830, with a loss of about three thousand dol- 
lars, and no insurance; school books, library and 
apparatus were all destroyed. The blow was a severe 
one to the institution, as it had no endowment nor 
8upj)ort from public funds, and the people of Norwalk 
and the patrons of the institution were in no pecu- 
niary condition to rebuild; but with commendable 
energy the friends <if the seminary immediately set 
thum.selves to work to raise funds for rebuilding, and 
upon a larger scale than before. Mr. Chaplin, the 
principal, and Rev. H. 0. Sheldon went east to solicit 
assistance, while others were laburing amongst our 
own peoiile for contributions; Itut means came slow 
and sparingly. In the intervals, however, the school 
was not discontinued. The Methodist Chun-ii, to- 
gether with the basement of the Baptist Church, were 
impnivised for the emergcucy. with an interru})tion of 
but fniir (hiys. Rev. J. E. Chaplin continued as 
principal, with Mr. Darnell assistant. Mrs. Goshorn, 
Miss Loveland and Jliss Langford in the female de- 
partment, and Rev. H. 0. Sheldon as general agent 
for raising funds and promoting the general interests 
of the institution. The catalogue for 1830 showed 
one liundreil and thirty-seven in the male department 
and one hundred and eighteen in the female — aggre- 
gate, two hundred and fifty-five. 

Tlie fall term conimenced in October, 1830, the 



trustees presenting a flattering prospectus. J. M. 
Ooshorn became the agent, and the same corps of 
instructors were retained. Rev. Dr. Thompson de- 
livered the commencement address to tiie students 
and patrons of the school. 

In February, 1837. the trustees issued proposals for 
the erection of a new building, of brick, forty l)y 
eighty feet, and three stories high; and, in Decemlier, 
1838, they were enabled to re-open the school in the 
new building for male scholars, the apartment for 
female pupils not being comjjlete. The former i>riii- 
cipal. Rev. J. E. Chaplin, having Ijeen transferred 
by the Methodist conference to Michigan, Rev. Ed- 
ward Thompson was apiiointeil to fill the vacancy in 
1838. Alexander Nelson was his assistant in the 
mathematical department, and new life was infused 
into the school. 

At the annual commencement in 184-..', the cata- 
logue of the seminary showed three hundred and 
ninety-one students during the year, and the examin- 
ing committee spoke in the highest terms of the pro- 
ficiency of the students and the zealous and faithful 
labors of the instructors in the various Ijranches. 

The financial condition of the seminary was not 
good. Since the effort to rebuild, debts had accumu- 
lated upon the trustees, which they found it exceed- 
ingly difficult to meet, and, for the purpose of relief, 
a society was organized in the fall of 1842, known as 
the "Norwalk Education Society," the ol^ject of 
which was to collect funds, and aid in other ways the 
institution to relieve itself of debt and to incre;ise its 
usefulness, of which society Rev. Adam Poe was 
elected president. 

Tlie general conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, held in New York City iu June, 1844, 
elected Rev. Edward Thompson, editor of the Ladies' 
Repository, pulilished in Cincinnati, and, at the close 
of the summer session in July. 1844, he tendered his 
resignation as principal of the seminary, which posi- 
tion he had occupied since the fall of 1838. His 
resignation was accepted with regret. He was a man 
of rare literary attainments, of ripe scholarship, of 
pleasing address, of refined and gentlemanly mannens, 
and purity of life and character, and the vacancy thus 
created was one of great difficulty to fill. 

H. Dwight, who had for some time l>een thf priu- 
cipal assistant of Doctor Thompson, was appointed 
his successor, and the fall term of 1844 was opened 
under his sujiervision, and he remained jn-incipal of 
the seminary until its close, January. 1840. 

The seminary had been laboring under heavy in- 
debtedness from the time of rebuilding in 1838, which 
the most strenuous of its friends had been unal>le to 
remove; and now that the stronger interests of the 
Methodist denomination throughout the State had 
been transferred to the university at Delaware, the 
local interest of Norwalk was found inade<iuate to the 
removing of the incumbrance, and the whole property 
was sold under execution in favor of the liuililers. 



152 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



NORWALK INSTITITE. 

Tlif Bui)tists of Xorwalk called a meeting Jaiui- 
arv, 1840, t,o take into con.sideration the purchas- 
ing of the propert}-, and the continuance of the 
school under the auspices of that denomination; and 
measures were immediatel\' inaugunited to carry the 
proposition thus brought forward for accomplishing 
this into effect. A board of trustees was elected, con- 
sisting of J. S. Lowry, Rev. Jeremiah Hall, Rev. R. 
N. Henderson, Rev. Samuel Woodsworth and John 
Kelly, and arrangements nuule to make immediate 
efforts to procure subscriptions and donations for the 
purchase and opening of the school, under tlie name 
and style of the "Norwalk Institute." 

The institute was ojiened August. 1840. with Rev. 
Jeremiah Hall as principal, assisted by Nathan S. 
Burton, and Miss Martha J. Flanders as principal of 
the female department. The terms of tuition remained 
the same as under the seminary management, and 
pupils rapidly filled up the school. In November, 
1847, the catalogue showed the number of jnipils for 
the year to be two hundred and thirty — one hundred 
and fifteen gentlemen, ninety-three ladies, and twenty- 
two primary — and the numbers continued to increase, 
till in 184y their catalogue showed three hundred and 
six. Rev. J. Hall was succeeded by A. S. Hutchins 
as principal, who continued to occupy that jiosition 
till 1855, when tlie institute ceased to exist. 

The legislature of Ohio passed the Akron school 
law, February 8, 1847, and under this act and the 
one amendatory thereto, other towns, by a petition of 
two-thirds of their (pialified voters, could avail them- 
selves of its provisions. This law authorized and 
inaugurated the system of graded schools, which were 
soon after so generally adopted, and which experience 
has amended and improved till it has resulted in our 
present efficient system. 

March, 1855, the Norwalk institute was )mrehased 
by tlie Union school district, togetlier with library 
and apparatus, and Mr. Hutcliins, who had been 
principal of the institute, became the suiieriutendeut 
of our public scliools. 

KEMALE SEMINARY. 

Tlie iiistory of our schools would be incomplete 
should we omit to mention the Female seminary, 
established in December, 1837, under the principal- 
shij) of Miss Harriet Bedford. The school was under 
the control of a joint stock coni])any, and managed 
by a board of directors, of whicii David Uibbs was 
presuleiit, and Dr. .John Titl't, secretary. The build- 
ing occupied was the one erected at an early day for 
our county courthouse, but finding it too small to 
aceotnmodate the increasing business of the county, 
it was sold and moved to Whittlesey avenue, and 
occupied for several years for school purposes. No 
data can be found from which the text ln>oks used, 
the course of study adopted, or the iiuml)er of pupils 
in attendance can be givi-n. In March, is.'itt, Miss 



Bedford was succeeded by Mrs. M. F. C. .Worcester, 
the accomplished wife of Hon. S. T. Worcester, then 
a resident of our village, whose love of the occupa- 
tion, united with educational qualifications of a high 
order, soon gave to the school an enviable reputation 
amongst our own citizens, and brought in many 
pupils from other towns. 

The price of tuition in English branches was five 
dollars, including drawing, six dollars; Latin and 
French in addition, eight dollars; music, five dollars 
extra. 

The seminary, however, continued but a short time, 
though the precise date of its close we cannot readily 
determine, as no recoi'ds have been found. A want 
of means and pecuniary embarrassment led to its dis- 
continuance, and the building was sold. Mrs. Wor-. 
cester, however, continued a private school for young 
ladies for some time after, which was eminently suc- 
cessful. 

But the necessity of a good female school amongst 
our people was still strongly felt, and the matter con- 
tinned to be agitated until the winter of 1840 and '47, 
when an act of incoriioration was obtained for the 
'•Norwalk Female Seminary," with S. T. Worcester, 
W. F. Kittridge, C, L. Latimer, John R. Osborn and 
Rev. Alfred Newton, as trustees, and an effort was 
made to get the necessary amount of stock subscribed, 
which was fixed at three thousand five hundred dol- 
lars. This amount, after considerable labor, was 
finally obtained, and a beautiful location was selected 
in the west part of our village, corner of Main and 
Pleasant streets, wliicli was the generous gift of Hon. 
S. T. Worcester, and a suitable two-story brick build- 
ing was erected, which was completed ami fully paid 
for ill June, 1848. 

It was not until the spring of 1850 that the semi- 
nary was finally opened under the charge of Rev. J. 
M. Hayes, a Presbyterian minister of scholarly ac- 
((uireinents, who had previously obtained, by purchase 
and assignment, the interests of the shareholders, 
witli the reservation on the part of some that the 
building should continue to be used for the purpcses 
originally designed. 

Mr. Haves remained two years, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Asa Brainard, of New York. He remained 
but two years, and was succeeded by Miss E, Cook, a 
graduate of Mt. Holyoke, who had charge of it for 
the two succeeding years, when she resigned tlie posi- 
tion to her sister. Miss C. ('ook. who remained one 
year. 

Miss Metcalf, of Hudson, Ohio, was then (in 1857) 
emploved with Miss Eliza S. Watson as assistant, and 
they fully sustained the good reputation the school 
attained under the former instructors. But the com- 
mercial disasters of the country at this time, com- 
bined with the growing interests of our citizens in 
our i'liblic schools, left the seminary witiiout an 
adeipiate support, and in 1858 it suspended. 'J'hough 
its life was less than ten years, it had exerted a marked 
inlluence in our villai^i' and its vicinitv. 




EUI MESNARD 



was born at Norwalk, Conn., Oct. 16, 1797. He 
moved with his father's family to Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., in the year 180G ; thence, in 1818, to Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y., where he married Lucy, daughter 
of Ebenezer Hill, in the year 1826. His wife 
died in 1830, and in 1835 he married, for his 
second wife, Harriet, daughter of Seth Baker, of 
Lafayette, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and resided at 
Ithaca, N. Y., until 1836, when he moved to 
Fairfield, Huron Co., Ohio; thence, in 1843, to 
Norwalk, in said county, where he remained until 
the date of his death, Jan. 28, 1879, in the eighty- 
second year of his age. He was einjiloyed as civil 
engineer, about 1831, on the Itiiaca and Owego 



Railroad, one of tlie first railroads built in the 
United States. 

He officiated as county surveyor of Huron County 
for fourteen years, and did more or less surveying 
during all the years of his residence in Ohio, 
though he made farming his principal occupation, 
being proprietor of tiie fine farm now owned by 
his son, Capt. L. B. Mesnard, and located two 
miles south of Norwalk. 

But few men were more widely known or re- 
spected throughout the county. He was an exem- 
plary Christian, and a man of sterling worth and 
integrity. He leaves a son and three daughters, all 
residents of Huron County, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



V,:i 



ITHI.IC SCHOOLS. 

TIr' hi-story of tin- public jichool;* of Norwalk, 
Ohio, from tho date of its first settlement in 180!) to 
tJie adoption of our present system of graded sciiools 
in I80O, presents little of especial interest. 

Our district schools were taught for many years in 
liuildings rented for that ])urpose, but one school 
house belonging to the district up to 1837, which 
stood upon the west lot of the grounds now occuj)ied 
by our high school building. It was a one-story 
wooden structu.e, with but one room, which was 
removed about 1830. 

In 1837, a school house was built on the brow of 
the bill southwest of the courthouse, now known as 
Benedict avenue, and being somewhat pretentious 
from being painted, was known as the " White school 
bouse." Another was soon after built on (Seminary 
street, near the old Methodist cluirch, of brick, and 
another was built on Whittlesey avenue in 1841 — tho 
same Iniilding now occupied by our public schools. 

A building was also rented on Railroad avenue in 
1841. where a school was kept by J. H. Foster; and 
another was kept in a building near the corner of 
Main and Milan streets, and still another was in tiie 
Norwalk seminary building. 

The directors in 1841 were Timotiiy Baker. .lohn 
R. Osborn and Jairus Kennan. 

Our seminary being in opei-ation at tbat time, there 
were few excepting primary scholars who attended 
the district schools. 

K1K = T teachers" IXSTITl'TE. 

In February, 1848. the first congregation of teach- 
ers, undei' the title of Teachers" Institute, was called 
in this place. 

The county boai'd of examiners earnestly rei|uested 
all teachers, and those intending to make application, 
to attend this institute, as they had determined upon 
a more thorough and rigid course of examining the 
(pialifications of teachers than formerly. 

The commissioners of the county made an ajipro- 
]iriation to meet the ordinary expenses, board ex- 
(•ei)ted. 

The first institute proved a great success. It was 
conducted by Prof. M. F. Cowdry, then of Geauga 
county, and J. Hurty, of Mansfield, Ohio, assisted by 
Rev. Jeremiah Hall, the principal of the Norwalk 
institute. From one hundred and fifty to two hun- 
dred teachers, and those desiring to become such, 
were in attendance. 

Lectures were delivered by Hon. S. T. Worcester, 
then of Norwalk, and Rev. Mr. Sawyer, of Monroe- 
ville, and Hon. Isaac J. Allen, of .Mansfield, and an 
interest was awakened in educational matters, the 
result of which extended far beyond nur liorders. 

FIl'.ST .vol! MA I, CLASS IN Til K STATE. 

On the 14th day of .June. 1848. the first normal 
class of the "State Teachers' Association '" held iti 
Ohio was lonvened in this })lace, continuing nine 
20 



Weeks, and marks an epoch in our educational his- 
tory, for it seems to have proved the radiating point 
from which a better, a more thorougli and far higher 
system was soon to be eliminated. 

The Honin'able Samuel Galloway, then secretary of 
state, and president of the Ohio State teachers' as- 
sociation, delivered an address before tho class. 

tXION SCHOOLS. 

Immediately upon the ad.iournment of the "State 
Normal Class," a meeting of our citizens was called at 
the court house, to take into consideration the pro- 
priety of establishing a system of uni<jn schools. This 
was in August, 1848. 

The legislature of our State, in Feliruary, 184'.), 
passed an act under which all incorporated cities, 
towns and villages having a population of two hund- 
red or more might vote u]ion the adoption of the sys- 
tem — a ma.iority vote dei'iding the ado|>tion or rejec- 
ti(in of the law. 

At the spring election in 18.50, the question was 
submitted to a vote of the people, and was adopted 
with great unanimity. A board of education was 
elected, and proceeded at once to adapt the brick 
school building on Whittlesey avenue to the necessities 
of the school. 

Mr. D. F. DeWolf was elected superintendent, and 
all arrangements were made for opening under the 
graded system on the 23d of September of that year. 

The board of education consisted of six members: 
W. F. Kittridge, E. E. Hnsted, Samuel Pennewell. 
S. T. Worcester, Henry Brown and C L. Boalt; 
Henrv Brown as clerk of the board. 

There were three buildings occupied for school pur- 
jiosos. The Central, on Mechanic street (now Whit- 
tlesey avenue.) the South Pleasant street iiuilding, 
and the brick school house on Seniinary street; the 
latter two as ward schools for primary scholars, with 
five female teachers. The superintendent also ga\e 
the larger pcirtion of his time to teaching. 

The female teachers were Mrs. PeWolf, ^liss Eunice 
C. Fox, Miss Isabella Farr. Miss M. Barrett and Miss 
Julia Hitchcock. 

• The poi)ulation of Norwalk at this time was about 
two thousand, and the union school district extended 
over the corporation. 

The school opened with three hundred scholars in 
the various grades. The salary of the superintendent 
was fixed at six hundred dollars a year, and that, 
of the female teachers at fourteen dollars per month. 
A tax was levied for school i)urp(xses of two and one- 
half mills, producing one thousand and fifty dollars, 
besides the money received from the State school fund, 
amounting to three hundred and forty dollars. 

Theenrollmi'Ut of the year amounted to about four 
hundred, of whom one hundred and ninety were males 
and two hundred and ten fomales, with an average at- 
tendance of three hundred. The school was taught 
for ten months. Tho departments were divided into 
primary, secondary and gramnuir schools. 



154 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



At the ilaj' election in 1851, 0. G. Carter andJolin 
R. Oshom were elected members of the board of 
education to fill the vacancies occasioned by the ex- 
piration of the terms of S. T. Worcester and C. L. 
Boalt. Mr. DeWolf was continued in the superin- 
tendencv, and Mrs. P. A. Seymour wa;: engaged in 
the grammar school at a salary of two hundred dollars. 
She continued but a short time, and Miss Janes Avas 
appointed to the vacancy. 

The enumeration for 1852 shows seven hundred 
and seven between the ages of four and tuenty-one 
years, with an enrollment in our schools of four 
lumdred and fifty-six. The salary of Mr. DeWolf, 
as superintendent, was increased to seven hundred 
dollars. During the year. Miss Ella Tenney. one of 
the teachers, died, after a brief illness, and a special 
meeting of the board was held, and resolutions of 
res])ect and condolence were passed. 

No course of study appears in any of the records of 
tlie school at this time. 

At the close of the school year. 1853. Mr. DeWolf 
tendered iiis resignation as superintendent, and the 
vacancy was fdled by the election of William P. 
Clark, of Hillsdale, Michigan, as superintendent, at 
a salary of eiglit hundred dollars. Mrs. Bates was 
employed to take charge of the grammar school, and 
Miss Hill, Miss Julia Hitchcock, Miss Fannie Wil- 
son, Miss Dealing and Miss Lowe in the other depart- 
ments. Tlie school examiners at this time were Rev. 
E. Winthrop, Rev. Alfred Newton and Samuel T. 
Worcester. 

Tlie whole value of our school property was re- 
turned at -^2, 300, and the total expenses of our school 
for the year at SI, 800. The average salary of female 
teachers for forty weeks was *180. A. special school 
tax was levied of two mills. The value of maps and 
school ai)i)aratus was §150. 

In 1855, the board inirchased the brick building 
occuiiied by the Norwalk Institute, to be used as a 
central and high school building for the district. 
The ]iurchase was for tlie sum of $3,500, which em- 
braced the two central lots and the present high 
school building, a small library and some ai)i)aratus. 

Mr. A. S. Hutchins, the former principal of the 
Norwalk Institute, was elected superintendent of the 
Union Schools in September, 1854, in place of Mr. 
Clark. Mr. S. F. Newman was elected principal of 
the grammar school, with seven female teachers in 
the primary and secondary departments. 

Previous to the close of the school year in 1855, 
Mr. Ilutchins resigned his position as superintendent, 
and Mr. William Mitchell was appointed to tlie va- 
cancy. 

Mr. Mitcliell was re-elected superintendent in 1850, 
at a salary of $1,000 per year, with the following 
corps of teachers : S. F. Newman, principal of the 
grammar school, salary, $600 ; Miss S. S. Sanford, 
at $350, Miss Julia Hitchcock, at $300 ; Miss Fannie 
Wilson, at $350 ; Miss Dealing, $300. 

Tlie board at this time consisted of N. S. C. Per- 



kins, Jos. M. Farr, C. E. Newman, H. Rose, F. 
Sawyer and R. P. Geer. A levy of four mills was 
made for school purposes, and Mr. Mitchell was con- 
tinued in the superintendency at his previous salary. 

At the annual election in 1858, J. A. Jackman and 
Theodore Baker were elected in the places of C. E. 
Newman and R. P. Geer, whose terms had expired, 
and the new board systematized their labors by the 
appointment of committees to attend to specific du- 
ties, to wit : A committee upon teachers, a committee 
upon buildings and repairs, upon text books, and 
ujioii supplies. Rev. A. Newton, William Mitchell 
and S. T. Worcester were appointed examiners for 
the year. 

There seemed to the l)oard a necessity for retrench- 
ing exjienses, and the salary of the sui)erintendent 
was reduced to nine hundred dollars, and in the fol- 
lowing year Mr. Mitchell tendered his resignation. 

Mr. Theodore E. Baker was elected by the Ijoard to 
succeed Mr. Mitchell in the superintendency, at a 
salary of eight hundred dollars. 

At the annual election, May 5th, 1860, Messrs. 
C. E. Pennewell and William Case were elected mem- 
bers of tlie board in the places of Perkins and Rose, 
whose terms had expired, and at the close of the 
school year in July, the board elected R. W. Steven- 
son, then of Dresden, Ohio, to the superintendency, 
at a salary of eight hundred and fifty dollars, and his 
wife as assistant teacher in the high school, at a salary 
of three hnndred and fifty dollars. 

In 1801, sub-district nunil)er nine, joining tlie Hj 
union school district on the east, was l)y petition 
added to it. At this time the number of teachers 
increased to twelve, including the superintendent. 

In 1863, the salary of the superintendent was raised 
to one thousand dollars. 

The first graduate of our union schools was Miss 
Sarah E. Wilkinson, in 1861, and the next was Miss 
Nettie M. North, in 1862; and in the class of 1863 
were Mi.ss Arietta Newman. William F. Parker and 
Cortland L. Kennan. 

In 1864, Mr. Stevenson's salary was increased to 
one thousand one hundred dollars. All the teachers 
of the jirevious year were invited to remain, at in- 
creased salaries. At the close of this school year 
there were seven in the graduating class. 

In 1805, Mr. Stevenson's salary was again increased, 
to one thousand two hnndred dollars, and all the 
teachers of the previous year were invited to remain 
at former salaries. The ])oiiulation of our union 
school district at tliis time was three thousand eiglit 
hundred and twenty-one, and the enumeration of 
children between five and twenty-one years was one 
thousand four hundred and forty-three, divided as 
follows: Six hundred and ninety-five white males, 
seven hundred and thirty-seven wliite females, seven 
colored males and four colored females. At tlie close 
of this sciiool year there was a graduating class of six. 

In 1806, Mr. Stevenson's salary was again increased 
by the voluntary action of tlie lioard, ihey recogniz- 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



155 



iuy the value of his sjorvicos, and tlio salaries of iiiter- 
mediatt" and secoiularv teacliers were also increased 
fifty dollars per year each. 

In 1867, Mr. Stevenson was ajraiii re-elected to the 
superintendency, with his salary increased to one 
tlionsand five hundred dollars. 

The l)oard decided to erect a larger and better 
school house on South Plea.saut street, the old one 
being small and dilapidated. A lot w;is purchased, 
adjoining the old one, for eight hundred dullars, and 
a brick building was erected to acconiniodate primary 
scholars. The tax levied was five mills, and th.e 
amount dislnirsed for school purposes was thirteen 
thousand and thirty-tive dollars and seventy-nine 
cents. There were ten graduates ar the close of this 
year. 

In 18'!S, R. W. Stevenson was re-elected superin- 
tendent, at a salary of two thousand dollars, and the 
salaries of most of the teachers were increased. 

There was urgent necessity for more room and 
more school buildings, to accommodate the increased 
number of scholars in the different wards of the vil- 
lage. The board obtained from the corporation 
authorities a deed of two lots on League street, 
designed in the platting by the '• Homestead League " 
fur "jiublic purposes." for the erection of a .school 
house, and the board i)roceeded to erect a good, 
substantial two-story brick building for the jMirpose, 
known as the ''League Street School House." 

The l)nilding was erected nnder the especial super- 
vision of 1). D. Benedict and Theodore Williams, 
(a committed appointed by the board,) at an exj)ense 
of five thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight 
dollars and eighty-one cents, which was all paid for 
without levying any additional tax over that raised for 
.school ])urposes of five mills. The board also pur- 
chased an acre nf land on Benedict avenue, in the 
south part of the village, for the erection of another 
ward school house, to be put up as soon as the finances 
would permit, without creating a bonded debt. For 
this they paid eight hundred dollars. 

Our enumeration had now reached one thousaiul, 
seven hundred and fifty-four, between the ages of 
five and twenty-one, and the enrollment in our schools 
was eight hundred and seventy-five, with an average 
cost per pujiil of twelve dollars and fifty-fcnir cents 
per year. The graduating class this year consisted of 
five members. 

At the close of the school year in 1871, the super- 
intendent and all the teachers were invited to remain. 
Mr. Stevenson, however, tendered his resignation, as 
he had been elected to tlie same position in tlie ])ublic 
schools of Columbus, at an increased salary. 

Mr. Henry A. Farwell, of (^uincy, Illinois, was 
elected by the board to succeed Mr. Stevenson from 
Septeml)er, 1871, at a salary of one thousand five 
liundred dollars. 

The crowded state of our .schools in 1S72 made it 
necessary that a school building should be erected on 
the lot purchased on I'ciiedict avenue, and plans were 



])rocared, and measures adojitcd for proceeding at 
once to its erection. D. D. Benedict and Theodore 
Williams were ai)pointed a building committee, and 
authorized to fit up the grounds and make-all neces- 
sary arrangements for having a school opened. A 
very commodious two-story brick building was erected, 
about thirty-six by sixty feet, ujion the ground, de- 
signed to accommodate two primary schools, with 
ante-rooms, recitation-rooms and black-boards, and 
seated with modern single seats and desks, having a 
more tasty and attractive exterior than any of our 
previous school buildings, at a cost of eight thousand 
d(dlars. This building will seat comfortably one 
hundred and fifty scholars. 

Mr. Farwell was re-elected sujierintendent at a 
salary of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dol- 
lars, and the teachers of the previous year were invited 
to remain. 

Mr. Farwell was re-elected superintendent in 1872, 
at his previous salary. 

Miss S. H. Smith resigned her position in the high 
school at the close of the school year in 1873. She 
had been teachei- of marked ability in our schools for 
many years, and her resignation was accepted with 
much regret. 

Mr. Farwell was re-elected to the superintendency 
in July, 1873. There was a graduating class at the 
close of the school year of eleven. 

In July, 1874, Mr. FarwelTs time having expired. 
the board elected C. W. Oakes superintendent, at a 
salary of one thousand and six hundred dollai's jier 
year. 

The enumeration taken uiuler the law of May 15, 
1873, limits the .school age to those between six and 
twenty-one years — our last enumeration embracing 
those between five and twenty-one years. We find the 
number reduced to one thousand six hundred and 
thirty-four. The average daily attendance was six 
hundred and fourteen, of whom eighty were in the 
high school. It should be stated, in explanation of 
the small per centage of daily attendance to the 
enumeration, that the Catholic denomination main- 
tains separate schools, and also the Lutherans (mak- 
ing three in all,) and employing four or five teachers. 
There were twelve in the graduating class at the 
close of the school year. 

Mr. Oakes was re-elected to the sui)eriiitendency in 
June, 1875, at a salary of one thousand and eight 
hundred dollars. 

The board this year added vocal music to the 
branches taught, and engaged the services of Prof. 
Lu.se at a salary of six hundred dollars, to divide his 
time between the diflferent schools. 

A brief recapitulation of the prominent ]ioints in 
our school history may not be uninteresting. 

Our graded schools were organized under the 
general law of 1849; they opened under that law in 
St'ptember, 1850; the population of Norwalk w'as 
then alwut two thousand: the enrollment- the first 
year was about four huiidreil : our present population 



15fi 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



(1879) is six thousand and one hundred; our enu- 
meration between six and twenty-one years is one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine; our enroll- 
ment in schools, exclusive of Catholic and Lutheran 
schools, is one thousand and one. 

We commenced with four schools, in three build- 
ings, and tive teachers; we now have seven school 
houses; nineteen schools and twenty-three teachers. 

We paid our first superintendent six hundred dollars 
per year, and our female teachers fourteen iJollars per 
month ; wc now pay our superintendent one thousand 
and eight hundred per year, and our female teachers 
from thirty-five to sixty dollars per month. Our 
monthly pay roll is now one thousand and two 
hundred dollars. 

We commenced with three grades, primary, sec- 
ondary and grammar ; we now have nine grades, em- 
bracing the high school, with a standard of education 
intended to fit pupils to enter college. We think the 
average cost per scholar, for instruction for a series 
of years, will not exceed S15 per year. 

Our school property in 1850 was worth §2,300 ; it 
is now worth over 845,000. 

We have had seven different superintendents in our 
schools since organizing under the graded svstem, as 
follows : D. F. DeWolf, from 1850 to 1853 ; W. P. 
Clark, from 1853 to 1854 ; A. S. Hutchins, from 
1854 to 1855 : William Mitchell, from 1855 to 1859 ; 
T. E. Baker, from 1859 to 1860 : R. W. Stevenson, 
18C0 to 18T] : H. A. Farwell, 1871 to 1874 : C. w! 
Oakes, 1874. 

Our list of graduates numbers 128. 

An association of the Alumni was organized in 
1875, which proved both pleasant and profitable, and 
promises to be a permanent society, holding regular 
meetings hereafter. It numbers among its members 
many of our best citizens, and gathers from abroad 
many, occupying prominent positions, who have gone 
out from us. 

The Catholic portion of our pojiulution has never 
felt disposed to participate, to any great extent, in 
the benefits of our public schools, preferring to main- 
tain their separate denominational institutions. They 
maintain two schools within our district, employing 
four teachers. 

The board of education has never made the reading 
of the Bible in the schools imperative upon superin- 
tendents or teachers, but has left the matter wholly 
discretionary with them ; and though the general 
practice is in most of our schools to read a jiortion of 
the Scriptures in the opening exercise, no strictures 
or criticisms have arisen of a sectarian character to 
disturb their peaceful progress. 

There is no local interest dearer to our people than 
that of maintaining the high standing of our i)ublic 
schoools. The iiui)ression has grown into a settled 
conviction, that with universal suffrage, the great safe- 
guard for our institutions, both civil and religious, is 
in universal education. 



LAW AND BISIXESS COLLEGE. 

On the 21st day of October, A. D. 1878, Wm. H. 
Sprague, Escj., estal)lislied Sprague's Business C'ol- 
lege, and located it in Gallup's new block. Since its 
organization, over thirty students have been and are 
in attendance. It is already a success. By reason of 
young men soliciting assistance in studying the law, 
the proprietor has concluded to add a law department, 
which will open on the 22d day of Seiitember, 1879, 
and will be known as Sprague's Law and Business 
College. The faculty have been engaged and are 
well known at the bar, viz : Hon. G. T. Stewart, 
Col. Frank Sawyer, S. A. Wildman and C. H. Gal- 
lup. Instruction in phonographic short-hand will 
also be given by Mr. P. J. Mahon, a practical pho- 
nograplier. 

WHITTLESEY ACADEMY. 

For twenty-six years there has Ijeen in existence in 
Norwalk, a corporation known by name to many of 
our citizens, Init as to whose origin and history there 
exists an almost entire lack of information. A whole 
generation has grown up since the "Whittlesey Acad- 
emy of Arts and Sciences'" was organized, who know 
nothing of the facts which led to its organization. 

On the IGth of October, 1810, Hon. Elisha Whit- 
tlesey, who held the title as trustee in fad, for him- 
self, Mathew B. Whittlesey, E. j\Ioss White and 
Piatt Benedict, filed the ''town plat of Norwalk" with 
the recorder of Huron county. Forty-eight lots are 
plotted and described, and the conclusion of the de- 
scription is as follows : 

"The roads, streets and alleys are given for inihlic 
use. Lot 13 is given for a site to build a court house. 
Lot 12, a meeting house. Lot 1 for an 'academy or 
college, and lot 24 for a goal, "evidently meaning gaol, 
or jail. 

Lot 1, thus dedicated for "an academy or college" 
remained unoccujjied for many years, and was used 
for a play ground by the youth of the village, and as 
a public hitching place for teams, but after nearly _ . 
forty years Mr. Whittlesey, in 1854, then a resident ■ 
of Washington, and Piatt Benedict, gave a (|uit claim 
deed of the lot to the "Whittlesey Academy of Arts 
and Sciences," which had been organized by a number 
of the leading citizens of the town the year previous. 
This (juit claim is dated April 20th, 1854. 

On the 30th of May. 1853, a number of gentlemen 
"being desirous of founding an academy, in said 
town, for the advancement of useful knowledge by 
courses of lectures upon the sciences and arts, ami 
a library and cabinet of curiosities," made petition to 
the county auditor, to be incorporated under the laws 
of Ohio. "The intention being to secure and perfect 
the title to lot No. 1 in said Norwalk, and erect a 
suitable building thereon, according to the the inten- 
tion of the donor. Him. Elisha Whittlesey." Accord- 
ingly, G. T, Stewart, who was then the county 
auditor, appointed three apjn-aisei-s, David Johnson, 
David E. Merrill, and Alfred S. Curtiss, to view and 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



157 



appraise lot No. 1. They duly performed this duty, 
ajipraisiug tliu lot at 8800. :md made their return 
May 31st. The next day. auditor Stewart issued his 
certificate of incorporation, and on June 'id, C. B. 
Stickney. E. Gray, G. H. SaSord. J. E. Ingersoll, C. 
E. Newman. M. R. Brailey. F. A. Wildman and G. 
T. Stewart, met at the mayor's office to organize. 
C. B. Stickney presided and 0. T. Stewart acted as 
secretary. G. H. Safford stated the object of the 
meeting and moved that the association be known as 
the "Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences." 
Messrs. Ingersoll, Brailey and Satford were ajipointed 
committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, which 
were adopted at a meeting held June 18th. On the 
2d of July, officers were chosen for the year, as follows: 

President, S. T. Worcester ; vice-president, G. T. 
Stewart ; secretary, J. E. Ingersoll ; treasurer, E. 
Gray; librarian, C. E. Newman; trustees, S. T. 
Worcester, G. T. Stewart, C. B. Stickney, G. H. 
Safford, JI. R. Brailey. 

Within a few weeks. Mr. Ingersoll removed from 
the village, and F. A. Wildman was chosen secretary. 
5Ir. Gray, who was the first treasurer, has acted con- 
tinuously in that capacity ever since, nearly twenty-six 
years. The academy being thus organized, the next 
thing was to erect a building. At a meeting held 
November 7, 1853, a building committee was ap- 
pointed, consisting of G. T. Stewart, G. H. Saflord 
and E. Grey. Subsequently, M. R. Brailey was added 
to tlie committee, and the contract for building the 
present Whittlesey block w'as awarded to John King. 
The sum of >;10,137.02, to liuild with, was furnished 
by the following parties, who received perpetual 
leases, subject to forfeiture on non-payment of annu- 
al rental or assessments, of the several rooms in the 
bicick, the academy reserving Whittlesey hall and 
antc-iodin for its own use : 

Piatt Benedict SI, 168 80 

E liaifer 1,217 50 

J. M, Crosby I.ITO 00 

Husted& Gray .'. 779 80 

Corporatiua of Norwalk .• 974 00 

Worcester & Pennewell 370 12 

Jairus Kennaii 340 90 

Osboru A: Stewart 358 70 

G. H Safford 305 90 

O. T. Stewart 606 60 

MR Brailey 1.608 40 

Mt Vernon Lodge N'o. 8». F. & A. M 9(M 50 

Tiie total cost of the building, as shown by the re- 
port of treasurer Gray, was some §188 more tlian the 
above. 

The aca<leniy is limiteci to tweiiiy-tive members, 
who hold tlieir iiu'iiiliershiii during iife, or until re- 
moval from file coiint\. \'acancies are tilled at the 
annual meeting, wiiich is held the second Monday in 
April. All the rooms in the block are subject to an 
annual charge for ground rent, and the amounts thus 
received, with the rental of Whittlesey hall, furnisii 
the income of the academy. Until l.sdii, when the 
Young Men's Library and Reading Room was estab- 
lisiied, tlie iR^ademy furnished a course of lectures 
nearly every winter, and had :i<'cuuiuhitcil ipiite a 



library and some curiosities. They then made an ar- 
rangement with the library association, whereby the 
latter took charge of their books. An annual appro- 
priation of from ij^lOO to ^MM for new books has since 
been made. At this time nearly all the books in the 
Young Men's Library belong to the Whittlesey acad- 
emy. The free use of the hall has also been granted 
the library for lectures or entertainments, to the 
number of, at least, eight each year. 

The affairs of the academey are hianaged by a 
board of five trustees, who meet at frequent intervals 
during the year, the academy itself rarely convening, 
save at the annual meeting in April. The following 
gentlemen have been members of the Whittlesey 
academy in the past : 

M. R. Brailey, G. H. Safford, J. E. Ingersoll, W, 
S. Rose, S. T." Worcester, S. R. Beckwith, B. F. 
Roberts, J. A. Jones, Edward Winthrop, Charles 
Bishop, J. A. Jackman, I. E. Morehouse, John 
Cline. 'George Baker, Joseph M. Farr, E. M. Stone, 
A. Brainerd, R. W. Stevenson, I), H. Pease, C. E, 
Pennewell, E. E. Husted. Jairus Kenuan, C. L. 
Boalt, S. L. Hatch. F. Sears. Piatt Benedict, John 
Mountain, Elmer E. Husted. 

The following are the present members : 

G. T. Stewart, E. Gray, C. E. Newman, F. A. 
Wildman, 0. G. Carter, C. B. Stickney, L. I). 
Strutton, John Tifft, N. S. C. Perkins, Hiram Rose, 
Franklin Sawyer, P, N. Schuyler, J. B. Ford, C. P. 
Wickham, G. W. Knapp, D, D. Benedict, S. P. 
Hildreth, Henry S. Mitchell, C. L. Kennan, U. H, 
Fox, S. A. Wildman, Charles A. Lloyd, C. H. Gal- 
lup, James G. Gibbs, L; C. Laylin. 

The annual meeting for 18T9, was held Monday, 
April 14th. Eighteen members were present. The 
report of the trustees showed an income during the 
year of 8(J65.:25 from hall rents, and 8r-)4.!f2 from 
ground rents and assessments. (Assessments are 
made on the several rooms for repairs or improve- 
ments when necessary). 

The ex)K'nditures aniouuted to ii!'.t23.0"-i. of wiiieh 
|!1T8. 17 was for books for the library, and ^VS3 was 
for the catalogue of the lilirary. Tlie balance on 
hand is 8460. 80. 

Officers for the ensuing year were elected, as fol- 
lows : President, F. A. Wildman : vice-president, 0. 
G. Carter; secretary, S. A. Wildman: treasurer, E. 
Gray : trustees, D. H. Fox, C. H, Gallup, S. P. 
Hildreth. C. A. Lloyd and S. A. Wildman : of which 
l)oard C. H. (ndlu]) is chairman. 

The use of the hall, free of exjiense, was tendered 
to the library asssociation, for lectures or entertain- 
ments, to the number of nine during tlie year. 'J'he 
sum of *150 was approi)riated for books, to be placed 
in the keeping of the library association. The trus- 
tees were authorized to take such action as they may 
deem proper in aiding the Firelaiids Historical Soci- 
ety to protect its cabinet. 

The academy is one of the most meritorious iiisti- 
tiftions in the |>iace. and that gift of lot No. 1, is 



I 



158 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



reiilly the i<ubstantial base of our present valuable 
Young Men's Library. 

LIKKAKY AND READING ROOM. 

Early iu January, 180(i, a num))er of our citizens 
convened at the town hall, to discnss plans for estab- 
lishing a reading room, and organizing a library asso- 
ciation. Re.<olutioas were adopted expressing the 
object of the meeting, and pledging those present to 
the support of the enterprise. A committee was ap- 
pointed to draft a constitution and solicit subscrip- 
tions. 

At a. subsequent meeting, held on the ■Mtli of Jan- 
nary, a constitution was adopted, as reported by the 
committee, iu which the objects of the association 
were declared to be, the providrngfor the people, and 
especially the youth of Norwalk, additional means 
for mental improvement through the agency of a 
library, reading room, public lectures, and othar kin- 
dred instnmentalities. An organization was then ef- 
fected under the name of The Young Men's Library 
and Reading Room Association, and the following 
otficers elected : R. W. Stevenson, president ; D. H. 
Pease, vice-president ; T. D. Shepard, secretary ; W. 
M. Cline, treasurer ; directors. D. D. Benedict, E. 
E. Husted, T. P. Bishop and C. P. Wickham. A 
nucleus of a library was provided by an unconditional 
o-ift to the associari(jn, of over one hundred valuable 
volumes, by Mrs. S. T. Worcester. 

This gift was immediately followed by a proposition 
from the "Whittlesey Academy of Arts and Sciences," 
in which they proposed, (in order to carry more fully 
into effect one of the leading" objects for which the 
academy was organized,) to loan to the Young Men's 
Association, all the books then owned by the academy, 
and all that might hereafter be acquired by gift, pur- 
chase, or otherwise, to be kept for its use, so long as 
the association was conducted according to the arti- 
cles of its organization. Also, that the academy 
would appropriate, at that time, $500 tor the imme- 
diate increase of the library, and not less than §50 
for that purpose, annually thereafter. 

The loan acquired at that time consisted of 1554 
volumes, a number of which were a present to the 
academy from Washington Irving. The lil)rary of 
the association was a sliort time after increased, by a 
gift from the Presbyterian church, of 1-^5 volumes. 

The labors of the finance committee were attended 
with consideraljje success, as tiie fdllnwing meniuran- 
dum taken from their re)iort will slmw : 

Union Aid Society, donation S 76 09 

Bounty Fund, donation tJM 16 

Ciiriatian L'oniniission, doDation 10 00 

Soldiers' .\id Society, donation ■"* 00 

Alert Club, donation 480 00 

Alert Club Library fund, donation 4'jo 00 

Norwalk High School, donation 100 00 

Ladies' Festival, donation 21S 10 

Total donations S8,oa5 44 

With a part of the I'limls, thus acqunrcd. the asso- 
ciation was eiialiled to lean' suitaljle ruoiiis ami pru- 



vide furniture. The rooms were supplied with the 
leading newspapers and periodicals, published at that 
time, iind immediately became the most popular place 
of resort in the town. In the winter following the 
organization of the association, an excellent course of 
lectures was given under its auspices. Since that 
time the association has enjoyed the services of the 
best lecturers in the country. 

In the year 1868, there were only 2623 volumes on 
its shelves, and 49 papers and periodicals on the ta- 
bles, now there are nearly 5000 volumes and over 60 
papers and periodicals, in store for its patrons. 

The amount of money received annually from 
membership tickets, and from the interest of the 
permanent fund, has been barely sufficient to defray 
necessary expenses. All additions of books that 
have been made to the library, have been bought by 
the Whittlesey academy, or by money raised by 
festivals, excursions, and other entertainments of like 
nature. 

The association is not in debt, i)ut yet it is in great 
need of more liberal support. It has always been the 
desire of the association, to occupy a home of its own. 
It was expected that the permanent fund, with the 
accumulating interest, wcntld at some time enable it 
to realize that hope. 

The permenent fund now amounts to n1,'.I00, 
which is invested in real estate security. In addition 
to this, the association has. invested ?!225, a betiuest 
of Mrs. S. T. Worcester. It was Mrs. Worcester's 
request that the money should be used only in beauti- 
fying and adorning the rooms of the association. 

The library was first established in rooms in the old 
Mansion House block. The rooms were inconvenient, 
and the books were necessarily in a disordered state. 
A removal was made in June, 1878, to the rooms now 
occu]iied in the Gtillup block, which were fitted up 
at considerable expense, new cases provided, and the 
books arranged in systematic order, and an alphabet- 
ical list of the library was taken, and a catalogue jire- 
pared. It is the fu'st ever provided and was the best 
method of preserving the books. 

The present officers are, C. H. (iallup, jiresident ; 
C. W. Oakes, vice-president ; E. L. Husted. treas- 
urer ; G. F. Titus, secretary ; J. G. Gibbs, B. S. 
Hubbard, H. L. Kennan, L. C. Laylin, S. J. Pat- 
rick, F. Sawyer, Jr., directors: Miss S. Rowland, 
librarian. 

On account of the loss of the minutes of the ])re- 
liminary meetings, it is difficult to ascertain, with 
certainty, the names of our citizens who were most 
active in organizing and establi.shing the association, 
but Mrs. M. F. 0. Worcester, Mrs. M. A. Corwin, 
David II. Pease, R. W. Stevenson and Charles P. 
Wickham were among tiiem : none, however, were 
more efficient in the good work than Mrs. Worcester. 
This institution fills a very important position 
among the educational enteriirises of the town, and 
but few of them better deserve the fostering care of its 
citizens. 




GEORGE BUTT. 



C^corgu Butt was born in tlic city uf New York, July 24, 1S34. 
At the age of six or seven years his father moved to Illinois, where 
Mr. Butt fspent the earlier years of his active life. While still young 
he manifested a taste for the fine arts, spending much time in a por- 
trait painter's studio, where he received many impressions that were 
la.^ting, and which had much to do with his choice of a pi'ofession 
for life. His bent of mind did not receive encouragement from his 
parents; on the contrary, they discouraged him, and marked out 
another pursuit. He was still young when his parents died, and, 
having no desire for a trade, he grew up to munhood without any 
special business. II is father had left some money for him, but he 
never received it. At the age of twenty-two, however, he acquired 
about $800, whifh, b}' judicious speculation, was increased to about 
$2000. With this he bought a large tract of land, and tried farm- 
ing, but was not successful. He lost heavily by the failure of the 
wheat crops in successive years, and, becoming discouraged, sold out 
at a great loss. 

While visiting Springfield, III., hu bi'canie interested in the ambro- 
type business, and gave considerable time to the acquirement of the 
art ; but finally gave it up and returned hoine. 

For a year succeeding he was in poor health. In the mean time 
photography had made rapid advances, and ho once more determined 
to learn the business. Placing himself under the best instructors, ho 
took a thorough course, and again entered the field with very creditable 
success ; but, becoming dissatisfied with his knowledge, he determined 
to place himself where he could become a thorough master of the art. 
lie accordingly entered a leading gallery as a workman, and labored 
industriously, anil subsequently took private lessons from some of the 
best artists in the State. In this way ho soon made rapid progress, 
and in a short time was enabled to command good wages. 

He eventually, with a partner, purchased a fine establishment in the 
city of Ottawa, 111., which was remodeled and thoroughly refitted, 
but had only been in operation under its new proprietors for the 
space of three days when it was destroyed by fire, and he found him- 
self in very straitened circumstances. But he was not wholly dis- 
couraged, and, adopting the motto, "Where there's a will there's a 



way," ho borrowed ^^150 of a friend, purchar^cd a second-hand travel- 
ing car, repaired and refitted it, and, locating himself on the jiublic 
square, opened for business within a week of the disaster. 

In this venture he was eminently successful; but, his quarters 
proving too narrow for his increasing business, he soon after entered 
into partnership with an artist of Ottawa. This, however, proved an 
unprofitable venture, and he very soon sold out his interest. 

During the next two years he spent considerable time in Chicago, 
with the intention of entering into permanent business there. But 
he finally took tho mistaken, though well-meant, advice of a friend, 
and removed to Ohio, only to meet disappointment. After seeking 
an eligible location for several months, he eventually located in Nor- 
walk, when he rented the gallery over the First National Bank, taking 
possession Oct. 1, ISfl'.t, and began business under very discouraging 
circumstances. For six months his expenditures considerably ex- 
ceeded his reeei])ts; but, continuing undaunted, at the end of one 
year his prospects had greatly brightened. In this location he 
remained five years, at the end of which period his business had 
entirely outgrown his facilities. He accordingly leased the second 
story over two stores in the new Flinn block, and fitted the rooms at 
great expense in modern style, and at the present time has one (tf the 
largest and most conveniently arranged galleries to be found in any 
provincial town of the State. 

Mr. Butt's reputation as an artist is excellent and wi'le-spread, and 
his work extends to every State in the Union. His studio is tastefully 
arranged and decorated, and is familiarly known throughout tlio 
county. He makes the production of largo pictures a specialty, and 
is ably seconded in his business by a competent corps of three or four 
employes which ho keeps constantly at work. His e5tablishuient is 
an honor to the town, and has become a prominent place of resort. 
Mr. Butt also keeps on hand a fine assortment of artists' goods and 
materials. His success has been very gratifying. 

It is proper, in this connection, to state that Mr. Butt enlisted in 
the Union army, in 1SC2. lie was commissioned first lieutenant of 
his company, and remained until disabled by sickness, when he was 
sent to tlie hospital and soon after discharged. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



159 



CHURCHES 

18'21 — PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

Early in the year 1818 the first i)ublic religious 
services in the towuship wei-e held at the log house of 
Piatt Benedict and consisted of reading the service of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church and a seruion, by ii 
layman. After that, and on the comj)letion of the 
new court house (now Central hotel on Whittlesey 
avenue), tliose services were kept up with mure or less 
regularity for some years. In a letter written by Mrs. 
Ruth Boalt, wife of Capt. John Boalt and niotlier of 
Charles L. Boalt, to her daughter, in Watertown, N. 
Y., and dated June 12, 1820, she says: 

"We have no minister with us, but I have the 
pleasure to inform you that this society meets at the 
court house every Sabbath and reads the church ser- 
vice and a sermon. * * * Lester read the .sermon 
last Sabbath." 

On January 20, 1821, a number of persons of Nor- 
walk and vicinity, calling themselves members and 
friends of the Protestant Episcojial church, met at 
Korwalk village. Piatt Benedict was api)ointed chair- 
man and William Gardiner elected clerk. The fol- 
lowing named persons were then enrolled as members 
or friends of the church: Piatt Benedict, Luke 
Keeler. Amos Woodward, "William Gardiner, Ami 
Kecler. William Woodward, Gurdon Woodward, 
David <;ibl)s. Moses Sowers, John Keeler, .Tohn Boalt, 
Samuel Sparrow, Asa Sandford, Henry Hurlliut, E. 
Lane, William Gallup, and Enos Gilbert, eleven in 
all. Of that number. Ami Keeler is the only survivor. 

At that meeting it was voted to organize the i«irish 
of St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, and to adopt the con- 
stitution of the Protestant Episcopal Ciiurch of the 
United States of America, and the following officers 
were elected: Amos Woodward, .senior wanlen: Luke 
Keeler, junior warden ; El)ene7,er Lane, clerk, and 
Piatt Benedict, John Keeler, John Boalt, Ebenezer 
Lane, and Asa Sanford, vestrymen. As no clergyman 
was then to be had, Piatt Benedict, John Boalt, Amos 
Woodward, Samuel Sparrow and Ebenezer Lane were 
chosen as lay readers. 

The occasion of this meeting was the visit of the 
Rev. Mr. Seai'le, an Episcopal minister, who, on the 
next day, January 21, 1820, performed divine service, 
(the first in Norwalk) and also administered the rite 
of infant baptism to Louisa Williams, Theodoi'e Wil- 
liams. William (iallup and Eben Lane. The.se were 
also the first bajitisms in N(nwalk. On the next day 
he baptized one adult, Henry Hurlbut, and also the 
cliildren of Captain John Boalt, as follows: .\manda, 
Clarissa and Martha. 

From that time on to 182(J meetings and lay read- 
ings were kept up and at long intervals the Rev. Mr. 
Searle made other visits and administered many baj)- 
tisms. 

In August, 1820, Rev. C. P. ISronson was engaged 
to officiate for such portion of his time as funds could 
be raised to ]>ay hitii for. In 1828 etforts were made 



to raise means with which to build a church, and Mr. 
Bronson was sent east to solicit assistance. The re- 
sult was that on his return he rejxjrted the collection 
of donations amounting to one thousand three hun- 
dred and thirty-one dollars and twenty-five cents, but 
did not otfer to pay over the funds and never did. 
This unfortunate affair discouraged the enterprise. 
Bronson's connection with the church was severed in 
1829 and no minister was employed until 1833, when 
Rev. John P. Bausman took charge at a salary of ^400 
per year for two-thirds of his time. He remained 
only one year. Then a Mr. Eaton officiated as a lay 
reader, — services still being held in the court house — 
and the congregation was called together by Ami 
Keeler blowing a tin horn. 

In 1835 Rev. E. PundersoTi took charge and re- 
mained about four years. 

At the time the first effort, already mentioned, was 
made to raise funds to build a church edifice, in 1828, 
the site of the present churcli and Ijurying ground 
(four acres) was pui'chased in the name of St. Paul's 
Church from White, Tweedy and Iloyt for sixty-one 
dollars. The deed is recorded July 12, 1828, in vol- 
ume five of deeds at page six hundred and ten. 

In 1834 another effort was made to provide a i)uild- 
ing and proved so far successful that the larger part 
of the present structure was erected at a cost of two 
thousand and tv/enty dollars. It was completed in 
1835 and was consecrated by Bishop Mcllvaine, June 
26, 1836. 

In 1837 the original organ (now rebuilt) was pui-- 
chased of A. Backus, Esq., of Troy, N. Y., at a cost 
of six hundred and sixty dollars. 

In 1839, Rev. Anson Clark, of Medina, took charge 
until September, 1840, when, on account of ill-health, 
he severed his connection as pastor., and went south, 
but returned and took charge again in February, 
1841, only to remain until June of the same year. 

November 1, 1841, Rev. J. J. Okill, of New I'ork, 
took charge, but resigned November 14, 1842. 

December 18, 1842, Rev. Alvan Guion took charge 
at a salary of three hundred and seventy-five dollars, 
but "if the vestry found it inconvenient to pay that 
amount, he was to accei)t three hundred and fifty 
dollars." He resigned May 2, 1844. 

September 30, 1844, Rev. Sabin Hough, of Mic- 
higan, took charge at a salary of four luindred dollars 
per year, and house rent free. 

About May 1, 1846, he lesigned, because "he 
l)elieved several of the leading doctrines of the 
church were at great variance from the principles of 
eternal truth." 

April 7, 1847, Rev. Edward Winthroi), of Maiietta, 
was called and took charge at a salary of five hundred 
dollars, remaining until a disease of tlu^ throat con- 
strained him to resign in 1854. 

June 26, 1854, Rev. George Watson, of Oswego, 
New York, was called and took charge at a salary of 
eight hundred dollars, and remained until June 27, 
1864, He was followed by Rev. Henry Tullidge on 



h 



160 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



March 20. 1805, who resigned April 22, 1807. Rev. 
William Newton took charge May 8, 18tJ7, and re- 
signed June 26, 1870. Rev. H. H. Morrell took 
charge October 1, 1870, and resigned April 6, 187-i; 
and the Rev. R. B. Balcom, the present incumbent, 
took charge July 15, 1874. 

Benedict Cha])el was erected in 1863-4, at a cost of 
about four thousand dollars, of which amount Piatt 
Benedict contributed about one thousand and five 
hundred dollars, — hence its name. 

In 1868, a bell was purchased and placed in the 
tower, at a cost of about four hundred dollars. 

1823-METHOI)IST EPISCOPAU 

In the year 1818, Rev. Alfred Brunson, who is yet 
living, was appointed to the Huron circuit, of which 
New Haven was the most southerly appointment, and 
which, on an irregular path, reached to Venice, a few 
miles west of the city of Sandusky, thence easterly 
through the township of Perkins to the mouth of Black 
River, embracing twenty-four appointments which 
are reached by two hundred miles of travel. One of 
these twenty-four appointments was at Hanson Reeds, 
about two miles south of Norwalk. and this was the 
first Methodist preaching iu the vicinity of Norwalk. 
At the same place, the first Methodist Sunday school 
was organized in 1823. During this year True Pat- 
ter and James Mclntyre were appointed circuit 
preachers of Huron Circuit, and a preaching place 
was establisiied in Norwalk witii a class of seven 
members, which had increased in the following year to 
thirteen. Hanson Reed, Lester Clark, Job T. Rey- 
nolds, John Laylin, Charles Laylin (for many years a 
local minister), Daniel Stratton, Jabez Clark, Perry 
Beckwith, James Wilson. Armon Roscoe, A. Powers, 
Prudence Inman, Thomas Holmes, Ollie Clark and 
Jane Buchanan, were its members. 

The book of the recoi-ding steward shows that these 
faithful ministers received for their services the sum 
of fifty dollars, of whicli sum Norwalk contributed 
alxnit ten dollars. The pay was. no doubt, thank- 
fully received, but it is not sui)posed that any of it 
was used in speculation. In the years 1836 and 1837 
Shadrach Ruark and Adam Poesni)]ilied the work and 
sliared tiie liospitalities of the pioneers. The follow- 
ing entry occurs in the official record of tlieyear 1826: 

"August 31st, 1826.— This day paid to Bro. S. 
Ruark, seventy-two cents, tiie same being the money 
received at a collection made at a meeting in Nor- 
walk, yesterday. M. Kf,llo(;g. Circuit Steward." 

Ill the year 1839, John Hazzard and Cyrus S. Car- 
penter were appointed preacbers, and on tlie 24th of 
November, 1839, a lot was jiurcha.sed of E. Wliittle- 
sey & Co., near the east end of Seminary street, and 
soon after a churcii was built. In 1845, the churcli 
and jiarsonage were sold for debt. l)ut the church was 
redeemed the following year : tlie parsonage, in the 
mean lime, was consumed liy fire. In 1S4.'S. Norwalk 
was separated from the rest of the cii'cnit and placed 
under I lie pa>tiirai Care nf Kdward .MrChirc. but llie 



following year it was strengthened by the additicm of 
Jlilan, which arrangement lasted but a few years, 
when Norwalk became self supporting. On the 25th 
day of December, 1853, the society, at the call of the 
pastor. Rev. J. A. Mudge, met and appointed a board 
of trustees. The trustees immediately organized and 
took possession of lot No. 12, corner of Benedict 
avenue and Main street, dedicated by E. Whittlesey, 
Esq., acting, in fact, as trustee for himself and 
others, to the building of a "meeting house." A 
subscription was commenced January 4th, 1854, and 
on the 26th day of October, 1856, the church, an ex- 
cellent one for its time, was dedicated by Dr. Edward 
Thompson. 

Extensive repairs and changes were made under the 
pastorate of Rev. A. Palmer in 1867, and a sermon 
was preached at the- re-opening by Bishop King.sley. 

A number of the presiding elders of the district, 
and preachers of Norwalk, liave risen to eminence in 
the church. In early days, Russel Biglow was pre- 
siding elder. Those who heard him, never forget 
the most remarkable man, as a minister, of his day. 
With eloquence like a Hanie of tire, and pathos, piety 
and energy, that none could stand unmoved before, 
his praise filled the land ; but he died in 1834, when 
only forty-two years of age. L. B. Gurley was the 
poet ])reacher. Dr. Edward Tliompson. brilliant as 
a writer and very able as a preacher, afterwards a 
Bishop, is well remembered in this place. W. L. 
Harris, with fine executive ability, once a minister 
here, is the business Bishop of the church, and few^ 
ciiurches have, taking the whole list togetlier, ever 
been more faithfully or ably .<erved. The present 
membership of the church is three hundred and fifteen, 
with a very Hourishing Sunday school of over two 
hundred scholars. 

Since 1830, the church lias been served by the fulldw- 
ing ministers: 183(1, J. Janes, J. Ragan ; 1831, E. 
Cliase, A. Minear ; 1832, A. Minear, C. S. Cariien- 
ter ; 1833, H. 0. Sheldon, E. Thompson ; 1834, J. 
Wheeler, E. C. Gavitt : 1835, L. Hill. J. :\r. Gos- 
horn, D. Burns: 1836, L. Hill, Thomas BarkduU: 
1837, Hiram Shatter, J. M. Goshorn; 1838, T. 
Dunn, W. C. Huestis : 18311, W. J. Wells, C. Saw- 
yer ; 1841), T. Dunn. W. R. Disbro : 1841, David 
Gray, W. R. Disbro : 1842, J. McMalion, T. Cooper; 
1843. E. McClure : 1844, Thomas Barkdull, W. C. 
Pierce ; 1S45. Joseph Jones, W. C. Pierce : 184ii, H. 
S. Bradley, L. S. Johnson ; 1847, W. L. Harris ; 
1848, M. Rowley ; 18o0, E. S. Grnmley : 1851, Jesse 
Durbin; 1852, Thomas J. Card : 1853,' J. A. Mudge; 
1855-6, E. K. Jewitt ; 1857, C. L. Foote ; 1858, S. 
Mower : 1860, W. H. Seeley ; 1862, J. A. Mudge ; 
1S(;4. Thomas Barkdull; 1865, T. Hartley: 1866, 
A. R. Palmer : 18ii;i, T. F. Hildreth : 1872, F. M. 
Searles ; 1875. E. Persons ; 1878, J. S. Broudwell. 

1830 — FIllST PKESltYTKHIAX. 

TIlis church w'as organized Oil the lltliof February, 
\x-MK bv Rev. Messrs. A. II. Betts, Daniel \V. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



101 



Latlirop and John Bcaeli. It tui)!-i.<tfd uf nine mem- 
bers — five males and four females. It was organ- 
ized as a Congregational church, and taken iiuder the 
care of the Presbytery of Huron. Rev. John Beach 
was the stated supjily of this in connection with the 
church in Peru, sustained m part by the Home Mis- 
sionary Society. He remained here untill some time in 
1831, when he removed to Ann Arbor, Michigan. 
The church was then supplied once in two weeks by 
Rev. E. Barber, who was the principal of the Huron 
Institute at Milan. His. successor was Rev. C'hapin 
R. Clark who commenced his labors in September, 
18.33, and continued them one year. 

Rev. Stephen Saunders, of Milan, formerly a much 
esteemed pastor of a churcii in Salem, New York-, 
afterwards sujiplied for a few months, until feeble 
health prevented his further labors. He died in the 
early part of the year 1835. 

In the spring of 1835. the (irgauization of the 
church was changed from Congregational to Pres- 
byterian, and on March T, 1836, an act of incorpora- 
tion was obtained, giving the society a legal existence 
under the name of the First Presbyterian Chnrch 
and congregation of Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio. 

In March, 1835, on the suggestion of Rev. Mr. 
Judson, of Milan, an invitation was sent by the 
church to the Rev. Alfred Newton, of Connecticut, 
to visit them, with a"view of being employed as pastor 
should there be mutual satisfaction. Having previ- 
ously determined to make the west his field of labor, 
he was the more ready to receive the proposition with 
favor; and accordingly complied with the invitation. 
He commenced his labors here on the first Sunday in 
July, 1835. The church, then, was not only small 
in members, but weak in pecuniary resources. The 
whole taxable property of its members and supporters, 
according to the duplicate of that year, did not ex- 
ceed ten thousand dollars. Aid had been received 
yearly from the Home Missionary Society, but when 
Mr. Newton came, the church became at once self- 
sustaining, and has always remained so. 

In 1836, and again in 1837, Mr. Newton was un- 
animously invited to become the pastor of the church, 
])ut each time declined, wishing, before he became 
permanently settled, to see the issue of efforts which 
were then being made for the erection <>f a house of 
worship. 

Services were held in the academy until its destruc- 
tion by fire in February, 1836. Another i)lace of 
worship was soon extemporized in the attic of a brick 
block on West Main street. It was an unfinished 
room, with naked rafters and walls. Unplaiied boards 
without backs were the seats for tlie audience, and the 
pulpit was constructed of tea chests and dry goods 
boxes. With theee primitive appointments, the 
church continued to hold its meetings on the Sab- 
liath from February to June, when the old court 
house was secured. 

This was the place of meeting for more tiian a year. 
Meanwhile the .society was taking vigorous measures 

21 



to secure a building of its own. In 1837 a lot was 
procured and work begun. The church was finished 
about the first of July, 1838, at a cost of about ten 
thousand dollars, including lot and organ. It was 
dedicated on the 24:th of July. On the same day, 
also, ilr. Newton was installed pastor by the pres- 
bytery. 

The church wcirshii)e(l in the building that was 
then dedicated for more than thirty years, but it was 
at length felt to be inadequate to their necessities. In 
1867, a movement began in the congregation to secure 
a new house of worshij). With various hindrances 
and discouragements, this was prosecuted until the 
completion, in 1870, of the present sanctuary, at a 
cost, with the lot, of aliout twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars. It was dedicated (jii the last Sabi)ath of July, 
1870, with a debt of about five thousand dollars rest- 
ing upon it. This jiroved to Ije a heavy burden njion 
the society. In January, 1878, 1i vigorous attempt wa* 
made to reduce it, and by the 1st of May, 1879, the 
last dollar had been pa^d, so that now the church is 
entirely free from debt. On the day of dedication 
Dr. Newton laid aside the official care of the church, 
which he had borne faithfully for thirty-five years: 

In an historical discourse from which much of the 
preceding facts have been gathered, preached by Dr. 
Newton on concluding the twenty-fifth year of his 
ministry in the church, June 34, 1860, he was able to 
report that since the organization of the church the 
membership had increased from nine to one hundred 
and fifty, and that more than sixty thousand dollars 
had been contributed for religious and educational 
purposes at home and abroad. Since tlten the annual 
contributions have increased rather than diminished. 

Dr. Newton, after his resignation, continued with 
the church, as pastoi; emeritus, until his death, which 
occurred the 31st of December, 1878. The funeral 
services were held in the church, on the second day 
of January, 1879. His presence was sadly missed, 
not in the church only, to which he had given the 
best years of his life, but throughout the hole com- 
munity, which knew him only to esteem hi:\ for his 
many christian virtues! He rests from his ^j.bors, 
but his works follow him. 

When Dr. Newton resigned the ]>astoral office, Rev. 
Henry li. Rice was unanimously elected to succeed 
him. He remained with the church for four years, 
resigning in the fall of 1874, and w-assoon after called 
to the Westminster church of Sacramento. For 
nearly a year the church was without a pastor. In the 
summer of 1875, Rev. James D. Williamson, the pres- 
ent pastor, was invited to supply the puljiitfor ayear. 
Afterwards he was invited to accept the office of pas- 
tor, and was installed October 3, 1876. 

The churcii numbers at present two hundred and 
twenty-five members. 

The Sabbath school was organized in 1835, and luks 
always enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity. It has 
luul but two superintendents since its organization, 
Messrs. C. L. Latimer and X. S. C. Perkins. The 



1C2 



HISTOllY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



former was superintendent till his removal to Cleve- 
land in 18fJ"^, and tlie latter has held the position 
ever since. The school numliers about two hundred 
teachers and scholars. 

Through much self-denial, the church has done its 
work, attained its present strength and secured its 
commodious and well appointed house of worship. 
If its growth has not been rapid, it has been constant, 
and the present condition of the church warrants the 
belief that the record of the future will be as good, 
at least, as that of the past. 

1835 — FIRST BAPTIST. 

The first settlers of Huron count}' were of New Eng- 
land origin, and as soon as a home was established in 
the wilderness, and the immediate needs of the body 
sui)plied, their thoughts turned naturally to those 
spiritual blessings for which the soul longs, and they 
provided for their wants by the speedy organization 
of churches. Among these, several, holding Baptist 
sentiments, met September 2p, 1818, and after con- 
sultation, constituted a church to be designated the 
Baptist Church of Eidgefield,. Its constituent mem- 
bers were Asahel Morse, Lemuel Raymond, Francis H. 
Johnson and Clarissa Ann Morse. Others soon joined 
them by letter, and at the close of the first year their 
numbers had increased to twenty members, all living 
in what are now Huron and Erie counties. Their cen- 
tral place of meeting was in Ridgetield, in a school 
house on the ridge road, midway between Norwalk 
and Monroeville, but, as the members were widely 
scattered, meetings were held for sixteen years at 
different plac?s, from Bloomingville, on the north, to 
Fairfield south, and from Norwalk to Bellevue. 
Itinerant jiastors were expected to fill each appoint- 
ment once a month. Success attended their laliors 
and many were added to the church. 

In 1832, twenty-nine were dismissed to form the 
first Baptist Church in Fairfield. 

In January, 1835, a vote was passed locating per- 
manently in Norwalk, and the name changed to "The 
First Baptist Church of Norwalk." They numbered 
at that time sixty-three membei-s. Soon after this, 
members were dismissed to constitute churches in 
Bronson, Peru, Monroeville and Bellevue. Until 
this time they had met in school-houses, private 
houses and barns, but at the same meeting at which 
they voted to locate in Norwalk, they took measures 
to erect a house of worship, and appointed P. G. 
Smith, Theodore Baker, Timotliy Baker, David 
Webb and Moses Kimball, trustees, to obtain a char- 
ter, purchase a lot and raise the necessary funds. 
The result of this action was the purchase of their 
present location, and the erection of a brick edifice, 
forty by sixty feet, at a cost of about four thousand 
dollars, which was dedicated June 2G, 183G, by 
Rev. E. Tucker, of Buffalo. This house was occu- 
pied for worship just forty years, until Jnly, 187G, 
when it was removed to give place to a larger and 
more elegant building. 



The first settled pastorate of the church was made 
in 1821, and, recognizing the obligation to sustain 
constantly the preaching of the Word, they have 
since then had a succession of faithful laborers, whose 
efforts have been accompanied by the Divine blessing. 

The Sabbath school interest early claimed attention, 
and a school was opened in 1820, and sustained for 
several seasons, in which the elementary 1n-anches of 
the English language were taught, in addition to in- 
structions in Bible truths. Then the members united 
witli others in union Sabbath schools, until the first 
church was dedicated, when a church school was or- 
ganized, and has continued its work to the present 
time, without interruption. It numbers now two ] 
hundred. During these years, five hunJred and 
forty persons have been baptised into the fellowship 
of the church. In 18T8 it numbered two hundred 
and fifty-seven. The whole number admitted to its 
membership is twelve hundred and eighteen. It has 
alwajs been in full and hearty accord with all the 
benevolent and evangelizing activities of the age, and 
by an earnest co-operation with other organizations 
seeking the same object still endeavors to perform its 
part in bringing human hearts and lives into harmony 
with the_ Divine Law, and the perfect life of the great 
teacher, Christ. 

1840 — ST. PETER'S (catholic.) 

St. Peter's Church was formed in 1840-1, by Rev. 
Freigang, with a congregation of about thirty families. 
In 1850, there were about eighty families, and in 
1860, nearly one hundred and fifty. The church 
building was erected in 1840-1, at a cost of about 
seven hundred dollars, the land for its use being 
donated by Mr. Whyler who gave it in trust to James 
Meyers. In 1842-3, the building, proving too small 
for the accommodation of the congregation, was en- 
larged. The attendants of this church at this time 
came from Monroeville, Milan and the country sur- 
rounding Norwalk. Since its organization it has 
seen many changes, owing to the rapid growth and 
settlement of the country which was the cause of 
many of its members withdrawing and forming new 
churches. 

In 1841-2, and until 1843, Rev. Mathew Alicks, a 
Redemptorist, was pastor, and finished the church 
begun by Rev. Freigang. In 1843, Rev. _ Frank 
Aloysius Brunei', a Passionist father, ministered to 
the church, and in 1844, Rev. Machboeuf, from 
Sandusky and Tiffin, attended it. The same year, 
1844, a deed of the church property was given to 
Bishop Purcell, by Jos. Meyer. From 1845 until 
1851, the congregation was alternately attended by 
Rev. Machboenf and the Passionist fathers from 
Thompson, Ohio. From 1851 to 1853, it was at-il 
tended by Rev. Charles Evrard. In 1853, Rev.^i 
Nicholas Roupp came to the charge, and remained one 
year, after which the church was closed for thirteen 
months. In 1855, a mission was given by liishop 
Rappeaud Father Luhr. Three months afterwards. 



^ 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



163 



Fatli.-r Puiicliell .irrived and romaiiu'd. res^idiiijr in tlie 
lionse belonging to St. IVter*.-;, but attending St. 
Mary's until his death in 1860. 

The dedication of the (.•hnrch took place in June. 
1846, by Bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati. Kev. Mach- 
lioenf, Peter Anton, John Wittnier and others being 
present. Kev. Manclcrc attended old St. Peter's until 
about August, 18G0, boarding at a private liouse near 
the church, wliilu the parsonage was occui)ied by Rev. 
Punchell. From September, I860, until August, 
1861, Rev. Dohveck was in charge; and from Sejitem- 
ber, 1861, until October, 1865, Rev. X. Obermiller, 
with Rev. Dambacli as assistant, was in eharge. 

A school house was built in 1858 and 1850, at a cost 
of about one thousand dollars. First attendance was 
about seventy-tive to one Inindred. Tiie ])resent at- 
tendance is about thirty-tive. 

In 1867-8, the i)Cople living in the village, separated 
from the church, and became a new and distinct con- 
gregation, being at first called New St. Peter's 
Church, but afterwards St. Paul's. Forty families 
remained with, the old church. The separaticui took 
place during the pastorate of Father Magenhause, 
who was succeeded by Father Kuhn, both churches 
being under his charge, also under charge of his suc- 
cessor Rev. Dechant. From the year 1872, each con- 
gregation had its own i)astor. Rev. Drolshageu suc- 
ceeded Rev. Dechant, and remained in eharge of the 
old church until 1873, at which time Rev. G. Peter 
took charge of the pastorate, and remained until 
October, 1875, when Rev. Peter Kolopp, the present 
pastor, succeeded him. The present congregation 
numbers about thirty families. 

In 1859-60, the English speaking portion of the 
congregation separated from the old church, and uiuler 
Father Punchell, formed St. Mary's Church on Milan 
street. In 1864-5, those of the congregation who 
lived at Milan, left, and attended services at St. 
Peter's. 

1851 — LUTHKKAN. 

This church was organized June 2'.>, 1851, the con- 
gregation at that time consisting of sixty-four voting 
members, under the pastorate of Rev. Vincens Klein. 
The lot was donated by A. J. Dewalt, and is located 
on Prospect street, east side, north of League street. 
The congregation commenced to build in 1853, and 
in 1854 completed a substitntial I)rick church, at a 
cost of two thousand two hundred dollars. At a later 
period dissensions arose among the members of the 
congregation, which so reduced it in numbers that in 
1874 there were but five voting members. In that 
year Rev. A. C. Ulrich, the jiresent pastor, came to 
the church. In 1876 a parsonage was built at a cost 
of eight hundred and fifty dollars. Under his minis- 
trations the church was destined to recover much that 
had been lost, and in 1879 the number of voting 
members was twenty-seven and the total number of 
confirmed members, ninety-eight. Tlu^ congregation 
comprises (1879) one hundred and forty children and 



adults. Suiulay school is held regularly, under the 
superintendency of Wm. Ilimberger, and has from 
thirty-five to forty members. The church belongs to 
the Evangelical Lutheran joint synod of Ohio and 
adjacent States. 

1859 — ST. MAKV's (CATIIOMC). 

St. Mary's church was liuilt about the year 1859 
under the supervision of Rev. Mr. Pontial, its first 
pastor, who was of French parentage. He died in 
1860, before its comi)lction, and was succeeded by 
Rev. John Quinn who finished the building, and con- 
tinued in charge of the pastorate some four years. He 
in turn was succeeded by Rev. T. P. Thorpe, who offi- 
ciated as its i)astor four years. At the organization of 
the church about thirty families of that faith, compris- 
ing some one hundred and twenty persons, belonged to. 
the congregation. In 1869 the congregation num- 
bered four hundred, and in 1879 about five hundred 
persons. The cost of the church was some twelve 
tliousand dollars, the funds for the building of which 
were raised in part by subscription, part by festivals, 
and a part from the church fund. The ]iarochial 
residence, a two story brick building, costing three 
thousand dollars, was erected in 1863, under the su- 
pervision of Rev. John Quinn, the pastor in charge at 
that time. The present pastor is Rev. T. F. Halley, 
who has been in charge over eleven years. 

A substantial school house was erected on the 
church property in 1865, by Rev. T. P. Thorpe. Its 
cost was four thousand dollars. At its organization 
the school had an attendance of about eighty, but as 
time passed and the congregation increased in num- 
bers it was found necessary to erect another building 
to accommodate all. A site consisting of four lots on 
the corner of League and State streets was secured, 
and a school hditse built, costing, inclusive of all, 
about eight thousand dollars. The funds for building 
the school house and purchasing the lots were obtained 
in the same manner as for building the church. This 
church is also possessed of two lots on Milan street, 
which are valued at eight hundred dollars. 

1864. — ADVENT CHKISTIAX.* 

The commencement of this church was in the au- 
tumn of 1842, by a mutual assembling together of 
persons from the various churches, and others in the 
town and vicinity, interested in the doctrine of the 
speedy personal coming of Christ, fm- worship, and 
more particularly to examine the Bildc ujwn this sub- 
ject. It was not the design th'en, or for a length of 
time thereafter, to organize another religious denomi- 
nation; but as they advanced in knowledge of l{il)le 
testimony, they became moi'e and more confirmed in 
its truthfulness, and as the churches refused to exam- 
ine the subject, or tolerate its introduction into their 
meetings, they were driven to this alternative, or 
abandon the doctrine. This was the true cause of its 
organization. 

•Prepared by Pruddeii Ailing, Esq., two weeks before liis death 



1G4 



HISTORY OF HI'EOX AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Amongst the persons who took a prominent part 
in the meetings of that and the two succeeding years, 
the following may be mentioned, then residing in 
Xorwalk and Broiison, viz: James D. Knapp, Pmd- 
deu Ailing and family. Simeon B. Sturges, Era Clark 
and family, Abel Herrick and family, John Covell 
and family. Edmund Mead and wife, Paul G. Smith, 
Natluui L. Thayer and wife, Daniel Boon. Ager B. 
Hoyt and wife, Ira Curtiss and wife, Mr. and Mrs. 
Boss. In later years others from the various churches 
and by conversions from the outside world, became 
interested in this and kindred doctrines of the Bible 
peculiar to this people, and united with them in wor- 
.ship. Their distinctive doctrines are these: 

1. They believe in the personal coming and reign 
of Christ on the earth during the millennium, as taught 
in the twentieth chapter of Revelation. 

2. At the beginning of which period the righteous 
dead will be raised, the living saints changed from 
mortal to immortality, and will reign with Christ 
during the thousand years. 

3. They now l)elieve the intermediate state be- 
tween death and the resurection of both the righteous 
and the wicked, is that of unconsciousness. 

i. They believe, as the wicked do not lay hold of 
Christ as their life-giver, and neglect to seek for im- 
mortality, they fail of that attribute, and consequently 
will lie raised up at the end of the one thousand years 
to a mortal life, and will fall under the power of the 
second death, being the wages of sin, which will be an 
extinction of being, and eternal in its results. 

.5. Some believe that as all the family of man that 
have " died in Adam" will Ije raised up in the resur- 
rection to another life, that all who have lived and 
died in unavoidable ignorance of a saving knowledge 
of God's plan of salvation, in this ow-previous dispen- 
sations, will then have the opportunity of hearing of 
Him who died for all and tasted death for every man, 
and'of accepting or rejecting Christ for themselves; 
then their due time for hearing of Him will have 

come. 

6. The belief in or the rejection of these doctrines 
or any part of them, is not made a test of fellowship. 
Their only test is Christian character. 

?. Their creed is simply this: " We, whose names 
are hereto attached, do hereby associate ourselves to- 
gether as the Church of Christ in Xorwalk and vicin- 
ity, and agree to take the Bible as our only rule of 
faith and practice." This was adopted January 18, 

1803. 
8. They practice immersion, after believing, alone 

as baptism. 

■ 0. They organized themselves into a body corpo- 
rate August 3, 1804. 

After perfecting an organization they purchased 
from M. A. Dunton the building and lot formerly 
owned by the Methodist church, on Seminary street, 
for eight hundred dollars. A part of the lot was af- 
teiwards sold to T. R. Strong for one hundred and 



twenty-five dollars. The building was repaired and 
seated at a cost of about three hundred dollars, and 
was occupied as a house of worship until the winter 
of 1872-73, when it was found so illy adapted to their 
wants that it was resolved to make an effort to rebuild. 
A subscription was circulated, and about one thousand 
four hundred dollars obtained. It was thereupon re- 
solved to rebuild or remodel the whole structure ex- 
cept the frame. The following building committee 
was appointed for that purpose, and were instructed 
not to run the church into debt, viz: Simeon F. Rog- I 
ers, David C. Jefferson. James D. Knapp. Orange 
Seaman and Hiram Dillingham. The building was 
duly finished, and was dedicated by Elder Frank 
Burr, of Chicago, on the 20th of June, 1873. It has 
been used as then furnished to the present time, as a 
heuse of worship. There is one peculiararity in its 
heating arrangement worthy of notice, which is this: 
It has a tight basement, with two large stoves placed 
in the south side, and with pipes running through its 
entire length under the two outside rows of seats, with 
two or more registers in each seat, ojiened at will, for 
the rise of the heat. This jilan is found to work ad- 
mirably for warming the feet and heating the building. 
In addition to this there are two long box tubes set 
under the back seat and covered with wires, placed 
even with the floor, each about twelve by twenty 
inches in size, and extending down to near the bottom 
of the basement, which creates a downward draft for 
the cold air. This keeps up a constant circulation 
and prevents a fetid atmosphere, as is often experi- 
enced in the ordinary mode of heating churches and 
other buildings. The experime-nt has proved a suc- 
cess worthy the attention of other churches erecting 
similar edifices. 

From the beginning up to tiie present time its his- 
tory has been more variable than is usually witnessed 
in other denominations, caused in part by the pecu- 
liaritv of their doctrines, and partly from this other 
fact, that witli them were associated members from 
nearly every other denomination in the land, all tinc- 
tured, more or less, with their earlier educational 
biases. Since 1842 their meetings have been kept up^ 
in town or vicinity, on Sunday, and usually prayer' 
meetings once a week. A part of this time they were 
favored with ministering brethren, who were formerly 
members of the orthodox denominations, viz: Presby- 
terian, Congregational, 'Baptist, Freewill Baptist, 
Methodist and others, amongst whom may be men- 
tioned Elders Charles Fitch, J. B. Cook, Thomas 
Carlton, X. M. Xeedham, J. M. Judson, L. P. Jud- 
son, Butler Jlorley, Mr. Boggs, Frank Burr. Cyrus 
Mendenhall, Mr. "Surgerson and D. T. Call, their 
present minister. Also, Dr. G. AV. Stetson, who was 
with them some years, and Jonas Wardell. Their * 
irregular ministry was always a hindrance, both in the 
advancement of the church in members and spiritu- 
ality. Their members have varied from twenty up to 
one hundred or more. Their present membersiiip is 
about sixty, embracing some living at a distance. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



165 



1867 — CONGRE(iATIONAL. 

This Church was organized in the court house at Nor- 
valk, December 19, 1867. For several months pre- 
■y-iou.-:. preaching service.s, sustained l)y those of Con- 
gregational preferences, had been held in the court 
house on Sunday afternoons, under the ministrations 
of Rev. A. S. Walsh. The church was organized with 
fiftv-four members. These were mostly drawn from 
the Congregational Church of Brouson township, 
which was thereby disl)anded. A number of them, 
however, were Congregationalists of Norwalk, who 
had until then united with no church in that place, 
and a very few were members of other churches but 
of congregational antecedents or preferences, who now 
availed themselves of this opportunity of In-coming 
identitied with that denomination. 

Soon after the organization, the court house being 
no longer at their command, the Congregationalists 
were very cordially invited Ijy tiie Protestant Episco- 
pal Church to occupy its house of worshij). The 
ottVr was gladly accepted, and services were held there 
Sunday afternoons until spring, when it was found 
more convenient to return to the court house, now 
once more available, which was used from this time 
until Octolicr, ISH'.t. from wliieh time, until the coni- 
jilction of the new church, the Baptist Ciiurch was 
occupied by invitation. 

In April. 18G8. the lot on which tlic church now 
stands was purchased. It was occupied at the time 
by an old hotel called the ftauff House, which was 
under lease, and did not pass into the hands of the 
church for a considerable time. When it did, the 
praver meetings, which had l)eeu held at the resi- 
dences of Mrs. Henry Brown, Mrs. Hoyt, and in 
rooms rented by the church on Seminary street, were 
removed thither. The Sunday school was also first 
organized in the old hotel, and, when that liuilding 
was removed to make room for the church, it was 
lield by invitation in the Baptist Church till a place 
was made for it in the new building. The church as 
it now stands wa< completed early in 1871, and was 
dedicated February 2d of that year. It has proven a 
jileasant home to those who have occupied it, but 
they have not yet forgotten the courtesies received 
from sister churches, when they were yet pilgrims 
and strangers on the earth. 

The first superintendent of the Sunday school was 
Mr. diaries Soger. Tlu' first deacons of the church 
were James Rowcliff. John Ilaganiaii and Frederick 
Upson. The first trustees were Henry Brown. James 
Rowcliff. Tiiomas Hagaman, C. W. Maiialian and N. 
11. Pebbles. The first ^)astor after Mr. Walsh was 
Rev. C. E. Wright, and his successors have l;een Rev. 
J. W. Cracraft, U.D., and Rev. J. W. Cowan. ' The 
present membership is about two hundred and thirty. 
The Sunday school is under the superintendency of 
Mr. Frank B. Foster, and has a niemljership of al)OUt 
one hundred and thirty-five. Tiie cost of the church 
lot was four thousand dollars; the cost of tiie church 
building, twelve thousand dollars. 



1868 — ST. paul'.s. (catholic.) 
The German Catholic inhabitants of Norwalk, be- 
longed, until the year 1808, to St. Peter's church, on 
West Main street, but as their number increased 
they wished to have a church nearer the centre of the 
beautiful village of Norwalk. They therefore bought 
two lots on Hester street, on which they built a 
school house, the first story being used for school and 
teacher's dwelling, and the second for church pur- 
poses. Rev. Father A. Magenhami superintended in 
buying the lots and building the house. Tiie rev- 
erend father, after a time of hard work, was trans- 
ferred to Mansfield the 1st of September, 1809. Rev. J. 
Kulin was his successor, and was followed on August 
20, 1871, by Rev. Father M. Dechaut. The purchase 
of lots on Hester street had been a great loss to 
the congregation, on account of their unfavorable sit- 
uation, and so it happened that pastor and congrega- 
tion came to an understanding to l»uy a more favora- 
ble location. Their choice was the property belonging 
to W. 0. Parker, consisting of lots forty and forty- 
one on Main street. A committee was appointed to 
Iniv said lots, which they did for seven thousand 
dollars, which was a high price for the poor congre- 
gation to pay, but was cheap on account of the beauty 
and good location, for the greater part of the mem- 
bers of St. Paul's live on the neighboring streets. 
Previous to this, there was no priest's house, but 
now Father Dechaut removed into the house on the 
new purchase, formerly occupied by W. 0. Parker. 
On the 10th of December, 1873, Father Dechaut was 
transferred to St. Alphons' church, Peru, four miles 
southwest from Norwalk, and Rev. A. Eilert was iiis 
successor. 

A few months l)efore the generous l)ankruptcy com- 
menced, wages were cut down and money ^)ecame 
scarce, but thanks to the general sacrifices of its 
members, the debts, amounting to nearly eight 
thousand dollars, were very rapidly reduced. At the 
same time, the cemetery, bought a few years pre- 
viously by P'ather Kulin, and situated on South West 
street, was improved. In August, 1875, a comfort- 
able dwelling house for the teacher, was built, at a cost 
of one thousand four hundred dollars. On Septem- 
ber 1, 1876, that unpleasant place on Hester street 
was sold for five thousand dollarii. During the same 
month a large, new school house was commenced on 
the lately purchased property, and was so far finisheil 
at Christmas that divine service was held in tiie first 
story, and in the second story school could be held. 
The cost of the new edifice, including the bell, pipe 
organ for the church part, and other improvements, 
amounted to ten thousand dollars. 

The number of members of St. Paul's lias, within 
eleven years, more than doubled, increasing from 
fifty to one hundred and thirty families. To two 
school classes a third one had to be added in the fall 
of 1878, about one hundred and eighty children at- 
tending them. 

The revenues, during tiie past five years, amounted 



166 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



to twenty-six thousand dollars, of which eleven 
thousand dollars were paid on debts, the balance be- 
ing used for current expenses. As there is reason to 
hope that times are getting better, tlie people will try 
as soon as possible to pay all outstanding debts. As 
soon as this is accom]ilished they contemplate build- 
ing a magnificent church on the corner of Main and 
Wooster streets. 

At the present time (spring of 1879), the Sunday 
school contains two hundred and fifty members. 

1869 — r.NIVEKSALIST. 

On December 1, 1867, religious services were com- 
menced by Rev. Mr. Canfield, of Peru, who preached 
in the court house Sunday evenings for one year. 
The first of the year 1868, Whittlesey Hall was 
secured for the purpose of holding services, and a 
Sunday school was organized with four pu^jils and 
four teachers. At the close of this year the hall of 
the Sons of Temperance was rented and fitted up for 
church purposes. Sunday school was held in the 
morning and preaching in the evening. In the 
month (jf January of this year (1869) a church was 
organized with twenty-seven members. In 1872 the 
present cluirch edifice on West Main street, a beauti- 
ful structure, with all the modern conveniences, was 
dedicated December S. The building cost, complete, 
with the grounds, twenty thousand dollars. In 
building the church liberal assistance was obtained 
from friends of the cause outside of the cliurch and 
congregation; outside, indeed, of the township. Two 
members of the Peru church, R. Eaton and Freddus 
Simmons contributed each one thousand to the ten 
thousand which it had been resolved should be raised 
before commencing the work of building. Others 
who maybe considered '•outsiders," although friends 
of the cause, were liberal donors. Mr. W. A. 
Mack and F. Sears, of Xorwalk, were among the 
most liberal contributors, both being members of the 
church; the former having, in addition to iiis sub- 
scription to the building fund, donated, at the cost of 
two thousand dollars, the fine pipe organ now used. 
At the time of the dedication of llie church, Dccem- 
8, 1872, there was a debt of some six thousand dollars 
resting on the building. Over four thousand dollars 
of this debt was raised at tliat time. Mr. J. H. 
Buchtel, of Akron, was present at tiie dedication, and 
contributed five hundred dollars of the sum. ilany 
others also gave libeially of their means toward 
extinguishing the debt. A few years later an effort 
was made by the friends of tlie church, assisted by 
Revs. Canfield and Wilson, to raise the balance of 
the debt, which proved successful, and the church is 
now free from deljt. 

Since its organization, the church has had three 
settled pastors — Rev. II. L. Canfield, wlio for a year 
or two after its inception preached one-lialf of the 
time in Peru in the morning, and in Xorwalk in the 
afternoiin. lie finally removed to Xorwalk, and con- 
tinued as pastor of the congregation sonu' tliree 



years, pi'eaching on Sundays both morning and after- 
noon. Rev. E. Hathaway was then employed, and 
remained about three years, when he resigned, and 
the present jiastor. Rev. C. S. Vincent was called to 
the charge. 

The church has met with steady prosperity from 
its organization, until at the present time, 1879, ir 
has a membership of one hundred and ten, with a 
Sunday-school of one hundred pupils, and owns its 
property cleiir of debt, .supporting preaching services 
every Sunday. 

1869 — WARREN CHAPEL. 

In tlie fall of 1869 a class-meeting was instituted 
among the colored people of Xorwalk by Mr. Ray 
Harvey, who received a license as a local preacher, 
and held meetings about six months, when work was 
commenced on a house of worship. After the frame 
was raised a severe storm of wind removed it from 
the foundation and caused some additional expense 
to that contemplated in building. The church was 
completed in 1869,' and was dedicated in the spring 
of 1870. After its dedication it was reorganized, 
and, dissensions arising, Mr. Harvey withdrew from 
the connection. At its reorganization it was incor- 
porated as Warren Chapel of the African Methodist 
Episcopal Churcli. It has had regular .services each 
Sunday since its formation, part of the time by local 
preachers, and part of the time by the missionary 
who has charge of this, and the missions of Sandusky 
and Fremont. It has at i)resent a membershi)i of 
about twenty-four, and a Sunday school of twenty 
members. Rev. George Stevens is the present mis- 
sionary. The chapel is situated on Cline street, and 
cost about one tlionsand dollars. 

BUSINESS IN 1879. 

The following is believed to be a correct showing 
of the number and different kinds of business now 
being prosecuted in Xorwalk: 

Dry Goods.— Manahan, TaberiC'o., (C. W. Jlanahan, B C. Taber, 
and H. C. Johnson, ) corner of Main street and Whittlesey avenue. H. E- 
Smith* Co.,(H. E. Smith, W. A. Poyeri East .Main. F D, Taylor, 
corner Main and Railnmd avenue. Wooster& Patrick (H. M Wooster, 
M. C. Patrick) corner Main and Railroad avenue. C. E. Marsh & Co.. 
(C E. Marsh, S. B. Pease) corner IMain and Whittlesey avenue Theo- 
dore Williams. West Main. 

Gents' Clothing and Firnishino Goods.— Manahan, Taber M Co.. 
comer Main and Whittlesey ave. William Suhr, W. Main. Reming Jt 
Gandolf, E.Mai n. G. Jacobson. W. Main. E . Peters & Son. W Main. 
E. Windecker, E. Main. William Schaefer, Jlilan street. 

Milliners" and Ladies" Goods. — S C. Kinsley, E. Main. Mrs. S. G. 
Brown. E. Main Mrs, Sherman, "W. Main. Mrs. Robbins, W. Main. 
Mrs. E. Roth, E. Main. Jlrs. Demorest, W. Seminary. Mrs. Mann, W. 
Seminary. Sirs. Pritchani, Whittlesey avenue. Louisa Smith Whit- 
tlesey avenue. Judson <S Webster, Whittlesey avenue. Miss B Coe, 
Whittlesey avenue. Mrs. Snyder, Whittlesey Avenue. 

Boots and Shoes— Husted Bros., S. M Fuller, C. Ohleniacher, J. A 
.McMillan. Oscar Townsend. James Seeley, William Moshier, George Staf- 
ford. E. ]\Iain. t). E. Cole, W. Main. Thomas Agus, Benedict avenue. 
J Kavanaugh. Whittlesey avenue. M, Suydam, Railroad avenue. Wil- 
liam .\shboalt & Son, Fisher ..^ Bloxam, Seminary street 

Jewelers. --Samuel Wilkinson O G Carter, C. L. SlerPy, C. L. Mat- 
thews. East Main . 

Grocers. — Moore & Co., John t'hene.v, E. Main, W, C. Huyck, 
J. .\. Jones, Benedict avenue, J,).\. Rynn, G. Fei^el, State street. 



i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



167 



.1. Haul, William Iiullekofer, Milan street. 0. H. Hoyt, Mitchell & 
Rowland. A. D Harley. H. F. Barton, \V. Main. T. King, P. Corn- 
stock, C. H. Wines & Co., J P. Link, C. F. Butler & Co., C. R. Best- 
wick, J . E Lutts, Boss & Eastman, E. Main 

Drcgs.— T. S. Wooster, W O. Abbott & Sons. Wooster & Patrick, E. 
Main D. D Benedict, W. R Little & Son, H. T Barton, W Main. 

Hatters.— J. Miller, W. O Abbott, E. Main. 

Meats.— WheaUm A- Hoyt, M, Blatz, H Troemlle, (' MuUholland, E. 
Main. Honsinger & Newman, Seaton Bros., W. Main. William H. Sny- 
der, Benedict avenue. 

Confectionery. Cigar.s and Tobacco.— H. C Morris. M. Holderman, 
G. T. Brady, E. Main. C Cliisholm, W. Main. 

FcRSiTrRE.— House & Arnold, Hand & Kieter, F W. Boalt. E. Main. 
William Schafer & Bros.. W. Main. 

Hardware. Stoves and Ti-\ware.— F A. Powers, George Lambkins, 
WoosterA Patrick, D Higgins, E. Main W K Little & Son, C, W. 
Manahan, Martin A Carabin, W. Main. 

Agriciltl'Rai, Implkme.nts.— J. A. Nichols, Benedict avenue. 

Prodcce and Commission— W. A. Poyer, E. ,Main: grain warehouse 
and elevator on railroad, Bowen i Tuttle, E. Main; grain warehouse 
and elevator on railroad. A. Kribbs, Wooster street, green fruits, pota- 
toes, etc. J Cheeney, E. Main, butter, eggs, dried fruits, etc. E. D 
Jordan, W , Seminary, grain and feed. 

Livery and Sale Stables —E H Draper, Seminary st. R. M. Pant- 
lind. Railroad avenue; the first established in Northern Ohio. C. Morgan, 
railroad avenue. J. M Harkness. E. Main. M Graves, Hester street. 

Barbers.—,!. S. Minot.C. Maiberger, George McGee, H. Mulhaupt, E. 
Main M. Vancamp, Benedict avenue, J, Hawkins, W. Main 

Hotels.— St, Charles, Charles Stratton, proprietor, W. Maiu street. 
Central. Gus. Rose, proprietor, Wliittlesey avenue. Cottage, Silas Hill, 
proprietor. Railroad avenue . Bush House, J. W. Bush, proprietor, S. 
Hester street. 

Marble Dealers.— R. R. King, Huron st. J. T. Davis, E Main st. 

Doctors.— E. C. Morril. T. Gill, A. N. Read, J. B. Ford, B. Babcock, 
J. R'. Whitwood, A. L. Osborn, S. W. Green, J. L. Babcock, T. E. Pray. 

Dentists —A. Terry, S P Hildreth, M G Furlong, .J. W. Peasley. 

Saloons.— A. Riester, Louis Webber, P. Ludwig, S. Stultz, P. Tioendle. 
J. Miller, N. Bachman, F. Becher, J. Fezenger, F. Casper, A. Brobst, E, 
Roth, J. Fitz, H Mullhaupt, J. W. Lee. 

Undertakers,— Tom Hay, Benedict avenue. M. L. Chappie, E. Main. 

Lawyers. — O. Bailey, admitted June 4, 186'.;. G. W. Corwin. C. H. 
Gallup, admitted .\pril i:i, l.'<.iS; was prosecuting attorney for Huron 
county, Mich., from I.S611 to 1870. and member of the Michigan legislature 
from IstJB to 1868. Griffin A Williamson, lAlvin B. Griffin, admitted 
April 18, 1870. at Norwalk, ijhio; has been clerk of courls. John A. 
Williamson, admitted May, IStiS, at Albany, New York; present member 
of legislature.) William L. Harrod. admitted March 1838. U. E. Kel- 
logg T. H. Kellogg. C. L. i H^L Kennan. G. W. Knapp. has been pros- 
ecuting attorney. L. C. Laylin, present prosecuting attorney. Jay 
Patrick, admitted 1851. E. A. Pray, admitted 187.>: present corpo. 
ration solicitor. Franklin Sawyer, admitted July --'7, 1847; has been 
member of the legislature, register in bankruptcy and prosecuting 
attorney. Gideon T. Stewart, admitted August 14. 18M ; has been county 
auditor. ChariesB. Stickney, admitted August 1, 18H; has been probate 
judge and niay..r of Norwalk; T. R. Strong. admilte<l June, 1843. L. D. 
Strutton. admitted May. 1838. William H, Sprague. proprietor of the 
commercial and law school; admitted September 10. 187.i. George R. 
Walker, admitted April, 1A». William B Woolverton, admitted 1870: 
has been prosecuting"attorney C. P Wickham, admitted April, 18.38; 
has been prosecuting attorney. S. A.;Wildman. admitted April, 187o! 
D. H. Young, admitted 1845. S. M. Y'ouiig. Henry Brown, has been 
county clerk; now out of practice. John Kennan, now out of practice. 

Artists -George Butt, photographer, International Photograph En- 
larging Company, E Main F. B. Foster, photographer, W, Main. A. 
P. Couch, portrait painter, E. Maiu. 

Mills.— G. M Cleveland & Co., Mill street, 4 run stones, steam. Good- 
now & Warner. E. Main, 4 run stones, steam. G. Jacobbs, Medina St., 
circular saw mill, steam. E. Jacobbs, Enterprise road, upright saw- 
mill, water. 

Draymen— J. R. Strickland, .}. Harley, D Lee, G. Holmes J. McGinn, 
J. Smith, M. Saladine. 

Newspapers —iVonca/t Retl;efw, Wickham & Gibbs, proprietors, W. 

Main st. Huron Countij Chronicle, Finley & Dodds, proprietors, E. 

Maiu St. Xornalk Ej-iieriimmt. W. W. Redfleld. proprietor, W. .Main. 

Norirulk Dt-mokritt. Martin Ruf, proprietor, E Main. 
Nbws Depot.— Baxter Trevor, Gallup block, E. Main 
Library and Readincs Room —Rooms in Gallup block, E. Main, 
Teu;oraph Offices.- Rooms No r, and 8. (iallup Block. E. 5Iain st. 

Room at railroad tleiiot, Whittlesey avenue. 

Post Office— Frederick C. Wickham. postmaster. Gallup block, E. 
Main st . 



Mancfacti'rers.— Lewis Morehouse. Union Foundry, plows, plow 
points anil general job foundry, corner Main and Jlilan streets, A. E. 
Warner. Empire Iron Works, corner of 3Iain and Medina streets, inanu- 
tacture wood-sawing machines, general repairing shop and foundry 
D. B. Kuhns, Eagle Iron Works, East Seminary street, boiler rejiatr shop 
and job fi>undry. M. P. Smith, corner ,Tefferson and .State streets, gen- 
eral machine repairing. N. H. Pebbles, carriage making and repairing, 
corner Motn'oe and Railroad avenue: warerooms corner Seminary St., 
and Railroad avenue. J. H. Gross, carriage making and repairing, cor- 
ner .Seminary st. and Benedict avenue. E. S Andrews, carriage mak- 
ing, E. Seminary st. William Foreman, harness maker, E. Main street. 
H. Terry, tannery, Corwin street. J.N. Watrous, harness maker; Jo- 
seph Gibbs, harness maker; S. C. Crawford, rubber bucket pumps; W, 
C. Coram, carriage trimmer; E. S. Andrews, carriage maker; C. H. 
Fuller, blacksmith: Lee I'C: Bush, blacksmith; Thomas tyalliger, black- 
smith; P. Hogan, blacksmith, E. Seminarj" St. D B. Ward, blacksmith, 
Corwin street. M Kean. l)lacksniith, Benedict avenue, Gilson& Law- 
rence, lumberyard; Brown A: Smith, churns; C. W, Smith, turner; C. 
C. Pearl, book bindery; F. M Snaveley, carriage painter; F. Stewart, 
dowel! pins; Himmelwright Bros., painters; J. Sharp, carpenter; Wil- 
liam Baile.v, carpenter and builder; William Baker, tinker; S Stultz, 
blacksmith; William Shubert. carpenter and builder; Beard .S: Cortwrite, 
fanning mills. Benedict avenue. William Cleveland, guns and gun re- 
pairing, Railroad avenue. H. P. Dillingham, repair shop, Seminaiy 
street. Willoughby & Smith, sash, doors and blinds, Benedict avenue. 
Fishery Bloxam, ladies" fine shoes, NicoUs' block, corner Seminar}' and 
Benedict avenues. S. W. Owen, cooper shop aud heading factory, Me- 
dina street, John Collins, cooper shop, Marshall street. J. W. Lind- 
sey, painter. Whittlesey avenue, F, Rice, painter. Railroad avenue. 

HANK.S. 

The first bank in Hun)n couiitv. and the first one 
in this portion of tlie State, was organizeil nmler a 
special act of the legishiture in 1832. with a capital 
stock of one hundred thousand dollars. Ebenezer 
Lane was elected president, Martin Bcntley, casliier. 
The directors were Ebenezer Lane, Timothy Baker, 
George Hollister, Daniel Hamilton, Picket Latimer 
and Moses Kimball. Business was begun by the bank 
in February, 1833. In 1834, John Gardiner was 
elected first clerk, and Geo. Mygatt succeeded Mr. 
Bentley as cashier. Mr. Mygatt was succeeded in 
1830 by J. R. Finn, in which year the business was 
closed up by paying buck the capital stock to the 
original shareholders. The franchise was sold to 
Mr. Burr Higgins and his associates. 

The Norwalk Branch of the State Bank of Ohio 
was organized in the si)ring of 1847, with a capital 
stock of one hundred thousand dollars, which was 
afterward increased to one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars. The directors were J. P. Reznor, Timothy 
Baker, John M. Boalt, John Gardiner and John R. 
Osltorn. Mr. Reznor was elected president, and John 
Gardiner cashier and active manager. In 1850, Mr. 
Timothy Baker succeeded Mr. Reznor as president. 
For eighteen years the bank did a successful business, 
and, notwithstanding large los,scs couseiiuent upon 
the panic of 18.56, closed up its business in 1865, 
returning the capital stock to the shareholders and 
paying a dividend during the time of two iiiindrod 
and tvventy-eight thousand dollars. 

NOKWALK N.VTIONAL. 

The Norwalk Nyliunal biuik. to some extent the 
successor of the Branch of the State bank, was organ- 
ized in Marcli. 1865. with a caiiital of one hundred 
tiimisand ilnllars. Mr. .Fohn Gardiner, .\inos Wood- 
ard, .liihn TilTt. (.'. A. Preston and 'i'lmotliy Baker, 



108 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



were the first directors. The vacancies caused by the 
deaths of Mr. Preston and Mr. Baker have been filled 
by C. W. Millan and Theodore Williams. Mr. Gardi- 
ner was elected president, and Mr. Millen cashier. 
The condition of the bank will be seen by the last 
report as given: 

Report of the condition of the Norwalk National banlj, at Norwalk, in 
the State of Ohio, at the close of business Apnl 4. 1879: 

RESOURCES. 

Loans and discounts ■ 3127,046 68 

Overdrafts 583 55 

United States bonds to secure circulation 100,000 00 

Due from approved reserved agents 34,767 53 

Due from other National banks 6,323 95 

Due from State banks and bankers 670 65 

Real estate, furniture and fixtures 6,600 00 

Current expenses and taxes paid 1,336 68 

Bills of other banks 2,200 00 

Fractional currency (including nickels) 1.57 16 

Specie (including gold treasury certificates) 17,365 18 

Legal tender notes .• 27,900 00 

Redemption fund with United States treasurer (5 per cent. 

of circulation) 4,500 00 

Total 8319,351 38 

UABILITIES. 

Capital stofk paid in SI 00, 000 00 

Surplus fund...'. 20,000 00 

Undivided profits •■ 4,201 54 

National bank notes outstanding 80,395 00 

Individual deposits subject to check $66,567 66 

Demand certificates of deposit 45,077 25 

111,044 91 

Due to other National banks *. ... 2,776 84 

Due to State barks and bankers 3.33 09 

Total $319,351 38 

FIRST X.\TI()N.\L. 

The private banking company of Baker, Kitridge 
& Company, began business in December, 1857, and 
continued' to the 1st ijf February, 186-J:. The com 
pany was composed of Geo. G. Baker, Wm. F. Kitt- 
ridge. Henry Brown and D. A. Baker. 

This company was succeeded by the First National 
Bank of Norwalk, which immediately began business 
with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The 
directors were G. G. Baker, W. F. Kittredge, Henry 
Brown. D. A. Baker, W. 0. Parker, Fred Sears and 
J. C. Curtiss, Jr. Mr. (J. G. Baker was elected presi- 
dent, and Mr. Kittredge, cashier. The present direc- 
tors are D. A. Baker, W. 0. Parker. H. Brown. G. 
M. Cleveland and P. A. Baker. Jr. D. A. Baker, 
president; D. \. Baker. .Ir., cashier. 

Report of the condition of the First National Bank of Norwalk, at 
Norwalk, Ohio, at the close of business April 4, 1879: 



RESOURCES. 

Loans and discounts 

Overdrafts 

United States bonds to secure circulation. 

United States bonds on band 

Due from approved reserve agents 

Due from other National banks 

Due from State banks and bankers 

Furniture and fixtures 

Current expenses and taxes paid 

Checks and other cash items 

Bills of other banks 

Fractional currency (including nickels) 



Specie . 

Legal tender notes 

Redemption fund with United States treasurer (5 percent, 
of circulation) 



Total 



»89,ia3 10 


2.136 a3 


50.000 00 


19,800 00 


17,447 12 


10,034 75 


3,789 08 


2,000 00 


1,621 5.3 


2,133 54 


5,000 00 


1S3 48 


11,0.32 .58 


vism 00 


2,250 00 


8229,ft31 16 



LUBIUTIBS. 

Capital Stock paid in 

Surplus fund 

Undivided profits 

National bank notes outstanding 

Individual deposits subject to check 5105,016 10 

Demand certificates of deposit 4,939 00 

Time certificates of deposit 3.230 00 

Due to other National banks 

Due to State banks and bankers 

Total 

RAILROAD SHOI'.S. 



$50,000 OO 

21,500 00 

:3,813 18 

40 540 00 



113.175 10 

i;s8 s,> 

315 Oti 
$339,031 10 



The most important of the mechanical industries 
connected with Xorwalk are the shops of the Lake 
Shore and ilichigan Southern Railroad. They were 
constructed by the Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland 
Railroad, which was a Norwalk enterprise incorpor- 
ated in 18.50. The commissioners met at the court 
house September 24, 1850, and elected the first board 
of directors as follows. Charles L. Boalt, president: 
Timothy Baker, George S. Baker, E. B. Perkins, 
Alvin Coles, Frederick Chapman and Matthew John- 
son. 

The road was opened January 24, 1853, forming 
the last links in the chain of roads from Chicago to 
New York and Boston. It was a financial success, 
being built considerably within the estimated cost. 
and returning to its stock holders a dividend of five 
per cent, six months after the opening of the road. 
After various consolidations with rival and connecting 
companies it came under the control of the present 
company. 

The various shops are substantially constructed, 
mostly of brick, and occupy about fifteen acres of 
land at the head of Railroad avenue, between Huron 
street and Whittlesey avenue. The total valuation of 
the property situated within the corporation, a.- 
appearing on the tax duplicate, is five hundred and 
ninety-five thousand nine hundred and fifty-two. dol- 
lars. Nearly seven hundred men are employed who 
are engaged in the construction and repairing of cars 
and locomotives. In the past four years six of the 
largest and best express locomotives owned by the 
comjiany have been turned out at a cost of forty-four 
thousand dollars. 

In connection with the siiops, a class of those em- 
ployees who desire (attendance being compulsory on 
the apprentices), are taught drafting, a school .lieing 
maintained by the company and instruction furnished 
free of exjiense to the scholars. 

By reference to the last annual report of the direc- 
tors, it will be seen that twenty-five million six hun- 
dred and eighty-three thousand seven hundred and 
thirty-one jiounds of freight was shipped and forty-two 
thousand seven hundred and forty-one passengers taken 
from this station. The amount of money i>aid out to 
employees the greater jiart of which finds its way into 
Norwalk markets, is upwards of eighteen thousand 
dollars per month. These facts taken with that, thai 
they possess six hundred thousand dollars taxabli' 
liropcrty, gives one an idea of the influoiicc tliat tiiey 



1 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



169 



li;ivf on the prosperity of Norwalk ami of the gloom 
ill which the last curl of smoke floating away from 
the stacks would ensliroucl rlie town. 

(JASLIGHT AXI< COKE COMPANY. 

The Norwalk Gaslight ami Coke Company was or- 
franized May f!, 18.59, by C. L. Boalt, John Tifft, (J. H. 
Satford, E. A. Coon and W. O. Parker, with a capi- 
tal stock of thirty thousand dollars. Mr. C. L. Boalt 
was elected i)resident; Theo. Williams, treasurer and 
secretary. The stock of the company has always been 
a good investment and is now worth a considerable 
IM-eniinm and cannot be bought in market. 

STONE QL'AHKY. 

Tliu stone quarry of Wm. I'errin, on Kattlesnake 
Creek, has been worked for forty years. The stone 
obtained is a hard blue sandstone and is now found 
fifty feet below the surface of a very superior quality. 
The stone used in the construction of most of the 
liridges and buildings throughout the county was ob- 
tained at this ijuarry. 

The <(uaiTy on ''Reed's Creek." near the south Ime 
of tiie town, was the first one opened, and from there 
the stone was obtained for the first buildings in Nor- 
walk in 1818. It is up^u tlie old James Cole farm. 
The stone is of a superior quality for building pur- 
poses, and a very durable flagging stone is obtained 
near the surface. 

DAUNTLESS MANUFACTUKINO COMPANY. 

Among the most interesting and valual)le industries 
of the place, that of the Dauntless manufacturing 
company stands prominent. 

The factory is an extensive brick pile on Wiiittlesey 
avenue, just north of the Lake Shore railroad. The 
original buildings were constructed in 1852, by Mr. 
N. S. C. Perkins, and have <(uite a history of their 
own. They were occupied by him for a number of 
years in the manufacturing of steam saw mills and 
engines. . At the completion of the railroad, the 
eastern factories introduced their machines, which 
they were able, with their greater facilities, to offer 
at prices with which inland factories could not com- 
pete, necessitating an abandonment of the business, 
and working havoc with this and other kindred in- 
dustries through the northwest. But the road, in 
turn, lirought the desired facilities, and again the 
fires were kindled and the welcome din and rattle of 
machinery were revived. 

Earlv in 180(1 the buildings were enlarged to their 
]>rensent size. The furore and excitement created by 
that wondrous piece of American mechanism the 
sewing machine, were at fever heat. 

That the machine was, as yet, in a crude state, was 
apparent to skilled eyes and inventive brains. With 
many others, Mr. Perkins turned his attention in this 
direction. Tiie factory might aptly be designated a 
nursery of sewing machines. The first machine con- 
structed on the premises was the single thread 

22 



"Gardner," being the first sewing machine manufac- 
tured in the west; and subse(iuently the " Little 
Giant," which survives to our day as the "Common 
Sense." 

These were succeeded l)y the "Moore," which be- 
came such a formidable rival to the best of the eastern 
machines that the huge monopoly called the "Sewing 
Machine Combination," determined to crush it out. 
and did so. The next machine manufactured by 
Mr. Perkins was one of his own invention, and bear- 
ing his own name. In 1864 Mr. W. A. Mack, 
inventor of the Domestic, called in with his designs. 
Mr. Perkins' experience enabled him to discern its 
advantages, and a partnership wa.s immediately formed 
for its construction. The Domestic became widely 
and popularly known, and was mannfaetured for a 
number of years by the firm, until it was absorbed Ijy 
a powerful eastern company. After many experi- 
ments and trials, the present machine, aiipropriately 
named the "Dauntless," was produced, and in 1875 a 
companv was organized for its manufacture. The 
machine has met with sjilendid success, and has given 
to Norwalk a wide-spread notoriety. 

In the present time of business depression, the 
number employed has not filled the capacity of the 
factory; but we are glad to state that the merits of 
the Dauntless are being appreciated and that the 
orders received are compelling the company to crow<l 
in new forces, which will tend to enliven the city and 
add greater significance to its history. 

EUREKA FANNING MILL. 

The Eureka fanning mill, patented avd owned by 
Mr. B. Cortrite, is manufactured by him at his shops 
on East Main street, the shops an<l store houses 
occupying about two acres of ground adjoining the 
tracks of the L. S. it M. S. Railroad. The factory is 
run by steam power, the different parts of the mill 
being made and stored ready for putting together. 
The mill has been very largely manufactured and has 
met with universal approval — being extensively used 
through Ohio and the West. 

LUMHEK YAIil). 

The lumber yard and }>laniiig mill of 1). E. More- 
house on Medina street, is one of the oldest of Nor- 
walk's industries. Mr. Morehouse began business at 
the present site in 1855, and has continued it with 
success. In 1865, the mill and stock were almost en- 
tirely destroyed by fire. The mill was immediately 
re-built and the yard re-stocked. Mr. .Morehouse 
handles upwards of two million feet of lumber annu- 
ally, which he has ample facilities for storing, to- 
o-ether with a proportionate amount of lath and 
shingles. In connection with the planing mill, 
which is a large two-story brick, are substantial 
buildings for sash, door and lilin<l iiianufacturing, 
which are worked to their full capacity. The many 
specimens of the work which adorn our fine resi- 
dences and business blocks testifying to the <piality 



170 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and the appreciation of hoiiit; jnoductious. For the 
acconunodation of smaller niauiifaGtures, Mr. More- 
lioiise has convenient rooms supplied with power. 
They were occupied in 187.5 by a firm manufacturing 
harness hames, and afterwards as a washboard fac- 
tory. 

For a number of years previous to tiie present occu- 
pation, e.Ktending back to 18-34, this site was occupied 
by Mr. G. T. Morehouse as a brickyard and foundery. 
The brick used in the g eater part of the earlier 
dwelling houses and l)usiness blocks, were made 
there. 

PEDRO BED. 

The Pedro Cot Bed was invented by Mr. O. A. 
White, one of ^orwalk's well-known business men. 
It is now manufactured by Messrs. White & I. W. 
Bostwick. 

The Pedro, like many other of the most substantial 
and solid comforts afforded to man, conies to him in 
an unpretentious form. In keeping with the pro- 
duction, the factory on Benedict avenue is plain but 
most convenient. The nniny merits of the bed have 
already won for it a firm demand among the staple 
productions of the country, and will undoubtedly de- 
velop another large and attractive industry. 

T0Ii.\CCO FACTORY. 

The Norwalk tobacco factory occupies the large 
three-story brick block fronting on West Main street. 
and extends in the form of an L around the brick 
block of C. E. Newman to Hester street, making one 
of the most roomy and commodious factories in this 
to-wn. It was started in April, 1873, by Mr. F. B. 
Case, and contains all the various departments for 
storing and preparing the different brands of chew- 
ing and smoking tobacco, and affords employment to 
about sixty men. The fact that Mr. Case manufac- 
tures on an average four hundred thousand pounds 
annually, shows that we do not all altogether concur 
with "little Robert Read" in his opinion on the 
"filthy weed." 

fiAliEK & BALDWIX'S HORSE-RADISH MILL. 

Since the year 1876 Norwalk has hailin her limits 
a quiet little factory that has turned out, in a way of 
its own, "prepared yin(irtne.<^i<" for mankind in a shape 
and ionn never utilized before. 

The horse-radish mill of Messrs. Gager & Baldwin 
on North Prospect street is an oddity, which has no 
rival in the world. It is only recently that this 
well-known root has been prepared in a way that 
would preserve its pungency, and render it fit for 
tal)le use at all seasons. The firm had twenty acres 
of ground occupied in 1878 in raising the plant. It 
is taken, when of proper size, to a dry-house, and 
after a certain amount of drying and other prepara- 
tion, is ground to flour in a mill, or grated. It is 
])reparod for market in various ways, being mostly 
put in bottles hermetically sealed. In addition, the 



firm manufacture pumpkin flour for culinarv pur- 
l»ses. The pumpkins liy a somewhat similar process 
are worked into flour, which is put in neat packages 
for the market. Both productions are oddities which 
are attracting universal attention and Ijid fair to 
become staple goods in tiie market. 

THE A. B. CHASE ORGAN'. 

The A. B. Chase Organ Company, another of 
Norwalks far famed industries, was organized under 
a charter granted September 1, 187.5, with an author- 
ized capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The 
stock was soon taken, and tiie following officers were 
elected: A. B. Chase, president; L. L. Doud. secre- 
tary and treasurer; H. R. Moore, an inventive and 
experienced organ builder, general superintendent. 

The buildings occupy two acres of ground on the 
east side of Newton street, adjoining the track of the 
Lake Shore Railroad, 'which affords them opportunity 
of receiving supplies and shipjjing direct. The main 
building is a three-story structure, forty by one hund- 
red feet, to which are joined spacious boiler and 
engine rooms, stock and dry houses. The company 
sold their first organ on July 25, 187G, and have con- 
structed upwards of two thousand. Believing in the 
old maxim that "True merit ever achieves success," 
none but educated and experienced workmen are em- 
ployed, and all that inventive genius has perfected in 
their line of machinery, is to be found at command. 
The fact that this company was organized in, and 
successfully worked through the greatest and most 
disastrous of all financial crises that have visited our 
country, is in itself sufficient evidence that the basis 
and production are sound and healthy, and tiiat Nor- 
walk may well be proud of being the home of the 
comiiany. 

ACKXOWLEDGEMEXTS. 

In presenting the foregoing as a history of Norwalk, 
it is proper to state that in the limited time allowed 
for its preparation, it has l)een impossible to verify 
every statement of fact made; but so far as time and 
opportunity permitted, none l)ut the most trust- 
worthy sources of information have been consulted. 

For valuable information and assistance in prepar- 
ing the work, the writer desires to acknowledge his 
great obligation to "Scattered Sheaves, by Ruth'' 
(Mrs. M. F. C. Worcester) published in the Firelmtdx 
Pioneer, and her report of the different soldiers^ 
aid societies; to a history of the schools jirepared in 
187G, by Theodore Williams. Esq.; to a history of the 
Protestant Episcoi)al Church i)ublished in 1876, by 
Charles E. Newman, Esq. ; for other church histories ■ 
furnished, to Rev. J. S. Broadwell, Rev. J. D.^ 
Williamson, J. W. Baker, Esq., Rev. Peter Koloi)p, 
Rev. A. C. Ullrich, Rev. T. F. Halley, Pruddeu 
Ailing, Esq., (written by himself two weeks before his 
death) Rev. ,T. W. Cowan, Rev. A. Eilert, Rev. E. 
Hathaway; Judge F. Wickham, and M. Barker, 
Esq.; to E. A. Pray, C L. Merry, C. W. Fliun, S." 





UARTERS^ 
OP" THE; 



A// ~ 







'^'•^'^ i, J^.n«; l-*rt^ 




HISTORY OF flURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



171 



T. A. Van Sciver and D. T. Hall for histories of 

different secret societies: to Isaac Underlnll, Es(|., 
Miner Cole, Eh(|., 0. A. White, and many otiier citi- 
zens for favors and information; to tlie ditferent county 
officers for facilities in searcliing tlie public records, 
and to the Young Men's Library and Reading Room 
Association for the use of many liooks for reference. 

0. 11. (lAi.Lri'. 

NoRWALK, Ohio, May Hi, IStfl . 



Biographical Sketches. 



JOHN GARDINER, 

NORWALK. 

Joiiu (iardinei- was born at Gardiner's Point, for- 
merly known as Millstone Point, New London county, 
Connecticut, September l.i, I.SIG, His grandfatiier, 
Benajah Gardiner, removed from Rhode Island to 
Plum Island, in the east part of Long Island Sound, 
where he remained a few years; thence he removed 
to Millstone Point in the year KS7. His wife was 
Miss Charlotte R-iymond, of Montville, New London 
county, 

Lebbeus W. Gardiner, son of Benajah, and father 
i)f .Tohn Gardiner, was born April .30, 17.^0, on Phim 
Island, and his wife was Miss Eunice Latimer, a 
daughter of Pickett Latimer, of New London. The 
ancestors of the (nirdiner family came from England 
and settled originally in the State of Rhode Island. 
The motlier of John Gardiner died in ISIO, leaving 
three children, Charlotte, John and Julia, and the 
family then separated; John and Julia going with 
their grand parents, at Millstone Point, and Charlotte 
with the Latimers, north of New London — the father, 
L. W. Gardiner, after the death of his wife, follow- 
ing the sea as captain of a clipper coasting schooner, 
sailing from New Loudon to Baltimore, Wihnington, 
New Orleans and South America. He died at Nor- 
walk, ^farch it, 18(j'i. As soon as John was old 
enough, he attemled school at Durfee Hill, about one 
mile from his jiome across lots, which was kept as a 
district schijol al)out six months during tlie year, and 
when not attending school ho worked on the farm. 

In is:)l, Mr. (fardiiur went to school at Bacon 
academy, Colchester, where he remained a year, mak- 
ing navigation his principal study, with a view of 
following the .sea — as New London was at that time 
largely and prosperously engaged in the whale fishery 
and West India trade, and sent annually a fleet oi 
ships to the Pacific ocean for whale, and to the north 
seas for whale and .seal. At Bacon academy, Mr, 
Gardiner formed the acquaintance of the present 
chief justice AVaite; Hon. .John T, Waite, M, C, of 
Norwich: lion, Lyman Tnimbull, ex-senator, of Illi- 
nois, anil Commodore Rogers, United States navy, 
who were tiien pre|)aring for college. 



In the fall of 1832, Mr. Gardiner was persuaded by 
his uncle, .fohu M. Latimer, Esq., to visit Oliio, 
which in the end changed his whole course of life. 
About three thousand acres of land near Bellevue, in 
Huron county, had been given by the State of Con- 
necticut to Pickett Latimer, the grandfather, for 
losses sustained by fire when New London was burneil 
by the British during the revolution, which grant of 
land had already brought Pickett Latimer, an uncle, 
to Huron county, and who was engaged in mercantile 
qjursuits at Norwalk. Leaving New London by steam- 
boat early in December, 18:J"-i. before the days of 
railroads, Mr. Gardiner journeyed west to Albany, 
where he took stage as far as Hamilton. New York, 
where he remained during tlu' winter, and attended 
school at Hamilton academy: and in the e:irly spring 
of 183:3. left Utic.i by canal boat for the west. Arriv- 
ing at Buffalo tiie last days of April, he embarke;! on 
the steamer "Uncle Sam," b3ing the first boat to leave 
Buffalo that spring for Detroit and interme'iiate ports. 
At tiiat tini" nearly the whole S'luth shore of L-iko 
Erie was skirted with prinr.'val forests, and only oc- 
casional glimpses of light were discernible in the 
evening from tha log cabins of the settlers along the 
line of shore, and Cleveland contained only some two 
thousand inhabitants, living mostly below the public 
square, and without street improvements or side- 
walks. 

On the first of May the steamer arrived at the Port 
of Huron, which was then quite a shipping point, 
and a hack, driven by a man by the name of Sweat, 
conveyed Mr. Gardiner to his future home. Norwalk 
at that time contained about four hundred inhabi- 
tants, biit not a person or animal was visible in the 
streets 'on his arrival, and the village was entirely 
surrounded by forests, excejjf where the roads were 
cut through, and wild deer frecpiently crossed the 
roads at each end of the village, and the county was 
dotted over with the log cabins of the early settlers, 
and the roads in early spring almost impassable. Mr. 
Gardiner immediately commenced clerking in the 
store of P. & J. M. Latimer — (who were doing a 
large business in general merchandise and produce, 
which latter found a ready niai'ket at Detroit, to sup- 
l)ly the settlers of Michigan) and at a salary of sev- 
enty-five dollars a yearand board; which a young man 
of seventeen, at the present day, would think a vei-y 
small compensation for his valuable services. 

In the sj)ring of 1834 Mr. Gardiner was solicited to 
take a clerkship in the Bank of Norwalk, an institu- 
tion which had commenced business in 1833, with a, 
special charter from the State of Ohio, with the Hon. 
Ebenezer Lane, president, who was then one of t he- 
supreme Judges of the State, and Martin Bentley, 
cashier. During the summer of 1834 the cashier died 
very suddenly, leaving Mr, Gardiner, then only eigh- 
teen, in charge of the bank for nearly two months, 
when George Mygatt, E.s(j,, was appointed to tlie va- 
cancy. At that early day this was the only bank in 
noi'tli-westein Ohio, and its business extended south 



k 



172 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



to Mount Vernon, ilansfield, Marion and Bucyriis; 
west to Toledo, Perrysburg and Fremont; north to 
Huron and Sandusky, bringing Mr. Gardiner in con- 
tact with all the leading bnsiue.ss men of that region 
of country, who then came to Norwalk for their bank 
accommodations. The bank went successfully tiirough 
the panic of 1837, and was one of the first banks in 
Ohio to resume coin payments after the failure of the 
government deposit banks and the Bank of the United 
States, and finally closed up, paying back nearly all 
its capital to its original shareholders, and selling its 
franchise to Mr. Higgins and his associates. 

In 18.3.5 and 1830 emigration was pushing itself 
west by every leading road, and long lines of emigrant 
wagons were passing daily westward, the occupants in 
juirsuit of new homes, and the western land fever had 
seized upon nearly all classes of citizens. Mr. Gar- 
diner, not yet of age, proceeded to the western coun- 
ties of Ohio and the eastern counties of Indiana on 
horseback, over muddy roads and trails through the 
forest, and purchased some tracts of government land. 
But as the panic came upon the country in 1837 and 
all land speculations ceased, it took over fifteen j'ears 
before Mr. Gardiner could finally close out his land, 
and then without much profit, after counting interest 
and taxes. The whole western country, after the 
collajise of 1837, was land poor. 

Mr. Gardiner having finally been appointed cashier 
of the bank, and John R. Finn, jtresident, and the 
bank, owing to adverse legislation, about closing its 
business, resigned the office of cashier in September, 
1840, and commenced the business of merchandising 
at No. 1, Brick bluck, keeping a general stock of 
merchandize and dealing very largely in produce; so 
nuich so that his conil>ined Intsiness, in 1844, had 
reached over one hundred thousand dollars per annum. 

In the spring of 1845, Mr. Gardiner took into busi- 
ness with him Richard D. Joslin, his Ijrother-in-law; 
and, leaving him in charge of the business, went to 
New York with the intention of engaging in the 
wholesale dry goods trade in the following January. 
But after spending the summer in the city in a dry 
goods store, and not being satisfied with the i)rospects 
of the trade, he returned to Norwalk in November 
and continued the mercantile business with his part- 
ner until the spring of 1847, when he disposed of 
his interest to his partner, Mr. Joslin, and with some 
friends established the Norwalk Branch of the State 
Bank of Ohio, with a capital of one hundred thous- 
and dollars, afterward increased to one hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars. This bank commenced 
business in Jlay, 1847, with Mr. Gardiner as cashier 
and manager, and for eighteen years did a successful 
business; and, notwithstanding large losses conse- 
quent upon the i)anic of 1850, and the failure of the 
<])hio Life Insurance and Trust company, and general 
.suspension of the banks, closed out its business in 
1805, returning its capital to the share holders, iiav- 
ing paid in dividends over two hundred and twenty- 
eight thiius;in(l dollars. 



In March, 1865. Mr. Gardiner, with some friends, 
organized the Norwalk National bank, with a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars, which succeeded to 
the business of the Norwalk Branch of the State 
bank, and has, up to this-period (1870), done a suc- 
cessful business, with Mr. Gardiner as its president, 
and Charles W. Jilillen, cashier. 

In 1847, Mr. Gardiner was elected a member of the 
board of control of the State bank of Ohio, and con- 
tinued a member of that distinguished body, consist- 
ing of the most prominent men of the State, until 
the State bank finally closed its business, and was 
superseded by the National banks in 1805. 

While banking has been Mr. Gardiners principal 
occupation, he has not omitted other enterprises con- 
nected with the general improvement and develop- 
ment of the country. He was one of the first to 
move in obtaining a charter for the Toledo, Norwalk 
and Cleveland railroad company, and was one of the 
original corporators of the company in a charter 
granted in 1850. After the road was constructed 
and in operation, in 1853, it was consolidated with 
the Junction railroad, forming the Toledo and Cleve- 
land railroad company, of which Mr, Gardiner was 
elected a director in 1856, and in November, 1860, 
was elected president of the company. 

At this time the company was carrying a large float- 
ing debt, and its securities were very much depressed, 
so much so that its stock was selling so low as twenty 
cents on the dollar. But under Mr. Gardiner's sujier- 
vision, and consequent upon the war, and the large 
issue of paper money, the floating debt was paid off, 
dividends resumed, the earnings of the company more 
than doul)led and the stock advanced in the market 
to over one hundred and fifty cents on the dollar. 

In 1805, the capital stock having changed hands, 
Mr. Gardiner was superseded in the presidency, 
though he remained a director until it was consoli- 
dated with the Lake Shore line, in l!SO!i. 

The Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark railroad was 
one of the first railroads commenced in the State, and 
was intended for the transfer of passengers and freight 
from the interior towns to and from the lake for shi})- 
ment, and after struggling through financial difficul- 
ties until 1863, when Charles L. Boalt Avas elected 
president, and Mr. Gardiner was elected one of its 
directors, and they j)roceeded to form a line for 
traffic from Sandusky to Baltimore, by the Central 
Ohio and Baltimore and Ohio railroads, and this 
arrangement met with such success that they leased 
the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark railroad, to the 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad company in 1809, since 
which time it has done a successful Ijusiness. C)n the 
death of C. Tj. Boalt, in 1870, Mr. Gardiner was 
elected [iresident of the conijiaiiy, and is still its 
president, though the road is operated by the Balti- 
more and Ohio company under the lease, and forms a 
part of its main line to Chicago. 

Mr. Gardiner was elected a director of the Colum- 
bus ami Indiana])olis Rail Hoad Company in 1803 — 




vW^^^^c!^ 



^§ss^~-~ 



B. F. Iluwks, riiotograpluT. 



PLATT BENEDICT. 



HISTORY OF HURON' AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



173 



which i-oad was iuteaded to form a line betweeu 
Cdluiiibus, Oliio, and Indianapolis. Indiana, and 
after consolidating with various lines, finally embraced 
about six hundred miles nf road under tiie name of 
the Cdlunibus, Chicago and Indiana Ceritral Railway 
Company. 

In the winter of 1SG8, Mr. (Jardiner and Ex-Gov. 
William Dennison, with the President, B. E. Smitli, 
were appointed a committee to negotiate a lease of the 
road to the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis 
Railway Company, and the Pennsylvania Kail Road 
Comjiany, which lease was made on the 32d day 
of .lanuary, 1869, and duly ratified, though it was 
amended one year thereafter, and under it the road 
is still operated. In Mr. Gardiner's railroad connec- 
tions he has become acquainted with most of the lead- 
ing railroad magnates of the day, for many of whom 
he still entertains a high appreciation. 

Mr. Gardiner was married at Norwalk on tlie 31st 
day of July, 1843, to Miss Frances Mary Joslin — a 
daughter of Dr. Benjamin A. Joslin, of Troy, New 
York, and his wife, Frances C. Davis, of Pough- 
keepsie. New York — and four ciiildren were the off- 
spring of this marriage, viz. : Edmund G. Gardiner 
who was born August 23, 1844; John Gardiner, Jr., 
who was born February 28, 184T; Lucy Jane Gardiner 
who was born June 4, 1848. and ilied at the age of 
five years, and William L. Gardiner who was born 
June •->4, 1857. 

Edmund G. Gardiner married Miss Susie J. Barnes, 
of Norwalk. John Gardiner, Jr., married Miss 
Louisa Woodward, of Bellevue. 

Mr. Gardiner purchased his present residence on 
West Main street, in the year 1848, and occupied it 
the .same spring, having since added to it from time 
to time, and increased the (juantity of land until he 
now owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
adjoining his residence, almost wholly within the cor- 
porate limits of the village. 

Politically, he was an original Henry Clay whig 
but when the whig party merged into the republican, 
Mr. Gardiner went with his party, and has always 
remained a republican, and contriliuted to its success, 
but without ever seeking an office, or soliciting the 
votes of his friends or party for political preferment 
or position. 

Mr. Gardiner has lived nearly ;i iialf century in 
.\>r\v;ilk, during which time he has applied himself 
to business pursuits, without wavering or faltering, 
in his onward course, or ever failing to discharge his 
1' • uniary obligations, and without a blemisli on his 
Inisiness character, or integrity; and (luring which 
time the early pioneers of the county, with nearly all 
of whom he was acquainted, have gone to their long 
homes, having stam|)ed their princijtles of industry, 
integrity and perseverance upon their children and 
successors. The business, and the leading men of 
that early day, are nearly all dead, many having 
faileil in business during the collapse of 1837; 
and the log cabins of the early settlers have disap- 



peared from the county, ami good farm houses have 
taken their places, occupied by as thrifty and intel- 
ligent a class of people, as are to be found in any 
section of the United States. Mr. Gardiner re- 
members many acts of kindness from those early 
friends who occupied positions which enabled tliem to 
assist him in his early business career, and who were 
ever ready to lend him aid in carrying forward his 
business enterprises, and to whose generous sujiport 
and assistance he attributes much of his ultimate 
success. 

May, 1S79. 



PLATT BENEDICT. 

About the year A. D. l.TOO, William Benedict, of 
Nottinghamshire, in England, had an only son born 
to him whom he called William; this William, 2d, 
had an only son whom he called William; and this 
William, 3d. had in Itll 7 an only son, whom he called 
Thomas. 

In 1G38 Thomas came to America and settled in 
New England; after remaining there for a time he 
removed to Southhold, on Long Island, where were 
born to him five sous and four daughters, whose 
names were Thomas, John, Samuel, James, Diniel, 
Betty, Mary, Sarah and Rebecca. From Southiiold 
the family removed to Hassamamac, from there to 
Jamaica, Long Island, (where Thomas was married,) 
from there, last of all, they removed to Norwalk, 
Fairfield county, Connecticut, where all the remain- 
ing ciiildren were married. 

Daniel married Mary, daughter of Matthew Marvin, 
of Norwalk; and was a soldier in the "direful swamp 
fight" of December 19, 167.') (Connecticut Historical 
Collections, pages 20-1 — Palfrey's History of New 
England, vol. 8, pages 176 to 180); after which, at a 
Norwalk town meeting, January 12, 167G, "The 
towne, in c;onsideration of the good service that the 
soldiers sent out of the towne ingaged and performed 
by them, and out of respect and thankfulnese to the 
sayd soldiers, doe with one consent and freely give 
and grant to so many as were in the direful swamp 
fight, twelve acors of land; and eight acors of land to 
so many as were in the next considerable service." 
Accordingly, tiiere was granted by the plantation, as 
a gratuity unto Daniel Benedict, "being a souldier in 
the Indian warr, twelfe acres of land and lyerh in 
three parcels." 

He sold his Norwalk property in I69i», and removed 
to Danbury. 

His childivu were Mary, /)iHif/ 2d, Hannah ami 
Mercy. 

Daniel 2d married Rebecca, daughter of Tiiomas 
Taylor, one of the original settlers of Danbury, Con- 
necticut, and their children were Danii'l ',h\, Matthew, 
Tlieophilus, Rebecca, Mary, David, Nathan and 
Deborah. 



h 



174 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND EME COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Captain Daniel 3fl, born 1705, married Sarali 
Hickok 17i8, and died November 9, 1773: their 
children were, Daniel 4th, Lemuel, Noah, Sarah, 
Jrmas, Aaron, Rnth, Mary and Amos. 

Jonas was born September 21, 1742; married 
January 14, 1767, to Mercy Boughton, and died 
October 30, 1820. He was a member of the general 
assembly of Connecticut in 1800. Their children 
were Elizabeth, Jonas 2d. Plaff. Sarah. Daniel .5th, 
Mary and Eli. 

Piatt Benedict, the subject of this memoir, was 
born at Danl)nry, Connecticut, March 18, 1775, 
and was of the sixth generation of Benedicts in 
America. He married, November 12, 1705, Sarah, 
daughter of Daniel DeForest. of Wilton, Connecticut, 
She was born August 27, 1777, and died June 24, 
1852, at Norwalk, Ohio. Their children were: 

Clarissa, born September 4, 1700; married Hallet 
Gallup, April 9, 1820; died January 11, 1878, at 
Norwalk, Ohio, leaving two sons and four daughters 
now living in Norwalk, Ohio, viz.; Catherine, Maria 
(wife of Marlin A. Dimton), Carroll, Sarah (wife of 
Henry Brown), Caleb H. and Lizzie P. 

David Mead, born August 17, 1801: married Sep- 
tember 24, 1833, to Mary Booth Starr; and died June 
16, 1843, at Danbury, leaving no issue. 

Daniel Bridgum, born June 1, 1803; died Septem- 
ber 0, 1827, at New Orleans, Louisiana. Not 
married. 

Jonas Boughton, born March 23, 1806; married 
October 8, 1820, to Fanny, daughter of Henry Buck- 
ingham; and died at Norwalk, Ohio, July 20, 1851, 
leaving one son, David DeForest (Dr. Benedict, the 
present druggist of Norwalk, Ohio), and one 
daughter, Fanny B., who married Louis II. Severance, 
of Cleveland, and died August 1, 1874. 

And Eliza Ann. born October 27, 1812; married 
William Brewster, May 1, 1832, and died Augu.st 17, 
1840, lit Norwalk, Ohio, leaving two sons, both of 
whom died in childhood. 

After his marriage he removed to North Salem, 
Westchester county, New York, wliere his daughter 
Clarissa was born; and from there he removed to 
Randal's Island, in F;ast River, where he engaged in 
market gardening* in a few years lie removed back to 
Danbury. and was apjiointed collector of that town, 
in wliich capacity he acted in 1812-13. 

In Septemlicr. 1815, he first came to Ohio to look 
uj) a new home, and in tlie latter part of October, in 
company with Elislia Whittlesey and Maj. Frederick 
Palley visited and examined the ])resent site of Nor- 
walk. He tlien returned to Danbury and negotiated 
the jmri liase of about one tiiousand three hundred 
acres of land (now tlie site of Norwalk) on behalf of 
Elisba Whittlesey. Jlattiu'W B. Whittlesey, E. Moss 
White and iiimself. 

In Janiiai'v. 1S17, he again returned to lake ehanre 
of and make imiuMvemcnts ii))om tlie new piircha.>--e; 
erected a log bouse (which was the first building con- 
structed l>y white nun within llie present corporate 



limits of the village of Norwalk). commenced a clear- 
ing upon the flats south of his new house, and on 
April 4th returned to Danbury, arriving there May 4th. 

In July, 1817, he left Danbury with his family, in 
a covered wagon drawn by one horse, and another 
wagon loaded with household goods, provisions, etc., 
drawn by four oxen; also, one saddle horse. After 
seven weeks of fatiguing travel and hardship, they 
arrived at the house of David Gibbs and Henry Lock- 
wood in Norwalk on September 0th and then learned 
that their house, built that spring, was burned down. 
In this emergency, the open-handed hosititality of 
frontier life was extended to them by the families of 
Gibbs and Lockwood, and there they remained until 
a new house was erected. Of the erection of that 
house, destined to be the avant-courier of so many 
noble structures and happy homes, Mr. Benedict him- 
self says {Fire-lands Pioneer of March. 1850, i>age 
eighteen): 

"On hearing of my house being burned, we stopjied 
with Messrs. Gibbs and Lockwood, who very hospit- 
ably entertained us until I got my house in a condition 
to move in. They were accommodating Ca])t. John 
Boalt's family, nine of whom were sick with the 
ague. We staid there from Monday until Friday, 
when we went into our new home, a log pen twenty 
feet square, no doors, windows, fire-place, and no fur- 
niture except some cooking utensils used on our jour- 
ney. Built a fire against the logs on one side of the 
shanty, made up our beds on the floor, which was so 
green and damp it spoiled the under-beds, which in- 
duced me to fit up two bedsteads, one for myself and 
wife and one for my daughters, placed iu opposite cor- 
ners of the shanty, by boring holes in the logs, for the 
sides and feet, and one ujiright post put Into a hole in 
the floor, and fastened at the top, and with basswood 
bark, made matting in the place of cord, and when 
completed they were very comfortable. I cutout two 
doors and two windows. The sash I bougiit but 
could get no glass; in place of which I used greased 
paper. Built an oven in one corner, part in and part 
outside, with clay and sticks; also a stick chimney 
above the chamber floor, had no jams. After burn- 
ing out three or four logs, I built uj) the back ]iart of 
the chimney of muck and sticks. I chinked up and 
mudded between the logs, which made it very com- 
fortable. For a few days we were almost withmit pro- 
visions; we had green corn, turnijis and milk." 

The late Seth Jenning, of Milin, says {Pioneer, 
March, 1800, jiage 17): "I commenced splitting clap- 
boards out of oak timber to make the roof of. Every 
man that could work was on hand to help and do liis 
best toward getting u)) the house. The women 
turned out and brought up our dinners that day; 
but we sot alona: so well with the house that the 
next morning Mr. Benedict moved uj), and Mrs. 
Benedict cooked our dinners that day by a log near 
the house." 

In "Scattered Sheaves, by Kuth," it is stated 
(/•(OMeer of September, I860, page 42), "There were 



I 



' 




' / / ?^^rH/7 // ■ y)/-//, V ; , 



iV" ^rS£ Btii », SmiltSmUrSrJI y 



HISTORY OF HURON AND "ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



175 



liit'>utU, Levi Cole and his sous. Maj. Underhill, 
David and Jasper Underliill, liis nephews, Lott Her- 

riclv, Sanderson, Daniel Clarv. Noali I'. Ward, 

Elihu Potter, Richard Gardiner. Reuben Pixley 
and his son Reuben, Heury Locliwood, David Gibbs 
and others. Says David Underhill. 2d., 'Asher 
Cole, Sanderson and myself, cut logs in the woods 
near, or on the ground now occupied by the railroad 
huildiugs, and the water was ankle deep : Lott Her- 
rick drove the team. Mr. Benedict regaled his fellow 
laborers with Jamaica rum instead of whisky, which 
was usually furnished on such occasions. Mrs. Un- 
derhill, furnished, cooked the dinner, and sent it to 
us. It consisted mainly of pork, potatoes, turnips 
and bread. ' " 

In an unpublished narrative, dictated by Mrs. 
Benedict not long before her deatii, she says: "Two 
miles from any neighbor our little cabin stood ; the 
floor of logs .-plit in the middle, not smootlied by 
plane or chisel: our chairs made in the same rude 
manner: our table was of pieces of Ijoxes in which 
our goods had been ])acked, and "saplings" fastened 
together, formed our bedsteads. On one side of our 
cabin was a large fire-place, on the east and west sides 
were doors, on the north our only windows, in which 
to supply the place of glass, we pasted pieces of 
greased jiaper. 

"And many pleasant evenings we spent beside that 
huge fire-place, cracking nuts and eating, not a])ples, 
))ut turnips. You need not laugh, I tell you those 
^aw turnips tasted good when there was nothing else 
to eat, and as the flames grew bright, our merry jjarty 
would forget that they were not in their eastern 
home, but far away in the wilds of Ohio. 

"We heard the howl of the wolf and the whoop of 
the Indian resounding through the forest, for a 
favorite hunting ground of these wild men was situ- 
ated near our cabin, and often would tlie Indians 
assemlile and renew their noisy sports, little dreaming 
of tlie tide of emigration ■which should finally sweep 
tliem away. 

"One night the loud barking of our dog attracted 
our attention, followed by a knock at the door; on 
opening which, in stalked a large Indian, dressed in 
furs and blanket, and fully armed. Tlie children 
huddled close to me as he came near and asked for 
"daddy." lie was evidently intoxicated, and I did 
not dare to let him know that "daddy" was not at 
home. I asked him to sit down, Init he preferred to 
stretch himself before the fire, where he soon fell 
asleep. When he awoke he was ne;irly solier and 
<|uite inclined to be talkative. He told me of the 
many wrongs the Indian had suffered; that the white 
man planted corn over his fatiier's bones; and the 
poor old Indian wept. Finally he started up, ex- 
claiming, 'daddy no come, you no sleep, I go to my 
brothers', and he went away. 

"Sleep was a stranger to our eyes that night, we kept 
ourselves in readiness for flight, for we expected the 
'red-face' wonld return witli his I)rocher.s to murder 



us all. The riches of a kingdom would not repay us 
for another such night of anxiety. But as time 
passed on, we gained the friendship of these denizens 
of the forest, and they brought us mnny, many pres- 
ents in their own rude way." 

From the date of Mr. Benedict's settlement to that 
of his death, his history is so completely intertwined 
with tliat of the growth and prosperity of the town, 
that to give it here in detail. would only be a repeti- 
tion of a large part of the history of Norwalk. 

June 17, 1856, he married, as his second wife, Mrs, 
LaviiKi P. Benton of Republic, Ohio, who survived 
him and died February 9, 1875. 

A few days before his death, he attended the Grand 
Encampment of Masons at Toledo, becanu; very much 
fatigued by over exertion, was attacked by bowel 
complaint, Imt so great were his physical powers and 
so determined his will, that he returned to Norwalk, 
after which he rapidly grew worse; yet, so remarka- 
ble was his vitality that he kept ui) and around his 
room until within a very few hours of the end. One 
of his last acts preceding his death, only about six 
hours, was the dictation and signing a very salutary 
codicil to his will for the benefit of his wife. 

With all his faculties of mind clear and distinct to 
the last, he quietly passed awiiy October 35, 18GG, 
aged uiuety-oue j'cars, seven months and seven days. 

His funeral took place on the following Sabl)ath 
and was conducted by the Knights Templar from 
various parts of northern Ohio, who caiue in special 
trains run from Cleveland and Toledo for that pur- 
pose. 

His cherished and aged friend. Rev. Samuel Marks 
of Huron, Ohio, officiated, and at the grave, in the 
presence of assembled thousands, said: "A'enerable 
man! May thy ashes rest in peace, and the clods fall 
lightly upon thy bosom ! Thy virtues will Ije em- 
balmed forever in mir heart of hearts. Fare thee 
well." 



HON. TIMOTHY BAKER. 

The subject of this sketch, was a native of Nortii- 
ampton, Mass., where he was Ijorn August 5. 1787. 
He went in 1801 to Utica and in 1805 made his home 
in Herkimer, N. Y., where, in 181G, he married Miss 
Eliza Remington, of Fairfield, a union which brought 
him forty-six years of rare domestic iiappiuess, until 
her death, which occurred September 27, 1802. 

In 1814, he joined some friends in a journey to this 
county, but with no intention of removing here or of 
making purchases himself. Passing through Norwalk 
on an Indian trail, the party found shelter for tlie 
night in a log cabin al)Out fifteen feet S((uare, two 
miles south of the village, with several other similar 
companies, ten or twelve making their bed on the 
poles and bark that formed the floor under tlie prim- 
itive roof. He again visited Ohio in 1815 and pur- 
chased several large tracts of laud, including the farm 



176 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



ill Xorwalk, to wliich he came with his family and 
his brother, Theodore Baker. September 27, 1819, 
aud where he resided for nearly sixty years, when the 
shadow of death again fell ujion tlie home, and at the 
age of ninety years, on January 37, 1878. his earthly 
life ended. 

Others, parents, relatives, and friends, had been 
borne from liis house to their last resting place, but 
his own family had been sjiared through all these 
years, and his six ciiildren, (»ne daughter and five 
sons, with their companions, yet survive him. 

The little company of inhabitants in Norwalk em- 
braced about ten or twelve families when ho came, 
and was very cordially welcomed by them. He en- 
tered at once earnestly and heartily into all their 
plans for the advancement of the [ilace, and was for 
forty years personally connected with nearly every 
jiublic enterjirise that promised to increase its wealth, 
its prosperity, or its intelligence. 

The tannery that he built in 1820 soon jiassed to 
his brother, and in his own business he soon became 
widely known as a landholder and merchant. "He 
was also more or less engaged in banking, and was for 
many years president of the Bank of Norwalk, then 
one of the most substantial institutions of the kind in 
Ohio. In 1821 he was chosen by the Legislature an 
associate judge (under the old Judicial system), and 
after twenty-one years of service, declined another 
nomination in 1842. It is but Justice to say that 
during that long period he maintained a standing as 
a Jurist reached by few in that position, his relations 
to the court being recognized as far more important 
than were often accorded to associates. This was due 
alike to his sound Judgment, careful investigation, 
and conscientious regard for Justice." 

In 1842 he became a member of the First Bajitist 
Church of Norwalk, a relation that he assumed with 
great self-distrust. The tie thus formed was a source 
of strength and blessing in the changes that came 
with the i)assing years, of which the sweetness of his 
closing days gave precious evidence. 

In his home he was the kind and thoughtful hus- 
band, the loved and honored father, the genial com- 
])anion, the hospitable friend, practicing m his own 
life the habits of self-control that he enforced upon 
his children who recall iiis life with mingled love and 
reverence. 



(JIDEOX T. STEWART. 

Mr. Stewart was Ikji-ii at .li)linstoii, Fiilrou county. 
New York, in l.s24, and is tlierefore nearly rifty-hve 
years old. His ancestors, on his fathers side, came 
from the nmlli of Ireland, originally from Scotland. 
They became the founders of the first academy in 
Schenectady, New York, whicli afterwards became 
I'nion College. His mother was the daughter of a 
distinguished Methodist divine of revolutionary fame. 



Rev. Nicholas Hill, Sr., and a sister of the celebrated 
lawyer of the same name. At the age of fourteen ho 
removed with his father's family to Oberlin, Ohio. 
He soon entered Oberlin college, but while in his' 
sophomore year, left that institution to commence the 
study of law, first at Norwalk, and subsequently at 
Columbus in the office of Chief Justice Swayiie of 
Ohio, now of the United States Supreme court. In 
August, 184G, he commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession at Norwalk, Ohio, where he now resides. He 
edited the Whig organ at Norwalk for three years, 
and was three tmies elected county auditor by that 
party. Immediately upon the organization of the 
Reiiublican party he identified himself with it. 

In IS'il he went to Dulnique, Iowa, and purchased 
the Daihf Times of that place, the only Union daily 
newspaper then published in the north half of that 
state. He edited it through the war, then sold out 
and returned to Norwalk, and resumed the practice of 
law, which he has since continued. He at one time 
owned one-half of the Toledo Daihi Blade, and at 
another, one-half of the Daili/ CoiiinierriaJ of that 
city. 

In 1847 he helped organize Norwalk division of the 
Sons of Temperance, which is still an active working 
temperance society, and of which he remains a 
charter member. He has been three times elected 
presiding officer of the Order of Cxood Templars in 
Ohio. 

As an item of interest in the history of the temper- 
ance reform, it may be well to say that in 1857, Mr. 
Stewart presided over a state temperance convention, 
held at Columbus, for the purpose of organizing an 
independent prohiliition political party; that this 
convention appointed a committee to call a state 
nominating convention, but the movement was 
stopped by the war in Kansas, followed by the war of 
the rebellion. In 18(19 he was a delegate to the 
Chicago convention, that organized the National 
Prohibition party, and has ever since been a member 
of the national executive committee. He has been 
three times candidate of the Prohibition Reform 
party in Ohio for suiireme Judge, and thrice for 
governor. 

He is a clear, logical reasoner, and possessed of 
excellent executive ability. He is thoroughly posted 
in political history and economy, and tliere are few. 
if any, men in the country who more thoroughly 
understand the questions relating to temperance. 



BAKNAIU) CORTRITE 

is a son of (iarrett V. and Electa Cortrite, his father 
being a native of Pennsylvania, and his motiier, of 
Connecticut. Ho. was liorn in the town of Pheljis. 
Ontario county. New York, September 25, 1831. He 
remained with his parents, devoting himself industri- 
ously to the occu)iatioii of farming until he vv:i- 




Mr, D. H. Pease. 



1 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



177 



twenty-two years of age. All the education he re- 
ceived was •■picked up" in a district school, some 
two miles distant from his hcime. 

Having a natural fondness for machinery, and his 
father lieiiig one of the tirst to introduce the mowing 
maehine into OntDrio county, young Barnard, when 
he was liut fourteen years old, at the reijuest of a 
farmer living some twelve miles distant, took his 
fathei'"s mower, and drove to the place, arriving late 
at night. Going to work in the meadow the next 
morning, he cut, by noon of the second day, twenty 
acres of grass; for which feat he was highly coni- 
l>limented in the county newspapei's. 

In April, 18o4, Mr. Cortrite went to Wisconsin, to 
manage a farm consisting of a section of land, for a 
gentleman liy the name of A. C. Loomis, where he 
remained until that gentleman's death. He then 
went to Saginaw, Michigan, and engaged in the 
Saginaw City mills, as an assistant sawyer, but at the 
end of three weeks he was promoted to the position 
of tirst sawyer, by the ]>roprietor of the mills. Here 
he cast his first vote, in the fall of 1856, for General 
Fremont. For the rest of that year, after the saw- 
ing season was over, he employed himself in chojiping 
cord wood, at fifty cents a day. 

In 1S.")T, on account of his father's death, he was 
called home to settle up the estate. After perform- 
ing this duty, he took the whole family, viz.: His 
mother, three brothers and three sisters, to Genesee 
county, Michigan, where they located. 

At aliout this period, Mr. Cortrite became con- 
nected witii the tirm of Ledyard & Bennett, of Ply- 
uKintli. Wayne county, Michigan, as salesman and 
collector during the spring, summer and fall, and 
during the winter, as manufacturer of fanning mills. 
With this tirm he remained five successive years, dur- 
ing which time, on the 28th of September, 18(50, he 
uas married to Lydia Ann, daughter of Stephen and 
Sarah Terry, of Plymouth, Michigan. Of this union 
were born two children, Hattie E. and Sarah A., both 
of whom are living. 

In the year ISU-i. after a protracted illness, lie en- 
gaged with the firm of Sliutts iS: Ferrier, manu- 
facturers of machinery, as salesman for a. term of 
three years. While engaged with this tirm. he was 
solicited by Mr. Bennett, one of his former employ- 
ers, to go to Ohio and engage in the fanning mill 
business with him, becoming an eipial partner and 
manager. This he did, purchasing land and erecting 
a factory in the village of Norwalk, Huron county, 
and entering inte partnershij) for a term of three 
\ears. At the end of this term he jiurcliased Mr, 
llciinett's interest, and became sole owner of the pro- 
pci-ty. 

Duruig his many years' exjierience in this business, 
Mr. Cortrite became convinced that a more jierfect 
mill than those then in use, was needed, and could be 
constructed. And soon after becoming sole jiro])rietor 
of the establishment above named, he invented what 

23 



is now widely known as the •'Eureka Fanning Mill," 
for which he obtained letters jiatent. 

This invention has proved eminently successful, 
and its success is attributable not only to the ingenn- 
itv of the invention itself, but also to the prudence, 
energy and tinaneial ability with which the inventor 
has, for a period of some fourteen years, conducted 
his affairs. His business has rajiidly increased until, 
with the facilities afforded by his Norwalk factory, 
and the one recently estaljlished by him at Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania, the average number of his mills 
sold annually is over one thousand. 

During the years of 1877-8, Mr. C. erected and 
completed the fine residence, a view of which appears 
on another page of this work, and which the people 
of Norwalk properly I'cgard as an ornament to their 
village. He has also made many improvements upon 
his factory buildings and the surrounding grounds, 
which are indicative of his artistic taste, as well as of 
his pecuniary aliility. 

In the year 18T2, Mr. Cortrite made a public jtro- 
fession of religion and united with tlic ^I. E. church, 
of which he is still an active nu'mljer. 



DAVID HARLOW PEASE. 

D. H. Pease was born in Somers, Connecticut, 
November 9, 18-2fi, and at the time of death. .January 
13, 1872, was in the forty-sixth year of his age. 

His early years were spent in his native town, and 
in addition to such knowledge as he could obtain at 
the public school, he pursued his studies for tw<i 
years at the village academy at Wilbraham, Massa- 
chusetts. 

He came to Norwalk, Ohio, m 18.52. and was en- 
gaged in the book and drug business until 1803, when 
he was elected CMninty auditor, and filled that jiosi- 
tion with remarkable lidclity for three successive 
terms until 18<iii, since which time, until his death, 
he was actively engaged in merchandise. 

So, few words express in general terms the story of 
Mr. Pease's life. He was not a man to limit his 
cares or his laljors to his own or his family's well be- 
ing. With an earnest desire to promote the welfare 
of all within the reach of his iniluence, he coml)ined a 
rare judgment, an indomitable i>erseverance and re- 
markable efficiency. While yet a young man, he de- 
tern.ined to do Avhat one man could to iiromote the 
cause of temperance, and his time, lalior, means and 
counsel have been freely given, year after year, to 
further this great object. He was active in the for- 
mation of the Young Men's Library and Reading 
Room Association, and at the time of his death, was one 
of its most efficient and valuable otlicers. His in- 
terest in the Fire-land's Historical Society was tintlag- 
ging for years. His duties as secretary of the society 
and editor of the Pioiifcr, occupied much of his val- 
ual)le time, and this he freely gave from some time 



h 



178 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



ill the yc'Mr ISiiO, wIumi Ir' was chosen editor -of the 
Pioneer, to the time that he was compelled liv weak- 
ness to lay aside his pen. In early manhood he made 
up his mind that whatever was excellent in character 
or elevating and ennobling in tendency, was generally 
connected with the Christian church. He, therefore, 
sustained the public worship of God by his e.xample 
and most generous contrilnUions, and liis counsel and 
personal presence could always bo depended upon in 
sustaining the Sabbath school. He was foremost in 
every good work, and counted no sacrifice to great 
for the public good. Such characters as Mr. Pease's 
are not common ; it is only here and tiiere that 
such a man is vouchsafed to a community, (ienial 
and happy in his home — a kind neiglilior, a wise 
and faithful citizen — we miss his presence in our as- 
seml)lagcs — we miss his counsels and his labors. He 
has gone from us in the jirime of life and in the 
midst of great usefulness, but has left to the com- 
munity the rich legacy of a )nire and upright life. 
Let us imitate his example and emulate his virtues. 



.lOllX LAYLIX. 

John jjaylin was b<irn in Westmoreland county, 
Pennsylvania, .May 'i'i. Kill. His i)arents removed 
to Beaver. Poniisvlvania. in IT'-'fJ. In March. 1810, 




his fatiier sold his farm an 1 started for the "lake 
country." taking with hiin all his familv, except 
Jtjlin, who remained behind until June of the same 
year to receive a payment for the farm, which became 
due at that time. John WnvA out during the summer 
to a farmer at ten dollars and tifly cents per month, 
and attended sch<iol durinir the following winter. In 
the s])ring Ins grandfather. Abraham Powers, and 



Hanson Reed, decided to follow John's parents to 
the frontier. Accordingly they started overland 
through the wilderness, taking with them such house- 
hold goods and other jirojjcrty as they could earuy. 
John accmrjianied them, assisting in di'iving stock 
and in other ways rendering them aid during their 
long, tedious journey. The inirty at length arrived 
at Cuyahoga portage. They then learned that John's 
father and* party had stojiped there the previous 
sjiring, on their way to the frontier, and raised a crop 
of corn, and in the fall had removed to the mouth of 
Black river, on the lake shore. John remained with 
his grandfather's party until they reached Greenfield, 
Huron county, where they settled. He remained 
with Hanson Reed one month, to assist him in plant- 
ing corn. He then started alone and on foot, by 
Indian trails, to Join his father's family, near Black 
river. While on this lonely journey, sleeping on the 
bank of the Vermillion river, he was surrounded by 
wolves, but, by the greatest vigilance, and kindling a 
fire, he kept them at bay until morning. In October, 
1811, the family removed to West Berlin, Erie county. 
During the following winter, Mr. Laylin taught 
school, receiving his board and one dollar and a (|uar- 
ter tuition ]ier scholar, as compensation. 

In the spring of 1812 war was declared between 
England and the United States. A meeting of the 
citizens of that and the surrounding counties was 
held to provide means for defence. A petition, ask- 
ing for assistance from the governor of Ohio, w^as 
forwarded, and a company of "minute men'' was 
organized for home defence. Mr. Laylin joined tlie 
company, and on the next day it marched to the 
peninsula off Sandusky to ascertain if there were 
any Indians in the vicinity. Mr. Laylin was pre- 
vented joining this expedition by severe sickness. 
From the entii'e company of thirty, only four or five 
survived the expedition. Nothing was heard of the 
poor fellows until their whitened bones were found 
in the following September by a detachment of Com- 
modore Perry's victorious troops. In August, General 
Hull surrendered to the British, which was not known 
among the settlers until a small British fleet ajipeared 
off Huron, from which some of the jjrisoners taken 
were sent in small boats to the sliore. 

Tlie greatest consternation prevailed. In the ]ianic 
which followed, the family lied to Mount Vernon. 
At Mansfield, they met a regiment hastening to the 
protection of the citizens on the border, and Mr. 
Laylin joined these troops. After his term of enlist- 
ment had exjiired, he rejoined his father's family at 
Mount Vernon. Here he learned the mason's trade. 
He was fond of reading and study and, not being 
confined closely at his trade, found time to avail 
himself of the advantages of a pulilic library. He 
became a great student of ancient and modern history. 
He also watched with deep interest the great dis- 
coveries in science and the inventions of genius. It 
was during this time that his most lasting political 
and religious o])inioiis were formed. In the mean- 




C. H. GALLUP. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIK COUNTIES, OHIO. 



179 



lime, his f:ither"s family luid reiiiDved to Xorwalk. 
but he remained in Mount Verncin until 1817, when 
he was called home by the death of his father. In 
October. 1818, he married Olive Clark, wife of Daniel 
Clark, of Bronson. Mr. Laylin tlien settled near 
Norwalk, ou a farm which he had previously bought, 
where ho passed the most active and useful portion 
of his life. During the years that followed he was a 
most zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and Sabbath school, having made that the 
church of his choice. Nearly all religious services, 
prior to the erection of a church edifice in the village, 
were held at his house. He was appointed superin- 
tendent of a Sabbath school in the neighborhood, 
which position he tilled for a number of years. Dur- 
ing the year 1S41, he was sorely bereaved in the death 
of his wife and two children. Tliere remained of 
the family six children: two sons and four daughters. 

Six years afterward, Mr. Laylin married Mrs. Mary 
Weyburn States, of Hartland, who proved an excel- 
lent wife and mother. In the strength of her affec- 
tion she gathered into iier love the remains of two 
broken families and was a true mother to them all. 

Soon after his second marriage he removed to a 
residence on Medina street, Norwalk. where he re- 
mained until his death. 

His faithful wife died April Hi, 1877, after a long, 
painful illness, wiiich baffled skill, love and care. 
For several years her husband's infirmity, and his 
desire to have her by him, confined her to the pre- 
cints of home. She was its light and strength. 
Her worth was manifest in the high esteem and 
reverence in which she was held by all her family. 
.Mr. Laylin survived the death of his wife but a few 
days. He died, peacefully, April 36, 1877. There 
remain of his children: Elvira, Mrs. Richard Elliott: 
Celestine, Mrs. W W. Hildreth: Olive, Mrs. M. L. 
Carr: JIarriette, Mrs. F. Gard; and Marie, Mrs. 
Frank Evans. His sons, Theodore and Lewis C, are 
residents of Norwalk. 

Mr. Laylin was a man of untiring energy and j^er- 
severence. Favored with few early advantages for 
mental culture, he availed himst'lf to the utmost of 
what he had. Strength and detiniteness were leading 
characteristics of his mind. He held decided and 
independent judgments on all religious and political 
(juestions that from time to time stirred public 
thought during his long life. 

His life covers almost the entire national jieriod of 
our history. He was born in the second year of 
Washington's first term, and was over eight years 
old when he (Washington) died. He was eligible to 
vote for fifteen presidents. His life runs back through 
Victoria's long reign — past William and George IV. 
to the middle of the stupid misrule of George III. 
Louis XVI. was still a monarch, the French reign of 
terror was yet unknown, and the great battles of Na- 
poleon unfought. Nicholas and two Alexanders had 
not yet come to the throne of Russia, and the Emjiire 
of Austria was yet unbori'. He has sei n 'pr ng into 



being the W(m<lerful mechanical inventions ami scien- 
tific discoveries that have so materially ebanued the 
economy of life. 

He received from his mother religious instruction 
which, at eighteen, ripened into definite conversion. 
His religious convictions were welded in the white 
heat of early controversy, and ever bore the marks 
of their origin. He died firm in the faith that he 
would aw-aken amid the glories of his heavenlv home. 



CALEB H. GALLUP. 

In Lorraine, [lart of the debatable territory be- 
tween the French and (terman people; wasted and 
seared and scarred l)y many battles, now in ])ossession 
of one people and then of the other, there is an ancient 
family of the name of Kolopp. From time immemo- 
rial the tradition has been handed down by its mem- 
bers, from generation to generation, that one of their 
number went to western Europe as a follower of Wil- 
liam, Duke of Normandy, and never returned. This 
tradition was recently imparted to the writer by the 
Rev. Peter Kolopp, a member of that family now in 
charge of St. Peter's (Catholic) church of Norwalk. 

Hume, in his history of the "Conquest," says: 
"The situation also of Europe inspired William with 
hopes that, besides his brave Normans, he might em- 
ploy against England the rtower of the military force 
which was dispersed in all the neighboring states. 
France, Germany and tiie Lower countries, by the 
progress of the feudal institutions, were divided and 
sub-divided into many princijialities and baronies. * 
* * A military spirit had universally diffused itself 
throughout Euro}>e: * * * niultitudes crowded 
to tender to the duke their services, with that of 
their vassals and retainers." (Hume's History of 
England, Boston edition of 1854, volume one, pages 
one hundred forty-one and two.) Readers of history 
will remember that these movements of ''William the 
Concpieror" were crowned with success at the battle 
of Hastings. October 14. lOiifl. 

As corroborative of the tradition in the Kolojip 
family of Lorraine, a tradition also exists in the Gal- 
lu]i family nf America that the founder of the Eng- 
lish branch came into England at the Coinjuest, from 
France. This tradition has often been related to the 
writer by the late Hallet (iallup of Norwalk. 

The tlillerent si)elling of the name by the two fam- 
ilies is no indication of a difference in origin. In 
those early days education was confined to the monas- 
teries, and family names were perjietuated by the me- 
dium of their children more than by written records. 
Afterwards, as education became more general, and 
men learned to irri/e tlieir names, the manner of 
spelling them was purely arbitrary, depending upon 
the sound, or the fancy of the individual. Kolop]) is 
a correct phonetic spelling of tlie (.{erman pronuncia- 
tion of Gallup. 



180 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



,/ 



Early in the seventeenth centurv, and previous to 
1G3^;, two Iti'others, John ;uul Williiun (ialluji. came 
over to this country from Enghuid and settled at 
Boston, then but an infant settlement. John was an 
English sailor and souii liecame a Massachusetts fish- 
erman, and with his little fishing smack became 
historic in the Indian troubles of that time — 1036 — 
(Palfrey's History of New England, volume one, page 
four hundred fifty-eight: Life and Letters of John 
Winthrop, pages one hundred fifty-eight, two hun- 
dred, and three hundred eighty-seven). He died at 
Boston about 165^, without issue. 

Soon after the settlement of New London, Connec- 
ticut, and about 1648, William, who is supposed to 
have married at Boston, became a resident of that 
part of New London since called Groton, where he 
brought up two sons, Ilallet and William (second), 
and probably other children. 

In 1675, Hallet received warning, from a friendly 
Indiin, of the trouble soon to culminate in that historic 
event known as "King Phillip's war." That warn- 
ing was the present of a wampum belt, or rather, a 
belt made out of the long coarse hair of the Idack 
bear, ornamented with whiteheads set in the form of a 
" W.'" This indicated war. He raised a company of 
soldiers and took them into that " direful swamp 
fight ''of Deceml)er 19, ITT.!). The following quota- 
tion shows his fate: 

" The legislature of the colony, in a representation 
of the services they had performed in the war, say: 
' In that signal service, the fort fight, in Narragan- 
sett, as we had our full number in proportion to the 
other confederates, so all say they did their full pro- 
portion of service. Three noble soldiers, Seeley, 
courageous Marshall and bold Gallup, died in the 
bed of honor: and valiant Mason, a fourth captain, 
had his death's wound.- There died many brave 
officers and sentinels, whose memory is blessed, and 
whose death redeemed our lives.' " (Barbor's Connec- 
ticut Historical Collections, page 31: see, also. Pal- 
frey's History of New England, volume III, page 177). 

William (second) survived the war and raised a large 
family, one of which was a son named William 
(third), who also raised a family of two lioys, William 
(fourth) and Hallet (second), and ten daughters, of 
whom there were six twins. 

This William (third) removed from (iroton, Con- 
necticut, to Kingston, Pennsylvania, in October, 
1774, and was living there at the time of the " Wyom- 
ing massacre," of July 3, 1778. His son Hallet 
(second) was in the fight, and escaped by floating 
down the Susquehanna river, with his body under 
water and his face protected from view, between two 
rails grasped in his hands. 

Two of his twin daughters, Sarah and Hannah, 
aged about five years, were captured and carried off 
by the Indians, painted and adopted by a sc|uaw, but 
.soon after ransomed. 

Hannaii, liorn at Groton, Connecticut, March 4, 
1773. was the Mrs. Hannah .loncs who died at Kintrs- 



ton, Pennsylvania, about 1860. Sarah, born at Gro- 
ton, Connecticut, March 4. 1773, was the Sarah Hoyt 
who died at Norwalk, Ohio, in 1858. She first 
married Peter Grubb, Jr. : after his death she married 
Mr. Agur Hoyt and removed to Daubury, Connecti- 
cut: from there tiiey removed, in 1831, to Norwalk, 
Ohio. She was the stepmother of Agur B. Huyt, 
now of Norwalk, and mother of William R. Hoyt, 
now of Toledo, Ohio. 

Another daughter. Mary, was engaged to be mar- 
ried to James Divine, of Philadelphia. He was at 
Kingston to visit her, and wa« one of the victims of 
July 3, 1778. She never married. 

William (fourth), then a lad. escaped the massacre, 
and, at maturity, married Freelove Hathaway, sister 
of sea captain Caleb Hathaway, of Philadel]ihia. 
Their children were William (fifth), Hallet (third), 
".James Divine" and Caleb Hathaway. 

William (fifth) came to Norwalk, Ohio, in 1818, 
and, on May 3, 1820. married Salley Boalt, daughter 
of Captain .John Boalt (the first marriage in Norwalk), 
and their children are: William (sixth), now living 
in Tiffin, Ohio: Matilda (Mrs. Wm. Bomliarger), now 
of Boulder, Colorado: Mary, dead; Francis, now of 
Denver, Colorado; Ruth Ann (Mrs. Lafayette S. Lyt- 
tle,) of Toledo, Ohio: George, of Tiffin, Ohio: Susan 
(Mrs. Thomas Thresher,) of Granville, Ohio: Samuel 
C, now of Pueblo. Colorado; James Divine (2d), now 
of Greensburgh, Indiana; .John (2d), now of Boulder, 
Colorado: Rose (ilrs. Albert Nusley,) of Sandusky 
City, Ohio). A 

Hallet (3d) was born at Kingston, Pennsylvania, in ' 
1796, and, upon his birth, a relative at Groton, Con- 
necticut, sent on to his parents the wampum belt 
given by the friendly Indian to CaptaiiiTIallet (1st) 
in 1775, with the request to name him Hallet. That 
belt is yet in almost perfect jtreservation in the pos- 
session of Carroll (fallup, of Norwalk, Ohio. 

In 1812, Hallet (3d) joined Captain Thomas' com- 
pany of Pennsylvania volunteers and served in the 
artillery under Harrison. C>n Ijciiig mustered out of 
service at the close of the war, he, m 1816, came to 
Bloomingsvillc, then in Huron county, and, in 1818, 
came to Norwalk. In 1819 he was appointed col- 
lector of the then Huron county. On April 9, 1820, 
he married Clarissa, daughter of Piatt and Sally 
Benedict, and died in his eighty-second year on .luly 
11, 1877, at Norwalk, Ohio. 

His wife, Clarissa, died at Norwalk, Ohio, just six 
months afterwards, on January 11, 1878, in the eighty- 
second year of her age. 

Their children were: Catharine, now livingat Nor- 
walk; Maria, (Mrs. M. A. Dunton) now living at Nor- 
walk; Lydia, died in childhood: C^arroU, now living 
at Norwalk; Sarah, (Mrs. Henry Brown) now living 
at Norwalk; Eliza, died in infancy; Calel) Hathaway, 
(second) now livingat Norwalk: Lix./.ic J^raiicis, now 
living at Norwalk. 

James Divine, third sou of William, (fourtli) -pent 
the greater part of his life as a mining engineer, in 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



181 



the tlien just developing coal regions of Pennsylvania, 
and died at JIauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, in March, 
1856; aged about rtfty-eight years: never married. 

Caleb Hathaway, fourth son of William, (fourth) 
was bom at Kingston, Pennsylvania, in 1802 ; came to 
Norwalk, Ohio, in 1825, and ojjened a cabinet shop 
on the lot so long occupied by the late John H. Foster. 
He died at Xorwalk. Septeml)er 20, 1827; not married. 

Caleb Hathaway, (second) wliose picture accom- 
panies this memoir, son of Ilalli-tr, (third) was born at 
Norwalk, Ohio, May 10, 1834. 

In 185ii. he graduated at Madison University, 
Hamilton, New York, from the "Literary and 
Scientific Course," and was the first student upon 
whom that institution conferred the "Degree, of 
Bachelor of Philosophy." 

In 1857, he commenced the study of law with 
Worcester and Pennewell, of Norwalk, and in April, 
1858, graduated from the Cincinnati Law School with 
the "Degree of Bachelor of Laws," and shortly after- 
wards opened an office at Norwalk. 

In 1859, he removed to St. John's, Michigan, and 
on July 19th, was admitted to practice law in the 
courts of that State. 

The next summer he removed from St. John's to 
Port Austin, Huron county, Michigan, arriving there 
on June 24:, ISOO. 

In tiie fall of that year, he was elected the first 
prosecuting attorney of that county, to which posi- 
tion he was re-elected for four succeeding terms, hold- 
ing tiie oflfice until January 1, 1871, — ten years. 

He also held the offices of circuit court commis- 
sioner and injunction master during most of the same 
period, as well as that of township treasurer, and 
several other minor offices. 

During the war of the relielliou, he acted as deputy 
United States Marshal for the western district of 
Huron county. Michigan; was him.self "drafted" and 



instead of being sent to the "front," was ordered 
back to duty as deputy marshal. 

In 18CG he was elected a member of the Michigan 
legislature for two years, and while acting in that 
capacity introduced and obtained the passage of a 
joint resolution calling on Congress to provide for 
and construct a liarbor of refuge at or near Point 
Au Barques, Lake Huron. He also hud ]irinted and 
circulated, at the different cities bordering the great 
chain of lakes, a petition to the same end. This was 
the first step ever taken to oljtain such a harbor, and 
did not meet with immediate success; l)ut it set the 
movement on foot that eventually culminated in the 
magnificent harbor of refuge now nearly completed 
at Sand Beach, Huron county, Michigan. Hundreds 
of vessels, thousands of sailors and millions of dollars 
worth of property now find safe shelter there from 
the terrible storms on lake Huron. 

In 1867-8-9 he made repeated efforts to oljtain an 
extention of the Western L'nion telegraph line from 
Lexington, seventy miles, to Port Austin, and with 
success. 

June 20, 1860, he married Kate M., daughter of 
John v., and Mary S. Vredenburgh, then of Peru, 
Huron county, Ohio. Siie died May 35, 1863. 

The issue of that marriage was one son, Richard 
Carroll, born September 2, 1861, at the Peru farm. 

November 3, 1869, married, as second wife, Helen 
A., daughter of William and Mary Glover, of Trenton, 
New Jersey, and niece of Hon. Joel Parker, of Free- 
hold, New Jersey, the only person who has twice 
held the position of governor of tliat State. She 
died April 8, 1872, at Port Austin, Micliigan, aged 
twenty-nine years, and is buried at Norwalk, Ohio. 

The issue of this second marriage was one daughter, 
Mabel Parker, born September 17, 1870, and one son, 
Herbert Alpheus, born April 5, 1872, both at Port 
Austin. 

July 9, 1872, removed with his children back to 
Norwalk, Oliio, his present residence. 



I 



WAKEMAN. 



OKIGIXAI. OWNERS. 

In the year 1T02 the State of Connecticut granted 
five hundred thousand acres of land, on the west end 
of the Western Reserve, to those of her inhabitants 
whose property had been destroyed by tire by the 
enemv during the revohitionary war. The grantees 
organized under the name of ''The Sufferers" Land 
Company." and on the 8th of November. 1808, the 
directors of the company met in the city of New 
Haven, Connecticut, and devised a phin for a division 
of the land among its members, which was made by 
lot. 

The four classes drawn for the four sections of 
Wakeman are exhibited in the following table, the 
first column of which contains the names of the 
"sufferers" as the grantees were called. The fig- 
ures opposite the names show the amount of each 
individual's loss in pounds, shillings, and pence. 
The right hand column contains the names of those 
persons who became owners of the claims, either by 
purchase or by heirship, and the amounts set opposite 
their names show the amount paid for the claims in 
the different sections. The value of each section of 
the township being arbitrarily fixed at one thousand 
three hundred and forty-four pounds and seven shil- 
lings, each classifier was ajiportioned a quantity of 
laud in the same ratio to the total amount as the 
amount of his claim bore to the total value. In the 
distribution of the lands, which, as previously stated, 
was made by lot, it sometimes happened that a claim- 
ant received land in each section of the township and 
in other townships. 





Classification No. 3. Section 2. 








Originat Grantees 


Am't Loss. 


Claisijied by. 


.J III 


7 C/osserf. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




i' 


8. 


d. 


Reubeo Beers 


510 


4 


a 


Jesup Wakeman 


160 


14 


11 


Mabel Osborne 


605 





i 




175 


6 


10 


Xata'l Wilson 


10 


17 


6 


Ebenezer Jesup, Jr 


8 


16 


11 


Thomas Bennit 


3 


3 


3 


.. .. 


3 


o 


3 


Sarah Briant 


IV 


10 





" 


17 


10 





Jason Disbrow 


16 


a 


4 


" •' 


16 


i 


4 


Hezekiah Hull 


10 










10 








John Hyde 


4T 


11 


3 




47 


11 


S 


John Hyde, Jr 


7 


6 


3 


.. 




6 


3 


Joseph "Hyde 


:B 








., .1 


3.^ 








Benjamin Maker 


15 


17 


4 


». .. 


15 


17 


4 


Rebecca Xash 


6 


7 


5 




6 


7 


5 


Peter Wliitney 


7 


<l 





.4 ., 


7 


9 





Josiah Bulkley 


10 








t. .. 


10 








Samuel Beers 


% 


s 


5 




4S 


4 


m 


Francis Forgue 


151 


16 





.• .1 


48 


15 


4 


Solomon Gray 


1 


3 


6 




1 


3 


6 


Benj Rumsey 




15 





" I. 




15 





John Dacis 


62 


14 


11 


.. •> 


53 





11^ 


Jereh Miller. Esq, 


a5;j5 


IS 


10 


Isaac Bronson 


311 


IS 


Bridget Ledyard 


:»r 


14 


5 


" 


134 


3 


91* 


Seth St urges 


403 





1 


.Jesup Wakeman 


6 


5 


s 


Stephen Suernev 


85 


5 


4 


'• *• 


37 


16 


7 


Moses Bulkley 


50 








I. (, 


34 


11 


6 


David Beers 


IW 


4 


6 


.. 


164 


4 


6 


David Burr 


:5S8 


o 


9 


" 


»i 


3 


6 



Footingof Classification No. 2, £l.:iU 



Classification No. 3, Section 3, 



Originat Grantees 


■ A 


ut Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


7 Ctasse:!. 




£ 


s 


d. 




£ 


s 


d. 


Stephen Thorp 


515 


1 


8 


Jesup Wakeman 


80 


1 


3 


John Smedley 


763 


10 


4 




190 


17 


7 


Jesup Wakeman 


13 


9 


11 




13 


9 


11 


Ohve Bulkier 


30 


5 


3 


.. ., 


:iO 


5 


3 


Abel Gould 


113 


6 


9 


" 


S3 


7 


10 


David Barlow 


374 


14 





Ebenezer Jesup, Jr 


.l.r 


3 


7 


.\uii Caldwell 


8 


8 





i. 


8 


8 





Joseph Gould 


17 










17 








Hezekiah Jennings 1 


1 





" 


1 


1 





Martha Jennings 


37 


18 







37 


18 





James Penfield 


6 


13 


■ 


.. .. 


6 


13 





Sarah Redfleld 


3< 


15 







38 


15 





Grace Spaldin 


90 


4 


4 


" 


.57 


13 


10 


Ebenezer Squire 


14 


14 


4 




14 


14 


4 . 


Richard Wain 


5 


8 


3 




5 


8 


3 J 


Gideon Wills 


39 


8 


8 




39 


8 


»1 


Nathaniel Wilson 


10 


17 


6 




S 





71 


Elizabeth Shapelv 
Jere* Miller. Esq 


383 


5 





Isaac Bronson 


1-25 




7H 


3535 


IS 


10 




310 


14 


IH 


Seth Sturges 


403 







Jesup Wakeman 


336 




9 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 



WAKEMAN. TOWN NIMBER FOIR. IN THE TWENTIETH 
RANGE. 



Classification No. i. Section 1 
Original Grantees. Am' I Loss. Classified by. 



Mable Osbirrne 
John Davis 
Nathan Godfrey 
Caleb Disbrow. 

two rights 
Isaac Hays, 

tw,> rights 
Isaac Hubbel 
Josiah Tliatcher. 
John .^ Daniel Ev- 

erslev 
Titus Hurlburt 
DaTid Burr 
N. Thomrson Xich 

oils 
N. Thompson Nich' 

oils 
John Whitehead 
Abigail Thompson 
Abigail Wynkoop 



£ 

605 

63 



114 

18 

400 

154 
1961 
388 



SI 

17 

8 

59 




14 
IS 



8 
IC 
6 



16 
8 
10 
15 



d. 



Jesup Wakeman 336 

Ebenezer Jesup. Jr. 10 

59 



1 
13 
13 



16 10 



1 


6U 




Isaac Bronson 



38 
18 
50 

131 
3S6 
139 



81 
1" 

8 
30 



4 
16 


17 

1 

14 



16 

8 
10 
15 



Footing of Classification No. 1. I'l.SW 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 
Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



Am't Clcused. 



d. 
9 



Mal>el Osborne 
Joseph ^uire 
Stephen Thort) 
John ..<; Daniel Ev- 

ersly 
Nath'i Benedict 
Titus Hurlburt 
Ebenezer Holt 
Elizabeth Shapely 
Eliznh Ab«l 
Nathaniel Burr 
Daniel Gorehani 
Seth Sturges 



8 


9H 



f 

605 
65 
515 

154 

;».<» 

1961 
15 
38i 
719 
33 
SO 
4U3 







1 

9 
13 
3 

rt 
5 
14 
18 

O 





6 



6H 
3 

1 


4 

' 

1 



Jesup Wakeman 



Am't Classed. 
£ s d. 
93 
65 
177 



Ebenezer Jesup, Jr. Si 

313 

Isaac Bronson 63 

15 

S56 

Jesup Wakeman 351 

14 

30 

49 



11 


9 

13 
9 
19 
5 
17 
14 
15 



Footing of Classification No 4. £1.:344 
NAME. 



31, 

4H 

11 
9 

1 



, The townsliip was named for Jesup Wakeman, one 
of the original proprietors of its soil. 

I NATIRAI. ArPEAKANCE. 

The surface is generally undulating, the eastern 
portion being more rolling than the western. The 

t:»-2i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



183 



Voniiillioa river inters the township from the south, 
near the center of the town line, and running a won- 
(lerfiillv ci-ooko<l course, i)a.s.-;e.s about a mile east of 
the center and leaves the townsliip a .<iiort distance 
west of the .section line. Brandy creek enters the j 
south line of the township, in the southwest part, and | 
forms a junction with the Vermillion a slmrt distance 
northeast of the center of the town. La Chapelle 
creek rises in Townsend, enters tiiis townshi]> south 1 
of the center road and leaves it a mile and a fjuarter 
east of tin- northwest corner. The stream is said to 
have derived its name from a Frenchman hy the name 
of De La Chapelle, who discovered and explored it 
to its source, long before the country was settled. 

The soil is generally a clay-loam with a mixture of 
sand and gravel in many places, and is adapted to a 
varied cultivation. The first settlers found this town- 
ship heavily timbered, the principal varieties being 
whitewood. white oak, beech, maple, black walnut, 
butternut, chestnut, hickory and basswood. On the 
river bottoms the sycamore, elm and sugar maple were 
chiefly found. 

N'ATIVE .VXIMAI.S. 

The princi|ial species of wild animals originally found 
in the forests of Wakeman. were the bear, deei'. wolf, 
wild-cat and fox. Bears, tliough not numerous, were 
occasionally seen. Deer were very numerous, and 
were frc(|ueiitly captured. They were the settlers' 
main dej)eTidenie for meat, wiiile their skins were 
used as an article of clothing by the male inhabitants. 
Suits made wholly of buckskin were worn only when 
absolute necessity required, a single wetting and dry- 
ing making them very uncomfortable. It was more 
generally used for facing the exposed iwrtion of the 
pantaloons. The neck was sewed (^n to the seat, and 
the balance of the hide on to the front of cjicli leg 
above the knee. 

Wolves were plenty, liut they were a shy animal, 
and perliaps were not as often seen as bears. They 
were exceedingly vexatious to the inhabitants, ren- 
dering night hideous with their almost incessant howl, 
and often attacking and killing sheep if not inclosed 
in pens. Large iiunting parties were sometimes 
formed for the purpose, chiefly, of ridding the coun- 
try of them, t)ut they were rarely caught in this 
manner. 

The wild turkey was the most important of the bird 
species, and wa.s found in great abundance. 

IXI)IAN.S. 

For about ten years after the arrival of the first 
-•I tiers, a band of Indians, consisting of fifteen or 
twenty families, came regularly into the township 
twice a year — in the spring to make maple sugar and 
ill the fall to hunt. They were from the region of 
Upper Sandusky, and were jirobably of the Wyandot 
and Seneca tribes. They made their trips in canoes 
of their own manufacture, which were made usually 
out of black walnut or white wood. On their return 



their canoes would be loaded with sugar or furs and 
venison. 

In reply to an iiKjuiry from Erastus FreiU'h, who 
had a curiosity to know how they would get their 
boats over the dams across the river, the answer was, 
"Yankee cow." (They would get a settler with a 
yoke of oxen to draw their boats around the dams.) 
They had a sugar camp east of the Vermillion, on land 
afterwards owned by Mr. Bunce. Their iiuts were 
made of elm bark, and their sap-troughs of the same. 
The last time they visited the place was in the spring 
of 1827. They left everything, evidently exi)ecting 
to return, l)ut they never came again. The troughs 
were carefully packed u]( inside the huts, the doors 
were tightly closed, and a stick i)laced against each 
one, signifying that no one was at home. 

On one occasion three Indians came to the house of 
Erastus French, and presenting a certificate of their 
honesty from Judge Meeker, asked for a "Yankee 
hack." Mr. French was unable tn understand what 
they meant, until one of the Indians jumped ujion a 
log and gesticulated as if digging out a canoe, when 
he rightly inferred that an adz was wanted, but had 
none to give them. They would frc'iuently call at 
the houses of the settlers for whisky, for which they 
would invariably offer something in exchange. When 
refused on the ground tl.iat they would get iliunk 
("cacoosie"), the plea would be "Injun no cacoosie 
now; cacoosie to-morrow." They would rarely get 
drunk away from their caniji. 

Mr. C. C. Canfield relates the following incident of 
his first sight of Indians: In that jiortion of the 
township formerly called the "windfall."' there were, 
in the earlv settlement, great quantities of blackber- 
ries. In the summer of 1817. himself, his brother 
Roval, Lemuel and Bennett Pierce, all lads whose 
ages ranged from six to nine years, mounted C'a]»tain 
Pierce's old mare, the only horse in the townshi)) that 
year, and started for the blackberry patch, \\hen they 
arrived at "the windfall," about a mile west of where 
the depot now stands, they suddenly discovered a 
party of Indians only a short distance away, mounted 
upon their ponies and coming directly toward them. 
The boys stood not upon the order of their going, but 
went at once. The old nag develo})ed a rate of speed 
on that homeward trip of which she had never been 
suspected. Over logs, brush and mud iioles she went, 
and fortunately anived at Mr. Canfield's without a 
boy less. The Indians followed along up to the 
house, greatly amu.sed at the boys" fright, and with 
many gesticulations described to the family tiie ap- 
pearance of the lads during their flight. 

SETTLEMENT. 

In 18K!, Burton Canfield, Bennett French, Joel 
Crane, Waite Downs, and other gentlemen living in 
Southbury, Connecticut, organized themselves into a 
company and purchiised of Wakeman, Bronson and 
Jesup. section three and subsequently the northern 
tier of lots of section four, the purchase amounting to 



184 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



about four thousand eight hundred acres, the price 
per acre being two dollars. 

This company entered into an agreement with the 
original proprietors?, who recognized the benefit it 
would be to their adjacent lands to have the tract 
sold, speedily settled, to furnish one settler each year 
for each one hundred and sixty acres of the purchase 
until each quarter section should be thus occupied. 
As the entire tract contained thirty (piarter sections, 
the company had thirty years in which to fill this 
pledge, and, long before the limit of time was reached, 
the agreement had been fulfilled. 

In eonse([uence largely of the above agreement, the 
character of the population that took possession of 
Wakeman was of the genuine Yankee sort; they were, 
almost without exception, from Connecticut. Most 
of them came from Southbnry, New Haven county, 
some from Litchfield and Fairfield counties, and a 
few from other parts of the State. 

The first family to take up its abode in the wilder- 
ness was that of Augustiu Canfiekl. ilr. Canfield 
started from New Milford, Litchfield county, with 
his wife and four children, his brother Burton Can- 
field, Seymour Johnson and his hired man, for the 
Fire-lands on the 39th day of April, 1817. While 
journeying through the "four-mile woods" west of 
Buffalo, the emigrants experienced a Ijreak-dowu, one 
of the axletrees of the wagon breaking off, at the 
wheel. The comjwny fortunately possessed sufficient 
mechanical skill to repair the damage, cutting out a 
piece of timber from a tree and splicing it on to the 
remaining part of the axle, and thus completed the 
journey without further mishap. 

Many anecdotes are related illustrative of the con- 
dition of the roads through Cattaraugus Swamp, or, 
more ]iarticularly, that portion of it known by early 
settlers as tiie "four mile woods."' A traveler, seeinsf 
a hat fioatiug on the mud. i^rocured a pole and tried 
to secure it, when a voice from below cried out. "Let 
me alone: I have a good horse under me, and 1 shall 
get through all right." 

Mr. Canfield and his associates arrived in Wakeman 
on the '2'3d day of May, jierforming the long journey 
in about three weeks. He settled on lot numlier 
twenty-three in the third section, building his cabin 
near the location of the present residence of John G. 
Sherman. The house was fourteen feet s(|uare, built 
of rougii logs, with a roof of elm bark and a floor of 
the same. Two large boxes, or trunks, placed to- 
gether constituted the only table in the house, and 
upon wliich the scanty meal was si>read. The house 
being without a fire place, the cooking was done by a 
log fire outside. Tliis primitive habitation was occu- 
pied about six weeks, when it was i-e]ilacfd by a more 
substantial log house, in which the family lived until 
18"22, when it was sold, with seventy acres on the 
soutli [lart of the lot, to Justin Shernuui. Mr. Can- 
field taking up his residence on the north jiart of the 
same lot, where he spent the renniinder of his life. 
He died September 10, 184s, aged nearly sixty-live. 



Mrs. Canfield died in February, 18(31, at the age of 
nearly seventy-two. They raised a family of five 
children. C. C. Canfield. the eldest, married Mary E. 
Hanford, daughter of Jal)ez Hanford, who settled in 
Wakeman in 18.31. Mr. Canfield has resided in the 
township for a period of sixty-two consecutive years. 
Royal R. Canfield was a physician, and died in North 
Carolina. Sarah Ann (now Mrs. N. W. St. Johns) 
resides at Oberlin. Harriet (widow of Curtiss Burr), 
and Burton M. Canfield reside in this township. 

The following incident which occurred in the sum- 
mer of 1817, when there were but three families in 
the township, will give some idea of the newness of 
the country at that time. While Mr. Canfield was 
assisting Captain Pierce in his logging, his family 
went over to spend the day. At night a thunder 
shower came up, and it being regarded hazardous for 
Mrs. Canfield and the children to undertake a journey 
of J/alf a mile, they remained at Mr Pearce's over 
night. But there was a cow at home to be milked, 
and Mr. Canfield had to go. He started on hor.se- 
back, with his little son Calvert on behind. After 
going a short distance he lost his path, and being 
utterly unable to find it again, had no alternative but 
to make a night of it in the woods. The storm was 
of great violence, and there was no shelter to be had. 
He therefore took the saddle from the horse, and 
placing it on the riven end of a tree that had been 
blown down by the storm, formed a cover for the boy, 
while he himself bore the pelting rain, and thus they 
spent the night. When daylight ajipeared he found 
that he had wandered only aliout thirty rods away — 
from the path. ■' 

Burton Canfield, who came in with Augustin Can- 
field and family, as j)reviously mentioned, returned to 
Connecticut a few weeks afterward: remained there 
five or six years, when, with his family of wife and 
son, he removed to this township, ^ 

The next man that penetrated the forests of Wake^MJ 
man was Amial P. Pierce. He arrived with his 
family, consisting of wife and four children, and a, 
hired man, about three weeks after the Canfields'J 
makiug the journey from Connecticut with an ox^ 
team. He made his location on the adjoining lot, 
number twenty-two. He always resided on thisj 
location. 

He was a man of large size and of great pliysical 
strength, excelling in this respect, any other of the 
pioneers with the exception of Mr. Bristol. He had 
borne the rank of captain in Connecticut, and the 
title was apidied to him here for many years, and 
until that of "Squire," owing to his long service as 
justice of the peace, was substituted. 

Mrs. Pierce is said to have been a woman of 
"strong emotions, firm Christian faitli and dee]) 
religious experience," She was the only ju-ofessing 
Christian in the first three families, and her exami)Ie 
and influence was most sahiiary. It is said that she 
found it very hard to become reconciled to the new 
life upon which she had entered. The change from 



"1 
I 

is|| 



HISTORY OF HUHOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



185 



tlu' comforts of a pleasant lioiiu' in the midst of 
churches, scliools and all tlii' appliances of civiliza- 
tion, to a home in a nule log caliin. o:irt about with 
impenetrable forest, with hardly the necessaries, to say 
nothing of the comforts, of life, was a severe trial to 
her. Her neighbor. Mrs. Bristol, on one occasion 
during ii visit, wishing to induce a more cheerful 
state of mind, hazarded the jirediction that she 
''might some day see a big meeting-house with a Itell 
in it!" Mrs. Pierce died many years ago. but she 
lived to see changes, physical and social, such as the 
most vivid imagination had never painted. She was 
the mother of seven children, as follows: Lemuel B., 
Bennett, Minott, Ann, David, Fanny and David. 
Minott Pierce, living in this township, and Mrs. Dr. 
Johnson, living at Oberlin, are the surviving mem- 
bers of the family. 

About a month after Mr. Pierce, came Samuel Bris- 
tol, with his wife and one son. They started on their 
western journey with two yoke of oxen and one horse 
ahead, on the 28th day of May, and arrived in Ver- 
million, Erie county, where friends of the family 
were then living, on the 4th of July following. The 
mother and child remained a few weeks in Vermillion, 
while Mr. Bristol came on to Wakeman and com- 
menced the work of preparing a home for them. He 
erected his cabin, north of his neighbors, on lot num- 
ber eleven. Two years afterwards he exchanged his 
farnl for land on lot twenty-one in order to be on the 
road. Mr. Bristol was a man of untiring industry, 
by which, couiliined with economy and good manage- 
ment, he acquired a tine property. He spent the later 
years of his life in the home of his son. Nelson, in 
Florence, Erie county. During his residenoe there 
an event occurred which, not improbably, hastened 
his death. He and his son. Nelson, owned a large 
amount of jiroperty, both real and personal, the latter 
consisting mostly of United States coupon bonds, 
which were kept in an iron safe in the house. In the 
dusk of the evening, June 26, 1866, a gang of bur- 
glars, five in number, entered a room in which the 
family were gathered, and on the pretense that they 
were government detectives in search of stolen bonds, 
demanded access to those in their possession, for the 
purpose of inspection. The members of the family 
were tied together with a cord taken from the bed, 
and after ai hour -of argument and threats the safe 
was opened by Mr. Nelson Bristol, and the thieves 
secured sixteen thousand five hundred dollars in l)onds 
and money, two thousaiul four hundred dollars of 
which belonged to two other farmers in the neighbor- 
hood. The robbers were captured, trieil and at first 
convicted, but were eventually cleared on proof of an 

lllihi. 

Samuel Bristol died in Florence, Erie county, at 
the residence of his son, August 13, IS'IT, within a 
week of eighty years of age. He possessed a large, 
stalwart frame, and corresjionding physical strength 
and ca])acity for ciulurance, excelling in this respect 
any other man in the suctlcmont. Mrs. Bristol still 

24 



survives, having reaoiierl the advanced age of ninety 
years. She is blind. Ijut otherwise retains her facul- 
ties unim})aired. 

The first year of the scttlenieiit, wheat was two dol- 
lars and potatoes one dollar and seventy-five cents ]ier 
bushel, ]iork thirty dollars per barrel, aiul oftener of 
the '•shack" variety than otherwise. Until the land 
was brouglit under cultivation provisions were gener- 
ally obtained in the surrounding earlier settlements. 

Erastus French joined the little band in the woods 
of Wakeman in the fall of 1817. He was thru a 
young man twenty years of age. He made the jour- 
ney with one horse and a light wagon, coming by 
way of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then called the 
"southern route."' On arriving in Wakeman. ho 
directed his course toward the caliiii of Captain 
Pierce, the bright, cheerful iiearth fire of which he 
could see for some distance through the unchinked 
cracks between the logs. When he arrivc<l there be 
was in a sorrowful condition. Recent rains had so 
swollen the streams, that, in order to ascertain 
whether it would be safe to drive into them, he would 
first wade through them, and thus became wet nearly 
from head to foot and almost covered with mud. 
And so the first thing in order after his arrival was to 
put himself in a condition for association with civil- 
ized people: but a bath in a mud-puddle near the 
cabin hardly produced the desired effect. He selected 
a location on lot thirty-two and began the work of 
improvement: but what could a man do in the Wake- 
man wilderness without a wife? For three years the 
young man worked out the problem in this way: lie 
boarded at Mr. Pierce's for a time at two dollars and 
fifty cents a week; but afterwards, in order to save 
expense — an important consideration with him at that 
time — he bought his own provisions and paid Mrs. 
Pierce fifty centy per week to cook them for him, 
eating his simple meal at a separate table. His bill 
of fare was less varied than wholesome, consisting 
generally of mush, milk and corn bread. 

In May, 182(), he was united in marriage to Ruth 
Squire, daughter of .loab S(|uire, an early settler in 
Florence. A short time afterwards he made a visit 
to Connecticut to obtain some money, and i)erformed 
the entire journey — with the exce])tioii of eighteen 
miles bv lake, which consumed three days — alone on 
foot with his knai)sack on his Ijack. He averaged 
nearlv fortv-five miles per day, a ri'iiiarkablc ))edes- 
trian feat considering the condition of the country, 
much of his course leading through swamj) and dense 
woods. But iiat iiri' pro\ iilcil Mr. i<'rench wit b a good 
jiair of walkers and few iiu'ii could keep up with him 
in his vounger days. During the journey mentioned 
he fell in witli a traveler whose company was very 
agreeable, but he was unable to keej) along with Mr. 
French, and, after a day oi- so, was left liehind. 

His first wife died June i;t, 1.S4.'), and. in 18.51, he 
married Mrs. William Doughty, with whom he is now 
living a short distance north of his original location, 
aged eighty-one. 



180 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COrNTIES, OHIO. 



In May, 1818, Dr. Harmon M. Clark and wife 
moved into town. His father'^ family came to Ohio 
at the j^ame time, .settling in Medina county. Dr. 
Clark located on lot twenty-four, where George Mcr- 
doff now lives. He wa.s a practising physician, and 
was a valuable acquisition to the settlement. A rela- 
tion of the hardships attendant upon his i)ractice 
would he a revelation to some of the younger mem- 
hers of the profession of the present day. He traveled 
on foot, with his saddle-ljagson his arm, through this 
and adjacent settlements, wading through streams, 
and often picking his way through the forest only Ijy 
means of blazed ti-ees, ministering to the necessities 
of all, without regard to compensation. If a patient 
was able to pay, a moderate fee was taken, which was 
frequently paid in produce, while from others nothing 
whatever was received or exjiected. He subsequently 
went as a missionary among the Indians, on the 
Maumee, but did not remain long. He and his wife 
eventually took up their residence with their son-in- 
law, Dr. Bryant of Amherst, and Mrs. Clark died 
there in 1863. He afterwards made his home with 
his son, Dr. Henry Clark of Ashland, and suljse- 
(piently died there. They had a family of five chil- 
dren, four of whom are now living, Imt none in this 
townsbi]). 

Barzilla S. Hendricks, his wife and adojjted son, 
came into the township in the spring of 1819. and 
settled where George Denton now lives. Mr. Hen- 
dricks was killed by an accident, February 5. 1830. 
He and his wife had been to the Centre in attenadnce 
upon a meeting of some kind, and when near Merritt . 
Hyde's, on their return home, a part of the harness 
gave way, the sleigh was wrecked, and Mr. Hen- 
dricks received injuries which caused his death the 
following day. His first wife died in the early years 
of their settlement, and he married again a few years 
afterward. His second wife is yet living. 

Abram Bronson, a brother-in-law of Mr. Hendricks, 
witii his wife, a son and hired man, came in with the 
Hendricks family, and settled where Mr. C. C. C^an- 
lield now lives. He died on this place a little more 
than a year after his arrival — August 20, 1820. 

Sheldon Smith and family and Burton French 
arrived in October, 1820. Mr. Smith took up his 
residence on the place first occupied by Mr. Hen- 
dricks. His wife, who was a daughter of Mr. Silas 
French, died in Wakeman in February, 1831. Mr. 
Smith stibsequently married again, and removed to 
tiie township of Berlin, Erie county, where he after- 
wards died. 

Silas French, the father of Burton and Erastus, 
witii his family, the wife of Burton and Miss Sally 
Sherman, joined the settlement in June, 1821. Mr. 
French made his location in the western part of the 
township, and lived there until Ids death, in May, 
1842. aged sixty-nine. 

l-hastus French is the only surviving member of 
the t'aniily. Burton French lived with Erastus until 
the arrival of Ids wife, when he settled near Ins father. 



In June, 1821, Justus Minor, with his wife and 
two children, moved into the ]dace. The family 
found shelter in the log school house near Mr. Can- 
field's until a house could be erected on their selected 
location at the center of the town, on lot forty-six. 
Mrs. Minor died at the school house a short time after 
their arrival, and her remains were borne to the center 
for burial, a i)ath being underbrushed from the school 
house to the center, a distance of about two miles, for 
the funeral procession. Mr. Minor's settlement was 
the first in the township, outside of the third section. 
He chose the center as being in his view the most 
natural place, in the township, for a piobable future 
village, and especially for the church, the location of 
wdiich he had determined to have fixed there. Dis- 
sension and division had been experienced in the 
church of which he was a memlier in Connecticut, 
occasioned by the location of the church remote from 
the center of the townshi]!, and he resolved to prevent 
a similar difficulty here. As a ]ireliininary step in 
the accomplislimeut of his design he offered to board 
a settled minister the first year without charge, and 
the Rev. Mr. Betts, on his arrival a few years after- 
wards, as pastor of the Congregational cluirch, first 
took up his abode at his house. He was unable, how- 
ever, to cornpletely carry out his plan. The mills had 
been located on the Vermillion, half a mile north of 
the center, and they formed the nucleus of a settle- 
ment which grew faster than that at the center, -and 
the meeting houses were eventually located between 
the rival points. 

A few years after iiis first wife's death, Mr. Minor 
was united in marriage to Miss Delia Palmer of Fitch- 
ville, and in 1832 removed to tiiat township and re- 
sided there a number of years, and then, I'eturned to 
Wakeman, residing here the remainder of his life. 
He was the father of four children, one of whom 
(Cyrus Minor), resides at Collins, Townsend townshi]), 
aged seventy-eight. 

Chester Manville came from Litchfield county, Con- 
necticut, to Wakeman. in May, 1822. He came afoot 
and Peter Sherman witli him. though not for tiie 
purpose of settlement at that time. He came to take 
charge of tlie remains of a brother wiio had lost liis 
life a short time before on the Ohio river. Nor. in- 
deed, did young Manville come out to remain, but 
rather to see his sweetheart. Miss Dot ha Minor, who 
had emigrated hither with her ))arents the year i)re- 
vious. He naturally protracted his visit, not return- 
ing to Connecticut until the next winter, when MV. 
Sherman returned with him, again making the jour- 
ney on foot. The following spring, Mr. Manville and 
a sister, wiio afterwards became the wife of Amos 
Clark, moved out, with a horse and single wagon. 
They brought with tiiem a few household gooils. and 
Miss Ruth rode in the wagon and drove the horse, 
while the lirother aeeoin]iauied her on foot, making 
for the third time the journey in that manner. He 
nuirried Doiha ^Minor, March 31, 1S24, and settled 
wluTe he now i-esides, on lot twelve, section three, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE GOUNTIE:t). OHIO. 



187 



payinir two dollars and seventv-fivc cents per acre for 
his land. His wife died Feliruarv 8, 1S4-.', in the 
foriy-tiftli year of her aj^e. Mrs. Manville was a 
must excellent woman, loved and imnored liy her fam- 
ily, and hiphly esteemed l)y all who know her. Mi-. 
Manville was snbseiiuently twice married, but death 
took from him his last companion some years since. 
One son and two daughters nw now living, viz: 
James H. .Manville, on the old homestead: Mrs. Pel- 
let, in New York, and Mrs. Ellis, in Clyde. Ohio. 
His oldest son, John, when nineteen years of age was 
kicked hy a horse, causing his death forty-eight hours 
afterwards — June 12. 1S47. 

Mr. Manville is now living at the residence of his 
son James, in Wakeman. aged eighty-three. In his 
younger davs, and when the country was new, he 
often pursued the business of hunting as a pastime. 
He reports to the writer the killing of nearly one 
hundred deer and wild turkeys, and smaller game too 
numerous to mention. 

Next in order was Justin Sherman, with his family 
of wife and five chihlren, in Septemlier, 18"^2. He 
canu' through with a four-horse team, and ni'ade an 
uuusuallv (piick trip. He purchased of Augustin 
t'antield the south part of lot twenty-three, and took 
up his abode in the old log house of Mr. Cantield, 
which his purchase embraced; this was replaced five 
years afterward by a substantial frame house, the first 
in the township. His wife died in ISS-t, and he sub- 
sei(uently married a Mrs. Redding. His own death 
took |ilace in August, 18G.5, at the advanced age of 
eighty. Mr. Sherman established the first store in 
the township, and was the first postmaster. His 
surviving children are, N. G. Sherman, livuig at 
Norwalk: Mrs. Colonel Gideon Waugli. in Kansas: 
George B. and John G., in this township. The eldest 
son, Lewis, was accidentally killed in the spring of 
IS'^'i. While at work by the side of a burning log-heaj) 
in his clearing, he was struck on the head by a fall- 
ing tree — burned at the root — crushing his skull. 
He fell into the fire and, when found, he was burned 
almost beyond recognition. He was twenty-four 
years of age at the time of his death, and left a 
young wife to mourn his untimely loss. 

I'liilo Sherman came in at the same time, and set- 
tled south of his brother Justin. He was an active 
member of the -Methodist Episcopal church, and was 
its first class-leader in Wakeman. 

Leveritt Hill came in about this time. He was 
then unmarried, Init afterward marrii'd .Miss Esther 
Strong, a sister of Cyrus Strong, and settled in the 
western part of the tcjwnship. His father, Isaac Hill, 
ami his family moved in a tVw years after, and settled 
in the same ueighliorhuiid. The llilN wiTf rnmi 
lioiitslown, I'ortage county. 

In May. IS'^I!, ilerritt Hyde ami family arri\eil and 
located on the section line wc.-t of liie center. Mr. 
Hyde was postmaster for a number of years, and a 
worthy citizen. His widow still resides in Wake- 
man. -V son. Monroe Hyde, was kille(l September 



28. 1834, by being tlirown over a horse's head, and 
breaking his neck. The accident occurred in Flor- 
ence, (Ui the farm no\\ mvneil bv the widow of Simon 
Sprague. 

In the summer of ls-,"3. .\imis Clark, a brother of 
the doctor, came in from Mc^lina county. His land 
which he received from his father, was emljraced in 
the same lot as that of his l)rother. May. IS-'C,, he 
married Ruth Ann ilauville. who came in with her 
brother Chester, as jireviously stated, and began 
iiousekeeping on the farm on which he has ever since 
resided. Mr. Clark is now aged seventy-seven. His 
wife died April i, 1878. 

Russell Barnes and family arrived in the spring of 
1824, and took up his location on lot numlier twentj'- 
six in the fourth section. He finally moved to Ver- 
million where he died of eancer in 18.51. 

William Beers settled a short distance west of Can- 
field's Corners, but subsequently moved to the south 
part of the township. 

In the summer of 182i) Sheldon I'arnes and his 
family, consisting of his wife and one child, came m. 
At Bntfalo they took a vessel for Huron (ji- Sandusky, 
but were driven by a storm into the moutii of Black 
River, and from there they came to Wakeman. the 
mother and child on horseljack and the father on foot. 
After a stay of a few months with his In-other-in-law, 
Johnson Wheeler, in Townsend, Mr. Baiiies settled 
in Wakeman, near the west line of the townslii)>. He 
was a carpenter by trade and frequently changed his 
location as the prosecution of his work rei|iMred. and 
a part of the time lived in other townships. One 
day, soon after their settlemenr, Mrs. Barnes was out 
in the woods, not far distant from the Ikuisc. with 
her child in her arms, and met a bear in hei' path. 
Thev parted on good terms, though without an em- 
brace. 

Mr. Barnes died in this township in isi;(i. aged 
sixty-seven. Two children are now living in Wake- 
man — George A., where Peter Shernnm foi-merly 
lived, and Mrs. A. P. Phillijis. on the old homestead. 
Rufus J. Bunco and family arrived in Wakeman in 
September, IS'JT'. and. during the erection of his 
lujiise near the center, took uji his abode in a log 
house near the mills east of the Vermillion river. 
'J'here were no settlers on that side of the river at 
that time. During their occupancy of the house near 
the mills the \'ormillion was swollen by rains to an 
unusual heighth, and Mr. Bunce was in the habit of 
forrving jiooplo across, as occasictli required, using for 
this purpost.' an Indian eanoe. On one occasion he 
I came verv near losing iiis life. He was crossing for 
j Burton French when his oar bi'oko in the middle of 
[ the stream. The current was rapid and he was 
I ipiickly swept over the dam below, in going over 
} which he was thrown out of the boat. For a moment 
I his rescue seemed im])ossible, but he succeeded in 
getting away from the angry water under the dum 
and was carried by the current nearly to the bridge, 
when, w-ith the timely assistance of Mr. French, he 



188 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



succeeded in reaching the bank. Mr. Dunce's perma- 
nent location was on the hill, a short distance east 
of the center. The place is now owned by Mr. Lucius 
Hall. The house, altliough not in a very advanced 
stage of completion, was considered ready for occu- 
pancy by January. The household goods, with the 
mother and children, were loaded on a flat-boat, 
which the father and some of the neighbors, with a 
rope, pulled up the river to the mouth of Brandy 
creek, where a landing was made. 

Mr. Buuce died in Wakeman on his original loca- 
tion in January, 1873, aged sixty-two. His widow 
is yet living and is seventy-eight. Two daughters — 
Mrs. Lucius Hall and Mrs. David Pierce — reside in 
Wakeman. The late Edward J. Biinee, a sou, was a 
man of more than ordinary intelligence and held the 
offices of justice of the peace and postmaster for a 
number of years. 

In the year 1827, Isaac Todd, then a young man 
eighteen years of age, came into the township, and 
the' year following bought the farm where he now 
lives, on lot eighty-seven m section one. . There Avas 
no improvement east of him at that time. In 1830, 
lie married Fanny Booth, sister of Mrs. Buuce. He 
felt unecpial to the expenditure necessary to obtain a 
mai'riage license, in the absence of which, the law 
re(juircd the publication of the banns from the pulpit. 
He accordingly requested liis pastor. Rev. Mr. Betts, 
to make tlie announcement, adding that he didn't 
think he should be present on the occasion. "Don't 
let that keep you away from church," said Mr. Betts, 
"I can make the announcement at the beginning of 
the service and you can come in a little late ; but 
come to cluirch as usual."' He followed his pastor's 
good advice, and when Sunday came, went to church, 
entering the house at a stage of the service when he 
was sure the notice had been made. But instead of 
his pastor, a stranger was in tlie pulpit, and to the 
young man's surprise and mortification the announce- 
ment was made immediately after he took his seat, 
after the preliminary services instead of before, as was 
intended. This was enough; but when the ])reacher 
announced for the text, "Remember Lot's wife,'' 
which, in his embarassnient, ilr. Tt)dd thought had 
special reference to him, he was crushed, and retains 
only an indistinct recollection of the rest of the ser- 
vice. He thinks Mr. Betts made a blunder in ex- 
changing ])ulpits without informing the ofKciating 
minister of the previous arrangement. 

Mr. Todd seems t» have had a hard struggle of it 
in the Wakeman forest. Prosperity came slowly. For 
sometime after his marriage he was destitute of a pair 
of boots or shoes, and in attending church, his wife 
would wear her every day shoes, carrying her Sun- 
day's best, until near the church, when she would 
take them otf for her husljand to wear, and put on her 
best ones. Afterwards, when he became able to own 
a yoke of oxen, they rode to church on a sled, the 
yeai- round. 

Kneclaud Todd, a twin-Virotlier of Isaac, came in 



soon after. He subsequently married a sister of 
Isaac's wife, and settled in the same vicinity. It was 
said that the brothers so closely resembled each other 
tliat even their wives were often puzzled to dis- 
tinguish one from the other. This part of the town- 
ship took the name of the "Todd Settlement." and 
is still so-called. 

Martin Bell and family, his father, Elias Bell and 
family, and Simeon Brown and family, were early 
residents in this portion of the township. 

As jn-eviously mentioned. Peter Sherman first vis- 
ited Wakeman in the spring of 18"2:i. In the year 
1828, he moved out with his family, wife and one 
child, and settled on the place now occupied by his 
son-in-law, George A. Barnes. His frame house was 
one of the earliest built in the township east of the 
Vermillion. He died at the residence of his son-in- 
law, Mr. Barnes, February 2'i, 1878, at the age of 
eighty-three years. 

Cyrus Strong was also one of the early settlers in 
this part of the township. His location was the next 
east of Rufus Biiiiee. He still occupies liis original 
location. 

James Wilson was one of tlie earliest settlers in the 
vicinity of the grist mill, which he run in an earlyMI 
day. His house stood on the west bank of the river. " 

A short distance north of Wilson, at the end of the 
road leading from Dr. Clark's, was Nathan Downs. 

Woodward Tood moved in, in 1822, and a year or| 
two after moved to the center of Townsend, and tookj 
cluirge of the store of William Townsend. He re- 
mained only about a year, when he returned to Wake- 
man and resided on the place now occupied by William 
Wilbur. Mr. Todd is now living a short distance 
south of Norwalk. 

North of Mr. Todd's, a short distance, Lucius 
Tomlinson and family settled at an early date. 

South of the center, on the road to Clarksfield, the 
earliest settlers were Lewis Beers and ^larcellus Booth; 
and southwest of the center, aliout a mile, the first 
settler was Gersham Shelton. 

On the west township line, on tlie center road, a 
Mr. Parsons settled at an early date. He subse- 
(piently committed suicide. 

Bela Coe was an early settler, his location being infl 
the third section, a short distance south of Amos^ 
Chirks. 

Also, comparatively early in ditfercnt portions of 
the township: John Brooks, Jabez llanford, Hiram ■^ 
Rumsey, Henry T. Peck, Isaac Ilaskins, Dr. Curtis HI 
and Captain Bell. 

Reuben Hall emigrated from Connecticut to tlie 
Western Reserve in the fall of 1805. settling in Can- 1 
field. Mahoning county. He remained there a year, 
and then removed to Rootstown. Portage county, 
where he lived eleven years. There he married, 
March 7, 1810, Betsey Coe, daughter of Israel Coe, 
formerly of Granville, Massachusetts. In 181 (J he 
moved to Brimfield, in the same county, wlieiue, af- 
ter a residence of nineteen vears, he eaiui' witli his 



I 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



189 



t'ainilv to this township, fixing his location on lot 
tuentv-nine in the fourth section. He died on this 
place Xoveniber 10, 18G1. Mr. Hall was a man of 
intelligence, earnest religions zeal and a useful mem- 
ber of society. Mrs. Hall died .lune 13, ISfiS. Of 
the nine children born to them, only two are now 
livins;, — Alvan C, on the old iiomestead, and Lucius 
S. near the center. 

The Irish began to settle in the township about 
tiie time of the building of the railroad — in 1852. 
One of the first was Tiiouuis C'oury. He was a native 
of Galway, Ireland, and emigrated to the United 
States in 1847. He formerly lived in Camden, Lo- 
rain county, and moved thence to Wakeman, settling 
in tiic east part of the township, where he con- 
tinued to reside until his death, March 5, 1879. 

There are now about fifty Irish families in the town- 
shij), and they are, as a general thing, a respectable 
and industrious class of citizens. 

In the returns of the enumeration of the white 
male inhabitants over the age of twenty-one years in 
Huron county in 1829, as made by George Sheffield, 
county assessor, the following persons are given as 
such inhabitants of Wakeman : 



Samuel Bristol. 
Amial P. Pierce. 
Augustin Canfield. 
■Woodward Todd. 
JUKtin Sherman. 
Harmon M. Clark. 
Aaron Parsons. 
Samuel B. Barnes. 
Garry B, Hyde. 
William Beers, 
(iershain Shelton. 



Asahel Buck. 
Elisha Shelden. 
Erastus French. 
Philo Sherman. 
Shelden Smith. 



Ichaboil T. Norton. 
Chester Manvil. 
James W^ilsou. 
William Barnes. 
Amos Clark. 



Barzilla S. Hendricks. Silas French. 

Isaac Hill. Bela Coe. 

Merritt Hyde. L'^wis Patterson, 

Marshal Johnson. Enoch Johnson. 

Justus Minor. Cyrus Minor. 

JIarcellus Booth. Harry Smith. 

EARLY E \' E X T S . 



THE FIKST WEDDIXti 

ill Wakeman was that of Marshall Johnson and 
Marinda Bradley. Tiiey were married in October, 
l>2i), at the house of Abram Bronson, Dr. Clark, 
ju.stici' of the i)eace, performing the nuptial cere- 
mony. Mr. Johnson came in as a hired man with 
Captain Pierce, and Miss Bradley was a relative of 
the Bronson family. They settled a short distance 
-oiiihwest of the center, and raised a family of thir- 
I ii-ii chihlreii. 

T'he next couple married was Natiianiel Hine, of 
Berlin, and Ruth Sherman. They were married in 
the winter of 1821 at the house of Samuel Bristol, 
also by Esquire Clark. Mr. Hine was subsequently 
drowned while crossing the Vermillion, a short dis- 
tance above Terryville, in Florence. Mrs. Hine 
afterwards removed to Brownhelm. where she died. 

THE FIliST CHILD HUKX 

<'\' civilized parents, in the townshii), was Burton M. 
(lutield. This event occurred April 18. 1818. Mr. 
( anfield married Louisa Cunningham, and now lives 
III the village of Wakeman. 

llie tirst girl l}aby was Mary Smith, daughter of 
Sheldon and I'hedima Smith. Itorn in April. 1821. 



The birth of Laura French, daughter of Erastus 
and Ruth French, was the second female birth. She 
was born May 17, 1821. and ilied December 9, 18-1:9, 
unmarried. 

Sarah Ann Ji>hnson, daughter of the first couple 
married, was l)orii the same year. She i.s now living 
in Wakemaii. 

THE FIKST DEATH 

was that of Mrs. Ilendrii'ks. mother of Mr.<. Abram 
Bronson, which occurred in the year 1820. The death 
of Mr. Bronson occurred a short time after that of 
Mrs. Hendricks. 

The first burying-gi'ound was on the southwest 
corner of the cross-roads, across from where Mr. 
Mordoff now lives. Some of the bodies were after- 
wards taken up and I'emoved to other places, and the 
former location was abandoned as a place of burial. 
The first interment in the cemetery at the center 
was that of Mrs. Justus Minor before referred to. 

THE FIRST FHAME ERECTION" 

was the barn of Justin Sherman built in 1823. The 
first completed frame house was also erected by Mr. 
Sherman in 1827. It is the house now occupied by 
John G. Sherman. Sheldon Barnes commenced the 
erection of a frame iiouse previous to that of Mr. 
Sherman's, but before it was finished, it was taken 
down, and removed to another location. 

THE FIRST PrilLIC HOUSE 

was kept by Marcus French, half a mile west of the 
center, on the section line. The place is now occu- 
pied by Mr. Rice. 

The first regular train of cars ran through the town- 
ship November 24. 1852. 

The first and only known murder committed in the 
township occurred in May, 1843. The victim was the 
wife of Alexander Lawtha. She was strangled to 
death by the hands of her husband, assisted by John 
Simpson, a neighlior. The boily of the woman was 
thrown into a well, and when found, the print of the 
fingers on her neck could be plainly .-ieen. The mur- 
derers were convicted of the crime, and Lawtha was 
sentenced to the penitentiary for life, but before his 
removal from the county jail, he cut his throat wilii 
a razor, but liefore death maile a confes.sion of his 
crime. Simpson was se'iiteiiced to the pciiitciii iary 
for ten years, and .served out his term. 

TUWXSHIP OHOAXIZATIOX. 

Wakeman-was attached to Florence for lownshi]) 
purposes until Feliruary, 1824, at which time, on 
petitimi of the inhaljitants, it was set off by the 
county commissioners, and organized indejiendently. 
The election was held at the log school hou.-^e near 
Mr. Caufield's, in April following. Woodward Todd 
was elected clerk: Samuel Brisiol. Justin Sherman 
and Silas French, trustees; Amial 1*. Pierce, treasurer; 
Justin Slierman and Silas French, overseers of the 



I 



190 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



poor; Augustin Canfield and Isaac Hill, fence view- 
ers; Aug.ustin Canfield, appraiser; Cyrus Minor, lister; 
Amos Clark and Mareiis French, supervisors; Erastus 
French, constalile: Dr. H. M. Clark, justice of the 
peace. During his term of three years he issued 
neither a warrant, nor a summons wjiieh attests the 
law-ahiding cliaracter of the inhahitants.. Dr. Clark 
was followed in office by Captain Pierce. 

Township officers elected in April. 18T9, are as 
follows: W. J. Redfield, clerk: George Humphrey, 
James A. Cummings and Elon Parker, trustees; H. 
J. Shannon, treasurer: Eugene Gibson, assessor; S. T. 
tiibson and B. L. Dereamer, justices of the peace; 
Samuel White and Thomas Conry, constables. 

MILLS. 

The (irst settlers went to Esquire Merry's mill in 
Milan township to get their grinding done, a distance 
of fourteen miles as the road originally ran. Subse- 
quently, and until the erection of a grist mill by Bur- 
ton Canfield in lS2i, they obtained their grist at Bug- 
gies" mill in Florence, and at Husted"s mill in 
Clarkstield. In 18-.J3, Burton Canfield built a saw 
mill on the Vermillion, where the grist mill now 
stands east of Wakeman village. The next year 
he added a frame grist mill with one run of 
stone. The mill stones were made out of the ordi- 
nary •'liard head" stone by Elder Phillips, a pioneer 
Baptist preacher of Berlin. He took the jt)b for 
thirty-tive dollars, and realized less than a shilling a 
day, the stone proving harder than he had estimated. 

A saw mill was built on the La Chapelle in 1823 
by Justin Sherman. This and the Canfield mill were 
erected at the same time, but the Sherman mill sawed 
the first log. On the same stream there were for- 
merly three other saw mills, one built by Esquire 
Pierce about tlie year lJ>33, one by C. C. Canfield in 
1840. and one Ijy B. M. Canfield in 1848. That of 
C. C. Canfield was in operation for thirty years, and 
did an extensive business. The only saw mill now in 
operation in this portion of tiie township is the steam 
mill of Darwin Canfield, located on lot twenty-one. 
Cyrus Minor built a saw mill at an early day on Bran- 
dy creek, the only mill ever erected on that stream. 

THE W.\KEMAN CHEESE FACTORY. 

a stock concern, was incorporated in the s]>ring of 
1867 with a cai)ital invested of about *7.fiOi). The 
factory has been operated under a lease by the Messrs. 
Vanfleet Bros, for the last three years, who have done 
an extensive business in the manufacture of butter 
and cheese. 

Henry Peck also has a cheese factory in the south- 
west quarter of the township, Imt it is not in opera- 
tion. It has done an extensive business. 

EARLY ROADS. 

The first road was that along the west town line, 
called the "Reed road." a man of that name having 
0))eiud it. The first road within the township was 



that along the line of the first settlements, called the 
New London road. It is a mile east of the west line 
road, and runs a generally north and soutli direction. 
It was opened by the settlers, being at first merely 
underbrushed and originally ran a more crooked course 
than it now does, in order to avoid swales and steep 
hills. The east and west center road was opened 
west of the center in 1825 or 1826, and east of the cen- 
ter a few years after. 

EDUCATIOXAL. 

The first school was opened by Mrs. Dr. Clark in 
her own house, in the summer of 1818. Her scholars 
were Calvert C, Royal R. and Sarah Ai.n Canfield: 
Lemuel B., Bennett and Minott Pierce. Mrs. Clark 
taught for one dollar per week, and boarded herself. 
Her wages were paid, not in money, but in the pro- 
ducts of the soil, the usual legal tender in those early 
tinies. The school was also kept by Mrs. Clark in 
the log house of Mr. Canfield. The scholars would 
each carry an ear of corn to school which the teacher 
would boil for them, this constituting the only dinner 
they had. School was kept in Wakeman only a few 
weeks in the year, and the children, or at least the 
boys, the eldest of whom was not more than ten years 
of age. attended a school in Florence, traversing an 
unbroken forest for a distance of three miles. In the 
year 1820 the first school house was built, of logs of 
course, on the farm of Augustin Canfield. about forty 
rods north of where John G. Sherman now resides. 
Levi Bodwell, of Clarksfield, taught the first school 
in this house and was the first male teacher in tiie 
place. Levi Piatt, now living in the township of 
Greenfield, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, wa^H 
the next. He was followed by Dr. Clark. ■ 

The log school house served tlie double purpose of 
a place of teaching and a house of worship for aliout 
nine years, when it was replaced by a comfortable 
frame scliool house, twenty-two by twenty-six feet 
in size, with a genuine shingle roof. The meeting 
to Consider tiie question of its erection was held at 
the old school house. January 2'.). 1829. Bela Coe 
was chosen moderator of the meeting, and Augustin 
Canfield. clerk. It was decided to build the house 
by a tax, the cost of which was to be one hundred 
and seventy dollars. Among other things it was re- 
solved that " we will have a chimney in said house," 
that "a writing desk shall be attached to the side of 
the house," etc. It was also stipulated that the house 
should be open on the Sabbath to the Congregational 
and Methodist churches, each to occupy it one-half of 
the time, " but if it so hap]iens that one denomina- 
tion does not want to occupy their lialf of the time, 
and the other does more, it shall be their privilege to 
do so." The house had a kind of dedication by a_ 
union service of the two churches on Christmas £ve,B 
1829. the Rev. Xenophon Bctts and True Pattee offi- 
ciating on the occasion. The house was trimmed withj 
evergreens and illuminated. The first teacher in the| 
new scliool house was J. il. Root, afterwards a mem- 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



191 



her of Conu'i-ess :iiul a lawyer of ability and distinc- 
tion, recently decea.<ed. 

The tii-st election of a school hoard, of which there 
is a record, occurred October :51, 1828, when Auiiiisrin 
Cantield was elected clerk : Justin Sherman. I'hilo 
Sherman and Samuel Bristol, directors. 

Until 18"-i7 the township constituted one school 
district. The location of the first school house being 
determined l>y the center of the population, it was 
luiilt ill the third section, as previously stated. In 
the spring' of the aliovf year a second school district 
was erected, embracing nearly three- fourths of the 
townshi]), and a log school house Iniilt at the center 
of town. A few vi-ars after a frame school house was 
built there. 

In regard to the character of her schools and school 
houses, Wakeman occupies a front rank among the 
townshi}is of the county. There are at jiresent eight 
school houses, all of whieh arc brick, with l)ut one 
exception. 

The school in the \'illage is at present under the 
ettlcient management of A. .1. t'obben. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first religious meeting in Wakemai! was held 
at the house of Augustin Cantield, Sunday evening, 
January 10, 181ii. Rev. Lot H. Sullivan, a mission- 
ary, was the preacher. Mr. and Mrs. Canficld, Dr. 
Cla; k and wife led the singing. They were the 
j)ioneer choir of Wakeman for many years. 

The first church organization was formed at the 
house of Mr. Pierce. October 25, 1822, liy Rev, A. H, 
Bctts and Rev. Joseph Treat. The society was of the 
(iinsiregational order, and consisted of the following 
members: Bar/.illa S. Hendricks and wife, Justus 
Minor, Mrs. Electa Pierce, Dr. H. M. Clark, Ruth 
French, Sally Sherman and Mary Barnum, The 
society was called the First Congregatioiuil church of 
Wakeman. Rev, Xeno])lion Betts was the first 
pastor of the church, and was installed Ajjril 9, 1829, 
at the house of Mr, Pierce, Mr, Betts continued 
pastor until December 25, 183G, when he was dis- 
missed at his own re(|nest. He was a man of good 
attainments, and was a faithful and efficient jiastor. 
During his pastorate there were forty-five additions 
to the membership. The subsequent history of the 
church will be found in connection with that of the 
^1 cond Congregational church, 

SECOXD CON'liltlXJ.VTIONAL iHLUCli. 

The following sketch is mainly compiled ivmu the 
interesting memorial address of Mr. Alvan C. Hall 
at the farewell services held at the old chuch building 
hicomber 31, 1878. 

The organization of the church is the result of a 
division in the First Congregational Church which 
_i 'W out of a diiference of views and sentiments re- 
n])ceting certain ideas and ]irinci]iles upon which 
Oberlin had lieen founded in Feltruary, 18IU. In the 
fall of 1835 Mr. Finnev's larsre tent (or "tabernacle" 



as it was called) which was used for holding j)ro- 
tracted meetings, was .set up at the four corners in 
the west part of the township on the farm then owned 
by Bela Coe, now owned by ilr, Cummings, Presi- 
dent Mahan, of Oberlin, on invitation of the church, 
with several theological students who had recently 
left Lane Seminary because of the rei)ressive measures 
adopted by that institution concerning tlie discussion 
of the question of salary by its students, came and 
held a meeting of several days duration in the tent. 
The meeting resulted in a number of conversions. 
The year following, the pastor. Rev. Xeiiophen Betts 
who belonged to the Presb^'tery (as most of the con- 
gregational ministers then did) severed his connection 
with the church to take charge of the Presbyterian 
Church in Lyme in this county, and the theological 
students before mentioned came out from Oberlin and 
jireached during the interim. Prominent among 
those students Avas John Watson Alvord, afterwards 
connected with the Freedmen's Bureau. So much 
was he esteemed that children were named after him 
by their parents, and Wakeman has liad a ^\'atson 
Hill and an Alvord Hill. At length another pastor 
was obtained who remained a year or two, when re- 
course was again had to the Oberlin students. In the 
meantime the breach between the old school jwrt of 
the church and that which .symiiathized with the 
doctrines and |ii-inci])les of Obei'lin was constantly 
growing wider. 

•'In those days it was eustomary," says Air. Hall, 
"to have a sermon both forenoon and afternoon, and 
frequently one in the evening, or at five o'clock. The 
people usually carried a lunch in their baskets or 
pockets, to eat at the recess at noon; and during this 
recess, and while eating their lunch, a group would 
frequently be gathered together discussing the sub- 
ject and doctrines of the forenoon sermon. We re- 
call to mind a sermon ]ireached at the old school 
house which stood a littk' north of .lohn Sherman's, 
in which sermon (rod was ivpresented as not only 
willing, lint infinitely desirt)us of saving all mankind. 
This sermon was the subject of considerable comment 
at the noon recess, ^^'e rememljer distinctly a ques- 
tion asked l)y one of our old school brethren in a|)par- 
ent honesty and sineerity, namely: 'W^nild it not l>e 
der.igatory to the character of God, to hold that he 
was not only willing, i)ut infinitely desirous of saving 
all mankind, and then fail to ilo it?'"" 

Thus the church continued, hii'ing a minister for a 
year or two, and at the end of the term getting 
students from Oberlin to siip))ly the interval, until 
the fall of 1843, or s[iring of 18-14, when Rev. William 
Russell, from Cijiinecticnt, was employed, and it was 
hoped that he would be able so to compromise the 
mattei' of difference as to bring about more union of 
feeling and conseipient prosperity to the church. 
This he endeavored to do, but failed. The snlijuct 
of building a meeting house began to be discussed, 
which proved a cause for increased contention. If 
Oberlin ministers were to Ijeshut out from the pnlpit, 



193 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



as one part desired, there would be no disposition 
with the other, and more able part, to assist in the 
building. In order to awaken a greater interest in 
the proposed erection, tiic pastor, Rev. Jlr. Russell, 
preached a sermon bearing upon the subject, in 
which he intimated that if the church could not be 
sufficiently united to build a meeting house, it. had 
better divide. The question was discussed by the 
church, and terminated in the adoption of a resolu- 
tion to give letters of dismission to those who should 
wish to withdraw for the purpose of forming a new 
church. A request for letters was circulated among 
the members and received the following signatures, 
to-wit: Augustine Cantield, Reuben Hall, Amos 
Clark. Lemuel B. Pierce, C. C. Cantield, Leverett 
Hill, Alvan C. Hall, Kneeland Todd, Rufus J. Bunce, 
Isaac Todd, Mary Bunce, Eunice Pierce, Esther Hill, 
Betsey Hall, Electa Pierce, Mary E. Cantield, Caro- 
line C. Burr, Minerva Pierce, Susan L. Pierce, Ruth 
A. Clark, Sophia Wheeler and .Tuliatte Travis. The 
above-named received a letter of dismission in a body, 
dated August .30, 1844. Next day a meeting was held 
at the center school house (the building now occupied 
by Mr. Reed as a dwelling) for the purpose of form- 
ing a new church. Rev. Henry Cowles, of Oberlin, 
officiated at the organization, which consisted of the 
seceding members above named (with tlie exception 
of Kneeland Todd, Juliatte Travis and Susan L. 
Pierce) and Cordelia B. Hall, who brought a letter 
from tlie church in Edinliurg, Ohio. November 34th 
following, Mr. Todd and Mrs. Travis united, together 
with Amos Pierce and Minott Pierce, who were the 
first to unite on profession. Mrs. Susan L. Pierce, 
one of the number who withdrew from the first 
church, did not unite until March 10, 184.5. Of the 
original twenty members the follow-ing are still 
living: C. C. Canfield, Isaac Todd, Amos Clark, 
Alvan C. Hall, Mary Bunce, Mary E. Canfield, 
Catharine C. Burr and Esther Hill. Seven of these 
eight reside reside in Wakeman. .Jeremiah Butler, 
an Oljerlin student, was employed by the church as 
the first pastor, and I'emained a year. Tlieir meet- 
ings were held, with the Methodists, in the school 
houses at tlie center and in the north part of town, 
one Sunday in one, and the next in the other. 

The society was soon after incorj)orated, and in 
184.5 a house of worshi)) was erected near the center, 
the lot for which was donated by Justin Sherman. 
The building was dedicated October 3, 1845, the 
sermon on the occasion being preached by Rev. Henry 
Cowles. Rev. Wm. A. Westervelt was ordained the 
same day in the church, and officiated as pastor for 
one year. The ijuilding was subsequently consider- 
ably enlarged, mainly by the efforts of Mr. C C. 
Canfield. 

The following are the ministers who have officiated 
as pastors of the church for one year or more, with 
the term of service of each, as near as can be ascer- 
tained, viz. : 

Jeremiah Butler, Wm. A. Westervelt and Win. F. 



Clarke, one year each : Minor W. Fairfield, nearly 
three years : James .M. Van Wagner — first installed 
pastor — about six years ; Prof. Henry E. Peck, near- 
ly three years ; Henry S. Bennett, about four years ; 
Joseph L. Edwards, nearly three years ; Levi Loring, 
one year: S. Lee Hillyer, one year: Edward B. 
Paj'ne, between two and three years. Mr. Payne was 
succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. C. C. Creegan, 
who began his labors July 1, 187.T, and was regularly 
installed September 5, 1877. Mention should be 
made of Professor James A. Thorne, who preached 
for the church nearly a year as a temporary supply. 

For two or three years subsequent to the organiza- 
tion of the church no deacon was chosen. The num- 
ber has increased from one to five, the present num- 
ber. Those who have served as such, are Leverett 
Hill. James Wilson, Justin Hill, James A. Burham, 
Isaac Todd, George Barnes, Wm. H. Pierce and Wil- 
liam Barber. The first three are deceased. 

The first member of the church that died was Mrs. 
Electa Pierce, January 10, 184.5. She was one of 
the original twenty, and "was truly a mother to the 
church.'" The church has steadily grown from that 
small beginning in 1844, every year having witnessed 
accessions, until, at the date of this writing — March, 
1879, — the membership has reached three hundred 
and twenty-three. 

Mention should be made of the faithful service of 
Mr. L. S. Hall, tlie efficient leader of the choir, who 
has officiated as chorister for over thirty years, and 
without any pecuniary consideration whatever. His 
labors have been of great value to the society. 

The Sabbath school was in existence during the 
organization of the first church, of which James 
Wilson and Leverett Hill were superintendents. It 
is now one of the largest and most prosperous in the 
county, the number of pupils enrolled being over 
three hundred. Mr. S. H. Todd, who possesses more 
than a local reputation as an efficient Sabbath school 
worker, is tlic [iresent superintendent. 

TUE NEW lilll.UIXi;. 

The subject of the erection of a more cojnmodious 
house of worshi]) than the one so long used Ijy tlie 
society, was first discussed in 187.5. The corner stone 
was laid, with imjircssive ceremonies, Sei)tember .5, 
1877, Rev. Dr. Wolcott, of Cleveland, conducting the 
services. It was completed in December, 1878, and 
dedicated on the first day of January, 1879, President 
J. H. Fairchild, of 01)erlin, ]ireaching the dedication 
sermon. Tiiere were fourteen hundred peoi>le in at- 
tendance, representing forty-three different townships 
in the surrounding country. The church is a hand- 
some and imposing brick edifice, evincing in its de- 
sign and appearance, good practical judgment and 
excellent ta,ste on the part of those to whose energy 
and liberality its erection is due. The audience room 
is forty by sixtv-six feet, with two wings, eighteen by 
thirty feet each, tlie rooms being neatly fitted up for 
juayer and social meetings, and galleries above. The 



HISTOHV OF lIUliON" AND ElilE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



193 



Harriet M. I{:i 



Edward Denman and Jane Den- 



intoi'ior is finislu'd in cik^uhU. iu liio naiiiial wood, 
and [)i-t'senls a rich and beautiful appearanci'. 'I'lie 
cost iif the liuihling was sixteen thousand dollars, the 
whole of whi(di is provided for. 

Mi;rin)i)isT EPiM Di'Ai, 1 111 Ki II. 

'I'he first class was formed in I'eeeiuber. IS-^S. by 
Rc\. True I'attee, a oireiiit preacher. The following 
were theconstituent niendjei's: Pliilo Sherman. Betsey 
Sherman. Lucius Tomliuson. Charlotte Toinlinsou, 
I'hedima .Smith and Anna French. 'I'he first named 
was ajipoiuted leader of the class. The church held 
their meetings alternately with the C'ongregationalists 
at he two school houses until the erection of a church 
building bv the C'ongregationalists, when being otfered 
the use of the house on Sabbath afternoons, they 
held their meetings there. An unusual haiinonyaiid 
christian spirit always characterized the relations of 
tlie tw(j churches. The cla.ss was eventually dis- 
banded. 

The ]iresent Methodist E|iiscopal Church at Wake- 
man village was organized in the town hall, by Rev. 
A. J. Lyon, June 16, ISH'i, and consisted of the fol- 
lowing members: J. M. Whitou, Sarah M. Whiton, 
William Denman. Samuel Webb, Jane Webb, M. E. 
Wattles, E. M. Bell, E. F. Squire, A. P. Phillips, 
Rebecca Phillips, Hiram Hurd, J. M. Cahoon, Scyn- 
thia E. Cahoon, Mary M. Harris, George Randall, 



man. .Mr. Whiton was chosen leader. Wakenian 
was at this time embraced in the East Townsend cir- 
cuit, but a year and a half afterwards was set off as 
Wakeman charge, with Birmingham annexed. The 
following have officiated as jiastors of the church: 
Revs. U. L. Ilannawalt, D. R. Moore. E. Hayes, J. A. 
Kaull, C. D. Patterson, G. E. Scott and Hiram Royce, 
w hose term of service has not e.xpired. 

The erection of a church building was first dis- 
cussed by a few men, not members of any church, one 
evening in the spring of 1872, at the store of Mr. 
John Harris. Johnson Braziiigton proposed it, and 
would give fifty dollars. It was favored by others. 
A member of the Congregational Church, formerly 
a -Methodist, solicited subscri|)tions, and the erection 
of a Iniilding was soon after begun. Ii was completed 
ill Seiitember, 187:5. and dedicated on the 23(1 of that 
month, Rev. Mr. Godman. of lierea, [)reaching the 
dedication sermon. When the house was completed, 
there was an indebtedness of one thousand and four 
hundred dollars which was assumed by the building 
committee. On the day of the dedication one thou- 
sand and six hundred dollai's was raised, and the 
church is now out of del)t. The cost of the church 
including the lot and btdl. was four thousand six 
liumli-ed diillars. The membership is now tiftv-six, 
with i;..ll. Mains, leader. A Sabbath school was or- 
ganized in January, 1874, i)y J. ^L Whiton who has 
been the suiierintendeiit up to the present time. The 
nmulier of scholars enrolled at this writing, is one 
hundred and eiglitcen. 

25 



PROTEST.VNT Kl'isc Ol'.V], ClILKCH. 

This church was organized by Rev. Anson Clark. 
August 14. 1837. with the following list of meml)ers: 
Joel Wheeler, Elvira Wheeler. Charlotte Tomlinson, 
Lucius Toinliu.son, Jabez Hauford, Alibie Ilanford, 
Cyrenus Beecher, Betsey Beecher. Samuel Bristol, 
Eunice Bristol. Ezra Sprague. Harriot Sprague. 
Justin Sherman. Betsey Sherman. Lester T. Farrand, 
Ann E. Earrand, Joab Stpiire. Harriet Scpiire. Peter 
Sherman, Samantha Sherman, Louis Markham, Eliza 
M. Redding, James C. Judson. Laura Wheeler, Phebe 
Burgess, Starr Hoyt, Ezekiel W. Arnold, Mary Arnold, 
Sala'Todd, Aurilia Masters, Martin Bell. Polly Bell, 
George Todd and Harmon M. Clark. Joel Wheeler 
and Jabez Hanford were elected wardens; Cyrenus 
Beecher. Peter Sherman and Starr Hoyt. vestrymen. 
Justin Sherman was chosen secretary of the church 
at a meeting held at his home, .\pril Hi. 1838. The 
church was incorporated as "St. John's Church, of 
Wakenian," liy act of the legislature, session of 
1838-3'J. The church iniilding, near the center, was 
erected in 1840, the lot for which was donated liy 
Justin Sherman. Rev. Anson Clark was the first 
rector of the church, and since then the following 
clergvmen have successively filled the pastoral office, 
viz: Thos. Barrow, J. Rice Taylor. Abram Bronson, 
E. D. Irvine, Chas. F. Lewis and G.W. Williams. Most 
of these lived elsewhere, and ofticiate<l here on alter- 
nate Sabbaths. Much of the time the church was 
without stated i>reaching. and the reguh'.rity of the 
services depended upon the established forms of the 
church as conducted by lay readers. Cyrenus Beecher, 
John Kiloh, J. E. Hanford and others had been com- 
missioned by the bishop, ami officiateil in that capac- 
ity. The church has been in a low condition of pros- 
perity for some time, no regular services having been 
held for the last two or three years, and many of the 
younger members of the clinreh have joined the Con- 
sreo:ational church. 

ST. MAin's (( ATlKHJc) ( HIKi II. 

This chiircli was organized by I he Iri>h iiihabiiants 
of the township, in the fall of ISdS. Iic\-. Father 
Hallv, of Norwalk, otliciating at the organization. 
The erection of a church building was soon after 
commenced, which was conijdeied the following 
spring. The chiu'ch consists of about forty-tive fam- 
ilies, about the same number as when organized. The 
society is now unch'r the care of Father (^)uinn. 

I'OST OIKICK. 

In the year 182!) the inhabitants of Wakeman at- 
tained to the felicity of a weekly mail. I.saae Todd 
and Cyrus Minor drew up, or caused to lie drawn up. 
a petition for the extension of the mail route from 
Grafton, Lorain county, to Xorwalk. and carried it 
to (iraftiin to obtain the signal iires of the .settlers 
along the jiropo.sed route. .Vftcr the mail was estab- 
lished, the settlers along the line turned out and 
under-brushed a ixiad from Wakenum to Grafton. 



194 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The first mail-carriev was one Cole, who carried the 
mail once a week, maiving his journevs on foot. Tlie 
first trip he made through Wakeman he stopped at 
Isaac Todd's, whose house was tiie first on his route 
west of La Grange. No mail-bag being visil)le, Mr. 
Todd inquired about it. "Oh. I"ve got it." replied 
the carrier, and he reached in his pocket and drew 
forth a large-sized pock vi -hook, on which* was a pad- 
lock about the size of a silver half dollar. Mr. Todd, 
naturally taken back at tlie apparently unimportance 
of tiie enterprise he had labored hard to establish, 
said : " You don't mean to say you carry the mail in 
that ?" "■ Yes," rejoined Cole. " and it's large enough; 
there's nothing in it!" The route was established, 
and the mail-carrier had to make the trip, although 
there was not an item of mail to carry. It was not 
long, however, before a more capacious mail bag was 
substituted for the pocket-book. 

A man by the name of Waldron afterwards carried 
tiie mail. He frequently stopped at Joseph French's, 
and on one occasion brought the family a piece of ven- 
ison. On being asked where he got it he replied that 
he ''shot the deer witli tlie mail liag." He came 
upon the animal wliile browsing in the top vti a fallen 
tree, struck it in tlie head with the bag. wliich so 
frightened the deer that he cauglit it and cut its 
throat with his knife. 

Tiic first post office xyas established January 1, 1833, 
with Justin Sherman, postmaster, who kept the office 
in his house. He served for seven years and three 
months, when he was succeeded by Merritt Hyde, and 
the office was moved to his dwelling, west of the cen- 
ter. Mr. Hyde held the position until June 1843, 
when Mr. Sherman was again appointed. He served 
for three years, keejiiiig the office at his store near the 
center. Since Mr. Siierniau's second term, Edward J. 
Bunce, Lester T. Farrand, Hiram K. Hosford, Wil- 
liam Pierce and H. .1. Baldwin (the present incum- 
bent) have successively officiated as postmasters. 

I'lIYSUlAXS. 

As already stated. Dr. Harmon M. Clark was tlie 
first physician that practiced in the township. He 
had l)eeu engaged in the practice of medicine before 
he came to this country, and was a surgeon or assist- 
ant surgeon in the \]. S. navy in the war of 1812. 
When he emigiated west, he determined to abandon 
the i)rofession and devote himself to agricultural pur- 
suits, but so great was the need of doctors in that 
early time, and none to be had except from distant 
[ilaces, that Dr. Clark was, out of consideration of 
humanity, impelled again to engage in the i)ractice of 
his profession. And when he once began, he was 
the busiest man in the place, finding but little time 
to attend to liis farm, which did not so much matter, 
however, as his ability as a farmer was not of the 
higliest order. 

Of tliose wlio have been engageil in medical prac- 
tice in Wakeman. since Dr. Clark, the writer has the 
names of Drs. Win. H. [iatiii. Burroughs, Moses 



Trumbull, Jones. Bunce, C. A. Standart and Rose. 
The length of time, or the order in which they prac- 
ticed, we are unalde to state. 

Dr. E. E. Beeman. one of the two pliysicians now 
engaged in the practice of medicine in Wakeman, 
graduated, first, in 18C0, at a medical school in Cin- 
cinnati, and subsequently, in 18T5, at the Western 
Reserve College (Medical department). Cleveland. 
[ His first practice was in that city, in connection with 
his father, and subsequently practiced in Wisconsin 
and Illinois. From 1864 to 18T6 he was located at 
Birmingham. Erie county, wlience, in September of 
tlie latter year, he removed to Wakeman. 

Dr. H E was graduated from the 

Ohio Electic College, Cincinnati, in 1848. having pre- 
viously attended a course of lectures at a medical col- 
lege in Cleveland. He began the ]iractice of his pi'o- 
fession in Putman county, continuing two years, 
when he removed to Clarksfield. Huron county. He 
practised in Clarksfield until his removal to "Wake- 
man in July. 18TT. with the exception of ton r years, 
during which he practiced in Crestline. 

MER( AXTILE. 



The first store in Wakeman was kept by Justin 
Sherman near the center, on lot forty-five. He erected 
the Ijuilding in 1839. and sold the first goods on the 
third day of July, 1841. His goods were purchased 
in Xew York City, and transported byway of Hudson 
river, Erie canal and Lake Erie to Huron, and thence 
to Wakeman by team. In 1845, he sold the stock to 
Rufus J. Bunce and his son, Edward, who carried on 
the business about two years, when they sold out, and 
the goods were taken out of the township. Edward 
J. Bunce and Lucius S. Hall subse(|nentiy revived the 
business, and continued near the center until the 
completion of the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad, (a.s 
it was then called) when they changed their location, 
and opened their store where the millinery store now 
is in the village of Wakeman. The same year, 
Messrs. Pierce & Co. put up the Wakeman Exchange, 
wooden block, which has since been enlarged, and is 
now known as the Bright IJock. In this building, 
a hotel was opened by Mr. Preston, and a store by 
Hosford and Andrews. The large Ijrick l)lock on the 
southwest corner of Main and Pleasant streets, was 
erected in the summer of 1871. by the firms of Harris, 
Pierce & lialdwin and Vanfleet Bros. They were 
previously located in the Bright building, and thei 
change of location transferred the most of the busi 
ness of the village to the south side of Main street- 
Mr. Harris, of the firm of Harris & Baldwin, hai 
been engaged in mercantile trade in AVakeman for a' 
l)eriod of nearly twenty years, and is the oldest mer- 
chant in the place. 

The village now coniains al)oat seven or eigiit 

hundred inhabitants, with four cliurches. schools. 

one printing office, three general stores, one drug and 
hardware store, two groceries, one boot and shoe 
store, tlirec niillinciv and faucv cfoods stores, twO' 



e 

\ 



lilSTOm' OF llUliOX AND ERIE COU^NTIKb, OHIO. 



I'Jo 



fnriiirure stores and muk'rtakiug .shops, 'one bakeiy, 
Diiu liariiess shop, one tailor sliop. two shoe shoiis, 
four ilrossiiiaking establislimeiits. one eloek ami uateli. 
rejjairer, two hotels, fonrblaek-iinith shops, two cooper 
s]io[)s, two harlier shops, one liveiT, one wagon shop, 
two meat markets, two saw mills, one bendin<r works 
and planing mill, one grist mill, two pump factories, 
and two physicians. 

XEWSPAI'KHS. 

In IS"-'5. the first newspaper, callel the River-fide 
Echii. was published l)y ^Felvin Lewis. It wa- a 



small, foiA'-eolumn folin. but was subsequently en- 
larged to a six-ccdunm. The jiaper was removed in 
1ST"> to North Amherst, Lurain county. Septend)er 
ISth, of the same year, the tii-st number of the Wake- 
man I'rexs was issued by G. H. Mains, with one hun- 
dred iuul seventy-five snbseribei's at one dollar ])cr 
year. It was originally a five-eohimn folio, with a 
ready-printeil ouisiile: l)Ul i)i'reuibrr ISth, it was en- 
larged to a six-column folio with a patent inside. 
Ajiril. IST'i, it was commenced as a home paper, 
iirinted entirelv at home. 



HARTLAND. 



OlMi.INAI, OW.VEIiS. 

Foi! explanatii.m of tiie following table the reader is 
referred to the history of Wakeman townshij). 

IIAirri.AXIi. TOWX xr.MHEI! THKEE, IX THE TWEXTY- 
FIK>T KAXUE. 

Classification No. 1, Section 3. 



Oriqinal Oriintees. 


m't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


tela 


scd. 


£ 


s. 


a. 




« 


s. 


d. 


JonathaD Doiitr- 














Ias5 ■ 1.44fi 


14 


7 


Daniel Douglass 


480 


19 





Lucy Starr 5 


9 


8 




5 


9 


8 


Jonathan Doug- 














lass 1,446 


14 


7 


Guy Douglass 


.■i31 


9 


a 


Roherl Douglass 2(W 








.. .. 


300 








Ichali.idPowtTs.Jr. ISS 


lU 


(i 


Richard Powers 


ISS 


16 


6 


Thomas MuTnford, 














Esti r,04 


111 


1) 


Nathl Ledyard 


138 


1 


3 


Nicholas Darrow '.i 


13 


3 


Joseph Darrow 


9 


13 


a 



Footing of Classification No. 1. £1.344 
Classification Xo. 3, Section 8. 



Onyinal Grantees. 


.4 


m't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


S. 


d. 


John Way 


590 


3 


11 


John Way 


5!K1 


3 


11 


Charles Bulkley 


493 


14 


11 


Charles Bulkley 


493 


14 


11 


Jeremiah Miller '. 


,.535 


18 


10 


Richard Morgan 


10.-) 


13 


3 


Peter Darrow 


10 





n 


Nicholas Darrow 


10 


n 





Mehitable Leet 


134 





■ 


I>aniel Starr 


134 








Sarah Davis 


S 










8 





n 


James Darrow 


a 


3 


7 


.. ti 


o 


3 




Daniel Harris 


5 










S 


6 





Elizabeth Griffln 


.5 


n 







.T 








Joseph Chamrtin 


73 


11 


9 






a 


4 



Footing of Classification Xo. 3, £1.314 



Classification Xo. 3, Section 3. 



ttrujin'fl Grantees. 

£ 

Lydia Latham 93 
.louathan and Jared 

Starr 53 

Joanna Short 376 

tJanies Lamnhia 2-33 

Clark Elli.rtt 396 

Starr .S Tallinan 150 

Richard Douglass 363 

Joseph ChnmpliD 73 

John Potter 83 

Daniel Truman 6 



Am't Lo 


ts. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t classid. 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. d. 


4 





Jonathan Starr 


93 


4 6 


,1 


3 




,5,3 


a 3 


14 





Joanna Short 


167 


3 3 


9 





Euclid Elliott 


160 


18 


11 


3 




396 


11 3 








Starr &Tallman 


1,50 





18 


u 


Richard D'.iiglass 


a63 


18 


11 


9 


Anna Hatch 


;a 


6 5 


13 


3 


John Potter 


s;) 


13 3 








Henry Truman 


6 






Footing of Classification No, 3, £1,: 
Classification Xo. 4, Section 4. 



(trigiual Grantees 

Joshua Starr 
Joanna Short 



Am't Loss. 

£ s. d. 

1,3.59 11 1 
316 14 



Classified by. 
Joshua Starr 



.4111 
£ 



1,260 



7 classed. 
d. 



II 
15 



Footing of Classification No. 4, jEl.aM 



I'HVSK'AI, FEATt-RES. 

Tlie surface of the township is generally level, 
though less so in the south and east jiarts than else- 
where. The soil is a clay loam, modified liy gravel 
and sand along the streams and on the Hartland 
ridge, which runs a general north and south direction 
through the second .section. There were formerly a 
number of swamps or marshes in the township, the 
largest of wdiich were known as Canterbury Swamp, 
Cranberry Marsh, Grape Swamp and Bear Swamp. 
The first was over two miles in length, varying in 
width from fifty to one hundred and fifty rods, and lay 
south east of the centre. Cranberry Marsh lay north 
of the centre, and contained about one hundred acres. 
These formerly unsightly places have been more or 
less reclaimed, and the soil, which is a deep black 
muck, is the best in the township. 

The jirincijial native varieties of timber were white 
wood, white, black and burr oak. white and black 
ash, black walnut, hickory, birch and maple. 

The Vermillion river runs though the southeast 
ipiarter of the township, and adds a jileasing element 
to the landseaiic. Indian creek has its source in the 
southwest ]iarl and flows into the Vermillion near the 
cast town line. Brandy creek, which is said to have 
derived it< iKime from the peculiar color of the water, 
rises near the centre of the townshiii, flows through 
the northeast jwrt of the townsliip and across the 
northwest corner of Clarksficld, uniting with the 
Vermillion a short distance west of the center of 
Wakeman township. 

XATIVE AXIM.VLS. 

The animals of the forest, were tlie bear, deer, 
wolf, wild cat, grey fox and other si)ecies of less im- 
]iortance. Hears were not numerous and seldom seen. 
Tiiey seem to have collected more generally in the 
marshes of IJipley, where they were frequently killed. 
Deer were very ])lenty and venison was often so 



196 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



abundant among the earlj- settlers as to be almost a 
drug. Mr. E. W. Waldron and Daniel IJnlibins, 
while hunting on one occasion, performed tiie unusu:d 
feat of capturing two of them bv running tiiem down. 
There were several inches of snow on the ground with 
a crust, through which the sharp hoofs of tlie animals 
penetrated, making it difficult for them to run. 

Wolves were numerous, and tiieir nocturnal howls 
around the obscure cabins of the settlers, were as 
familiar as tlie whip-poor-will's song. They were 
also very troublesome, killing the settlers' sheep 
undei' the walls of liis cabin, and rendering inclosures 
necessary to insure their safety. 

The forests, also, abounded in wild turkeys, and 
ilr. Eoljljins informs the writer tliat he has killed 
four of them at a single shot from his rifle. They 
were often taken, in the spring of the year, by imitat- 
ing the note of the female and decoying the male 
within range of the gun. 

.SETTLEMENT. 

The earliest settlements were made in tlie second 
section, on Hartland ridge. In the spring of 1817, 
William and Alva Munsell came in and liegan on lot 
iiumlier thirty-three, in what was called the Bulkley 
tract. They put up a cabin, chopped ofF a piece of 
ground, and i)lanted it to corn. Tliey left the town- 
ship in the fall of the same year, and the piece of land 
which they occupied was afterwards known as the 
"old brier patch." 

Daniel Bills and Jared Tolls arrived soon after the 
Munsells. Mr. Bills was originally from Connecti- 
cut. He married Hannah Waldron, daughter of Jo- 
seph Waldron, then of Ontario county. New York, 
afterwards of this township. His family did not ac- 
company him here, but came on from New York with 
Elijah Bills the following year. He located on lot 
number sn.xteen, where Mr. Thomas now resides. A 
few years after he exchanged farms witii Daniel Minor, 
of Clarksfield, and moved to that township. 

.Tared Tolls was an early settler in one of the town- 
ships now embraced in Erie county. He settled on 
lot number seventeen, on the place now occupied by 
Mr. Delap. He died the next j'ear and was buried on 
his farm. After his death the family removed to 
Macksville in Peru township. Mrs. Tolls was a sis- 
ter of Daniel Mack. Tlie first birth and the first 
death in the township occurred in this family. 

Allen and Sylvester Blackmail came to Hartland at 
an early date from Florence. The former was the 
first settler on the place now occupied by B. F. 
McCormick. He sold the place to Joseph Waldron 
in 1821, and moved Itack to Florence. Sylvester 
Blaekman settled where Elijah Bills afterwards re- 
sided. 

Elijah Bills came from the State of \ew York with 
the family of Daniel Hills in the spring of 1818. He 
was tiien unmarried, InU snlisei[uently he married 
Mary Howard, daughter of Captain William Howard, 
and .settled on lot eighteen, jjurchasing the place of 



Sylvester Blaekman. He died on this place October 
30, IS'JT. aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Bills was a 
man of great size, force of eharactei' and local })romi- 
nence. He was so poor when he began in JItirtland 
he could not pay for an ax, but before his death he 
owned a thousand acres of land. He acquired some 
knowledge of law and was a sort of pettifogger for a 
number of years. He was also justice of the peace of 
Hartland for many years. 

He was the fatlier of six children, four boys and 
two girls. Lion E. died May 2(1, 1870, in his forty- 
eighth year; Harriet became the wife of B. F. Mc- 
Cormick, February 15, 18-16, and, in the spring of 
the following year, they settled on the place where 
they now reside. The rest of the children are also 
residents of this township, viz: Stejihen W., Mary 
Amanda (Mrs. N. M. Bedell), John E. and Charles 
W. The latter, with his mother, owns and occupies 
the old homestead. 

Nathan Miner came from Connecticut in 1819. and 
stopped for a short time in the township of Eld ridge 
(now Berlin), where he married a daughter of Samuel 
White, who afterward moved to this township. Mr. 
Miner settled where his son Oliver now lives, on lot 
twenty-seven, and resided there until his death. Mrs. 
Miner is also deceased. They had a family of nine 
children. Polly married David Ernsberger, moved to 
Wisconsin, and died there soon after; Betsey is the 
relict of Warren Hackett, and resides on Hartland 
ridge; David. Nelson and James live somewhere in 
the west; Oliver occupies the old homestead, as pre- 
viously mentioned; Olive (Mrs. Patchin) resides in 
Republic, Ohio: Samuel and Lucius are deceased. 

Samuel White and family came from Pennsylvania 
and settled in Ashtabula county prior to the war of 
1812. He afterwards moved to the Fire-lands, loca- 
ting at Cold Creek, but had iiardly got settled when 
the news of Hull's surrender of Detroit was received. 
The family fled to Mount Vernon, Knox countv, and 
remained there about four vears. They then went to 
Berlin, and afterwards to Florence, thence to Hart- 
land. He died while on a visit to Ashtabula countv 
in the year lS4o. Mrs. White died many years after in 
Hartland. There were eight children, three of whom 
married and settled in this township. They were 
Jane, who became the wife of Nathan Miner: James, 
who married Fanny Howard, January 1, 1829, and 
settled on the farm wliere they have since resided: 
and Betsey, who married Peter James and located 
where T. W. Head now lives. Only two of the child- 
ren are now living, viz: David in Asjitabnla. and 
James in this township. One of the sons, Crawford, 
enlisted in the service of iiis country during the war 
with Mexico and died soon after his arrival in that 
country. 

Josejih Waldron with his wife and two grand-cliild- 
ren, Elnathan J. and Betsey Waldron, moved in from 
Bristol, Ontario county. New Y'ork. June 2, 1821. He, 
purchased of Allen Blackmail the place on which B. 
F. McCormick now resides — lot numl>er tv.entv-two. 




BENJAMIN F. McCORMICK. 



Beojamln F. McConnick, the fourth child of Daniel 
McCorraick and Mary C. Brundage, was born in Ovid, 
Seneca Co., N. Y., April 14, 1820. He came to Ohio in 
the spring of 1842, and entered Oberlin College in the fall 
of the same year, and spent a portion of the following year 
in that institution, taking a partial course. 

Feb. 15, 1846, he married Miss Harriet Bills, eldest 
daughter of Elijah Bills and Mary Howard, of Hartland. 
They settled on what is known as Hartland Ridge, the most 
beautiful and valuable portion of the township, where they 
still live, owning about three hundred and twenty acres of 
land and fine buildings. 

Seven children were the fruit of this union, five of whom 
are living : William S., mairied Martha Birkett, of Mon- 
roe Co., Mich., and lives in Hartland, near his parents; 
Emma, graduated from Oberlin, and married the Rev. 
Jacob Winslow, a Congregational minister, and lives at 
De Witt, Saline Co., Neb. ; Frank B., John E., and Fan- 
nie W. are unmarried, and live at home. 

For many years the subject of our sketch held the office 
of township clerk, and has served as justice of the peace 
six or seven terms. We regard the foregoing as worthy of 
notice, in this connection, as an index of the confidence and 
respect of his neighbors more than anything else. 

Politically, Mr. McCoranick started a.s a Democrat, and 
cast his first ballot for James K. Polk, in 1844 ; a fact 
which, he says, has been a source of continued mortification 
atd regret. He was next identified with the Free-Soil 
party until it was merged into the Republican party, with 
which he has been an energetic and active worker until 
quite recently. He now believes that the upas shade of 



corruption has poisoned the party, dishonored its past record, 
and destroyed its future prospects by adding millions to the 
wealth of the rich by laying grievous burdens on the 
shoulders of the industrial classes ; and last, but not le<iit, 
by utterly neglecting a large class of citizens but recently 
set free, and refusing them the protection to which they as 
citizens are justly entitled. Consequently, he has identified 
himself with the National party, and believes that, under 
the Constitution, Congress has the same right to issue paper 
money and make it a legal tender, as to coin gold and silver 
and fix the value thereof. He reads the current news and 
the doings of Congress critically, and expresses his views 
earnestly and methodically. He is firm in his convictions, 
because they are the result of investigation, and he ex- 
presses them with the earnestness of his nature. 

Though never admitted to the Bar, his knowledge of law 
and his natural fitness for the practice have made Mr. 
McCormick the home lawyer of his township, drafting 
legal papers, and managing and trying cases in justices' 
courts for those who sought his skill. 

We hazard nothing in saying that had he turned his 
attention to the legal profession, he would have been an 
ornament to the Bar of any county town. 

In early life Mr. McCormick united with the Methodist 
Church, and his religious sympathies are still with that 
body, though not now a member of any church. 

He reads and has the courage to think for himself on 
religious subjects as well as political, and, if we were to 
judge of his religious future, we would say that such a 
mind would not long be in sympathy with any formulated 
reliffton. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



197 



He died on this place Juno 15, IS'li. He was born 
near Boston, Mass., February T, 1T53, and removed 
to Bri.stol, New York, in 1801, vhence he came to 
this township as already stated. He was a soldier in 
tiie Revolutionary war; was present at the firing of 
the first gnu at Lexington; participated in the battle 
of Bunker Hill, and was subsequently taken prisoner 
and kept on board of a British man-of-war for two 
vears. He had three sons — Sylvester. Stephen and 
Joseph — all of whom served in the war of 1812. Syl- 
vester came to Hartlaud in 1819, and died iu 184T. 
Joseph followed with his family in 1S'21 and iiceupied 
the log baru of Daniel Bills uutil he could build him 
a house in Townscud, wiiere he settled, aliout a mile 
and a (|uarter southeast of the center. He died there 
in 18<;5. and his oldest son, Sauford G. Waldron, now 
oecupii's tht' place. Stephen, whose two children, 
Elnathan J. and Betsey Waldron. came to Hartlaud 
with their grand-parents as previously stated, died at 
an advanced age in the State of New Y'ork. 

Joseph Osyor moved from Canada to Berlin town- 
sliip, and in 1820 to Hartlaml, and settled on lot 
number thirty. The farm is now occupied by Eno 
Holiday. C^^yor^old and mi)\ed to C'larksfield a few 
years after, subsequently tn the centci- of Townsend, 
and still later to Berlin, wiiere he died. He had two 
oiiildron, a son and a daughter. The latter became 
the wife of Cyrus Wagoner. 

Elnatiian J. Waldron has resided in the township 
since 1821. He was born in New Y^ork, March 24, 
1 s( 14. He married Emily Kilbourn, in this township, 
August 13, 182(5. .Mr. Waldron lias written an in- 
teresting short history of Hartlaud for the Fire-hauls 
PioiU'i-r. 

Josiah Kilbourn. with his family, removed to Ber- 
lin fi-om Onondaga county. New Y'ork, in 1815. He 
resided there until March 1821, wlien he settled in 
this townsliip. on lot number nine. He afterwards 
moved to Sullivan township, then Lorain county, 
and in hSIjy or "3ii returned to Berlin, where he dieil 
a year or two after. His first wife died during their 
residence in Hartlaud, and he snbsei(Uently married 
the widow Proctor, of Berlin, who survived him. He 
had a large nurnl)er of children, the oldest of whom 
(Emily) is the wife of Elnathan J. Waldron. 

Captain William How.ird. a native of New Jersey, 
lemoved with his family from Delaware county, New 
York, to Milan in 1810. He settled where tlie vil- 
lage of -Milan now is, then called Indian Village. He 
lived there two years, when, tlie Indians becoming 
I roublesome, he moved with his family to Hudson, 
aiui, afterwards, to Portage county near the Mahon- 
ing river, where he remained until the close of the 
war. He then returned to the township of Milan, 
locating near the Berlin line. Two or tlii'ce years 
afterward he went to Perkins township, where, owing 
1 I sickness in his family, he lost everything. He 
iiMuoved to Sherman townshi[), remained about three 
\'ears, and then came to Hartlaud, arriving in April, 
1^21. He made ids location on loi numiier ten. 



where Stephen Bills now resides. He died in Hart- 
land. December, 1859, aged ninety. His first wife 
died in 1832. and he afterwards m;irried Mrs. Amanda 
Phelps, who died December, 18T2, aged nearly eighty- 
nine. There were eleven children, all by the first 
marriage. Three of them died during the residence 
of the family in the Indian Milage, and now sleep 
beneath the present village of Milan. .Mary, widow 
of Elijah Bills, aged sevunty-seven; Fanny, wife of 
James White, aged seventy-three; and Almon. twin 
brother of Alvah (deceased), reside in this township; 
Arthur lives in Indiana, and William Sidney in Wake- 
man. The rest are deceased. Captain Howard was 
a sea captain for many years, hence the title, '"Cap- 
tain." 

In February. 1824, Daniel Miner move 1 iu from 
Clarksfield, and fixed his residence at the co/ners 
where Daniel Bills previ(Uisly resided, with whom he 
traded farms. Mr. Miner was a native of Homer, 
Courtland county. New Y'ork. He came to Ohio 
with his father in 1810, iind settled near Rocky river, 
in Cuyahoga county. He came to Huron county 
when about sixteen years of age. and resided in 
Clarksfield until his removal to this township. He 
merried Lydia Bennett, of Tlminiison township, 
Seneca county, Oliio, January T, 1823. After a resi- 
dence of many years in Hartlaud be removed to Nor- 
walk, where he afterwards lived. He died July 25, 
18T8, aged nearly seventy-five. Jlrs. Miner died 
September 22. of the same year. They had but one 
child, a daughter, who became the wife of Charles 
li. Bostwick, of Xorwalk. 

ilr. Miner ke])t a tavern on Hartlaud liidge for 
many years. He was the first township clerk and the 
first postnnister. lioldiiig the latter oHice over twenty- 
one years. 

Jesse Taintor moved iu from New York almiit the 
ye.ir 1824. and Ijought out Jared Tolls on lot twenty- 
oui. He continued to occupy this place until iiis 
death, in LS'io. Mrs. TaiiiiiM' died a few years since, 
aged aliout ninety. They had a family of five cliild- 
ren. the oldest of whom. Lncien. married Betsev 
Waldron, of previous mention, and .eltled on the 
ridge, where their son-in-law, Mr. Delap. now lives. 

Eli Baruum and Allen Mead came to Hartlaud in 
1824, and bought out Joseph Oysor. The two fami- 
lies occupied the .saaie house, and they began fanning 
on a sort of co-operative jdan. They remained only a 
few years, sold to Tinker Smiih, an 1 Barnum re- 
moved to Norwalk township, and was subsequently 
connected witli the infirmary in some otticial capacity. 
Mr. Mead, who was a !?.iptist preaeher, went to Mans- 
field. 

Libens StofU's came into the country about this time. 
He married .\nna ILirris, of Berlin, and settled on 
the ridge, where the log house now stands, a short 
distance north of E. Holidays". The place is now 
owned by J. C. Ransom. lie and his wife, and some 
of the children, are buried there. There are three 
children livinsr. one of whom. Mrs. Sauiiud Lock- 



i 



198 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



wood, with her Imsband, occupies a portion of the old 
homestead. 

A family by the name of Lcdyard, and another by 
the name of Owen, .settled on the X^ersnillion river, in 
the first section, about IS'io. They remained but a 
.'ihort time in the townsliip. 

Ezekiel Phillips was one of the earliest permanent 
settlers in this section. He arrived with his family 
from Ontario county. New York, in 1830, and settled 
on lot number seven on the section line. He died in 
Hartland in July, 1S.5G. His widow, after his death, 
made her home with her son-in-law. Parley K. Post. 
She died Octoljer 1, 1877, in the eighty-seventh year 
of her ape. There were nine children, five of whom 
are yet living, as follows: Mrs. Post, in Hartland; 
Mrs! Hoppock and Mrs. Burgess, in Wisconsin, Mrs. 
John C'lawson, in Clarksfield, and C N., in Mich- 
igan. 

Parley K. Post came from Madison county, New 
York, to Hartland in Septeml)er, 18.31. He bought 
the "betterments" of John Ford, who had cleared 
about five acres where Mr. Post now lives, and had 
built a shanty across the road. His brother-in-law, 
Luther Toogood, moved into the house soon after, 
and occupied it until the next spring, and Mr. Post 
lived with them. Toogood then located a short dis- 
tance south of where Aln'am Phillips now resides, 
and .Mr. Post's ]).irents came on from New York and 
moved into bis house. October 22. 183.5, he married 
Amy Phillips, daughter of Ezekiel Phillips, and 
erected a log house near where his frame house now 
stands, winch he built in 1S.5(,>. 

His father, Lsaiah Post, died July 25, 1838, and the 
mother two years subsequently. They had a family 
of thirteen children, three of whom are living, viz: 
Mrs. E. Chandler, in Townsend. Isaiah, in Wisconsin, 
antl Parley K.. in this townshi|). The latter has held 
the ottice of townsliip trustee in Hartland for a period 
of twenty- two years. 

In March, 1832. Daniel Bobbins, with his family of 
wife and two children, and his wife's sister, arrived 
from Wayne county, New Y'ork. Mr. Kobbins settled 
on lot number nine in the third .sec'ion, erecting his 
shanty on the location of the present residence of 
Tjc'vIs Moore. When he moved into his cabin, it was, 
indeed, a primitive dwelling, baing unchinked, and 
witiiout a door, window or chimney. He resided here 
five years, and theu sold and moved to Norwich, and 
finally to Bronson on the west town line, where he 
has since lived. 

Peres Miner moved on to the place now occupied by 
Henry L. Moore, on lot twenty-six in the third sec- 
tion, in the sjn-ing of 1833. He had lived in Nor- 
walk township a number of years previous, and mar- 
ried there the widow of Hanson Read who was the 
first settler in Greenfield. Miner resided in Hartland 
about eight years when he moved to Bronson. TJiere 
a few years after he lost his house by fire, and he 
moved to Enterprise, and finally to Norwich town- 
shi]i where he subse(|Uently died. 



Stephen Knapp and three sons, and Andrew Bisho]i 
settled in the third section about the year 1833. 

Henry Silcox moved into the townshi]) from Cayuga 
county. New York, in 1831:. He and his wife lioth 
died in this townshij) many yeai's ago. Two of their 
children are now living in this township, and one in 
Michigan. 

Thomas ^lanahan. with his wife and four sons — a 
daughter remaining at the east — came from Cayuga 
county, New Y^ork, to this county, in the summer of 
1833. He lived in the townsliip of Norwalk about 
two years, and then purchased and settled in Hart- 
land, on lot number twelve in section number three. 
He died while east on a visit to his daughter in 
December. 1858, at the age of eighty-six. Mrs. 
Manalian lived to the advanced age of nearly ninety- 
five. She died at the residence of her son, George 
W. Manahan, in Norwalk township. December 18, 
1872. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for over sixty years, and of the Harthind 
Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly forty years. 
They raised a family of five children, all of whom are 
now living, as follows: Sarah Ann (Mi-s. Worthing) 
in Norwalk; George W. in the south jiart of the town- 
shiji of Norwalk; Charles W. in Norwalk, who is at 
the head of the dry goods house of ilanahan, Taber 
& Co. Henry H. married Mary J. C'hapiu. a native 
of Virginia, and resides in Bronson towiishiji. Lewis 
married Sarah Chapiu, a cousin of Mrs. Henry II. 
Manahan. and resides near Olena in Bi'onson. The 
sons have Ijeen among tlie active Ijusiness men of tlie 
county for many years. 

Joseph Moore, a native of Cherry Valley. New Jer- 
sey, removed with his family from Tompkins county. 
New Y'ork. to this county, in 1833. He settled in 
Norwalk townshi]), on lot number five in the first 
section. In 1855. he soM his farm and nn)ved in 
Hartland, locating with his son, Lewis Moore, on the 
farm now occupied by the latter, on lot nine, section 
three. He died on this farm Octoljer 5. 1870, aged 
nearly ninety years. Mr. Moore was a good citizen, 
an exemjilary chi'istian and an efficient member of 
the .Metboilist Episcopal eliurcb. Mi's. Moore died 
m 1851. 

There were ti\"e chilili'cn. three sons and two 
daughters, three of whom are living, as follows: Mrs. 
Jonathan White in Kansas, ami Lewis and Ileni'v 
L. in Hartland. The latter was elected sherifi: of 
Huron County in Oetolier, 1853, on the last whig 
ticket, and was the only nominee on the ticket elected. 
He was re-elected in 1855, and at tlie close of his 
second term, he jiurchased the farm in Hartland on 
which he has since lived. 

William Johnson, his wife and seven children, came 
to Hartland, from the state of New York, in the year 
1835, and located lots number seventeen eighteen and 
a part of twenty, of the Latimer and Lane tract, in 
the first section. Mr. Johnson died February 24, 
1867, and Melinda. his wife, died September 14, 1847. 
C)f the seven ehildren. six are livina', as follows : R. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



199 



('. .Iiiliusou resides in Fitchville; Mrs. G. A. Ransom 
in Ilurtland; Mary .). Prossur in New London; Eliza 
J. Barns in Fitciivillo; A. S. .Idimson in New Lon- 
don, and Ia'Wis .lolmson in Clarksfield. C'atliarine 
(Font) died in New London in February, 1877. 

('JKirles and George Smitli moved in from New 
York and settled in this section a short time previous 
to the arrival of Mr. Post. They resided here a 
number of years <ind then removed to Lorain county, 
and finally to the west. 

A family In' the name of Harrington settled about 
the same time on lot numljer eleven. A few years 
he subsequently married Mary Jackson, wiio came to 
Hartland with the family of Thonuis ilanahan in 1833. 

Abram Phillips came to Huron from near Buffalo, 
New Y'ork, with his family, in August, 1835. He re- 
mained a year in Huron and then settled in Hartland, 
where he has since lived, on lot six in the first section. 
He Ijuilt his present brick house in lS-t9, which was 
the tirst brick building erected in the township. 

Mr. Phillips was born in Windham' Greene county. 
New York, .luuc 11, 1T99. He married, January 1, 
18"-J3, Jane Robinson, who was born in Pennsylvania 
in 18i)-l:. They have reared a family of nine children, 
all of whom are living. 

In the spring of lS3iJ, Calvin 0. CIniifee, his wife 
and child, Bartlett Davis and wife, Benjamin G. and 
George Haines and their families came to this county 
from near S})ringiield, Mass., consuming four weeks 
in the journey. 

.Mr. Chaffee, the tirst year after his arrival, rented 
tliC place on which Mr. Tilton now lives, in Bronson. 
He then purchased and settled in Hartland, where his 
widow now resides, — lot number twenty-tive, section 
numi)er three — where he continued to reside until his 
death, in January, 1877. He was born April 2'J, 181L 
Mrs. Cluitfee was Ijoru at Palmer, ilass., March 27, 
18U8. She was married to Mr. C'iiatt'ee, Marcii 19, 
1833. The number of children born to them was 
seven, six of whom are living. The two sons, D. E. 
and Charles M., oi)erate the saw-mill opposite the old 
homestead. 

Mr. Davis hrst located a short distance north of his 
present residence. His wife died April lU, 18.50, and 
after, he sold to Isaac Powell and moved to Fitchville. 

George Haines remained in Bronson a short time 
and then settled in Ripley. The most of the family 
died of typhoid fever soon after, which was brought 
among them by a young man from the south. 

Benjamin Haines died in Bronson about the same 
lime of the same disease. 

In the fourth section the first settler was Isaac 
Flayer who movt-d in from Greene county. New York, 
in lH'.Vi. He settled on the southwest corner of lot 
numlier nineteen. He occupied his original location 
until his death in December, 1874. Mrs. Frayer died 
in the early years of their settlement. They had a 
family of eight children, four of whom are living, viz: 
Ambrose Frayer in Ripley, Mrs. Beardsley, Mrs. Gofl, 
and ^[rs. Robliins in Norwalk. 



Across the road from Frayer, Darius Cherry located 
at an early date. He afterwards sold out and moved 
to Fitchville where he is now living. 

Robert Brown was one of the earliest settlers in this 
([uarter of the township and is the only one of those 
who took up land on the road on which he lives, now 
occupying his original location. He was born in New 
London, Conn., January 2-1, 1805: married March 13, 
182G, Eliza Chapel of the same plaee who was born 
February 16th, of the same year. He came to Huron 
county in 1831 and resided in Greenfield and Fairfield 
five years and then came to Hartland where he uuide 
his first purchase of land, on lot number sixteen in 
the Mercer tract. His cabin was built of logs and 
with • -stick" chimney after the style of the period, 
and stood in the midst of these large stumps and girt 
about with dense woods. Mr. Brown had nothing to 
begin with but his character and industry, and his 
necessities required a great deal of hard labor in tho.se 
early days. His tax the first year was luwnty-xeven 
rents, paid on a cow and a pair of steers. He is the 
father of nine children, five of whom are living. Mrs. 
Brown died in Hartland, January 22. IS?;. 

Rowland Searles and family, and subsequentlv his 
father, John Searles, and his family, settled on lot.s 
number twenty-two and twenty-three of the fourtii 
section, respectively, in the year 1835. They were 
from the state of New Y'ork. John Searles died 
many years ago. Rowland Searles is now living across 
the road from his first location, on lot seventeen, and 
is aged about seventy, 

Nathaniel S. Tompkins, from Qreene conntv. New 
Y'ork, moved in soon after the Searles", and settled on 
half of lot number twenty-two. He and his wife lioth 
died on this place, and none of the faniilv ai'e now 
left in Hartland. 

Three families by the name of Price — father and 
two_ sons— settled on this road about the year 1835, 
but none of them are now living in the township. 

In the fall of 1835, Azael Welch moved in from New 
Y'ork, and settled on the west end of the road. He 
is dead, and but one member of the family now re- 
mains in the town. 

Ambrose Royee eanie to the Fire-lands from New 
York State, lived a few years in Fairfield, and in 183(j 
settled in Hartland, on the west part of lot fifteen, 
where his widow now lives. He died a few vears since. 

John Ernsberger was an early settler in this por- 
tion of the township, and is still living t>n his (iriginal 
location, a mile east of Olena. 

'J'he returns of the coiiuly assessor, of the white 
male inhabitants in Hui'on county over the age of 
twenty-one years, in the year 1827, gives the following 
list of siieh inhabitants in this township : 



Henry Pickani. 
Samuel Wellman. 
Libeus Stnors, 
Klntlthnn Waldr«m 
t'rawfm-il White 
Elijah Hills 
Daniel .Miner 
Peter J.mtes 



Josei>li P e>\vt'n 
Kli liarnuni. 
Samuel White 
Jt'sse Taintnr. 
.Jonathan WaUlfon 
William Howai-d 
Josiah Kilbiit-n 



Francis Wjiyal. 
Nathan .Mitiel*. 
Sylvester Waldron. 
Lncien Tftint"r, 
.James Thomas 
.Vrthur Howard 
.James White 



200 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



FIRST EVEXTS. 

Tlie first wiiite child born in the township, was a 
chihl of Jared Tolls, in 1818. 

The first couple married was Elijah Bills and Mary 
Howard, danghter of Captain William Howard. This 
event occurred June 2, 1822. at the residence of the 
bride's parents. — .Tohn Beatty, Esq.. perfcjrming the 
nujitial ceremony. 

The first death was that of Jared Tolls, who died 
in the fall of 1818. from eating too freely of wild 
plums. He was buried on his farm, in a coffin made 
out of Daniel Bills" wagon-box, as there was no lum- 
ber to be had. A small apple tree sprout was planted 
at the head of the grave, which grew to be a large 
tree, but it iias been removed, and the exact location 
of the grave is now unknown. 

THE FIRST SAW MII.I. 

was built by Judah Ransom, on Indian creek, in the 
sjiring of 1S2G. 

There are at the ]>resent time four saw mills in the 
town.ship. viz: The Challee mill, in the third sec- 
tion: the Miles mill, near the north town line; the 
Miles mills, at the center, and the Thomas mills, at 
Olena. The latter, the oldest, was built by John 
Luuuau m 184:0 or 184.5. There has never been a 
grist mill built in Hartland, and the early settlers 
sometimes exjierienced a great deal of difficulty in 
getting their grinding done. There were grist mills 
in some of the adjacent townships, but they were at 
rest much of the tiuie in con*e(iuence of dry weather, 
and at such times trips to Cold creek, and occasionally 
even to Mansfield, sixty miles distant, and through 
almost unbroken forests, were necessary to get grind- 
ing done. Families whose supply of flour would be 
exhausted before the return of the grist from the 
mill, would enjoy a week's variety of j)ounded wheat 
or •' jointed corn."" 

EHICATIOXAL. 

The first school house was liuilt in the fall of 1821, 
on the ground that is now occupied by the Ridge 
burying ground. The size of the house was sixteen 
by twenty feet, with puncheon floor. The door, seats 
and writing desks were also made of puncheons, and 
greased paper served as glass for tlie windows. - 

The first school was kept by Cyrus .Munger, in the 
winter of 1821-22. The families of Josiah Kilbourn, 
William Howard, Daniel Bills, Joseph Osyor, Nathan 
Miner and Sainuel White were represented in the 
school. 

In Aj)ril, 1826, the towushi]( was erected by the 
trustees into one school district, called District No. 1. 
The following were at that time householders of the 
district: Josiah Kilbourn, William Howard. Daniel 
Miner, Elijah Bills. Samuel White, Je.sse Taintor, 
Nathan Miner. Sylvester Waldron, Libeus Stoors, 
Allen .Mead, Eli Barnum and Henrv Pickard. 



RELIGIOUS. 

The first sermon preached in Hartland was Ijy the 
Rev. Lot B. Sullivan, a Congregational home mis- 
sionary. The first regular religious services were 
held at the house of Joseph Waldron, in the summer 
and fall of 1821. at which the Revs. True Pattee and 
James Mclntyre, Methodist circiwt preachers, offi- 
ciated. 

After the school house was built, on the ridge, in 
the fall of 1821, the meetings were held there. There 
was at this time but one Methodist family in the 
township. In 1824. a few Free Will Baptist families 
moved into the township, among which was that of 
Allen Mead, a pre:icher of that denomination. They 
soon after began to hold meetings, and, under the 
preaching of Mead. Elder Wheeler of Greenfield, and 
Rev. Mr. Carlton, ipiite a revival followed, resulting 
in the organization of a church in Clarksfield, with 
which the Baptists in Hartland united. The Free 
Wills thus took the lead, and maintained it for a num- 
ber of years. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHfRI'H 

of West Hartland was organized at the house of Perez 
Miner, in the year 1832. by Rev. Leonard Hill, and 
consisted of four members, as follows: Mrs. Perez 
Miner, James Read. F. M. Killiourn and wife. 
Daniel Stratton. of Norwalk township, was appointed 
class leader. 

This was the first church organized in the town- 
ship. The earliest preachers who officiated for this 
church were Edward Thompson (afterwards bishop), 
Diem, Disbro, Kellum. Barkdull, Ileuster, Jones, 
Wells, Breckenridge and Gurley. The church hsis 
now a membership of about fifty. The' Rev. George 
A. Weber, resilient at Townsend center, is the pastor. 
The church building was erected in 1873, and cost 
about two thousand three hundred dollars. 

A Sabbath school, the first in the township, was 
organized by Rev. True Pattee, in 1834. It is now in 
a floiu'ishing Condition. D. E. Chaffee is the superiu- 
tenilent. There was a class formed in the fourt 
section at an early date, and suljsequently another at 
the center of tlie town. The former did not continu 
long, the members going to Olena, and the latter, 
after a few years, disbanded. 

Ill about the year 1852 or 1853, a Wesleyan preacher, 
by the name of Hoyce, came in and formed a class, 
but not being able to sustain jireaching, the class ex- 
isted but a few years. 

THE IXITED BKETHREX CHTRCn 

at the center was organized by Rev. Mr. Davis, in 
the spring of 18ii5, and consisted of the following 
members, to-wit: Elon Done and wife. Josei)h Briggs 
and wife, G. \V. Patchen and wife, James Blakeman 
and wife, J. B. Darling and a few young members, 
whose names cannot now be recalled. They held 
their meetings at the center school house until 1867,™ 
when the present church building was erected at a^* 



1 

its 
le' 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•201 



cost of aljout twelve luiiulivd diiilar>. In li^TT the 
ehurci! enjoyed an exri'usivc revival, the lunnlier of 
conversions Ijoing about one hundreil. The nienil)cr- 
ship for a }"ear or two has lieen diniinisliino;, and the 
society is not at present in as prosperous a condition 
as formerly. 

TOWXSini' OI!c:.\N'IZATI0X. 

The original name of the township was Canterbury. 
It wa< annexed to Clarksfield (formerly Bethel) until 
Aiiril, IS'^'i, when it was detached and organized for 
indepuudeut action umler the name of Hartland. 

Tiie election for townsjiip otiicers wiu< held at the 
school house on the ridge. Eli Baruuui and Daniel 
-Miner were chosen clerks of election, and Nathan 
Miner, Josiah Kill)Ourii and Allen Mead, judges. 

The result of the election was as follows: Daniel 
Miner, township clerk; Nathan Miner. Josiah Kil- 
bourn and Jesse Taintor, trustees: Lebeus Stoors and 
James White, overseers of the poor; Elijali Bills aiui 
Lebeus Stoors, fence viewers: Allen Mead and Lebeus 
Stoors. appraisers of property; Allen Mead, lister; 
Allen Mead, treasurer; Nathan Miner and Daniel 
Miner, supervisors of highways. Artiiur Howard was 
elected constable, and. to provide him employment, 
on the 24th day of May following Eli Barnum was 
elected justice of the peace- 

On the fifth day of March, 1827, the first settle- 
ment of the trustees with township officers was made, 
at which time the following orders were drawn on the 
treasurer, to wit: To Eli Barnum; for services as clerk 
of election, thirty-three cents : to Josiah Kilbourn, 
for services as trustee, one dollar and sixty-one cents; 
to Nathan Miner, for ser.vices as trustee, two dollars 
and seventy cents ; to Jesse Taintor, for same service, 



one dollar and thirty-tlii'ce cents : Daniel Miner, for 

services as township i-jci-k. including a township rec- 
ord book, three' doUars and I hirty-thrce cents. 

I'lOXKKK IXTIMll>.\rn>N-. 

j 'The spring election of 1827 was an unusually excit- 
I ing one, and there is a vague tradition that it was not 
I wholly free from a certain kind of intimidation. The 
I contest was over supervisor of highways, one party 
i wanting- all the road-work confined to the rido-e, 
! while the other thought some of it ought to be done 
! on the other roads. After a spirited discussion of 
I the question, and before the voting began, a canvass 
was made to learn the relative strength of the two 
parties, when it was found the ridge party had six 
adherents and their ojiponents seven. One of the 
seven, whose •■infirmity "" was well known, was there- 
I upon bargained with by the minority, for a jtnj of 
\ whisky, to vote with them, a penalty being affixed 
that in Ciise of non-performance of contract liy the 
purchased voter, he should be kicked bv his pur- 
chasers from the jiolls to his home. The ridge got 
all the work. 

At the election in April of the current year. J. il. 
Chaffee was chosen township clerk : J. B. Darling, 
A. C. Miller and E. R. Brown, trustees ; G. D. Ful- 
ler,- treasurer ; H. M. Hood and Henry L. Moore, 
justices of the peace. 

POST OFFICE. 

In 1833 the first post office was established in Hart- 
land, with Daniel Miner as postmaster, who kept the 
office in his house, on the ridge, for a period of twen- 
ty-one years. 

The present post office is located at the center of 
Hartland, L. M. Miles being the incumbent. 



I 



26 



PERU 



ORIGINAL OWXERS. 

For explanation of following table, see \\ akenian 
hlstorv: 

I'EKl , TOWX XUMBER THREE, RANGE TWENTY. 
Classification No. 1, Section 1. 

ih-iginal Grantees. Ain^t.Loss. Classijied by. Am^t Classed^ 

£ s. cl £ s. d. 

Abel Frisbie " " 85 15 

Johu Wood ward, Jr 740 I'J 11 Jere. Atwater* Jere. o,~ n n 

Townsend's heirs 

Sarah Hunt " ■■ 3 4 

Jared Hemingway " "■ 546 

Nehemiah Higtrins " " 2 8 11 

Stephen Hoiievwell " " 1 19 6 

Enos Hntohliiss •' " 3 17 8 

Jared IngersoU " '* 2 

Euos Johnson " ** 117 9 

James Lyndes ** ■" 4 17 6 

David JIurison " " 2 8 6 

Robert Matthews " •' 8 3 

Susan Mahon " *' 16 8 

Mary Pease " '• 15 14 

Rachel Russell .... " " 3 18 10 

Hannah Sloper " " 6 8 

Amos Sherman ■' " 34 12 8 

Hez. Sabin. Jr. " •• 79 8 9 

Sarah Stevens " •' 4 11 

Hannah Sackelt Jeremiah Atwater 5 7 6 

Ruth Gordon ... " " 7 10 

Mary Hubbard " ■' 5 17 11 

Edmond Smith " " 4 17 1 

Thomas Bill '■ " 9 18 4 

Patience Mix '• *' 20 19 1 

Oliver Ailing •■ " 10 18 

Lydia Johnson ... " " 570 
Rev Chauncev Whit- 
tlesey ■ 336 6 3 The heirs at law 326 B 3 

Newton Whittlesey " " 33 3 

Wm. Van Duerson ' Wm. Van Duerson 62 4 3 

Mary Cutler Heir at law 48 18 1 

John Woodward, Jr 740 19 11 John Woodward 260 1 3 

Rev. Xoah Wihiston Committee 27 5 

Silas Kimberly 9 18 6 " 9 6 

Footing of Classification No. 1 £1,344 7 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Classification No 2, Section 2. 



Original Gran tets. 

John Mix, Jr. 
Major Lines 
Ebenezer Huggins 
Joseph Howell 
Susannah Hntehkiss 
Obediah Hotc'hkiss 
Henry F. Hughes 
Steiihen Herrick 
Levi Ives 
Peter Jolinson 
Ebenezer Lines 
Edward Meloj 
Amos Monson 
David Osborne 
Mehittibel Osborne 
Marstin Parrot 
William Punchard 
Jacob Pinto 
Ichabod Pa^e 
Sarah Parmelee 
Jeremiah Parmelee 
Charles Prindle 
William Sherman 
Caleb Trowbridge 
Jere. Townsend, Jr. 
Daniel Tultle 
Robert Townsend 
HezekiahTuttle 
Daniel Mnnstleld 
Kinstwad Manvtield 
James Mui'ray 
Mary Horton ' 
Abraham .Johnson 
Jeremiah Townsend 
Timothy Townsend 
Stephen Trowbridge 
Robert Fai- child 
Ezra Ford 
Heiii-y Gibbs 
Christian Hanson 
David Cook 
SBmuel Clark 
Samuel Cook 



Am^t Losi 
£ s. d. 
9 19 6 



Classified by 



Ain^t Classed. 



36 



William J Vredenburg9 
14 

" 47 

75 
14 

" 69 
38 
15 
46 
20 
20 
265 
18 
30 
3 
27 
20 
22 
59 
8 
18 
47 
37 

!! !' '^ 

13 

15 

45 

11 

10 

9 

5 

5 

" . 21 

11 

8 

10 

16 

.. 4 

4 

19 



19 
8 
12 



3 
1 

1 

18 
II 
18 
15 
14 
12 
18 
1 

13 
9 
17 
17 
4 
3 
15 
3 
2 
19 
3 
17 
13 
14 
14 
16 
18 
5 

12 
17 
8 
5 
13 
14 



6 
6 

8 
5 
6 



4 
9 
6 
9 
6 
5 
3 
6 
9 

11 
6 
2 

6 
3 
8 
3 
2 
6 
3 
6 
9 
4 
9 

10 

11 
6 

10 



6 

» 
9 



Footing of Classification No. 2, *l.344 



Original Grantees. Am't Lo.^s. 

£ s. d. 
Isaac Doolittle 20 17 

Henry IteKgett 37 14 4 

Lydia Kimberly 

Sarah Kimberly 

Jonas Prentice 
Martin Ray 
John Scott 
Moses Strong 
Hannah Mix 
!Moses Mansfield 
Thomas Punderson 
Johu Pien^ont 
Timothy Tahuadge 
Allice Wise 
John Ward 
.John Warner 
Joseph Smith, 3d 

John Stover 

John R. Throop 

Joseph Thompson 

Abraham Thompson 

John Mix 

Samuel .\lling 
Hesekiah Ailing 

Jonah Atwater^ 

Elanor Bonticon 

Abraham Bradley, Jr 

Lemuel Benham 

Hanover Barney 

John Lathrop 

Elisha Mix 

Lorain Ailing 

Sarah Brown 

Stephen Johnson 
.\nsel Truly 
Ephraim Robbins 
Charles Burr 

NehemiahBrddington 

Jacob Thompson 

Sarah Goldsmith 

Moses Wells 256 7 4 

Michael Todd 

Je! eiuiah Townsend 36 7 6 
Henry Daggett .37 14 4 

Stephen Hotchkiss 

Samuel Robertson 

Abraham Tuttle 4 4 

Silas Kimberly 9 18 6 



Classified by. 
William J. Vredenburg 



Am' 


t Classed. 


£ 


s. 


rf. 


S " 


4 


6 


17 


14 


4 


21 


8 


9 


27 


16 





27 


17 


6 


70 


15 


6 


7 





9 


9 


10 


n 


36 


4 


3 


6 


3 


n 


o 


lb 


3 


IN 


S 





37 


19 


6 


9 


6 





25 




6 


4 


2 


6 


12 


8 


10 


65 


11 





7 


-2 





12 


14 





,-} 


o 


•J 


37 


10 


9 


20 


10 





II 


14 





16 


10 


8 


33 


9 


2 


6 


4 


6 


12 


19 


7 


II 


n 


in 


71 


17 


•1 


25 


7 


4 


4 


15 


8 


12 


11 


H 


14 


3 


9 


96 


11 


7 


106 


14 


10 


24 


Ifi 





15 


I 


7 


UU 


19 


o 


,53 


I 





159 


11 


7U. 


V3 


I« 


11 


14 


K 


9 


20 








4 


* 





9 


16 


2 


1 


6 


10 




IS 






Footing of Classiflcation No 3. fl,3l3 14 si^ 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. Am' t Loss. 

£ s. d. 

Abraham Augur 60 8 
Hezekiah Augur 

Eldad Atwater 

Christopher Ailing 
Abraham Bi-adley 

Israel Bishop 

Isaac Bishop 

Samuel Griswold 

Daniel Bishop 

Stephen Bradley .. .. 

Thomas Burral 

Eleazer Brown 

John Ohandler 

Timothy Dwight 

Jacob Daggett 

Amos Doolitile 

Nathan Dainmer .. .. 

Samuel (_»reen .. .. 

Johu Miles 

William Morson 

Stephen Gorham 

Samuel Gorham 

Richard H.^od ..... 

Samuel Huggins .. .. 

Josifth Hollev .. .. 

Alvah Hall ' 

Amos Hoti'likiss 

Stephen Ml >nson 

Joseph Mi.\ 

Moses Wells 256 7 4 

Samuel Wilmott ., ,. 

John White Jr .... 

George Cook 

Richard Tuttle 



Classified by 


Am 


tela 


•ssrd 




£ 


s. 


d 


William J. Vredenb 


urg60 





8 


'* '* 


29 


K 


3 


t > i< 


52 





7 


•' " 


6 


16 


3 


" " 


HI 


6 


s 


** •' 


31 


16 


9 


*• " 


37 





( 


14 .1 


21 


11 


9 


" " 


79 


5 


6 


" " 


4 


3 


3 


»i U 


17 


2 


11 


II i. 


S 


12 


3 


• t tl 


108 


o 





11 It 


10 


13 


6 


" " 


50 


9 


7 


'• " 


11 


6 


liV. 


" " 


fi 


2 


9 


" " 


.%4 


4 


6 


** " 


43 





9 


" '■ 


73 


li 


,s 


" " 


27 


14 


11 


" " 


9 


K 


3 


" ** 


36 


15 





%., tl 


91 


16 


9 


" " 


52 


17 


3 


*' " 


3 


19 


9 


" " 


34 


3 


9 


" '' 


22 


12 


4 


■* " 


11 


15 


10 


*' •• 


96 


15 


9 


" " 


62 


16 


2 


(I t. 


23 


18 


3 


" '* 


45 


10 


1 


" 


13 


1 






Footing of Classiflcation No. 4, £1,.344 



(202) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



203 



>fATrKAL FEATURES. 

Tlio sui-facL' of tlie to\vll^;hip is rolling, cxec'iU in 
tlie northwest part, wliuru it is level. :ind tiie land 
.somewhat low. Tiie soil is strong anil productive, 
being generally of a loamy nature. In the north part 
of the town it is more sandy, mixed somewiiat with 
gravel, while much of the south ])art is clay. 

Its jn-incipal strea is the river Huron which, rising 
in Richland county, enters the township al)ont half a 
mile cast of the soutliwest corner, runs f<jr tlie most 
part a general northeasterly course, and leaves the town- 
sliip on lot eight, section three. The east branch of 
tlie Huron has its source in Fairfield, enters Peru from 
l>rou>on on lot eighteen, section one, flows a north- 
westerly direction, and unites with the present stream 
in the township of Ridgeh'elil, about a mile north of 
the town line. State run comes into the township 
from Seneca county, flows a northeasterly course into 
Hidgefield where it unites with tiie Huron. The 
streams afford excellent water }iower privileges which 
are more or less improved. Tlie princijial varieties of 
tinil)er were originally the oak in several varieties, 
wjiitewood, beech, maple, hickory, basswood and 
l)uckeye. Along the streams tlie variety was mostly 
liutternut and black walnut. 

XAME. 

I'iie towu was originally called " Vrcilenburg," 
from tlie circumstance that AVilliam J. Vredenlnirg 
was a large owner of its soil. He bought up the claims 
of the "Sufferers" until lie obtained the ownership of 
three-fourths of the township, viz.: Sections two, 
three and four. Section one was owned by various 
])ersous in the east, from whom the earliest settlers in 
that ])ortion of the town purchased their lands. The 
phice continued under the name of " A'redenbnig "' 
until the winter of 1820, when at a meeting called 
for the purpose, and held at the house of Joseph 
Ruo-irles, the luimc of Peru, under whici) a post office 
had been established, was substituted. 

^ SETTLEMENT. 

The earliest settlements in the townsiiip were made 
on tlie first section. The first wliitc settlers were 
I'.liliu ClaVy, Hen ry Ad ams aiid Wilh.im Smith, who 
togetiicr arrived on lot number Hv(^ in section one on 
^ the 15th day of June, 181.5. Adams, who was from 
<\ Marlborough, Vermont, had come to Cleveland in the 
winter previous with team and wagon, and remained 
in tlio vicinity at work until his removal to Peru, ilien 
called \'redenburgh. At Cleveland he was joined Ijy 
Clary and Smith in the springof 1S15 wlio came from 
Deerfield, Massachusetts, on foot. From Cleveland 
I lie journey Wiis made by all three on foot. They en- 
tered the township on the east line, crossed the East 
Branch of the Huron river, a few rods below the 
bridge that now crosses the stream in 3Iacksville, and 
traveled on until reaching the house of Bildad Adams 
in the township of Greenfield. With him they board- 
ed for a few days until they coulil roll up a log house 



on lot five in section one. Henry Adams had shipped 
a l)arrel of flour from Cleveland 'to Huron and soon 
after his arrival in Peru lie went there after it with a 
I wagon and two yoke of oxen. He found, however, 
{ that the flour had been carried to Detroit and he had 
to remain two weeks awaiting its arrival. He brought 
home witli him also a barrel of pork for which he 
paid thirty dollars. Mr. Adams states that he was 
unable to find during the entire journey enough straw 
for a single bed. He wrote back to his wife that his 
bed consisted of the "soft side of a basswood punch- 
eon." The men kept bachelor's hall in the first cabin 
built until the following October, when they erected a 
better log house ti few rods furtlicr west. A part of 
their furniture consisted of four tables made from a 
whiteuood tree, one of which Henry Adams used in 
his own house for several years. 

On the twenty-third of that month, the wife of 
Clary arrived and they were the first family that .set- 
tled in the town. Mrs. Clary came from Deerfield, 
Massachusetts, with an uncle of her husband. They 
traveled as far as Buffalo in a wagon with which she 
brought to that point a few household goods. The 
roads, west of Bulf.do, being in an almost impassable 
condition, the goods were shiiijiod by water from 
there to Huron, and the travelers completed the 
journey on horseback. Mrs. Clary rode in a man's 
saddle a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, 
making the journey in seven days. She kept house 
for the men while they prosecuted the work of clean- 
ing. They lived thus until the following spring, 
when they moved to their selected locations. Clary 
located on lot number eighteen, section one, where 
Brown Fisher now lives. Some years afterwards he 
moved to the village of Macksville, where he kept a 
tavern for a number of years, and then removed to 
near Albany, New York. His wife, Pearly Clary, 
died in Macksville June 18, 1830, and he married 
again in New Y'ork, and subserpiently returned to 
Ohio, but soon removed to Bedford, Monroe county, 
Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life. 
He was born in ilontagiie. Massachusetts, in the 
year 1788, and died in September, 1871, aged eighty- 
three. This pioneer family experienced the varicuis 
hardships incident to the settlement of a new country. 
In a letter written by Mr. Clary in 1857, he says 
the family lived for three week--', in tlie sjn-ing of 
1810. on pudiliiig and mola>ses, "not for want of 
money, which was then very plenty, but i)rovisions 
were not to be had in Huron county, and tlie roads 
to the soutli were at that time impassable with teams; 
but soon the warmth of the sun dispelled the clouds 
and dried up tlie mud. and teams came in with jiork 
and Hour: a drove of cows arrived, and we again had 
plenty," 

Mr. Adams settled on lot twenty-nine in the first 
section, and he now (January, 187'J.) occuiiies his 
original purchase. His first cabin stood a short dis- 
tance north of where he now resides. It was sixteen 
feet sfpuire. with a roof of "shakers." luiiicheon floor, 



I 



I 



204 



HISTORY OF llUliOJ^ AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and a door made also of pmiclieons. His bedstead 
consisted of two poles, some eight or ten feet in length, 
one end of whic-li was stnck into a log in tlie wall of 
the house, a few feet apart, and joined to a stake at 
the other end, triangular in shape. He used elm 
bark for bed-cord, and this rude arrangement consti- 
tuted a bed which the young people of to-day would 
hardly regard as conducive to a good night's rest. 
His family, consisting of his wife and infant daugh- 
ter, arrived in tlie fall of 1816, coming with the wife 

of Newell Adams and her father. Bliss. One of 

tlie horses with which the journey was made partially 
gave out at Buffalo, and from there to Peru the two 
women traveled on foot. 

Henry Adams was born in Windham county, \'er- 
mont, October 16, 1790. He married Annis Barr, 
who was born in Roe, Franklin county, Massachu- 
setts, February .5, 1788. She died in Peru, December 
5, 1859. They had a family of nine children, four 
of whom are now living. Emily married Asahel 
Wilcox, who died of cholera in 1849, since when she 
has lived witli her fathei'. Caroline is tlie wife of Rev. 
Silas 1). Seymour, a methodist minister, and lives in 
Greenwich. Jane became the wife of E. F. Adams, 
who died in May, 1876, and she now lives at the old 
home. Melissa has been insane foj- nearly thirty 
years. Mr. Adams has resided in the town for a pe- 
riod of nearly sixty-four consecutive years, and has 
been a wortiiy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church for fifty-four years. 

Smith made his location on tlie farm now occupied 
l)y P. Barnum, on lot number nine, section one. He 
s ibsequently mirried Lovina Pierce, daughter of Al- 
den Pierce, an early settler of CTi-eenfield. Smith 
finally removed to Illinois where he died. Alexander 
Pierce and Polly Curtiss were married in Massachu- 
setts, November 14, 1815, and a month after emigrated 
t(5 Ohio, arriving at the cabin of Clary, Adams and 
Sniitli on the last day of January, 1816. Mrs. Clary 
regaled her visitors with a meal consisting of roasted 
raccoon and boiled turni])s. On tlie l-ith of February 
following, Mr. and Jlrs. Pierce took up their abode 
in their caljin, on lot number fourteen in the first 
section. Their first meal in their new home consisted 
of pigs feet and hulled corn, the corn costing one dol- 
lar per bushel. Mr. Pierce died in Peru in 1836. 
His widow afterwards lived for a number of years in 
Sherman township, but finally came back to Peru and 
died here September 36, 1865. "Aunt Polly," as she 
was familiarly called, was a rare character. She pos- 
sessed an inexhaustible fund of anecdote and reminis- 
cences of ])ioneer days and could talk well in public. 
S'le wai a daugiiter of Ebcnezer Curtiss and was born 
in Leverett, Massachusetts, in 1798. At the age of 
seventeen she married Alex. Pierce, and lieeame the 
mather of four children — three sons and a daughter. 

It is possiljle now to obtain but little information 
conecrning some of the early settlers. We find that 
Simon Raymond came into the township about the 
.same time of Alexnnder Pierce and wife. 



Newell Adams, a brother of Henry, arrived in the 
summ?r of 1816. but his wife remained at the east 
until sometime in the following fall when she came 
on, the family of Henry Adams coming at the same 
time. He loaatel on lot twenty-seven where Commo- 
dore Perry now lives. He subse piently sold to Fred 
Delano and removed to Illinois where he is now living. 
Another brother by the name nf Alden, who was un- 
married at the time, came in subseijuently and mar- 
ried Jane Delamater and settled on lot twenty-two. 
He afterwards sold out and removed to tlie west and 
died there some four or five years ago. 

Thaddeus Raymond and family moved intu the 
township in Novewber, 1816, and settled on lot num- 
ber thirty, and Joel Clark about the same time set- 
tling on lot twenty-six. Clark remained in the town 
only a few years when he removed to Michigan. 
Daniel JIack arrived in the fall of 1816 and made his 
location where the village of Macksville now is, and 
which derived its name from him. He built a saw- 
mill on the stream there a year or two after his arrival 
in which he had a run of stone for grinding grain. 
A few years after he removed to Cold creek, and en- 
araged in t!;e miliinn' business there. About this time 
James Ashley and Eli Nelson joined the settlement. 

Thomas Tillson came into the townsliiji in the sum- 
mer of 1816, making the journey from Hamjishire 
county, Massachusetts, on foot. He selected his lo- 
cation on lot twenty-eight, section one, and immedi- 
ately began the work of clearing and improving his 
land, making his home meanwhile with Henry Adams 
whose family had not yet arrived. He sowed some 
three or four acres to wlieat in the fall and then re- 
turned to Massachusetts for the money to pay for his 
land. He came by way of the lake from Buffalo to 
Sandusky and arrived in Pei'u on the 28th of June, 
1817. His family, consisting then of wife and one 
child, arrived in 1821, coming with Alden Pierce and 
family. Mr. Tillson's original cabin stood across the 
road from and west of the present residence of his 
son Rufus. He built the latter house in 1829 and 
occupied it until his death in 1844. His wife survived 
him a few years. They had five children, three of 
whom are living, and one — Rufus — in Peru. Stc|)hen 
resides in Iowa and Thomas is an inmate of the insane 
asylum at Columbus. 

Levi R. Sutton, writing in the Fire-himh Pioneer, 
concerning the early settlement of Peru, speaks as 
follows of the first settlements west of the river: 
"Isaac Sutton, Levi R. Sutton and Fjlias Hughes were 
the first three settlers west of Huron river, who com- 
menced making improvements in the latter part of 
March, 1817, and moved into their cabins on tlie 2d 
of Ajiril following. Isaac Sutton settled on what is 
now lot number eleven, W. Weed's partition, but. 
R. Eaton having bought the laud at thi' east, he gavel 
up possession to him. and left the township in a year 
or so. Ijevi R. Sutton settled on the hill west of 
HiiiMn river, on E. T. Tniojj's jiartition, im wh:it isl 
now called lot number thirteen. Elia-* Iluohes lived' 





MRS RICHARDSON EATON. 



RICHARDSON EATON. 




RESIDtNCE-br RICHARDSON EATON, PERU TP.HURON CO.. OHIO 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



205 



and worked with L. R. Sutton some two or three 
yeiirs, and then buiii;ht a piece of hnul on tlie center 
road and conuncnced blaek^niithing. He worked at 
that buiriness for a few years and then left anil died 
ill Indiana." 

Levi R. Sutton wa.s born in Fayette county, Pennsyl- 
vania, Septeniljer T, 1794. and removed with his 
father's family to Knox county Ohio, in 1812. He 
married, November 28, 1813, Catherine, daugliter of 
Peter Kile, of Mount Vernon, and removed to Lyme 
townshij), Huron county, in May, 181fi. The next 
April he settled in Pern. He occupied his original 
location up to the time of his death, in September, 
1872. He was justice of the peace of the township 
for twenty five or thirty years, and town clerk for 
an e(|ually long period. His widow is yet living, but 
at this writing, January, 1879, is in a very feeble con- 
dition. She is in her eighty-seventh year. There 
were seven children, six of whom are living, as fol- 
low:s Mrs. Richard Gardner, in Peru, Jacob, in Clyde, 
Mrs. Sarah Deyo, in Fulton county, L-Jetsey, unmar- 
ried, w'ith her aged mother, Mrs. Adaline Harper, in 
Illinois, and Estlier Davenjiort. in Michigan. 

Richardson Eaton first visited the township in June, 
1818, coming from Lodi, Cattaraugus county, N. Y. 
He selected and imrchased of Walter Weed about five 
hundred acres in lots numijer one, two, ten, eleven 
and twelve, mostly in section number one. In July 
next following he returned to New York for his 
family, consisting of wife and two children, with 
whom he arrived in Peru in February of next year, 
performing the long journey with wagon and ox 
team. A log house had been rolled up and roofed 
over by a man sent on from New York for the pur- 
pose. It stood on the west bank of the Huron river, 
on lot number eleven. It was, indeed, a very pi-imi- 
tive habitation, when the family began life in it, and 
w.is without a door, window or chimney, until the fall 
following its occupancy. Mr. Eaton resided here 
seven or eight years, and then moved into the frame 
house just east of the brick house which he now occu- 
pies, on lot number twelve. He now owns lots eleven 
and twelve. Mr. Eaton has experienced the varioivs 
hardships incident to the settlement of a new country. 
Ho bought his land on time and was twenty-five years 
ill cle.iring it of debt. Tlie hard times arrested emi- 
gration, and there was no home demand and lu) outlet 
for the produce of the farmer, and for a time wheat 
would not bring ten cents a bushel. Mr. Eaton says 
a wagon load of it, at one time, would not buy a 
pound of tea. The completion of the Erie canal, 
however, imingurated a better condition of things. 
Wheat went up to lifty cents j)er bushel, and other 
things in proportion, and the settlers were tiien '•out 
of the woods." 

Mrs. Elton died in 18.58. Of the four children, 
only one is now living. This is Emeline, who is un- 
til irried and resides with her father, whoso eighty- 
ninth birthday occurred April 11, 1879. Mr. Eaton 
served in the war of 1812. 



James Vantine and family took up their residence 
in Peru on tiie 24:th day of .June, 1818. He pur- 
chased a thousanil acres of land of E. T. Trooji iu 
the second section. Tiie family settled on the east 
end of the purchase on lot numbjr twenty-eight. 

Arunali Eiton, a brother of Richardson, arrived 
with his family iu the winter of 1819, and located 
just north of his brother. He afterwards sold to his 
son-in-law, John A. Patterson, and took up his abode 
with a daughter, Mrs. Aro Clapj), in the township of 
Norwalk, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

Elijah Clary (father of Elihu, the first settler) and 
family arrived in Peru in the fall of 1817, after a 
journey of fifty days, from Deerfield, Massachusetts. 
The season was a very wet one; and the roads, usually 
intolerable, were worse than ever at this time, and 
the progress of the emigrants was very slow. West 
of Cleveland there were no bridges over the streams, 
and they were so swollen by recent rains that the 
family would have to wait sometimes two or three 
days for the water to fall so that they could cross. 
The travelers finally reached the cabin of the son 
Elihu, November 0th of the year above given. 

Mrs. Sanders, a daughter, says in regard to the 
settlement of her father's family: "We found mv 
brother and family well, who had Ijeen here more 
than two years, and, as they thought, living very 
comfortably, their condition being so much better 
than when they first came. But, accustomed as w^e 
had been to the luxuries of a New England home, we 
thought it rather hard fare (though I must acknowl- 
edge that the beef and turnip-5 were very good). But 
there were very few necessaries that could be obtained, 
and those so high-priced that few could afford to have 
them. My father paid twenty-five dollars for a bar- 
rel of jiork that had seven half heads in and shanks 
in proportion." Mr. Clary settled just south of Alex- 
ander Pierce. 

Joseph Ruggles and family, of Hampshire countv, 
Massachusetts, left their native place for thft far west 
iu the fall of 181G, with an ox team and wagon, and 
one horse ahead. Arriving in Otsego countv. New 
York, where several brothers of Mrs. Ruggles (who 
was a Tillson) had settled, the family remained there 
through the winter and then resumed their journey 
t(j the Fire-lands. Th?y reached the place of desti- 
nation April 27, 1817, taking uji their abode in the 
log house of Thomas Tillson, which had been put up 
previously by Daniel Mack, from whom Tillson 
bought the land. The family lived here several years, 
and tlieii moved to the farm now owned by a son, 
George. Mr. Rug^jles resided here the remainder of 
his life. His death occurred in June, 18-49, his wife 
surviving him three years. Therc^ were ten children, 
five of whom are living, and two — Henry and George 
W. — in this township. 

Charles and Richard Gardner, brothers, came to 
the township of Ridgefield, Huron county, from Ste- 
veutown. New York, in the spring of 1817. They 
made the journey with an ox team and wagon, and 



206 



HISTOKY OF HUEON AND EKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



were six weeks on the way. They made a beginning 
on the farm now owned bv the heirs of Allen Lindsay, 
in Ridgefiekl, bnt soon after exchanged it for land in 
the nortliea.st corner of tiie township of Lyme, where 
they remained some three years, and then came into 
Pern andbnilt the saw mill now owned by Charles 
Smith. They rnn this in partnership some five years, 
when Charles bonght his brothers interest, and a few 
years snbseqnently pnt up a woolen factory and carding 
machine at the same place. He married in 1823, and 
settled where he now resides, aged eighty-six. He 
helped to build the first honse in Norwalk — the log 
cabin of Piatt Benedict. 

Richard, after selling his interest in the mill, worked 
at his trade — that of carpenter and joiner — for a 
couple of years, and then bought the farm wliere he 
now lives, lots five and six in section two. He mar- 
ried Maria Lawrence in 1S26, and first commenced 
housekeeping in the house now occupied by the fam- 
ily of Levi TJ. Sutton, (deceased) the building then 
standing just nurtli of where his brotlier, Charles 
Gardner, now lives. His first wife died October 1.3, 
1828, and he married, four years subsequently, Maria 
Sutton, daughter of Levi R. Sutton, with wiiom he 
is now living. They are aged, respectively, eighty- 
three and sixty-four. 

One of the prominent early settlers in Peru, was 
Thomas Parker. He purchased, in 1810, nearly 
seven hundred acres of land in the fourth section, 
and the next year he and Luther Hodges — his son-in- 
law — and their families, moved from Cayuga county, 
New York, and settled on the tract aforesaid. They 
made the first improvements in that portion (jf the 
township. In 1821, Mr. Parker planted the first 
apple orchard in that that section of town, and the 
next year, Josiah Root erected for liini, on the west 
part of his purchase, on the Huron, a saw and grist 
mill. He died in Peru. September 3, 183!». He wa? 
born in Providence, Rhode Ishmd. October 10. 1707. 
He married, in Cnyuga county, New York, October 
1(3, IT'JG, Sarali Elliot, who was born in Dover, 
Duchess county. New York, August 13, l?6'.i. They 
raised a family of twelve children, none of whom 
now live in the township. Seth and Renjamin were 
ministers of the Baptist church, and the former was 
a prominent memljer of the Fire-lands Historical 
Society for many years. His widow now resides at 
(Jreenfield renter. 

Rev. Harry U. Sheldon, a well known inoneer 
preacher of the Fire-lands, nml now almost an octo- 
genarian, residing in Olierlin. came to Peru in the 
spring of 1810. His father bonght a farm for him in 
the northeast jiartof the townslii]), and he began farm- 
ing there June 10. 1810. and as he says in a note to 
the writer, on •'temperance ]n-inciplcs." His neigh- 
bors ex))ostulated with him. saying that he never could 
get a house |iut u\\. nor his grain iiai-vcsted without 
the aid of wiii^ky. But the young man was firm, and 
replied tiiat he would do without a house, and let the 
grain rot on the ground before lie should furnish 



whisky. Bnt the cabin was raised without it. One 
man was very indignant at the innovation of the time- 
honored custom, and refused to attend; and he subse- 
quently died an inebriate. 

Mr. Sheldon married Ruth Bradley, of Genoa, New 
York, March 1.5, 1820, and in the following fall, 
began housekeeping in the cabin in the Peru woods. 
Jeptha Lawrence joined him on the south, and Sylves- 
ter Brownell joined him on the north. Mr. Sheldon 
remained but a few years in the township, but during 
that time his influence was felt in the settlement. 
He was an efficient helper in everything tending to 
build uj) society on a correct basis, and was largely 
instrumental, although not then a professing christian, 
in the erection of the first house of worship — the 
Presbyterian log meeting house — and was chosen the 
clerk of that society. He also took an active part in 
establishing the academy at Macksville, and was the 
clerk of the board of ti'ustees of that jiioncer educa- 
tional institution. He was converted in December, 
1823. and officiated as an exhorter, at meetings at 
various places in the country roundabout, until June, 
1825, when he was licensed to preach, and removed 
from the townshiji. His subsequent career is well 
known. 

Moses Smitli came from Massachusetts to Peru 
township about the year 1820, and settled on what is 
now known as the Charles Roe farm. His family 
consisting of wife and five children, came on the fol- 
lowing year. The family eventually moved to Green- 
field where the motherdiedin 1833. Mr. Smitli died 
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Timmer, in Nor^ 
wich. in 1859. There were five children, two of 
whom are now living. 

Isaac Johnson, Josiah Root, James Smith, Wyatt 
Cook, William Best, Hibbard Smith, Perry Easton, 
John A. Patterson, Oliver Patterson and others 
wiiose names are now beyond recall, were early set-, 
tiers. Johnson settled just east of the present brick 
residence of Joseph Smith, on the north and south 
center road. He died tliere a few years after; his 
wife at a later date, and there are now no descendants 
living in the town. Root was from New York, and 
took up his location on the Parker tract. Smith had 
a log distillery at Macksville at an early day; he after- 
wards moved to the west part of the town, where he 
is still living. Wyatt Cook was a N'ermonter, and 
arrived in Peru as early as 1818. He woi'ked the first 
year for Henry Adams, afterwards married and raised 
a family. He is now living in Fairfield, well advanced 
in life. Best came in with Vantine;his widow is still 
living. Marcus Johnson and family moved into the 
townshijt in 1822, after a residence, the i>revious sea- 
son, on a rented farm in Greenfield. They were 
formerly from (ieiiesee county. New York. Mr. 
.Tohnson locali'd on the farm now oecupied by his son, 
Luther li. .lohnson. and occupied it until his death, 
which took place in March, 1834. He was the first 
person interred in ihe burying ground at the center. 
His widow died in I'eru in 18T5. Six of the children 




Dl'DLKy S. IIiMPiiuEy was the eiglith child of Dudley 
llmii[ihi-ey and Polly M. Sherman, lie was born in Goshen, 
Conn., Nov. 21, 1814. His early life was sjient among the 
hills of New England. In the winter of 1834-.35 he, with 
his brother William, engaged in a lumber speculation which 
resulted in the purcliase of a large number of clocks. To 
dispose of these clocks, the brothers decided that the West 
offered the most inviting and promising field not only for 
the sale of their clocks, but for future enterprises. During 
the year 1835 they came to Ohio and settled in Parma, near 
Cleveland, whore they remained about fourteen years. Their 
first venture in the lumber business having proved remunera- 
tive, together with their natural fitness for the business, both 
of them having a taste for mechanics, they again embarked 
in the lumber and clock business, built a water, afterward a 
steam, saw-mill in Parnui, and developed a large trade. 

Our subject married >[abel F. Fay, of Parma, Ohio, March 
10, 1847, h\ whom he had five children: Mina S., married 
A. D. Scott, of Wakenuin, and is now living in Ilartland. 
Harlow, Dudley S., David, and Liniiic are unmarried and 
live in Townsend. 

The scarcity of timber in Parma induced the brothers to 
come to Townsend, which they did in the year 1849, and pur- 
chased a large tract of land. They built mills and opened 
business on a large scale. During the partnership of the 
brothers they built over forty steam and water saw-mills 
through the West. They were the first to introduce and use the 
"JIulay Gang-Saws," and " Cone I'ulley-Fi-cd." In Janu- 
ary, 1851, while working with a circular siding-saw, an acci- 
dent occurred which resulted in the amputation of his right 
hand. Serious as was this accident, press of business, ingenuity, 
and ambition nuide the better use of his remaining hand, as 
well as the machinery; in fact, he is said to have handled 
tools and machinery more skillfully with one hand than most 
persons would with two. 

In 1855, Mr. Humphrey moved to the .southeast part of the 
townshiji, where they owned a tract of land and a mill. Ho 
dividecl his attention between the mill and farm. 

In 1800 he returned to Townsend Centre and remained until 
186-'!, when he returned to the farm on the lownline road, 
and gave his attention to its improvement and embellishment. 
He was an enthusiastic admirer of fruit- and forest-trees, as the 
large orchards and many shade-trees on the farm will attest. 
He planted out over five miles of maple-trees along the road- 
way, which gave the name of Maple Street to the road so 
improved. His admiration for shade-trees will be seen from 
the following circumstance : 

In opening a public highway on one side of his farm, a 



number of thrifty maples stood in what was to be the centre 
roadway. The supervisor attempted to cut them down, but 
our subject defended them so vigorously that the supervisor 
was forced to desist at the time, and, to make the protection 
complete, served an injunction on the supervisors, which was 
made perpetual by the courts. More than four hundred of 
his friends and neighbors joined him, it is said, with affidavits 
in defense of the trees. These trees still stand as monuments 
to the memory and fidelity of him who so nobly defended 
them. 

His school-room education ended with his thirteenth year, 
as the financial condition of bis parents was such as to oblige 
the sons to commence their business life early. He was tem- 
perate in his habits and industrious always, — as might bo 
expected of a New England boy, — which may explain the 
force and vigor of his later life. He took a deep interest in 
the welfare of others, and in building up for the comfort of 
those who were to follow. Was |iublic-spirited and generous 
to a fault. It has been said that ho and his brother William 
did more to relieve the township from draft during the late 
war than all the rest of the township combined. His educa- 
tion, like his brother's, was self-acquired for the most part, 
and few men in the country read more, and fewer still were 
more successful in business. 

In 1872 he indorsed paper for some nnuiufacturers in Wake- 
man, and in 1873, when the financial crash came, thosi' manu- 
facturers failed, and he to save himself took the mill |iroperty, 
which required a still greater outlay of money. He never 
recovered this less, as prices declined with the denuind for 
manufactured goods as well as grains and slock. 

He gave generously to all church org.mi/.ations seeking aid, 
but his belief and .sympathies were with the Universalists. 
Ho was a man of great courage, fine jiresence, and wonderful 
nerve. When he met with an accident requiring a surgical 
operation, — he broke a leg two or three times badly, lost a 
toe and a hand, — ho refused all an;e^tlietics, preferring to be 
in perfect command of his senses during the painful operation. 
He died of typhoid pneumonia, Oct. I'.l, 1870, after an illness 
of several months. 

His wife, who so nobly sustained him in his eft'orts, still sur- 
vives hira. She was ever faithful in seconding the efforts of 
her husband, and is a loving and affectionate mother. The 
two older sons, Harlow and Dudley S., though up to the time 
of the death of their father unaccustomed to care and respon- 
sibility, with a courage and determination rarely equaled, 
have shouldered the imlebtedness of the estate, and hope, by 
application to business and strict economy, to discharge the 
incumbrances. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



207 



are now living. One only resides in Pern, Luther B. , 
who lives on the old homestead. 

Cyrus Simmons, oriirinally fron) Washington 
county, New York, moved to Peru from Richland 
county, Ohio — where he had resided si.\ years — in the 
year 1829. He settled near the north line of the 
township, where his son George now lives, paying 
four dollars an acre for his land. At the time of his 
settlement, there was not a stick of timber cut in 
this part of the town, except on the line of the roads. 
The last payment he made on his land was a luindred 
dollars I'eeeived for building a hundred feet of the 
mill dam at Standartburg. He occupied his original 
]nirchase up to the time of his death, which occurred 
September 25, 1853. His wife died October 29, 1866. 
Seven of the ten children born to them, are now 
living. Henry, Mrs. John Morse, Sophronia, George 
and Mrs. Henry West, are residents of this township. 
Mrs. John Sneer lives in Iowa, and Fredus in Nor- 
walk. 

Thomas Roe with his .oldest son, Charles, came 
into the township in the fall of 1831. After he 
located his laud — lots two and three in section one — 
he returned to Cayuga county, New York, for his 
family, leaving the son to prosecute the work of clear- 
ing. Mr. Roe removed with his family the next 
year. He was a native of England, and emigrated 
u itii liis family to the United States in 1833, settling 
m Cayuga county, New York, where he resided nine 
yc:irs and until the time of his removal to Peru. 
He died in Peru in 1842, and his wife in 1840. 
Of iiis nine children, six are now living, and two 
of them — Charles and Joseph — in this town. The 
former occupies tlie old homestead, and the latter the 
farm adjoining him on the south. 

Edward Ashtou came from Lincolnsliire, Enghind, 
t(i Oliio, in the summer of 1831. He located in this 
idwnship on the farm now occupied by William T. 
.Vsliton. He died the following year, August 5, 1.832. 
Mrs. Ashton died in May, 1862. There were eight 
cliildren, seven of whom came into the country with 
their parents. The oldest son arrived tlie subsequent 
yrar. The names of the children are as follows: 
.lames, deceased; Thomas, who married Mary Edgar 
and resides in Lyme township; Margaret, who became 
the wife of S. W. Bryan (dead); Jane who married J. 
H. Hall, and now resides in Monroeville; William 
married Sally Birch and occupies the old homestead 
in this township; Mary (now Mrs. Alfred Outright) 
lives in Marengo, Iowa; John resides in Monroeville; 
Kdward married Eunice J. Pulver and lives in Low- 
ell, Indiana. 

.losepli Perry settled where his son, Commodore, 
iiDW resides, in the autumn of 1832, after a brief 
II sidence just south of Macksville. His deatli took 
place on the farm upon which he "first settled, in 
ls,")9, at the age of seventy-four. He was a native of 
Now Jersey, but was residing in Cayuga county. New 
^'iirk, at the time of his removal to Ohio. Mrs. Perry 
survived her husband something over a year. Six of 



their nine children are living. Horace, Mrs. Enieline 
Akers, Sarah A., and Commodore, live in Peru. 

Ezra Smith was for many ^-ears one of the promi- 
nent business men of this township. He was a man 
of energy and public spirit, which were manifested in 
a variety of entei'prises, and acquired a large property. 

A French family by the name of Ilaffel settled in 
the northeast corner of Peru in 1829. A year or two 
after, several other families, also from France, took 
up their residence in the northern part of the town. 
The names of some of these families were Kagley, 
Hoover, and Berger, — two families. 

The Germans first began to settle in the town in 
1830, the first family to arrive being that of John 
Joseph Smith, in the year mentioned. He took up 
the farm now occupied by his grand.son, Josejih 
Smith. He died in Peru in 1860, at the advanced 
age of eighty-seven. His wife died at the residence 
of a son in Wood county. Two children survive, one 
of whom, Mrs Addlemanu, resides in Peru. 

Soon after several other families, by the names of 
Keller, Kramer, Kilsheimer, Schnal and Weil, settled 
in the north part of town. After 1840, the town 
settled rapidly with Germans, and they are now 
largely in the majority. Among the earliest German 
settlers in the northwest part of the town, who took 
uj) land and have since brought it up to a high con- 
dition of improvement, are William Scheid, who 
came into the country in 1849, locating where he 
now lives. Philip Scheldt, in 1852, followed soon 
after l)y Philip Balder. Philip Erf, William Stutts 
and William Horn. Mr. Bahler emigrated to this 
country from Germany m 1849, and settled in Peru, 
after a residence of a few years in Lyme and Sherman 
townsliips. Philip Erf also lived in Lyme a few years 
previous to his settlement in Peru. 

The following is a list of the wiiite male mliabi- 
tants, over the age of twenty-one years, residing in 
Peru in the year 1827, as shown by the enumeration 
of such inhabitants in Huron county, made by the 
countv assessor for the above vear: 



E. C. Parker 
Salmon Vangikler. 
James Vantine. 
Iloraue Johnson. 
Koliert Nesbit, 
Arunah Eaton. 
Levi R. Sutton. 
George B Gaily. 
Lyman Ellis 
Thomas Tilson. 
David Smith. 
Thomas J. Smith. 
Nathan W. Delano. 
Homer W. Farmer. 
Isaac B. Smith. 
James Ashley 
William Smith. 
Jacob H. Walliver. 
Samuel TaCt. 
William Taggart. 
Moses C. Savmders. 
Ezra Collins. 
Cornelins Milspaugh 
Abram Blan(*ard. 
Monson Pond. 



PERf— i*9. 

Oliver W Slocum. 
Marcus Johnson. 
Isaac Johnson. 
Calvin Bi'own, 
John Nynian. 
Cirles Gardner. 
Jacob Kile. 
Smith Barber. 
Wyatt Cook. 
John Hindly. 
Joseph Ruggles. 
Cj'rus Smith. 
Samuel B. Turner. 
Luther Hodges. 
Thomas Parker. 
Joel H. .\sliley- 
William (iambell 
Nelson 3Iead. 
Noyes Stone . 
Charles Beintaum. 
William C Prentis 
Sterling Newcomb. 
John Saunders 
Ransom B. Elswortb. 
Carlos Keith. 



Benj. E. Parker. 
Peiifteld Johnson. 
Hiram Johnson. 
Daniel Sanborn. 
RichardS'^n Eaton. 
Richard Gardner. 
William Best. 
Gilbert Stevens. 
Newell Adams. 
Henry Adams. 
Daniel Smith. 
Jame.s Ellenwood. 
Samuel Turner. 
Benjamin D. Gasier. 
Seth Parker 
John Howe. 
Usher Gambell . 
Isaac Stone. 
Jesse Smith. 
IMiineas Williams. 
Daniel (i. Barker. 
Alexauiler Pierce. 
John S. Prentis. 
Seth Backus. 
William Molntyre. 



I 



208 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Ebenezer Duuton. 
Isaac Holdeu 
John Fayling. 
John Nelson. 
Homer Turner. 
Alden Atiams. 
Harry O. Sheldon 
James Vantine. 



Wm. H. r.owther. 

Jiihn Hoklen. 
Stephen M. ToUes. 
Elijah Clary. 
Abrani Reamer. 
John Beach. 
Pardon Wilson. 
Calvin Powell. 

FIRST EVENTS. 



Amos W. Smith. 
Willard Pierce . 
EU Nelson 
Ehhu Clary. • 
Robert McGee. 
Jeptha Lawrence. 
Benajah Huntly. 
David Williams- 



Tlie fir.^t conpk' niarried in the town.-^hip was 
George Douglass ami Pearley C. Clary, February 8, 
1820. Mrs. Douglass subse<iuently, and after the 
death of her first liusband, became the wife of Dr. 
Moscs C. Sanders. 

The first birth was that of a son of Elihu and 
Pearly Clary, born October 12, 18 IG. The first female 
birth wtis that of Keziah Raymond, bo.rn February 
22, 1817. The first person that died in Peru was an 
infant son of Levi R. and Catharine Sutton. The 
child died November 20, 1820. Daniel Mack built 
the first frame house in the township, in 1820. The 
house is still standing in the village of ilacksville, 
and is used as a dwelling. 

The first house kept for the accommodation of 
travelers was opened by Henry Adams, in the fall of 
1810. Joseph Ruggles built an addition to the Tillson 
cabin in the fall of 1817, when he opened it as a tav- 
ern. His sign was a pair of deer's horns, and the 
tavern was called ''The Buck Horn." 

The first apple orchard planted, was set out by 
Henry Adams in the spring of 1817, the seed being 
brought by his brother, Newell, from Vermont. 

The earliest burials were in )>rivate burying grounds. 
Some twenty or more bodies were interred on the 
farm of lleury Adams, but were 5ubr:c(inent]y re- 
moved to the center burying ground. 

Moses C. Sanders o])ened the first store at Macks- 
ville, in 1820 or "21. 

Dr. Sanders was the first doctor in this township, 
and also the pioneer doctor of many of the surround- 
ing towns. He was born in Milford, Massachusetts, 
in the year Kim. He came to Peru in August, 1818, 
and on the twenty-fifth of ilay, 18.31, he married Mrs. 
Pearly C. Douglass, nee Clary. In his early practice, 
Dr. Sanders made his visits on foot, with his saddle- 
bags on his arm. He would often walk to Filchville, 
a distance of twelve miles, with iidthing to direct him 
through the unbidken toiest IjUt lilazcd trees, visit 
his patients there, and return the same day. His 
fees were usually jiaid in provisions, when his patients 
could jiay al aJl. Finin many he neither asked nor 
e.\i)eeted anything, but he ministered to their neces- 
sities none the less chceifully. He was universally 
esteemed for his many e.xcellent traits of character. 
He died Jlay 18, 18.57, aged si.\ty-scveri. 

EI)flATIliN.\l.. 

Tiie lii>t jchiioi in llie tnwn.-iiip uas kept liy Nancy 
Adams, daughter of Bildad Adams, of Greenfield, in 
thesianiiier of 1S18. Slie taught in Macksville, in a 
log house which stood wiiere the frame litMise of Mr. 
Fisher now .-itands. In liie fall nf the same vear. a 



log school house was built, where the academy after- 
wards stood, and the succeeding winter Jonas Leonard, 
of Bronson, taught school in it, and was the first male 
teacher in Peru. He had nearly fifty scholars en- 
rolled, some of whom lived two miles and a half from 
the school house. In the winter of 1820-1, Henry 
Adams opened a school in his own house. He taught 
for twelve dollars per month, and boarded himself, 
and received his wages in work by the parents of the 
pupils. The next winter Nelson Strong kept school 
in the same i)lace. 'A school house was built soon 
after, on lot twenty-seven, the first school in which 
was taught by Miriam Wilson, and the next by David 
Williams. 

LIMA ACADEMY. 

In the summer of 1822, an academy was established 
at Macksville. The princip;it promoters of the laud- 
able enterprise were Dr. Moses C. Sanders, Harry 0. 
Sheldon, Robert S. Southgate, Ebsn Guthrie and 
Elijah Clary. The institution was incorporated under 
the name of the "Lima Academic Society of Peru, 
Huron county." The first annual meeting was held 
on the first Tuesday in August, 1822, at which the 
following persons were elected a board of trustees for 
the then current year, viz. : Rev. Alvan Coo, presi- 
dent; Dr. Moses C. Sanders, Dr. William Gardner. 
Major Eben Guthrie and Robert S. Southgate. Harry 
0. Sheldon was elected clerk. 

Tlie school was opened the first Monday in Decem- 
ber, 1822, with Amos B. Harris as principal teacher. 
In a notice published in the Sandusky Clarion. 
November 1.'5, 1822, announcing the prosi)ective oiieii- 
ing, the following terms of tuition are given, viz.: 

For orthography, reading and writing, S2 OO 

Same with arithmetic and English grammar 2 50 

Geography, rhetoric and composition .*. 3 00 

Higher branches of mathematics, Latin and Greek languages 4 00 

The building was a two-story frame, unjiainted, 
and stood where the brick school house does now. 
The institution was called Lima Academy, because of 
the fact that it was then expected the name of the 
village' would be changed to Lima. The academy 
had an existence of only one year, but we are not able 
to state why it was abandoned as the school was lull. 
The building was afterwardsr used for a common 
school, and as a house of worship by some of the 
religious societies. It was bought a few years since, 
by Jesse Kingsliury, of Macksville, and now forms a 
part of his tanning establishment in Macksville. 

HEl.IlilOfS. 

The first religious meeting in this township was 
held at the house of Elijah Clary, on Sunday, in 
November, 1817. Major Guthrie and family settled 
in Bronson the same week that -Mr. Chiry settled in 
Peru, and in the same vicinity. The two families 
soon became ac(|u;iinted, iiml in the course of the next 
week after their arrival, they decided to hold a read- 
ins: service ;it -Mr, Clarv's the Sabbath following. The 




WILLIAM N. MITCHELL. 



The subject of tin's sketch is a native of Mont- 
gomery Co., N. Y., wiiere lie was born, Jan. 1, 1799. 
He is the eldest of a family of eleven children. His 
parents were both natives of Huntingdon Co., N. J. 
His father, James Mitchell, was born May 17, 1773 ; 
and his mother, Lorane Salton, Dec. 24, 1779. They 
were married Jan. 1, 1797. 

When William was about a year old his parents 
removed to Onondaga Co., N. Y., and his early life 
was passed in that and the adjoining county of Ca- 
yuga. On becoming of age he decided to try his 
fortune (as so many other young men were doing) in 
the Western country ; and finally, in 1820, came to 
Greenwich, Huron Co., and purchased a tract of wild 
land, consisting of two hundred and eighteen acres, 
which he proceeded to clear and fence. The country 
was at that time thinly settled and heavily covered 
with timber; but, by energy and industry, he re- 
moved the forest from a large portion of his land, 
erected a comfortable home, and soon found himself 
the owner of a well-cultivated farm. 

On the 18th of October, 1289, he was married to 



Clarissa, daughter of Elias and Amanda Beach. 
She is a native of Pompey, Onondaga C!o., N. Y., 
where she was born, Nov. 6, 1812. They have had 
four children, two of whom died in infancy. The 
surviving children are Philander L., born Aug. 19, 
1833, and Elias B., born Dec. 30, 1839,— both mar- 
ried and residing on farms in Greenfield township. 

In politics, Mr. Mitchell was originally a .lack- 
sonian Democrat, but of late years he lias voted and 
acted with the Republican party. In religions be- 
lief and church affiliation he and his wife are Bap- 
tists. 

Though now over four-score years of age, Mr. 
Mitchell is still iu the enjoyment of comfortaiile 
health. He has seen the country, of which he was 
one of the first settlers, changed from an almost un- 
broken forest to a cultivated region, and dotted with 
the abodes of men. By the blessing of God upon 
his endeavors he is placed beyond the reach of want, 
and both he and the companion of his early man- 
hood await, with the calmness of Ciiristian hope, 
their departure to a better land. 



•< 



^UAF 

.vX^ ^ OIF 








'Nij 



ED ST 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



2(19 



meeting' was held, and similar services regularly con- 
tinued on the Sabljuth tbrougli the winter, lieing held 
at the houses of the settlers in the vicinity. Rev. 
Alvan Coe, during that winter, jireacheil ihc lirst 
sermon in the townshiji. The next year the present 
Congregational church at Macksville was formed. It 
was organized hy Rev. Messrs. Alvan Coe and William 
Williams, missionaries of tlie Connecticut Missionary 
society, at a school honsc near the widow Fay's, in 
Ridgcfield, A|)nl is, isis, aiul uas iMinipusril of the 
following meml)crs: Ezra Strong, of RidgeMeld; 
Elijah Clary and wife, of Peru: E/.n Herrick and 
wife, and Sinicnn Amniernian, of Bronson. No 
otticers were chosen at this time except a moderator 
and clerk, Elijah Clary being elected to the former 
office and Ezra Strong to the latter. At a subsefjuent 
meeting, held in pursuance of an act entitled, "An 
act for the incorporation of religious societies," the 
following officers of the society were chosen. James 
Vantine and Harry 0. Sheldon, of Peru, and Nathan 
Sutliff, of Hronson, trustees; Harry 0. Sheldon, 
clerk. The result of the election, and the name 
chosen for the society, were certified by the trustees 
to the county clerk, as follows: 

We, the undersigned, trustees of the First Presbyterian society of 
Peru and its vicinity, docertifj' that a meeting of a religious society was 
held, according to the provisions of an act of legislature, passed Feb- 
ruary .'», isia. for the choice of olflcers of said society, in the township 
of Peru, on the ".ii'th day of September, ult., and that the name of said 
society is the First Presbyterian .Society of Peru and its vicinity, 

fiiven under onr hands and seals. Dated this Sth day of November, 
i-.'l .J.oiES Vantine, [l.s.] 

Nathan SfTUFF, [l.s ] 
H O Sheldon, [l.sI 

The earliest record of the election of other officers 
than those mentioned took place March 1, 18"2S. when 
Elijah Clary and James Vantine were elected deacons 
and Elijah Clary, Xathan Sutliff and Solomon Van- 
guilder astanding committee. The church employed 
the Rev. James Mclntyre, a local Methodist preacher, 
to preach for them. He was engaged rather than a 
preachel' of their own denomination ijecause he would 
take his pay in grain while in the other case half of the 
.salary would be required in cash I The meetings were 
at first held at the log cabin of Harry 0. Sheldon, 
will) had beeh chosen clerk of the society — not (jf the 
church, of which he was not a member. He subse- 
• (uently drew a plan and a subscription for a meeting 
house to be built of hewed logs. It was erected on 
till' line Ijctween Peru and Bronson, where the old 

iiietery now is. In the fall of 1.S-.J4, John Beach, a 
licentiate of the Presbytery of Otsego, New York, 
began to jjre.ich for the church, and July •^.■), l&il, 
was ordained and installed, and remained till .Vugust 
18, 18-^1). From this time until the close of 1833 
the church had only occasional jireacliing. During 
the year ls;j4 they were supplied by Rev. Samuel 
Duiiton. In 18.3.5 Rev. E. P. Salmon l)ecame pastor 
and continued three or four years. Rev. .S. Stei)hens 
began to labor July 13, 1830, and continued two years. 
Rev. E. P. Sperry was installed jjastor .Iiine '^8, 1843, 

27 



and officiated one half the time for about three years 
and a half. October (i, 1847, Rev. J. M. Hayes was 
installed pastor to labor one-half the time, and was 
dismissed September 3, 1851, to open and take charge 
of the Norwalk Female Seminary. Mr. Hayes' labors 
as pastor of the church closed in March preceding his 
dismissal, at which time Rev. E. Conger began his 
labors with the church and officiated one-half of the 
time for a number of years. Since Mr. Conger's pas- 
torate. Rev. John McCutcheon, Rev. John D. Mc- 
Cord, Rev. Hubbard Lawrence, Rev. T. D. Barthol- 
omew, and Rev. .\ugustus Cone have officiated as 
pastors of the church. The last named began his 
labors in February, 1878, and continues pastor up to 
the present During Mr. Salmon's pastorate the 
church was filled with divisions and contentions. A 
large portion of the church withdrew and united with 
the Presbyterian Church in Bronson, then under 
the care of Mr. Salmon. The church building at 
Macksville was erected in 183.5, costing two thousand 
two hundred dollars. There are now about forty 
members of the church. Munson Gregory is clerk, 
and George Lawrence. William .1. Derby and .lohn 
McFarland, deacons. 

The Sabbath school was organized in 1833 or '33, 
Minor Lawrence being the first superintendent. The 
school is now in a prosperous condition. It is held 
in union with the M. E. Sabbath .school, M. M. Hes- 
ter of the latter church being the sui)erintendent. 

.Mf;TIIODrST EPrsrOP.\L iHfRCII. 

The church was organized by Rev. James MtJntyre 
at the old academy building- in the winter of 183.3-24, 
and consisted of the following members: Brother 
Tooker and wife. Pardon Wilson and wife, Samuel 
Parish and wife, Henry Beam and wife. John Corbett 
and wife, Harry 0. Sheldon, .Mrs. Abram Reamer 
ami Mrs. Polly Pierce. The first-named was ap- 
pointed class leader. They used the academy build- 
ing as a place of worship until 1847. when the lot and 
store building of Henry Terry, then recently decea.sed, 
were purchased and the building fitted up for a house 
of worship. It was dedicated by Hev. W. L. Harris, 
now bishop. The jn-csent brick church in .Macksville 
was erected, in llSOS, at a cost of three thousand 
eight hundred and ninety-one dollars. It was dedi- 
cated Sunday. October 35th of that year. l{ev. T. F. 
Hildreth preaching the dcdieat ion sermon. The fol- 
lowing are the names i>f some of the early circuit- 
preachers: True Pattee, James .Mclntyre, Shadrach 
Ruark, .lohn Hazard, Cyrus S. Carpenter, Joab 
Ragan, Ebenezer R. Cha.se, .Vdani Minear. The 
present pastor is Rev. E. J. V. I^)oth, of Fairfield. 
The membershiji is now forty-six. 

A Sabbath school was organized l)y liev. Thoma.s 
Dunn Ml 1843, William (J, Mead being the first super- 
intendent. The school unites with the Presbyterian, 
M. .M. Hester being the suiicrintendent. 

A cla.ss was organized at the center of town about 
the same time that the class at Macksville was formed. 



210 



HISTORY OF HUKOJs' AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



by Rev. True Pattee, and consisted of the following 
members: Henry Adams and wife, Thomas Tillson 
and wife, Chas. Gardner and wife, and Meriam Smith. 
Henry Adams was the first class leader. Meetings 
were held in the school house at the center of town. 
The class was finally absorbed by that at Macksville. 

rXIVERSALIST CHIKCH. 

'•Tlie First Universalist Society in the county of 
Huron" was organized at the house of Alden Pierce, 
in Greenfield, on the 27th of Septeniljer, 1827. 
Officers of the society were chosen as follows: Elihu 
Clary, clerk; Alden Pierce, treasurer; Robert S. 
Southgate, Monson Pond and Benjamin Washburne, 
trustees. An act of incorporation was passed by the 
legislature of the State, February 2i, 183-t. Rev. T. 
Strong was the first preacher that came among them. 
On the 2Uth of January, 1838, a number of the mem- 
bers of the above society, met and organized a church 
in Peru, called the "First Universalist church of 
Peru." Reulien Farley was pastor; Comfort Eaton 
was elected clerk, and Munson Pond and Apollos 
Fay were chosen deacons. 

A church building was erected at Macksville in 
1840. The church records show the membership 
to be about ninety — but death and removals have re- 
duced the number considerably. The present pastor 
of the church is A. L. Rice, who recently began his 
labors. H. H. Clark is clerk: Henry D. Williams, 
treasurer; H. H. Clark, W. II. Smith and A\'alter 
Franklin, trustees. 

BAPTIST CHl'RCH. 

The earliest meeting by the memljers of this society, 
was a conference and praise meeting held at the 
house of Arunah Eaton on the 26th day of August, 
1837. Elder Asahel Morse was present, and was their 
first preacher. The church was organized January 
13, 1838, at the school house, near Pe u center. 
Elder Morse acted as moderator of the council, and 
S. B. Webster, clerk. The following named persons 
were the constituent members, viz. : Arunah Eaton, 
John S. Sayre, INIary Sayre, EJiphalet Brooks, Effa 
Brooks, Edward Eaton, IMary Ann Eaton, L. Hodge, 
Ilepsibah Eaton, Hepsil)uli Parker, Eleanor Mc- 
Mitchell, Abigail Allison, Thomas Hughson, Daniel 
Morse, Joannah Morse, Daniel Perry, Eleanor Eaton. 
The meetings after organization were generally at the 
school houses. A house of worship was erected in 
Macksville in 184:0, at a cost of about eight hundred 
dollars. The membership is now — January, 1870 — 
forty-five. The pastor is Rev. J. P. Islip, of Olena. 
Officers, G. W. Atherton, clerk; J. Kingsbury and 
wife, Charles Roe, G. W. Morse and William, Mitchell, 
delegates. 

A Sabbath school was organized in 1841, with 
Brothers Waters and Terry, superintendents. The 
school now numbers thirty-two scholars, with J. 
Kingsbury, su])erintendent. 



THE LUTHERAN CHUlcCH. 

situated in tlie western part of the, town, was organi- 
zed in 18.59, by Rev. William Shmogrow, witli about 
thirty members. In 18G0, the church building was 
erected, costii g eight hundred dollars. The dedica- 
tion sermon was preached by Mr. Shmogrow. There 
is now. January, 1870, a membership of thirty-seven. 
Rev. Charles Ulrich, of Norwalk, is pastor. 

A Sabbath school was organized in the summer of 
1878, of about forty scholars, of which Louis Hoff- 
man is the superintendent. 

The first temperance society in the township was ( 
organized in 1833, with Simon Spaulding, president, ' 
and Seth C. Parker, secretary. During the first four 
years of its existence, three hundred and fifty -seven 
members Joined the organization, 

THE PERU DIVISIOX, SON'S OF TEMPERVXCE, 

an existing organization, was instituted December 
4, 1878, the officers of which are as follows : C. 
Woodruff, W. P.;- Mrs. E. Clark, W. A,: J. H. 
Snyder, R. S.; Miss Kate Hester, A. R. S.; G. R. 
Gregory, F. S. ; R. S. Danforth, F, ; M. N. Hester, 
chaplain; F. J. Hard, C; Mrs. J. E. Woodruff. 
A. C; Mrs. H. Howe, I, S.; W. H. Smith, A. S.; 
H. L. Derby, P. W. S. : W. H. Smith, D. G. W. P. 
The membership is. at the present writing, (January. 
1879.) forty-three. The meetings of the society are 
held in the school house in JFacksville. 

POST OFFICE. 

The first post office was estaljlished in 1818, under 
the name of Peru. Thomas Tillson was appointed 
postmaster, and kept the office in his o.vvn house, on 
lot twenty-eight. Tlie location of the office was un- 
satisfactory to the residents of Macksville, and Mr. 
Tillson, after serving a few months, was sujierseded 
by Moses C, Sanders, and the location of the office 
changed to ^Macksville, where it has since remained, 
the name being Peru. The present postmaster is ('. 
Woodruff. 

OHtiAXIZATIOX. 

The township, prior to 1820, then called \'reden- 
burg, was annexed to Greenfield for townsliij) pur- 
poses. The first election as an independent townshiji 
was held on the third day of April, 1820, at the house 
of Joseph Ruggles, on lot iiunil)er twenty-eight, and 
resulted as follows: Elihu Clary, clerk; Elijah Clary, 
Richardson Eaton and James Vantine, .trustees: 
Daniel Mack and Newell Adams, fence viewers: Joel 
Clark and Alexander Pierce, overseers of the poor; 
Thomas Tillson and Eli Nelson, appraisers of proji- 
erty: James Ashley, treasurer. 

Thomas Tillson was elected a justice of the peace 
Avhile the township was attached to Greenfield. His 
commission from Governor Brown was dated January 
18, 1810. He held his office in his own house, on lot 
twenty-eighl. The earliest record of a justici' of the 



I 



HI8T011Y OF HUUON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



211 



peace being chosen after the town was organized sepa- 
rately, was on the 2Ist of April, IS'il, wlien Phineas 
Williams was chosen to that office. He was followed 
by Eliiiu Clary, Moses C. Sanders, Jr., A. Jenning, 
Abel Tracy, 0." W. Slocum, B. F. Morse and others, 
for tlie east part of the town. The first justice of 
the peace in the west part of the township was 
Thomas Tillson, followed by Daniel Smith. Arunah 
Eaton, Levi R. Sutton and others. Mr. Sutton served 
in that capacity for about thirty years, his term of 
service commencing in April, 1834. The first report 
of the township treasurer, dated March 1, 18"^1 was 
as follows: 

Money received 30VOO 

Money paid out 00.00 

Amount remaining in treasury ...* 00.00 

Due Elihu Clary, per order from trustees for a blaak book pur- 
chase 1 l.QO 

Total amount of espeuditures for the year 1 .00 

Signed: Javes .\shley. Treasurer. 

Attest: ELiHf Clary, Tuwnshii> Clerk. 

It will be seen from the above repoi-t th;it no charge 
was made by township officers for services rendered. 
Such was the ease for eight or ten years subsequent to 
the organization of the township. 

The poll book of an election in Peru for State and 
county officers, held October 10, 18-25, contains the 
names of twelve electors, as follows: Simon Raymond, 
Abner Mack, Thomas Tillson, William Smith, Wyatt 
Cook, Hibbard Smith, Henry Adams, Elihu Clary, 
Newell Adams. Joseph Ruggles, Janips Ashley, Rich- 
ardson Eaton. Wyatt Cook, Hibbard Smith and 
Newell Adams were judges -of election, and Elihu 
Clary and Henry Adams, clerks. In the list of can- 
didates we find the name of Henry Adams, who 
received one vote each for governor and county com- 
missioner. At the election for justice of the peace, 
held October 9, 18'.21, tliere were forty-si'c votes 
PoIUmI, of whicii I'iiomas Tillson received forty-four, 
and Henry Adams and Tiiomas Prentice one each. 

INCIDENTS. 

Aunt Polly Pierce used to relate many incidents of 
pioneer life in Peru, only one of which, however, 
touching her own experience, has been pi-eserved. In 
the summer, 1810, accompanied by her little dog, she 
went tlirough the dense forest on a brief visit to her 
fathei--in-law, Alden Pierce, in Greenfield. The fam- 
ily supplied her with a ([uantity of provisions, which 
she carried home with her, and, when witiiin a mile 
of her cabin, she encountered a huge bear, which 
seemed intent on making a meal, either of the trav- 
eler, her provisions, or the dog. The heroic woman, 
however, was determined that old bruin should have 
neither, and, taking her [n-ovisions under one arm. 
and tiie dog, crouciied tln'ough fear at lu'r feet, under 
tiie other, ran for deai- Hfe to her home, wiiich she 
reacheil in safety, but not a nujment tw(j soon, as the 
brute was but a few rods behind iicr when she arrived 
at the door of iicr cabin. 

I'he following incident in the life of Levi R. Sut- 
ton will serve to illustrate the difficulties the eaidy 



settlers experienced in obtaining breadstuffs for their 
families, before they could raise their own grain. In 
the spring of 1818, being nearly out of corn for 
bread, he sent a man with some maple sugar to Cold 
creek to exchange for corn, which, when obtained, 
was to be taken to Hunt's mill to be ground. The 
man, failing to return within a reasonable time, Mr. 
Sutton mounted an old horse that ran in the woods 
and started in search of him, and met him about ten 
o'clock on his return home, but without either flour 
or the sugar. He had sold the sugar to a man in 
Venice, who expected to have some corn to pay for it 
in about two weeks. Mr. Sutton proceeded to Venice, 
but the man who purchased the sugar was ai)sent 
from home and did not return until the following 
day. He liad on hand a small (juantity of corn, but 
it was desired by a few of his neighbors, who pre- 
vailed upon the owner to pay Mr. Sutton the money 
for his sugar, which was accordingly tendered, but 
which Mr. Sutton refu.<ed to receive, telling the man 
the situation of his family with respect to food, the 
double journey to Venice, his long waiting for his 
return, and so forth, and the man finalh- let him 
have the corn. Mr. Sutton then took it to the mill 
at Cold creek, got it ground just before night, and 
then returned home, where he arrived, to the great 
jov of his family, about midnight. 

Mtt.LS. 

The first mill in tliis township was built liy I>aiiiel 
Mack in the year 181G or '17, on the East branch, a 
short distance below the l)ridge in ilacksville. Short- 
ly after he put in a run of stone for grinding grain. 
This was a great convenience to the settlers living in 
this township and in Bronson, as it saved tliem long 
journeys in order to obtain their grists. Mr. Mack 
snbse'iuently erected a grist mill on the location of the 
present grist mill in Macksville. using the same run 
of stone. 

In 1820 or "21 Charles and Richard Gardner built a 
saw mill on Huron river where that of Charles Smith 
now stands. A few years after, Charles Gardner es- 
tablished at the same i)lace a fulling mill and a card- 
ing machine. He operated these mills aliout six years 
and then sold them to Alanson Archie. 

In the spring of IS'i'-i, Munson Pond moved into tiie 
township from Knox county and shortly afterward, in 
partnership with Robert S. Southgate, erected on the 
East branch of the Huron, the location of the present 
saw mill of Henry D. Williams, a saw mill, witli a 
building designed for carding and uloth dressing, but 
was finally occupied by Prince Haskell, Jr., as a grist 
mill. Haskell wiis afterwards l)ought out by Messrs. 
Southgate and Pcmd, who then sold a fourth interest 
ill their mills to Carlos Keith, a son-in-law of Mr. 
Pond. The jiresent grist mill in the village of Macks- 
ville was built by Ezra Smith in 1831. He operated 
it until his death, some ten years after, when the mill 
was bought by :i .Mr. Palmer of Monroevillc. A later 
I owner was Thomas Tliuomov, of whose widow the 



019 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



present owner, Jacob Boehm, purchased the property- 
some thirteen years since. The mill has three run of 
stone. Tlie main building is forty-five by sixty feet, 
three stories higli with basement. The mill can be 
run by either water or steam, the engine being a 
thirty horse power. 

The grist mill of J. D. Mason, situated on the 
Huron, in tlie southwest part of the township, was 
erected by Pickett Lattimer in the year 1840. He 
operated it about twenty years when he sold to the 
present proprietor. The building is forty by sixty 
feet, three stories, and has three run of stone. 

There is also a saw mill at this point, established 
originally by Lattimer, but it has since been rebuilt. 
It is now owned by J. D. Mason. The first mills at 
this place were established by Thomas Parker who 
built a combined saw and grist mill in 1821. 

THE VILLAGE. 

Macksville, the only village in the township, is sit- 
uated on tlie East branch of the Huron, near the east 
town line. It derived its name from Daniel Mack, 
the original owner of the land on which the village 
stands. The town site was subsequently owned joint- 
ly by Moses C. Sanders, John Nelson. John Atwater 
and John G. Taylor. We find in several successive 
numbers of the Chirion, in the summer of 1822, a no- 
tice, publisher! by the above gentlemen, announcing 
their intention of making application to the court of 
common pleas at the fall term of that year to change 
the name of the village to Lima. Whether the ap- 
plication was made, or made and denied, we are not 
able to say, but the name was not changed. Dr. 
Sanders kept tiie first store here in a small log house. 
Macksville was formerly a jdace of considerable activ- 
ity. At one time there were four stores, two distil- 
leries, three breweries, two asheries, and a hotel which 
frequently kept twenty to twenty-five teams and team- 
sters over night. This was before the time of rail- 
rcfads and when the wagon trade was something im- 
mense. The place has now four churches, a school, 
one general store, one flouring-mill, two blacksmith 
shops, one cooper shop, one carriage shop, one harness 
shop, one paint shop, a shoemaker, a tailor and a 
broom maker. The post office is also located here, 
the name of which bei^ig Peru tlie village is generally 
so called. 



Biographical Sketches, 



DEAN CLAPP. 

It is a pleasure to record, on the pages of history, 
the deeds of a meritorious life as an example worthy 
to be imitated by the young. And such, emjihati- 
cally, was the life of him whose name stands at tlie 
head of this page. 



Mr. Clapp was born among the green hills of Ver- 
mont, in the town of Barnard, Windsor county, 
January 15, 1805. His fatlier, Benjamin Clapp. was 
a native of the same State, and was prominently iden- 
tified witii its agricultural interests. He was placed 
by his fellow-citizens in many important positions, at 
one time holding the office of judge. He was born 
Octolier 11, 1762, and was married to Polly Dean, 
March 2.3, 1788. She was born in Windsor county, 
February 26, 1762. Their family consisted of eleven 
children, the subject of this sketch being next to the 
youngest. They both lived to a green old age, the 
husband passing away June 26, 1840, followed by liis 
wife February 22. 1848. 

His parents being in limited circumstances, young 
Dean received the benefits of only a common school 
education. On arriving at maturity, he was married. 
May 19, 1828, to Betsey M.. daughter of Dr. Samuel 
and Mercy (Southgate) Danforth, who was born in 
the place first named above, December 30, 1805. The 
young couple, seeing no hope of l)ettering their con- 
dition in the jdace of their birtli, turned their atten- 
tion to the far west: and, in the fall of tlie year after 
their marriage, gathered their worldly eSects together 
and started for "the land of pixunise" — their western 
wilderness home. 

On their journey to Ohio, they stopped at Alexan- 
dria, New York, where he obtained work in teaming 
and harvesting:, but, unfortunately, he loaned two 
hundred dollars of their capital to irresponsible par- 
ties; so that, on reaching their destination, they hadHj 
but sixty-five dollars remaining. They purchased a 
piece of wild land in Peru township. Huron county, 
paying fifty dollars down, which left them only fifteen^, 
dollars to begin with. Not a tree had been cut, and ■ 
they had Init a few articles, brought with them from 
Vermont, with which to commence housekeeping, 
when they moved upon their farm in the winter of 
1830. But perseverance, industry and energy must 
win the day at last. And so, by their united efforts, 
they were enabled to build themselves a home, and 
leave to their children an inlieritance, accumulated by 
endeavors of wliicli their descendants may justly be 
proud. 

Mr. Clapp was always engaged in agricultural ]iur- 
suits. He was prominently connected with the Huron 
county agricultural society, having been one of its 
first incorporators, and having held the office of presi- 
dent and trustee for many years. On his death, the 
board of trustees j)assed appropriate resolutions. 

In i)olitics, Mr. Clapp was a republican, and held 
many offices of trust in Huron county. He was 
county commissioner in 1852, one of the members of 
the first board of trustees of tiie infirmary, and ap 
pointed by the governor of the State as one of the 
appi-aisers of the school lands located on the Western 
Reserve. In religious belief he was a Universalist and, 
for many years, was deacon and trustee of the First 
Universalist Church of Peru. His death occurred 
December 14, 1865; and seldom, in any community. 



I 

I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIEg, OHIO. 



213 



lias the loss of a citizen been more deeply felt. He 
was always a trusted friend and neighbor, a kind 
husband and father, and in him Peru lost one of its 
most prominent pioneers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Clapp had three children, whose 
names and brief domestic history are as follows: 
Aro D., liorn .Tuly 2'i, ISoU, was married February 3, 
1858, to Helen, daughter of Aruna and Mary Ann 



Eaton, of Peru. They reside on a farm located in 
Norwalii township, and have a family of two ciiildren, 
and Mrs. Clapji resides with them. Mary Isabella, 
born January IS, 1834, is married to Dr. Alfred 
Terry, a dentist, of Norwalk. Henry Seymour, born 
October 21, 1841, married Sarah, daughter of Alvin 
and Parmela Brightman, of Bronson. He resides at 
tiie i»ld homestead in Peru, and lias two children. 








"^K 



..... ^r^. 



Mr. R. B, Ellsworth. 



Mrs. R. B. Ellsworth, 



RANSOM B. ELLSWORTH. 

Ransom B. Ellsworth, born in Windsor, Vermont, 
November 11, 1800, at an early age removed to Onta- 
rio county. New York. lie married there Eliza 
Prentiss, and tlie young couple removed to Fairfield, 
Huron county, and settled about half a mile north of 
the present village, being one of the very foremost 
pioneers of the township, and sharing the severe toil 
of clearing and improving. He was the first justice 
of the peace elected in Fairfield, and held the office 
foi' three years. He moved into Peru township in 
1820, and lived for about one year at the little village 
of Macksville. His wife died the same year. In 1831, 
he married his second wife, Louisa Barker, and re- 
moved to his present location, lot number three, in 
the Parker tract. His second wife died in 1847, and 
in the following year he married his present wife. 



formerly Mrs. Susan Morey, born in Dutchess county. 
New York, December 8, 1813, but since 1847 a resi- 
dent of Peru. She had one daughter, Georgianna, 
who married D. Brooks, and is resident in the town- 
ship, and a son. Willard, now in Flat Rock, Michi- 
gan. Mr. Ellsworth has had in all eleven children, 
three of whom are livins:, viz: Amanda (Mrs. N. 
Edwards), in Minnesota; Allen, in Toledo, and 
Maria (Mrs. J. Drury). in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ellsworth are now aged respectively seventy-nine and 
sixty-si.\. Mr. Ellsworth is one of those men who, 
having begun in a new country, empty-handed, the 
struggle for a livelihood for himself and family, has 
succeeded in gaining that condition in life which 
allows him the ea.se and comfort wiiicii he has so well 
earned by years of toil and privation. He has a 
finely cultivated farm of about sixty-five acres, and a 
conifoftalile lionie. 



\ 



GREENFIELD. 



ORIGIXAL OWXERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader is 
referred to the history of Wakeniau township. 

GKEEXFIELD, TOWX Nl'JIBEK TWO, IX THE TW EXTY- 
THIRD RAXGE. 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original (irantees. 



Andrew Rowland 1568 

Thomas Fitch's 

heirs 415 

Hannah Fitch's 

heirs 1-11 

Samuel Rowland 476 
John Hubbell 32 

Widow Abigail Burr 58 
Widow Mary Pen- 

fleld 139 

Stephen Jennings 195 
JabezPerty a 

Eleazer Osocrn, Jr 181 



Ant't Loss. Ctassijied by, 
s. d. 

15 11 Thomas F. Row- 
land 



3 

a 

10 
16 



Am't 
£ 

884 

142 



Classed. 

s. a. 



Ephriain Penfleld 



48 

111 

14 

19 



James Knapp — 

Jabez Perry's heirs 83 

Eleazer Osborn. Jr 15 



7 
16 
19 
IS 

14 
It 

1 
18 





9 

10 
5)^ 
" 

m 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1,344 







Classificatios No. i, Section 2. 



Original Grantees. 

Samuel Smedley 
John Smedley 

Samuel Rowland 
David Annibal 
Samuel Smith 
John Williams 
.lohn Williams. Jr 
Dudley Baldwin 
Jonathan Mattber 
Increase Bradley 
George Burr 
John Banks 
Joseiih Sherwood 
Sam 1 Whitney, Jr 
John Morehouse. 
(two rights) 



£ 
415 
763 

476 
43 
19 

116 
13 

47 
180 
15 

'5 

26 
249 



Am't Loss. 
d. 



19 
10 

10 

18 

16 



19 

13 

5 



16 

12 

15 

10 



10 
9 
9 



10 


1(1 



Classijiett by. 

Samuel Smedley 
Samuel Smedley 

and others 
Walter Bradley 



Ain't Classed. 
£ s. d. 



Zalmon Bradley 



:«! 
39 
43 
19 

116 

13 

7 

47 

180 

15 

22 

9 

26 

3 



15 
IH 
18 
16 

19 
13 
5 

16 
12 
15 
10 



2 
2 

10 
9 
9 



10 


10 



Footing of Classification No. 2. £1,344 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. 

Ebenezer Bertram 
James Buckley 
Justin Jennings 
Luce Burr 
Samuel Burr, Jr 
Nathan Burr 
"William Carter 
Abigail Chapman 
Hannah McKiusey 
Sarah Hu;;hes 
Ejthraim Jennings 
Margaret Keeler 
Jona. MiddleVirook 
Free Negro, Ned 
Abraham Parrott 
Robert Ross 
Joseph Sprag 
Benj S(iuire 
Zecheriah Sanfoni 
Jehiah Whitehead 
Samuel King 
Ephraim Burr, Jr 
John Siratto|i 
Nath 1 Burr 
Josiah Buckley 
Hezekiah Caley 
Renil Thorp 
Stephen Thorp 
John Coke 
Ann Godfrey 
Ebenezer Monroe 
David Bun- 
Andrew Rowlanil 
Daniel Hurlburt 
Capt. Titus Hurl- 
burt 
Capt . James Lam 

pnire 
James Lamphire. Jr 



Am't Loss. 

d. 



515 
"3 

1 

10 

ISttK 

126 

1961 

m 

34 



10 

15 

1.3 
14 
9 

11 
1 
19 
•J 
2 
■1 
4 
14 
17 
3 



16 
7 
18 
13 
18 
6 
6 
6 
1 
9 
18 

ir, 

5 
15 
14 



9 
1" 



Classified by. 
Samuel Rowland 



6 
li 
I 

10 
(I 


8 


6 


II 
6 







I 

11 



Am' 
£ 



31 
4 

2 
4 
16 

1 
15 

H 
13 

4 



t Classed. 

s. d. 
14 3 
15 

7 
13 
14 

9 


11 

4 
19 

9 



3 
1 

10 
210 

74 

490 
78 



4 
4 
14 
17 
3 
5 
5 
16 

18 
13 



6 

ti 
10 

9 
18 
15 

.5 
14 
16 




10 





II 

6 
3 






4 

5 
6H 





an 



Footing of Classification No. 3. £1,.344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4 



Original Grantees. 

John Morehouse 
Sam'l Sturges 
Sam'l Taylor 
Xehemian Banks 
Samuel Penfield 
Mary Penfield 



£ 
249 

•I 

4 

1065 

139 



Am't Lobs. 
s. d. 



4 

18 
17 
15 
9 
14 



Classified by. 
Zalmon Bradley 



Samuel Penfield 
.James KJiapp 



Am'f Classed. 



£ 

121 

117 

4 

2 

1095 



18 



d. 

6 " 

6 
4 



Footing of Classification No 4, £1..344 



PHY.SICAL FEATURES. 



The .surface of the township is generally undulating. 
Tlie Huion river enters it about a mile west of the 
southeast corner, runs a winding, but, generally, 
northwest course through the township, and leaves 
it a little less thau a mile east of the northwest cor- 
ner. There are several small tributaries, the largest 
of which is the west branch, which drains the western 
part of the town. 

The original varieties of timber, east of the river, 
were principally white wood, black walnut, beech and 
maple, with some 'white oak, butternut and basswood. 
West of the river, white and Ijlack oak, hickory, beech 
and maple were the leading varieties. The soil is a 
loam of a sandy or gravelly nature, cast of the river, 
and a clay loam west of it. 

There is a stone ijuarry ou the east bank of Huron 
river, owned and worked by Elias Easter. It was 
tir.st opened by Ezra Smith, at an early date. The 
quarry underlies a considerable tract of land, with a 
dip to the southeast, extending into Fairfield town- 
ship, and is sandstone of the newer formation. The 
stone varies from an inch to twelve inches in thick- 
ness, and is largely used for building and flagging. 
There exists also, on the farm of Mr. Easter, bog iron 
ore, but in what (juantity is not known. 

In 1847 or '48, Mr. Harlan E. Simmons, while 
jilowing through an excavation on his farm, made by 
a large uprooted tree, came upon two copper kettles, 
one a five-pail, and the other a three-pail kettle, the 
latter within the former, and both lying bottom 
upwards. By whom they were buried, and for what 
purpose, can, of course only be conjectured, but they 
were evidently buried at an early period, both as 
indicated by the appearance of the vessels, and by 
tlie size of tiie tree under which they were placed. 
One of the kettles is now in the cabinet of relics of 
the Fire-lands Historical Society, and the other in 
the jiossossioii of Alonzo L. Simmons. 

SETTLEMENT AXD .SETTLERS. 

The first person that came into the township of 
Greenfield, for tlie purpose of settlement, was William 
McKelvey, Jr.. who arrived from Trumbull countv I 



in the 



year 1810. 

(214) 



He purchased one hundred and 



1 



HISTORY OF HURON ANIJ ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•215 



six acres of land of Caleb Palmer, of New Haven 

township, on lot number twenty-five, in the second 
section of tliis township, paying for it in work. In 
1811, he cleared eleven and a half acres and sowed it 
to wheat. He iiad harvested his crop and was putting 
it in stack when the news of Hull's surrender reached 
the settlement. He immediately returned to Trum- 
bull county, where his father and the rest of the 
family were then living, and joined the army as a 
vwlunteer for six months. In the spring of ISl-i he 
returned to Greentield, Ijringing, with a four-horse 
team and wagon, his brother-in-law, Truman Gilbert, 
and his family. His wheat had been burned during 
his alisence. evidently by the Indians. The loss was 
considerable, as breadstuffs were then high. He after- 
wards bought fifteen bushels of the wheat left in 
stack by Erastus Smith, on his flight to Trumbull 
countv, for which he paid forty-tive dollars, thresh- 
ing it himself. Judging from the vield of ^Ir. 
Smith's crop and the price he received for what he 
sold, Mr. JIcKelvey's loss was about twelve hundred 
dollars. In December, 1817, he married Saloma Ash- 
ley, daughter of .James Ashley, of Peru township, 
and built a distillery the same year on Huron river, 
on lot twenty-six. section two, the ujiper story of 
which he occupied as a dwelling. A number of years 
afterwards he Ijuilt a log house on his farm on the 
center road, where Robert Arthur now lives, and took 
up his abode there. He moved to Hardin county 
in 18.35, remained six years and then returned to this 
township, where he has since resided. His first wife 
died in 1853, and in the fall of 1854 he married Mrs. 
Electa Grant, with whom he is now living at Green- 
tield center. Mi-. McKelvey was born in Westmore- 
land county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1790. In 1804 
he and his father, William McKelvey, Sr. , came to 
Oliio, selecting a location in Palmyra township. Por- 
tage county, the rest of the family following the next 
.year. In 1806 or 1807 the family removed to Trum- 
bull county. William McKelvey, Sr., removed to this 
township in 1815, and settled on lot twenty-six, in 
the second section. In 1819 he moved to the town- 
.slii]) of Plymouth, Richland county, where he after- 
wards died. 

Truman Gilbert settled on the north and south 
■ enter road, on lot thirty-six. He subse(|uently moved 
i<i York township, Sandusky county, and died there. 

The first family that settled in Greenfield was that 
of Hanson Read. Mr. Read was a native of Gonnec- 
liciit and was born June 4, 1782. While a boy, his 
parents removed to Bath, New York. In 1810, he 
married Elizabeth Powers of Beavertown, Pennsyl- 
vania, and in April, 1811, removed to tJiis tcrtvnship 
in comjiany with Abram Powers (his wife's father), 
.Tacob Rush (his hired man), James Wilson, who sub- 
.-eipiently became a settler in this townshi]), Caleb 
Palmer, who settled in New Haven, and John Laylin, 
who settled in illdridge, now Berlin. They reached 
(ireenfield on the first day of May, after a tedious 
jiiurncy. For a great part of the way there was no 



road, only such as the emigrants cut as they traveled. 
The first night in Greenfield the family slept on the 
ground under a tree. 

A short time after tlieir arrival. Aliram I'owers 
went into the Wdods in search of the cows, and the 
day being cloudy, lost his direction and wandered 
about for five days and nights Ijefore reaching his 
home. He subsisted on roots and berries, and came 
in very much exhausted. Every effort had been 
made by his associates to find the lost man, but with- 
out success. Mr. Read built his cabin in the fourth 
section on lot number thirty-two. It, indeed, was a 
lonely dwelling, being among the very first in what is 
now Huron county. The first year of their settle- 
ment the family had to go to Cuyahoga county, or to 
Mt. Vernon, Knox county, with their grist, and to 
Mansfield for the few groceries they needed. 

April 25, 1812, their son Franklin was liorn, wiiich 
was the first birth of civilized parents in the town- 
ship and one of the earliest in the county. 

In 1814, Mr. Read sold his farm to James Wilson, 
ami commenced, with Mr. Powers, the erection of 
the grist mill on Huron river, as mentioned elsewhere. 
Soon after it was built, Mr. Read sold the mill to a 
man by the name of Carkhuff. and moved to the 
township of Norwalk, about a mile and a half south' 
of where the village of Norwalk now is, purchasing 
his land of Samuel B. Lewis. Mr. Read built a saw 
mill here in 1817-18, and a gristmill in 1821, the 
first in the township. In 1826, he removed to 
Perrysburg, Ohio, and took a 'job of road-making on 
the turnpike. He lived but a few months after his 
settlement there, and his family sulisequently returned 
to Norwalk township. Mrs. Read afterwards became 
the wife of Perez Miner, whonl she also survived, and 
finally removed, with a son, to Ingham county, Mich- 
igan, where she subsequently died. There were six 
children, all boys, and all of whom are living. Frank- 
lin, the eldest, resides in Norwalk townsiiip, a mile 
south of the village, aged sixty-seven; James resides in 
Ingham county, Michigan; Eli and Dennis live in 
Wisconsin; Abram lives in Jlissouri, and Ransler in 
Indiana. 

In October, isll, a little company, consisting of 
Erastus Smith and family, of wife and three chil- 
dren; Samuel C'. Spencer, a In'other of J\Irs. Smith, 
Cyrus W. Marsh, and Buel Ensign started from 
Vernon, Trumbull cnuuty, (Jhii). for the Fire-lands, 
arriving in Greentield about the first of November. 
They brought with them two wagons, four yoke of 
oxen, three cows, and twenty-three hogs. After cross- 
ing the Cuyahoga they were strictly pioneers. Tiie 
country was a vast wilderness, not a house to be seen 
on their route west of the Cuyahoga river, until tlie 
lonely cabin of Hanson Read, in Greenfield, was 
reached. Mrs. Smith and iier children remained at 
the house of Mr. Read until the men could roll up a 
house, which wasliuilt on the place now occu]iied Ijy 
Hiram Smith. The house was indeed a primitive 
dwelling place when the family moved into it. being 



21C 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



without a door or window, and had only a few feet 
square of puncheon floor. A door and window were 
soon provided, however,- made alf^o of puncheons, and 
the famih" lived in comparative comfort through the 
winter which was a very severe one. It was with dif- 
ficulty that the cattle were wintered through. They 
subsisted largely on shrubs, and twigs of trees which 
were cut down foj- them to browse on. The hogs ran 
in the woods, and fed on the abundant mast, or 
"shack" which the forest yielded. The next spring 
these hogs all went back to Vernon, in Trumbull 
county, where they were subsequently found by Mr. 
Smith, on his return, during the excitement of the 
war of 1812. Mr. Smith was born in Hartland, Con- 
necticut, January 7, 1784, and migrated with his 
parents to Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1799. Decem- 
ber, 19, 1805, he married Miss Fanny Spencer, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Lydia Spencer, also of Hartland. 
Connecticut, who moved with their family to Trum- 
bull county, in 1802. Mr. and Mrs. Smith resided in 
the township of Vernon, in said county, until their 
removal to Greenfield, as previously stated. Erastus 
Smith was a man of much force of character and in- 
telligence, and was for years one of the leading men 
of the settlement. He was foremost in favoring and 
promoting everything pertaining to the general im- 
provement i)f the infant settlement. His death oc- 
curred .July IC), 1820. Mrs. Smith is yet living and 
will have reached the advanced age of ninety^four 
years, if she lives until December 7, 1879. She was 
in the truest sense, a helpmeet of her husband, shar- 
ing with him the many privations of that early time 
with a remarkal)lo courage. She retains a wonderful 
memory of early events, and has been our main reli- 
ance in the collection of facts embraced in the liistorv 
of this township. There were seven children, viz. : 
Martin, (deceased), Lydia, now Mrs. Dennison Bas- 
com, living in the township of Norwich; Truman and 
Erastus, (deceased); Lester, residing in Bronson; 
Hiram, residing in Greenfield, on the old homestead; 
and Heni'ietta, (Mrs. Thomas Cone, deceased.) Mrs. 
Smith has living, three children, twenty nine grand- 
children, and forty great-grand ci.ihlren, the oldest 
child being seventy years of age. and the oldest grand- 
child twenty-three. 

The following is one of many incidents in the life 
of Mrs. Smith, wliieii are wortliy of record, as illus- 
trating tJie i)erils which surrounded the homes of tlie 
pioneers: One day wliile her husband was in the har- 
vest-field, Mrs. Smith left tlie house for a few moments 
and on lier return saw a huge black snake crawling 
across the liead-board of the Led on which her young- 
est child lay sleejiing. The re]>tile disappeared under 
the floor of the liouse. .Mrs. Smith raised one of the 
puncheons, and witli the tongs, threw the snake out on 
the hearth, where it was seized and killed by the dog. 

The two families previously mentioned, with their 
hired men, .Jacob Rush and Cyrus \V. Marsh, were 
the only inhalntants of the township at the time of 
lIulTs surrender, in .Viigust. 1812. A short time 



after that event, another transpired which occasioned 
feelings of great apprehension and alarm, not only to 
the pioneers of Greenfield, but to the inhabitants of 
the entire Reserve, Information came, and spread 
rapidly, that the British and Indians were approach- 
ing the settlements, with intent to massajre the 
inhabitants. A large party had been seen landing 
at Huron, which was supposed to be the forces of the 
enemy. Johnny Apjdeseed brought the dreadful 
intelligence to Greenfield. After the surrender of 
Detroit, he was engaged by the settlers of this town- 
ship and New Haven to go to Huron for the news 
once a week. One morning, about nine o'clock, he 
returned, riding rajndly, and shonting, "Run for 
your lives I The Indians are killing everybody and 
burning their property I" 

Intense excitement ensued, and preparations for 
flight were immediately begun. Clothing, bedding 
and some other household goods, were i>acked up, 
the cattle collected, and at evening, with teams and 
wagons, a start was made for New Haven. The 
progress of the travelers was slow, and it was late in 
the night when they reached the house of Caleb 
Palmer. Besides the family of Mr. Palmer, there 
were then living in New Haven a family by the name 
of Woodcock. Alvan Coe and wife, Luther Coe and 
James M cintyre. The next day (Saturday) the whole 
company started south, with four teams and wagons. 
For a distance of fifteen miles, a road had to be cut 
every rod of the way. It was an exceedingly wet 
time, too, and the streams were much swollen, ren- 
dering them difficult of passage, the teams and stock 
being compelled to sMim across some of them. The 
company reached the Black Fork, a liranch of the 
Muskinguui river, by evening of the first day, and 
pitched their tent on the bank for the night. Hun- 
gry and worn with fatigue, their clothing and bedding 
drenched with rain, which had been almost continuous 
during the journey, and haunted with visions of the 
red coat and scalping-knife, the situation of the 
fngitives was indeed a deplorable one. They slept 
upon the wet ground as best they could, and the next i 
morning pushed on. In the evening of the second 1 
day, while making preparations for a night's rest, a 
report reached them that they were being pursued by 
Indians, who w'ere only a short distance behind them. 

The wagons with their stores were left in care of 
two of the men and the rest of the p ..rty pressed on, 
the women and children riding upon the horses. Af- 
ter iiroceeding a short distance it was decided to bring 
uj) the wagons, and the teams with two men returned 
for them. Fredericktown, Knox county, was finally 
reached, when they learned of the falsity of the last 
alarm, which arose from the fact of a fleeing party 
frantically shouting for help, who luul lost their way 
in the woods. 

.\fter a week's rest in Fredericktown the families A 
of r. Read and Jlr. Smith, and Mrs. Alvan Coe Mre- " 
turned to .Mansfield and started for Trumbull county 
bv wav of Wooster. 




SAMUEL McCAMMOF, M.D. 



Tlie late Dr. Samuel McCaninion was for many 
years a resident of Greenfield, and his good qualities 
both as man and physician were almost universally 
liked and respected. Very few, indeed, were those 
who could be counted in any other category than 
that of his friends. 

Dr. McCanimon was born near Pittsburg, Pa., 
Jan. 3, 1821, and his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth 
MeCammon, who were at that time living upon a 
farm, moved two years later to Richland Co., Ohio, 
and settled in the vicinity of Mansfield. 

When his son was four years of age the father 
died. When the boy became twelve years of age he 
began an ap]ircntices]iip at the saddle-making trade, 
at wiiicii lie al'terward worked for a short time. 15ut 
having a strong desire for study, it was gratified by 
an attendance at the common schools in Mansfield 
and Fredericktown. 

His ta.ste soon turned toward medical subjects, and 
lie determined to become a physician. His first in- 
struction in this especial field of science was received 
in Norwalk, under the now venerable Dr. John 
Tifft, and began in Decendier, 1842. He afterward 
attended two courses of lectures at the Willoughby 
(l^ake County) Medical College. 

In March, 1845, he began the practice of medicine 
in (ireenfield, whi(^li was f]uitc a thriving, busy vil- 
lage. He was successful, and slowly but surely built 
up a practice which gave him a large ride, and 
brought him the means necessary to a comfortable 
condition of life. Not long after beginning he was 



able to buy the lot where his widow now resides, and 
later to purchase the farm adjoining. 

Dr. McCamraon, during the whole of his profes- 
sional career in Greenfield, was highly esteemed, and 
his practice was large until toward the close of his 
life, when, for a few years, his health was impaired by 
a chronic ailment which inade the travel incident to 
the profession very painful and at times impossible. 
He practiced in Greenfield more years than any other 
physician, and for most of the time was the only 
doctor in the place. He wa.s associated lor a period 
of about one year with Dr. B. F. Mor.se, who after- 
ward practiced in Peru townshij). 

The doctor was married, Sept. 7, 1848, to Philenc, 
daughter of Lebo and Polly Blackman, old settlers 
in (irrcenfield. She was born in this township, Aug. 
27, 1828, and is still living, three of her children 
being with her. The first-born son of Dr. and Mrs. 
MeCammon, George L., was born June 26, 1851, 
and died Oct. 3, 185(5. The other children are Frank 
B., born Oct. 5, 1855; Edward L., born Aug. 16, 
1858; and Laura, born July 9, 1861. 

Dr. MeCammon died Aug. 2, 1870, having been 
sick and confined to his home for several months 
previous. His last professional call was made in 
February of the same year. 

Although not connected with any church, Dr. 
MeCammon was a man of religious feeling and of 
strict rectitude of character. During his sickness he 
expressed himself as being without fear, and he 
passed away peacefully and quietly. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



>17 



Alinun Powers, who had returned to Peiiusylvania, 
hearing of tlie excitement among the settlers of the 
Hosorve, and fearing for the safety of Iiis children, of 
whom lie had three residing on the Fire-lands, came 
to Ohio, arriving at Mansfield tlie evening of the day 
Mr. Reed and family left. But he met there his two 
daughters, Mrs. Woodruff and Piioebe Powers, who 
Inid been residing at the mouth of Huron river. The 
th latter had been teaching school there. He found 
tliem both lying at the point of death, which with the 
failure to find Mr. Read and family, groiitly depressed 
him. _ James Mclntyre, who was ei|ual to almost any 
iinergency, proposed to overtake tiiem on foot. Mr. 
Powers expostulated w'ith liim, but he insisted on a 
trial, and did overtake them the next day. Mr. Read 
and family returned to Mansfield, but soon went to 
Fredericktovvn, where they remained during the sum- 
mer. Mr. Read made several trips during tlie sum- 
mer ti) h\6 house in Greenfield, and he found that it 
iiad been entered by Indians and every article of 
household furniture that had not been removed or 
I oncealed was destroyed or carried off. 

In December of the same year, Mr. Read returned 
to (ireenfield with his family, but reports were 
so freijuent of Indian depredations tiiat he soon 
moved south again, and remained until January 1. 
1S14, wiien he returned to his former residence and 
remained. 

Mr. Smith and family, and Mrs. Coe, nuide tlie 
journey to Trumljull county with two horses, Mrs. 
Smith with two of her children riding on one horse, 
and Mrs. Coe on the other with the third child, 
while ^Ir. Smith accompanied them on foot. 

When a few miles beyond Wooster. they stopped at 
a farm-house in which the terrified inhabitants in the 
neighborhood had taken refuge from apprehended 
danger, and while there a false alarm was raised that 
the Indians had taken Wooster. when the inmates all 
rted to the woods, with the exception of ^Ir. Smith 
and family, who, with their previous experience, de- 
ii-nnined to await, this time, the actual approach of 
danger. Being very much fatigued by the toilsome 
jiiurney, and needing rest, they appropriated to their 
iisi.' the vacated beds and were soon asleep. But 
they were not permitted to rest long, one of the 
tleeing party returning and insisting on their going 
to the woods. They started, but in a short time re- 
turned and again retired, and soon after the whole 
[larty returned from the woods. The alarm is said 
111 have arisen from the noise made by a hor.se pawing 
in a feed-trough, which was supposed to be the guns 
nf the enemy. The inhabitants were in such a state 
of agitation that an alarm, however improl)able, 
would cause an immediate llight. Mr. Smith and his 
rompany pursued their journey anil reached their place 
of destination in safety. The next fall he returned to 
Freilericktown for his cattle and goods, which he had 
left there, but learning of the murder of a family, 
while traveling over the road wliiih he expected to 
take, he went back to Vernon without them. Soon 



after, Samuel C. Spencer and Cyrus W. Marsh took 
the property through. Mr. Smith and family re- 
mained in Vernon until February, 1815, wdien they 
returned to their abandoned home in Greenfield. 
Their house had been used by the Iiulians as a stable 
for their horses, but six acres of wheat, which was left 
in stack a mile or so from the house. — the most val- 
uable, perhaps, of the property abandoned — remained 
untouched. 

It is impossible for the young people of the present 
day to understand the conditions of living in the new 
settlement. The first settlers in Greenfield were 
among the first in the county, and they were com- 
pletely isolated from all the appliances of civilization. 
The nearest mill, at which grinding was done, was 
at Owl Creek, a great many miles distant, through 
an unbroken forest. The grain was ground in the 
order of its reception at the mill, and sometimes 
several days would be consumed in going to mill 
and back. It was customary for one person to take 
•the milling of the entire neighborhood, when going 
with a team. While there are no instances of suffer- 
ing from want of necessary food, in the history of 
this township, provisions were by no means plenty. 
Wheat was at one time three dollars per bushel, and 
other articles of food in proportion. William McKel- 
vey on one occasion went to Owl Creek to buy some 
[lork, and could only find some of the " shack "' va- 
riety, for which he paid forty-four cents per pound. 
The meat was a poor substitute for that of the domes- 
tic hog, being spongy and of ill flavor. For fresh 
meat the early settlers had venison and other wild 
game so plenty at times as to become a drug. 

In the matter of necessary clothing, the pioneers 
ex})erienced a greater difficulty. The families, in 
general, came well furnished with wearing apparel, 
but a year or two of wear and tear in the woods sadly 
diminished their stock. Flax could be raised, and 
summer chithing of tow, l)ntternut-dyed. and bleached 
linen could be manufactured when a weaver could be 
fotind to do it ; for, although every woman was a 
spinner, only here and there was one weaver, and each 
family had to await its turn. The old garments were 
often worn to rags liefore the new cloth could be put 
through the loom. 

To obtain the material for winter clothing was still 
more difficult. The introduetion of sheep was at- 
tended with much dirtic'tilty. They were not safe 
from wolves, and the new, wet lands i)roved un- 
healthy to them. The summer clothing would often 
have to answer for winter wear, or other expedients 
be resorted to. Buckskin, either wholly or in part, 
frequently served as material for winter apjiarel, but 
garments made entirely of it were never popular. 
The pantaloons would frequently be wet to the knees, 
and when dry would be as stiff and uncomfortable as 
if made of tin. 

Cyrus W. Marsh, of wliuni mention has been made, 
in 1816 erected a house, which he opened as a tavern, 
on the hill, just luirtli of the river, on the center road. 



28 



218 



HISTORY OF lirUON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



This was the first public liouse in the township. A 
short time afterwanls ho niovwl to Sandusky city 
(then called Ogontz Place), and Imilt there in the fall 
of 181T the second framed house in the place. In 
1822, in connection with Constant Barney, of that 
place, he commenced rnnning a line of stages from 
Sandusky to Columbus, through Milan, \t>r\valk, 
Mansfield and Delaware. In opening their enterprise 
they announced to the public that, '"being an infant 
establishment, and fostered only by an infant (latron- 
age, the subscribers have chosen rather to consult the 
strength and efficiency of their carriages and steeds, 
than their elegance or beauty. As the country grows 
older, and their patronage increases, they pledge 
themselves to improve, both in the expedition of 
traveling and in style of their establishment. 

"They will endeavor to select the best iiouses on their 
route for the refrejliment of their passengers; and 
every attention will be paid to promote their ease, 
comfort and accommodation." The enterpi-ise was 
kejit U]) for eight or ten years. .Mr. Marsh carried- 
the mail also, and was tiie first mail carrier on this 
route. 

Bildad Adams and family moved in from Vermont 
in the spring of 1815, and located in tlie north part 
of the township, on the center road, ojipusite where 
tiie tavern of Cyrus W. Marsh formerly stood. In 
June following, Henry Adams, Elihu Clary and 
William Smith began the settlement of Peru town- 
.ship, and boarded at Mr. Adams" while thev were 
building them a shanty in that township. A daughter, 
Nancy Adams, taught the first school in the township 
of Pern, at Macksville, in the summer of isls. 
Mr, Adams was one of tiie first three commissioners 
of Huron county, and was a man of local influence. 
He died in the township of Milan, about the year 
1828, 

Seba Matlier and wife, his brother Horace and wife 
and their parents, moved together from Marlboro, 
Windham county. N'ermout, to this township in the 
summer of 181.5. The three families located on a 
tract of land south of the center, where Seba Mather 
opened a short time afterward a public lionse,* which 
he kept until 1820, when he discontinued it and 
established the mills east of the center, mention of 
which is made elsewhere. He carried on an e.Ktensive 
business at these mill? for nearly thirty years, when 
he sold them and retired to his farm, on which he 
spent the remainder of liis life. He died August 20, 
1874, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. His wife, 
father, mother and a brother Horace, preceded him. 
Mr, Mather's barn, erected in 1820, was the first 
frame building in the township. 

David Lovell emigrated Avith his family to this 
township in the fall of 1815. He located four lots in 
the second section, erecting his house near the river 
on lot thirty-four. He subsecpiently sold three of 

" It ia thought by some that this tavern was opened before that of 
Cjrus W. Jlarsh, which we liave stated, on the authority of Mrs. Smith, 
to have been theJirsI in tlie township. 



the lots, and, after the east road was opened. Imilt a 
log house, whei'e his son Ethan imw lives, on lot 
twenty-eight. He ei'octed a lirick liouse heiv at an 
eai'ly day, which he occupied until his death, which 
occurred November 16, 1830, in the si.Kty-eighth year 
of his age. Mi-. Lovell was a man of excellent prin- 
cijiles and of extensive information. Mrs. Lovell 
died July 1-t. 1848, aged seventy-two years and six 
months. Few wom.-n equaled her in courage and 
resolution. She made three journeys to her former 
home in Pennsylvania on horseback and alone, and 
once in company with her husband. Mr. LovelJ had 
sold his farm in Pennsylvania, mostly on time: and 
the payments not being met, the journeys were made 
for the purpose of collecting them. The object of 
the visits, however, was unsuccessful: the farm had 
to be taken back eventually and disposed of at a jiecu- 
niary sacrifice 

Three of the six children of the family are living. 
Mrs. Edward H. Lowther and Ethan Lovell I'eside in 
this township, the former a short distance east of 
Greenfield center, and the latter on the old homestead; 
Mrs. Guthrie lives in Fairfield. 

Nathan Warner removed from Massachusetts to 
Greenfield in tlie above year. He resided in the town- 
ship until 1853. when he removed to L;iporre countv. 
Indiana. 

Eli Halliday moved into the township from Ver- 
mont in 1810, and settled on the Shourd place, as 
now called, on the east road. He was a man of more 
than ordinary ability, excellent character, and did 
much to promote the moral welfare of community, 
and was efficient in establishing the first religious 
society in Greenfield, He finally moved to Huron, A 
Erie county, where he died in 1850. ' ■ 

Daniel Halliday moved into the townshij) the same 
year, remained seven or eight years, when he iviimved 
to Ridgefield. 

Samuel C. Spencer and family arrived from Trum- 
bull county ill 1810, and located east of the center of 
Greenfield, where Samuel Morris now resides. Aliout 
the year 1836. he sold his farm and removed i;o In- 
diana, where he subseipiently died. 

A family by the name of Evans, formerly fi-om 
Pennsylvania, moved into the township from the 
southern part of this State, soon after the close of 
the war. and located in the southeast part of the 
town. The father died there, and his wife also sub- 
sequently. The rest of the family removed to Illinois, 

Robert Ford and Thomas Irvin came in about the 
same time sis the Evans". They married subsequent 
to their arrival two daughters of the family and set- 
tled in the same locality. They all moved to Illinois 
simultaneously, 

Amos Harkness settled in Greenfield in 1810: after- 
wards moved to Fairfield township. 

Robert Insciio arrived in Greenfield from Pennsyl- 
vania in 1810. He removed to Indiana about the 
year iSSO. 

William Carklmtf, from the same State, came to 



II 



I 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•^19 



this township in 1815 or '16. He was then unmar- 
ried, but he subsequently married and settled on tlie 
farm now owned and occupied by Elia.s Easter. He 
was elected sheirtT of Huron county in 183."), and 
took n\> his residence in Norwalk. He moved to 
Indiana in 1848, where he spent the remainder of his 
life. 

Silas Bowers settled in ilie east part of the town- 
.«hip in 1810. The life of this pioneer came to an 
untimely end under the following jiainful circnm- 
-tances: Seeing some deer feeding within the cleared 
area around his cabin, one morning in the winter of 
1818, he took his gun and started out to shoot them. 
The deer fled at his approach, but he followed, and 
finally shot one of them near where the village of 
North Fairfield now stands. He dressed the animal, 
aTid suspending the remainder of the carcass to a sap- 
ling, started homeward with the hide and "saddle." 
Mr. Bowers was naturally physically weak, and having 
started out before breakfast, was poorly qualified for 
such a toilsome journey through the dense forest. 
His physical energies gradually wasted away and he 
was forced to abandon his load, and left it a short 
distance west of the east branch of the Huron. A 
little further on he tried to build a fire of some leaves 
and bark to warm himself, for the weather was very 
cold. Not succeeding, he sought a place to rest by 
the side of a fallen ti-ee. after which he wearily pressed 
on towards home. He traveled until near the present 
residence of James Cook, when liecoming too weak to 
proceed farther, he sat down on the butt-end of a 
tree that had been recently cut down, rested his head 
upon a stump, aii<l in tiiat position he was found two 
days afterwards, evidently frozen to death. 

Alden Pierce moved in from Massachusetts in 1816, 
and resided here until 1837, when he removed to 
Illinois. 

John Pierce moved in the following year, and set- 
tled in the east part of the townshiji. 

X, Nathaniel Haynes, with his family of wife and six 
children and his wife's father, emigrated from Wind- 
ham countvT Vermont, to this township in the fall 

- of 1810, and settled on lot number seven in the third 
section. He died on this farm in tiie spring of 184-4. 

I In 1817, Levi Savage arrived from the State of 

r New York, and the following year mai'rieda daughter 
of Mr. Haynes and settled on fifty acres now owned 
by Hiram Smith. 

In 1810, a family by the name of [jong — four 
brothers and two sisters, all grown to adult life, but 
unmarried — moved into the township from the State 
of Pennsylvania. The only surviving member of the 
family — Miss Catharine Long, now almost a centen- 
arian — is an inmate of the County Infirnmry. She is 
the victim of one of the grossest acts of wrong and 
injustice that was ever perpetrated in a civilized 

[community. .Many years ago the youngest brother, 
James, came into possession of a legacy of ten thou- 
sand dollars from Ireland. He was never married, 
and at his death, some years afterwards, the estate 



was inherited by a surviving brother and sister, 
William and Catharine. Some years afterward, and 
when the increasing infirmities of age rendered the 
care of a farm too laborious for them, they unwisely 
concluded to settle upon a nephew, whom they had 
brought up from childhood, their entire property, re- 
(piiring in return only a verbal promise that he w(uild 
support them the remainder of their lives. The 
transfer was made, and subsequently William Long 
died. In a short time the old lady began to be felt as 
a burden, the farm was finally sold, everything con- 
verted into Cii-sh that could be, and in September, 
1878, the nephew with his family moved to Michigan, 
leaving their benefactress alone in the house, almost 
blind and entirely helpless (having broken her limb 
by a fall a short time previous; and without an article 
necessary to jihysical comfort, except the clothes she 
wore, and a single chair. A neighbor calling at the 
house shortly after the family left, found her almost 
wild with grief. She begged him to kill her and save 
her from the humiliation of becoming a county 
charge. She was ta-ken to the house of one of her 
neighbors, and kindly careil for a few weeks, and then 
removed to the infirmary where the writer, in a i)er- 
sonal interview, obtained the above facts. The name 
of the villain who repaid such kindness with such 
cruel wrong is James Long, and he now resides some- 
where in Noi'thcrn Michigan. 

Philip Lewis moved his family to this township 
in 1^17, having previously come out, located his 
land, and erected his cabin. He settled on lot thirty- 
four in section one, and lived there a number of years, 
and then bought where his son, Alexander Lewis, now 
lives. He died here some twenty years since. He 
served in the war of 181"^. 

John and .Joseph Cook came to this township fi-om 
Pennsylvania, as early as 1817. Joseph settled on lot 
thirty in the first section. After a residence of about 
ten years he returned to Pittsburgh, and subsequently 
went to Cincinnati. He was a man of education, 
energy and perseverance, and eventually amassed a 
large property. .John settled on lot twenty-four, sec- 
tion one. 

Lemuel Brooks, one of the prominent early settlers 
of Greenfield, arrived in the fall of 1S17. He was 
then advanced in life, and had served as an oHicer in 
the war of the Revolution, ami jiarticipated in the 
battle of Quebec. He died in the year 1831, at the 
age of ninety years. His wife was formerly Esther 
S])rague. They had a family of eight children, five 
of whom are living. 

Elijihalet B. Simmons, a native of Massachusetts, 
emigrated with his wife and two children, from Dei- 
awai'e county. New York, to this township, in 1817, 
arriving July 12th. He purchased his land, in the 
second section, of Abram I). Bahlwin, of Connecticut, 
at two dollars and a half an acre, and took up his 
residence on lot twenty-two, where John Simmons, his 
g'randson, now resides. Mr. Simmons was a man of 
great industry, siirewdness and practical judgment. 



220 



HISTOKY OF HURON AKD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Ol 



and eventually acciuired a large property. He was 
twice married, aud had a family of four children. 
Harlow E., the oldest, came to this township in the 
fall of ISIO. He started from Massachusetts in 
October, alone with one horse and a light open wagon, 
and arrived at the residence of liis f tiier in Green- 
field, in December following. He settled on lot num- 
ber twenty-one in the second section. He occupied 
his original location until his death in March, ISTo, 
aged seventy-seven. 

Charles B. Simmons, now residing in the village of 
North Fairfield, in the seventy-third year of his age, 
luis until recently occupied the old homestead in 
Greenfield, and was for many years one of the fore- 
most farmers in the county. He is a gentleman of 
intelligence and public spirit, and was a republican 
representative in the State legislature from Huron 
county, session of 18-58-0. 

Mr. Simmons, the pioneer, died in Greenfield 
January 26. 1836, in the sixty-third year of his age. 

^-^ Luther Ashley with his family of wife and seven 
children removed from Franklin county, Massachu- 
setts, to this township, in November, 181i, six weeks 
being consumed in the journey. Mr. Ashley settled 
near the east town line on tlie farm now occupied by 
Elias Mitchell. He subserpiently changed his loca- 
tion in the townsliip, but eventually removed to Indi- 
ana. He was taken sick aud died while returning to 
Greenfield in the fall of 1838. His widow died in 
the township in 18-36. There are three children living 
in the township, viz: Mrs. Beers, Dennis Ashley, 
, and ilrs. Smith, widow of Erastus Smith, Jr. 
/ Wjirden Ashley, a brotiier of Luther, and family, 

came in at the same time, and the two families occu- 
( pied the same house — a donljle log house — for a few 

^H_^fiai:ai.. _Wjirden subsequently took up his residence a 
short distance east of the center of town. He died 

"\ in this township. 

Epenetus Starr moved into the township in 1817, 
coming from the State of New York. He died about 
the year 18-15. He erected the first brick house in the 
township. 

Edward H. Lowther, now living in Greenfield, in 
his seventy-ninth year, came to Ohio from Delaware 
county, New Y'ork, early in the year 1817. Joseph 
Crawford and family, who settled in Norwalk, emi- 
grated at the same time, and Lowther had charge of 
their goods, which were shipped by the Lake from 
Buffalo. After working for a time for Esquire David 
Abbott, Hosmer Merry, Joseph Crawford and others, 
he came to Greenfield. The first work he did after 
his arrival in the township was a job of chopping for 
Eliphalet B. Simmons, in payment of money borrowed 
of Jlr. Simmons at Buffalo, who was tlien on his way 
to the Fire-lands. In the fall of 1824 he purchased 
land of Judge Mills, on lot twenty-one, section one. 
and in January, 182.5, married Miss Martha Lovell, 
daughter of David Lovell, and commenced married 
life on his farm in the following April. Thev occu- 
])iod this phvce until the spring of 1873, when thev 



moved to their present residence a short distance east 
of Greenfield center, 

William Lowtlier, a brother, came to Greenfield 
from Knox county, Ohio. He married here, and 
resided in the town some twenty years, and then 
went to Illinois. 

Samuel Spencer and family nrnved in from Trum- 
bull county in 1817, aud located on the center road, 
a short distance north of Greenfield center. He died 
here in Septemljer, 1848, aged eighty-four. His wife 
died the year previous at the age of eighty-three. 

William Campbell and family were early residents 
of the eastern part of the township. 

Levi Piatt, now residing in Greenfield, in the eighty- 
fourth year of his age, was born in Fairfield county, 
Connecticut, and is the fifteenth of a family of 
seventeen children, of whom he alone survives. He 
arrived in this township in the fall of 1818, and the 
succeeding winter taught the first school at the center 
of town. The next spring he returned, on horseback, 
to Connecticut, where he remained until the spring 
of 1822, when he came back to Greenfield, and settled 
three-fourths of a mile south of the center, where he 
now resides. He married, ilay 10, 1825, Abigail —^ 
Bodman, formerly of Ontario county, New Y'ork. 8, 
She is now aged nearly seventy-four. 

Elder .John Wheeler and family came to Greenfield 
from Richmond, Ontario county, New Y'ork, in 
March, 1818. He made his location on lot twenty- 
one, section three, Mr. Wheeler was a minister of 
the Free Will Baptist church, aud followed his calling 
for upwards of forty years, and until the infirmities 
of age compelled a cessation of active labor. His field 
of labor, as a pioneer preacher, was very extensive, 
and he was, of course, away from home much of the 
time. The management of the farm was necessarily 
left almost wholly to his wife and children. She died 
some thirty years ago, and Mr. Wheeler subsequently 
remarried. He sold his farm some ten or twelve 
years since, and moved to Greenfield center, where he 
died in August, 1878, at the advanced age of nearly 
ninety-one. Tliere were nine children, six of whom 
are now living. Jolm H., Calvin and Bradford, reside 
in this township; Aaron lives in Norwich, Chauncey _ 
B., in Kansas, and Mrs. Almira Tucker, in Sandusky. ■ 
Benoni died in September, 1876, on the place now 
occupied by his widow, Asa, the oldest of the chil- 
dren, and a daughter, the youngest, died many years 
ago. 

James Wilson, Daniel Davis, and a family by the 
name of Graham, were early settlers in this township. 
Ozias Joiner arrived in Greenfield in the spring of 
1818 He came from Cayuga county. New Y'ork, 
walking to Buffalo, thence taking passage on a vessel, 
but disemljarked at Erie, on account of head winds, 
lie proceeded on foot to a short distance west of 
Rocky river, Cuyahoga county, where he remained 
through the winter, when he resumed his journey to 
Greenfield. In 1825 he returned to Connecticut to 
purchase his land — two hundred acres — lots thirty- 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



221 



three iiiiJ thirty-foui", to which he subsequently added 
fifty acres of lot thirty-two, all in section two. He 
married, in 1838, Pliihira Newbury, and liotli are 
now livins: on one hundred acres of the original pur- 
chasc. Mr. Joiner is nearly eighty-two years of age. 
Dan Lindscy and family removed from Saratoga 
county. New York, to this township in 1819. They 
started on their journey in February, and were six 
weeks and three days on the road. He settled on the 
j)lace now oocujiied by Jesse Smith, in the western 
l)ari (if town. He afterwards exciianged this farm 
with Judge Mills for the farm nowoeeujiied by widow 
.Toiner, and built a saw mill on the west liraneli of the 
river. In 1832, he took up his abode on the place 
now occupied by his son Benjamin, the only surviv- 
ing member of the family. Mr. \u. died here in .Ian- 
nary. 18C4. 

Lebo Blaeknian arrived from C'unneetieut in the 
spring of 1822. in company with Levi Piatt. He 
subse<|uently nuirried and settled on the farm adjoin- 
ing Mr. Piatt's on the soutii. He died in Greenfield 
six or seven years since, and his widow now resides at 
the center. 

Tlie same year Jacol) Bliss and family moved in 
from Massachusetts, and located where Jonathan now 
li\es. He afterwards liought a short distance soutli 
of his first location, and lived there the remainder of 
his life. There are three children living, of whom 
Jonathan Bliss and Mrs. Dennis Ashley reside in this 
township. 

John Arthur, wife and one child, emigrated to this 
country from Ireland in 1822, settling in this town- 
ship, on lot twenty, in the third section. Mr. Arthur 
is still living, and on his original location, aged eighty- 
four. His wife died December, 1S78, aged eighty- 
five. He and iiis two sons. Robert and Wm. H. , 
own jimie twelve hundred acres of land in this towu- 
sJiij). There are six children, and all living in Cireeu- 
fielu. 

.lacob Smith moved, witii his family, from Oneida 
county, New York, to (Greenfield in 182-1. Mr. Smith 
came 1o the township with John Pierce and family 
in 1817. lint remained only a few months. The fam- 
ily first located a short distance south of where Ethan 
Lovell now resides, on the west side of the road. A 
year or two after they "took up" the farm now occu- 
pied by Aaron F. Kellogg. In the fall of 1833, a 
son — Abel Smith — purchased the farm on which he 
now resides, and the family moved there. Jlr. Smith 
died here in November, 1852, aged eighty-one. His 
wife died a few months previous. There were eight 
children, two of whom are living. Anna — Mrs. 
Knight — resides in New York, and Abel in (Ireen- 
field. A son — George B. Smith — was killed by a well 
caving in on him, on the farm of Mr. Charles B. 
Simmons, in February, 1837. 

Archibald Easter, from Pennsylvania, settled in 
Lower Sandusky (now Fremont) in 1819. He re- 
mained there three years, when he removed to the 
vicinity of Columbus. Three years subsei|uently he 



came to this township and located on the center road. 

nearly a mile north of Greenfield center, on the farm 
now owned by Mrs. Arthur. He subseipiently moved 
to the farm now occupied by his son Elias. He died 
here in 18(57. His widow survives, and lives with 
her son. Ttvo daughters, Mrs. Arthur aiul Mrs. 
John McLane, reside a short distance north of the 
center. 

Joseph Noggle settled in the southwest part of 
town in about the year 182(>: Jeremiah Cole al)out 
the same time where Lewis \\'ood now lives. He 
subsequently moved to the corners, and opened a 
tavern on the location of the present residence of J. 
Shourd. He afterwards moved to the place occupied 
by Captain Lowther, where he died seven or eight 
years since. 

Adam A. Lewis and family emigrated from Jeffer- 
son county, New York, to this township, in May, 
1827, and resided here until 18-12, when he moved to 
Ionia, Michigan, where he died in 1S(j4. His widow 
now resides there with a son. There were ten chil- 
dren, five of whom are now living. Alexander, the 
oldest, lives at Greenfield center. Mr. Lewis, tlie 
pioneer, served in the war of 1812. 

Stephen Robinson and family moved in from New 
York in the spring of 1828, and settled where his 
widow now resides. In 1810. lie came to Ohio with 
his brother Reuben, and brought from the Onondaga 
Salt Works about one hundred and thirty barrels of 
salt, the most of which he sold in Huron countv, at 
five dollars per barrel, and some of it for ten dollars 
a barrel He visited Greenfield in the winter of 
1824-5. and married February II), 1825, Enierline 
Haynes, daughter of Nathaniel Haynes, with whom 
he returned to New York, renuiining there until the 
spring of 1828, when he purchased land of his father- 
in-law, and removed to Greenfield. He died Decem- 
ber 13, 1875. in the eighty-first year of his age. 
Mrs. Robinson, aged nearly seventy-six, still occupies 
the primitive log house in which she and her hus- 
band so long ago began pioneer life on the Firelands. 
When a girl and living at home, Mrs. Robin.son went 
one evening to a neighbor's to borrow a flax hatchel, 
and while returning in the dusk of the evening along 
the road skirted by a ravine, she iieard in the path 
below the steps of some animal. She Avas near tlie 
hollow where the road was inter.sected by the [nith. 
She left the road, and throwing her hatchel awav, ran 
across a clearing to her father's woods, in which she 
saw a burning log heap, arriving at wiiich she looked 
back for the first time, and saw the hungry eyes of a 
wolf glariiig at her through the darkness only a few 
rods away. Seizing a firebrand from the fire, ^ihe ran 
for dear life for home, waving tlie brand about iier as 
she ran, and fimdly reached the house in safety. The 
next morning the hatchel was recovered. 

William Smitli, of New York St!j*e, married Philena 
Mitchell, a native of Connecticut, and removed to 
Ohio in 1831, settling one mile north of Greenfield 
center, resided there a number of vears, when he 



222 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



moved to Michigan, where he subseqnentl}' died. 
Hi.s widow now lives in California at the advanced 
age of eighty years. There are six children, as fol- 
lows; Harrison, who married Caroline Benjamin, and 
Saloma, wife of Joseph Wilcox, live in the township 
of Norwich; Marshall, in Canada: Marietta and Hen- 
rietta (twins), both married and living, the former in 
California and the latter in Michigan; Lauretta, the 
youngest, also resides in Michigan. 
"^ In the returns of the enumeration of the white 
male mhabitants, over the age of twenty-one years, in 
Huron county, in the year 1827, as made by George 
Sheffield, county assessor, the following persons are 
recorded as such inhabitants of this township: 



Cyrenius Starr. 

Benj. B. Halladay. 

Orange Starr 

Jacob Triixel . 

Henry Groover. 

Adam A. Lewis. 

James W. Mclnty re . 

Robert Evans. 

James Henderson . 

Abel Halladay . 

Jonathan Smith. 

Henry A. Smith. 

Lemuel Brooks. 
"Alden Pierce. 

William Arthur. 

Charles W. Miller. 

Epenetus Starr. 

Solomon Davis. 

Robert Easter, Jr. 

Sam'l Spencer. 

Saml C. Spencer. 

Seba Mather. 
- Dexter Ashley. 

Jonathan Bliss. 

Noah Bliss. 

William Long. 

Dan Lindsej-. 

Nathaniel Haynes. 

Thos. Arthur ad. 

Nathaniel Warren 



Hiram Starr. 

John Dimitt. 

Jona. Lelflngwell. 

Jehiel Andrews. 

John Uroover. 

Edward H. Lowther. 

James Mclntyre. Jr. 

Archibald Easter. 

William Trusel. 

Osias Joiner. 

John Lr)vell . 

Harlow Simmons. 

Jacob Smith. 
-James Ashley. 

John Arthur. 

Lyman Babcock. 

James Earl. 

James Easter. 

James Easter 3d . 

Hiram Spencer. 
-Luther Ashley. 

Nathaniel White. 

Levi Piatt. 

Andrew Long. 

Robert Inscho. 

Matthew Long. 

Salmon Lindsey. 

Josiah Root . 

Robert Clark. 

John West. 



Jeremiah Cole. 

Hugh A. Campbell. 

Christian Brewbaker. 

Isaac Groover. 

Philip Lewis. 

James Evans. 

George Evans. 

Thos. Arthur. 

Eli Halladay. 

Moses Smith. 

John Pierce . 

Alexander Pierce. 

Eliphalet B. Simmons. 

John Wheelor. 
■= Leonard Ashley . 

John Call 

John Hamilton. 

John Easter. 

Joseph Edwards. 
^Gilbert Ashley. 

William Inscho. 

Benjamin Washburn. 

Lebo Blackman. 

Jacob Bliss. 

John Inscho. 

Timothy S. Sherman. 

Denison Bascom. 

Robert Arthur. 

Richard West. 

George McFarland. 



According to the "enumeration of tlie white male 
inhabitants of Greenfield above the age of twenty- 
one years," as returned to tlie county clerk liy Seba 
Mather, lister, for the year LSI'.*, the numlier of such 
inhabitants was one hundred and thirty. Pern was 
then attached to Greentield, and is included in the 
enumeration. 

EARLY EVENTS. 

Hanson Kead liuiit the first iiouse in Greentield in 
the s])ring of 1811. 

Franklin Read, .son <>f Hanson and Elizab^tli Read, 
■was the first white child born in this townshiji. The 
date was April 35, 1812. Mr. Read is now living in 
Norwalk township, a mile south of tlie village. 

Tlie first marriage was that of William Smith to 
Miss Lovina Pierce, daughter of Alden Pierce, in 
1817. Erastus Smith, justice of the peace, performed 
the nuptial ceremony. Mr. Smitji and family moved 
to Illinois in 1837. 

The following marriage notice was pulilished in 
the Sanduskv i'larioii May .■>, 1824: 



"PosTscniPT—NrPTiAi^ExTHA.— Marriage, on the 20th ultimo, at the 

house of Xathaniel Huynes, by Thomas Tilson, Esq.: William Davis 
an African, to Xancy Hunter, a ivhite iroman; both of Greenfield. 
' Oh dear, what can the matter be? 
Will no one deign to marry me? 
Yes; Cupid kept his shaft not back; 
He missed the white, but hit a black!' 

Communicated." 

Tlie first death in the townshij) was that of an in- 
fant son of Samuel C. and Nancy Spencer, in the 
spring of 1810. The child was buried on the farm. 

Ruth, daughter of David Lovell, was the first per- 
son buried in the cemetery at Greenfield Center. Her 
death occurred February 17. 1818, at the age of 
nearly fourteen. 

PO.ST OFFICE. 

The first post office was established in 1818 or 1819, 
and was called Lafayette. The first postmaster was 
Joseph Cook, who kept the office in his own house, 
on lot number thirty, in the fourth section. He was 
succeeded by Hiram Spencer, in 1822, and the loca- 
tion of the office changed to the center of town. In 
1835 the name of the office was changed to Steuben, 
and has continued since under that name, Calvin 
Wheeler being the present incumbent. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Moses C. Sanders, of the township of Peru, 
was one of the earliest physicians that j^raeticed in 
this township. The first resident physician was Dr. 
Henry Niles, who began the practice of medicine in 
this township in the spring of 1831. He remained 
two yeai's and then removed to Clyde, Sandusky 
county, and subsequently to Adams, Squeca county, 
where he died in September, 1864. Dr. Samuel 
McCammon arrived in this township and began the 
practice of his profession in 1845. He married, in 
September, 1848, Miss Philena Blackman, and settled 
where his widow now resides, a short distance south 
of Greenfield center. Dr. McCammon died in this 
township August 3, 1870. There were several physi- 
cians who resided and practiced medicine in this 
township before Dr. McCammon, and one or two 
since, but their residence was comparatively brief. 

KELIGIOrS AND EDUCATIONAL. 

The first religions meeting in the township was held 
at the cabin of Erastus Smith, on the first Sabbath in 
the spring of 1815, on whicli occasion the Rev. Green 
Parker, from near Milan, officiate.d. A church organ- 
ization was not effected until the year 1822. July 3, 
of that yeai", the First Congregational church of 
Greenfield was formed, the Revs. Lot B. Sullivan and 
AlvinCoe, missionaries, officiating in its organization. 
The following named persons were the constituent 
members: Matthew McKelvey, Nancy McKclvey, Lu- 
ther Asiiley, Eunice Ashley, Seba Mather, Cynthia 
Mather, Olive Mather, Ist, Olive Mather, 2d, Mary 
Halliday, Polly Ashley, Lydia Spencer, Sally Coc. 



HISTORY OF PIURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



■iiS 



Mattliew McKelvey was chosen church clerk, and 
Hugli A. Campbell w;is appnintcil deacon. April 18, 
IS'-io. The first pastor of tlie church was Rev. Enoch 
Conger, who began liis labors in IHii. and officiated 
one:tliird of the time for two years. Since Mr. Con- 
ger, Revs. J. H. Russ, E. P. Salmon, A. Blancliard. 
J. B. Parlin, Francis Child, Enos Wood, Abram C. 
Dubois, A. K. Barr, C. \Y. Clapp, R. S. Lock wood, 
and others, have officiated as ])astors. The present 
membersliip is eighty-three. Elias Easter is clerk 
of tlio church, and Levi Piatt and James Campbell, 
deacons. The church is at present without a pastor. 

THE FREEWILL liAPTIST CHIRCH 

was formed at the house of Epenetus Starr, January 
24, 1829, and consisted of the following members, to 
wit: Elder John Wheeler, Christian Wheeler, Seth C. 
r Parker, Benjamin E. Parker, Mary Wheeler. Ann 
White and Sally Ashley. The ne.xt day Jane Parker 
was liaptized and united witli the ciuirch. Elder John 
Wheeler was the first jiastor. The church building 
at the center was erected in ISiS. costing something 
over a thousand dollars. Elder Cyrus Colton, from 
Lorain county, preaciied tlie dedication sermon. On 
the organization of societies of this denomination in 
Peru and New Haven, the membership, which was 
then quite large, nuniljcring ninety-one in 1841, was 
thereby much reduced. Under the jiastorship of Rev. 
B. E. Baker, who began his labors in ISG"!". much dis- 
satisfaction existed, and a division of the church re- 
sulted. The church is now weak, having a member- 
ship of only twenty-two, and is without a preacher. 
Tlie only preaching now enjoyed by the cliurclies of 
I Greenfield is supplied by the Rev. Mr. Palmer, of 
Centerton, a Methodist Episcopal clergyman, who 
otficiates at the center on the Sabbath, once in two 
weeks. The two chnrches unite in their Sabbath 
sciiool, which is in a Hourishing condition. Mrs. Na- 
tlian Beers, Jr.. is sujjerintendent. 

The first school was tanglit by Miss Annie Mather, 
in the little log school iiouse on the hill, south of 
Hiram Smith's, in the summer of 1816. Miss Mather 
became the wife of David Ilinman, who was one of 
tlie early sheriffs of Huron county. The following 
winter the school was kept Ijy a man by the name of 
Davis, whose given name cannot now be recalled. 
Miss Abby Harris taught the second summer. 

A school house was erected at the center of town 
>oon after, the first school in which was taught by 
Levi Piatt, in the winter of 1818-19. 

IXDI.VN' SCHOOL AND .MISSIONARY EFFOKTS. 

Rev. Alvin Coe emigrated from Massachusetts to 
( Hiio some time prior to the war of 1812, and remained 
, in Huron or Vermillion until its close. He then 
removed to \'ernon, Trumbull county, where he sub- 
sequently married a daughter of General Smith. He 
entered the ministry, and was licensed by the Presby- 
tery of (h-and river in the latter part of the year 181(3, 
and soon after removed to Creenfield. fixin"- his 



residence at the center. He was commissioned a 
inissioiuiry by the Connecticut Missionary Societj-, 
and commenced itinerating among the churches, trav- 
eling throughout this and adjoining counties in the 
prosecution of his work. He frequently came in 
contact with the Indians, whose lienighted condition 
enlisted iiis symi>athies, and he conceived a scheme 
for civilizing and christianizing them. 

To this end he estal)lished, in the year 1818, a 
school at Greenfield center, for the education of Indian 
boys. He l)uilt a house for the purpose, a short 
distance north of the center, on tiie west side of the 
road, and collected about twenty-five or tiiirty boys, 
of the Wyandotte and other tribes then in this 
region, whom he taught, fed, .and clothed at his own 
exjiense, with such contributions, mainly of provisions, 
as the presentation of his work prompted his many 
friends to give. In the spring of 1820, finding the 
enterprise pecuniarily burdensome, he appealed to 
the presbytery of Portage, which emliraced his field 
of labor, for a recommeiuhition of his work to the 
cliurches for aid in sustaining it, and invited the 
jn'esbytery, then in session at Lyme, to visit the 
school, that its members might'satisfy themselves as 
to the success of his experiment. Tlie visit was not 
made, Init the jjresbytery endowed the idiilanthropic 
enterprise, and heartily recommended it to the 
cliurches under its charge. Several years after, when 
the Western Missionary Society established a mission 
near Perrysburg, on the Maumee, Mr. Coe trans- 
ferred his school to that point, and carried it on 
a short time, when it passed under the care of the 
American Board. 

Mr. Coe then began his missionary labors among 
the various Indian tribes, and spent several years 
among those on the Upper Mississippi. When he 
left Greenfield, his wife returned to Vernon, where 
her parents still lived, and Mr. Coe enjoyed but little 
of her society, so constantly was he engaged in his 
chosen work. His symj)athy for the condition of the 
Indians, and his desire for their amelioration amounted 
almost to a monomania. It is said that during his 
labors among them he adopted, to some extent, their 
customs and conditions of living. He would deny 
himself the common necessities of life to relieve their 
wants. 

He once had occasion, while residing in the Lake 
Superior region, to go from a mission to a military 
station which ordinarily required a journey of about 
three days. He started with a supply of food, but 
ilivided it among some destitute Indians whom lie 
met on the way. He was longer on the journey than 
he expected to be, and became greatly exhausted be- 
fore reaching his destination. Knowing the Indians' 
habit of subsisting on the bark of trees to appease 
hunger, he tried the plan and ate the bark of the oak, 
which nearly cost him his life. When he reached the 
military post, he was in a condition of great distress, 
and it wa's some time before he fully recovered from 
the effects of his imprudence. 



224 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The Indians became greatly attached to him, and 
regarded him witli veneration. He exercised a potent 
influence for good over them during his association 
witli tliem, but liis mission was unsuccessful in ac- 
complishing any permanent good. While in charge 
6t the school in this township, the father of one of 
his pupils came from Sandusky to visit the school. 
Before returning, he called at the house of Alden 
Pierce, who was operating a small distillery in the 
neighborhood. The Indian was offered a glass of 
whisky, but he refused it at first, saying: "Pappoose 
say Mr. Coe tell him good Injun no drink whisky, 
he go up good place. Bad Injun drink whisky, he go 
down bad place; big burn." And then looking wist- 
fully at the liquor, added, "Injun-don't-know. May 
be," (moving the cup slowly to his lips) '-Mr. Coe, 
he lie." 

Mr. Coe was tinally prevailed upon to accept the 
charge of a church in Trumbull county, but con- 
sented only on the condition that he be allowed to 
make an annual visit to the Indians. 

In 1818, a library organization was formed at the 
center of Greenfield through the efforts of Eli Halla- 
day, Bildad Adams. Samuel Spencer, Erastns Smith, 
Eliphalet B. Simmons and others. The organization 
was called "The Social Library of Greenfield," and 
continued in existence many years. 

A temperance society called •'Steuben Division 
Sons of Temperance" was organized at the center in 
November, 1878, with about forty members, and con- 
tinues in existence. 

The first goods were sold in the townsliip by Mat- 
thew McKelvey, who kept a small stock in his dwelling 
on the place. 

Joseph \A'liite opened the first store at the center, 
about 1S"^1 or 1832. There are at the present time 
at the center one general store, one grocery, one 
drugstore and grocery, one hotel, three blacksmith 
shops, two repair shops, one shoe slio]). 

TOWNSHIP ORGAXIZATION. 

The townshij) records prior to tlie year 1828 liave 
been lost, and the following facts relative to the first 
election for township officers are furnished the writer 
by William McKelvey, who was present on the occa- 
sion and was one of the officers chosen. 

The election was held at the house of Erastus Smith 
in the spring of 181(>. Joseph Cook was elected town- 
ship clerk; Eli Halhulay, Bildad Adams and Xathan 
Warner, trustees; William McKelvey, constable; Eras- 
tus Smith, justice of the peace. Having no use for a 
treasurer none was elected. 

The a<l joining townships of New Haven, Peru and 
Norwalk were attached to Greenfield for townshiji 
purposes, and continued so annexed until each con- 
tained the re(|uisite number of votes for independent 
organization, when they were detached and severally 
assumed control of their own affairs. 

The name of the township was changed to'lJeriin in 
1810, becau.se of a townsliip ;ind a post Dthce of the 



name of Greenfield in another county in the State. 
The township continued under the name of Berlin 
until 1822, when the original name was restored. The 
following are some of the early justices of the peace 
who have served since Esquire Smith, to-wit: Ben- 
jamin AVashburn, John Cook, Joseph Cook, Charles 
W. Miller, James Mclntyre, John Call, E. B. Arthur, 
E. M. Wright, Charles B. Simmons, James Brown, 
L. Q. Campbell. The poll book for the election for 
justice of the peace held April 3, 1820, gives the 
number of votes cast at said election as fifty-nine, of 
which Benjamin Washburn received nineteen, David 
Lovell seventeen, and Bildad Adams thirteen. The 
above election was evidently to fill a vacancy in the 
office of justice of the peace, as another election was 
held for the same officer November 3d of the same 
year, at which twenty-three votes were cast, of which 
John Cook received twenty-two and John Williamson 
one. At the election for justice of the peace held 
October 8. 1832, there were thirty-eight votes cast, 
fourteen of which were given to .Joseph Cook, twelve 
to Eli Halladay and eleven to Harlan E. Simmons. _ 

The poll book of the election held in this township 
on the 13th day of October, A. D, 1818, William Mc- 
Kelvey, Eli Halladay and Thomas Tillson, judges, 
and Henry Adams and Simon Raymond clerks of the 
election, gives the following list of electors, who voted 
at said election (Peru being then attached to Green- 
field), to wit: Eli Halladay, Thomas Tillson. Simon 
Raymond, Joseph Ruggles, William McKelvey, 
Andrew Dewitt, Samuel Spencer, Samuel C. Spencer, 
Newell Adams. Alden Pierce, Bildad Adams, Erastus 
Smith, Abel Halladay, Hiram Spencer, Robert An- 
derson, Charles Dougherty, Levi Savage, Daniel Hal- 
laday, David Lovell. .Joel" Clark, William Carkhufl, 
Thomas Evans, Dennis Eddy, Benjamin T. Smith, 
Nathaniel Hayues, Warden Ashley, Alexander Pierce, 
John Cook, Esq., Henry Adams, Luther Ashley, 
Seba Mather, Levi R. Sutton, Elihu Clary, .James 
Ashley, John Nelson, Horace Mather, Amos Ilark- 
ness, John Sample, .Joseph Cook. — 

The candidates voted for at this election, and the 
number of votes received by each, was as follows: 
Governor — p]than A. Brown, thirty-six; Ethan A. 
Allen, three. State Senator — John Camiiljell, twenty- 
six; John Adams, one. Representative in Congress 
— Peter Hitchcock, thirty-eight. Representative in 
State Legislature — Lewis Dilley, thirty-three; Alfred 
Kelley. twenty-nine; Ebenezer Merry, six. County 
Commissioner — Bildad Adams, thirty; Erastus Smith, 
nine. 

MILLS. 

In the winter of 1814-15, Hanson Head auil Alirani 
Powers iniilt a grist mill on Huron river, in the first 
section, near where the Pho-nix JJills now stand. 
This was uiidnulitedly tiie first grist mill erected in 
the county as now constituted. The character of the 
establishment was in keeping with those simple times, 
'{'he frame was miido of poles, with forked stakes 



I 




DAISY, STEARS 



EMPEROR, 2 YEARS. 




RESIDENCE of HIRAM S'T 



I 




'savannah* "ladv plum J I , 




*nt_iLi'4rJt.i_u iiunuN i^U.O. 



i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND EKIE COUNTIi:S, OHIO. 



■225 



driven intu the grouml fur ;i fDUinlatidti ami a roof 
made of '•shakes." Tlie bolt wa.s turned liy hand 
with a crank. The mill stones were made by Mr. 
Powers, then seventy years of age, of stone obtained 
at the mouth of the Vermillion river, and were hauled 
to Greeutield by eight yoke of oxen. Mr. Powers 
and a boy brought the irons for the mill in pack- 
saddlfs, upon the liaoks of two horses. tVum I be falls 
of Big Reaver. 

In 181G, Mr. Head sold tlie mill to William Cark- 
huff for fourteen luiiulre 1 dollars, a part of the pay- 
ment being made in goods. Carkhutf soon after re- 
moved the pole structure and erected a log building 
over the works. It was quite an improvement over 
the former building, but nevertheless a cheap con- 
trivance. It was built of logs and hewed puncheons, 
without a sawed boai-d in it, and was covered with 
oak bark. 

Nathan Keith, who moved into Bronson with 
Judge Southgate and family in 181G, Avas injured in 
this mill during its erection, which caused his death 
a short time after. 

In 1835 Ezra .Smith, of Peru, erected a frame grist 
mill at this point, whicli was destroyed by fire in 
18.')0. The present stone mill was built by Barnet 
Rue (deceased) in 1856. The stoue of which it is 
liuilt was obtained from the quarry on the farm of 
Elias Easter. Tlie mill was recently purchased and 
IS now owned by John Minges and Alonzo L. Sim- 
mons. 

8.\W MILLS. 

The first saw mill was Ijuilt in 181!), by Josiah 
Root, on Huron river, on land now owned by Hiram 
Smith. The next was built by Hiram C. Spencer, 
east of the center of town, on the river, a short dis- 
tance below the bridge. It was built about the year 
1827 or 1828, and did a large business. A few years 
after, Archibald Easter erected a saw mill where that 
of Barnett Roe now stands, and at about the same 
time one was built by Dan Lindsey on the west branch 
of the river, on the farm now occupied by Mrs. 
Joiner. Jacob and David Noggle built the (Uirtis 
mill about the year 1835. 

The steam saw mill located on lot nineteen, in the 
fourth section, and owned by Jonathan Bliss and 
-ons, was built in 1846. A saw mill was erected on 
the west branch of the river some twenty years ago, 
by a man of the name of Burke. About the year 
1820, Seba and Horace Mather built a saw mill, grist 
mill and fulling mill on Huron river, east of the cen- 
ter, on the Fairtield road. The grist mill was small, 
having one run of stone, and after a few years was 
discontinued, and the fulling mill was enlarged. The 
first building was built of logs, but sul)sequently a 
two-story frame was erected by Seba Mather, Horace 
having previously died. This was the only mill of 
the kind in this section of country at the time of its 
establishment, and farmers came with their wool from 
a distance of twentv-fiveor thirtv miles. Mr. Mather 



did an extensive and prosperous business until about 
the year 1849, when he sold to Ellenwuod Brothers, 
and not long after the works were diseont inuccl. 

There is one chee.se factory in the township, near 
the stoue grist mill, owned by liarnet Roe. 

Three distilleries were in operation in thiv town- 
ship in an early day, the lii'st of which was liuilt by 
William McKelvey, in 1817, in the southeast jiart of 
the township on the Huron river. 



Biographical Sketches, 



ERASTITS SMITH AND HIRAM SMITH. 

The Smith family, of Greenfield, is one of the 
oldest upon the Fire-lands, and its history will be 
found interwoven with that of the township. 

Erastus Smith built the second house in Greenfield. 
He arrived there in 181 1, from Trumbull county, 
Ohio, and during the short term of years intervening 
between his settlement and his death, did much to 
establish a correct moral tone in society, and to en- 
courage the growth and improvement of the settle- 
ment. He was a man admirably adapted to pioneer 
life, having great energy and perseverence. and a 
certain ability to make others as enthusiastic in the 
work of developing the country as himself. His 
example was of great benefit to the infant settlement 
in many way.s, and he is reverently remembered by the 
few persons still living who knew him in jiioiieer days. 
He was born January 7, 1784, and married Fanny 
Spencer, December 19, 1805. When the couple came 
to (Jreenfield they had three children — JIartin, Lydia 
and Truman. Subsequently there were born to them 
four more — Erastus, Lester, Hiram and Henrietta. 
Erastus Smith, the father of these children, died 
from congestion of the brain July 10, 182(i. His 
widow is still living, at the age of ninety-four years, 
with her son Hiram Smith, surrounded by all the 
comforts that old age require, a fitting compen.sation 
for the toils, jn-ivations and cares of her pioneei' life. 
A view of this home appears elsewhere in thiswoi'k. 
Its owner, Hiram Smith, was born November 21, 
1816, and was, consequently, at the time of his 
father's death, in 1820, but four years of age. He 
went to live with his grandfather Spencer, and re- 
mained there until he was sixteen, becoming accus- 
tomed to farming, the occu])atioii which he has most 
of his life followed, although he was also engaged 
four years in the mercantile l)usitiess at Steuben or 
Greenfield center, and was an exti'iisive dealer in 
stock. His business and farming interests have been 
the princii>al objects that have engrossed his atten- 
tion, and he has taken lint little part in the allaira of 
Iris townsjiip. This has been rather because of a 
retiring, quiet nature, than from lack of interest and 



L 



29 



220 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



due regard for public welfare. He i.s regarded as one 
of the substantially worthy men of this jiart of the 
county.— scrupulously honorable in all things, gen- 
erous to those in need, and kind to all. He is one of 
the few men who seem to have jiassed through a long 
life, actively engaged and constantly mingling with 
men, and yet been exemjit from reproach — to have 
received no scar, to have remained untarnished. His 
education has been mostly .self-acquired, and he pos- 
sesses a well balanced, well stored, mind, practical in 
its cast, yet finely tempered with the reflective quality. 



Mr. Smith was married, December 31, 1840, to 
Polly Rockwell, daughter of Thaddeus and Polly 
Rockwell, then of Greenfield, but formerly of New 
York. The offspring of this union were six child- 
ren, viz: Emma Fannett, Hiram J., Henry Dayton, 
Sarah Francis, George Rockwell and Fanny Eliza, the 
last three now residing at the old homestead. Emma 
Fannett married Harry C. Sturges; Hiram J. married 
Sarah A. Wheeler, and lives in the township of 
(ireenfield: Henry Dayton married Jenny Winspa, 
nad is living in Washington Territory. 



BRONSON 



ORIGINAL OWXERS. 

For an explanation of the following table the reader 
is referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

HROXSON, TOWNSHIP NIMBER THREE IN THE 
TWENTY-SECOND RANGE. 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Originftl Grantees. 


An 


't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed. 


.lames Tilley 
Steplien Babcock 
3Iaiy Gardner 
.James Lamphier 


S 

1533 

.34 

123 
233 


s. 
10 
9 
16 




d. 





Isaac Bronson 


£ 

1210 

34 

93 

.5 


s. 
17 

9 
10 
10 


d. 
4 





Footing of Classification No. 1, £l,Ui 



Classification No. 3, Section 2. 



Orighuil (irantees. Am't Loss. Classified I 



Ann Richards 
Mary Richards 
Peter Rogers 
Sarah Setchel 
Ann Squire 
Ann Sinimonds 
James Smith 
Ulary Taylor 
John Prentice 
Widow Dorset 
Wm. Comstock 
Joseph Cocks 
Hannah Bebee 
Mary Guodt'aith 
George Rogers 
Ebenezer Lester 
Jabez Z. Richards 
John Lalhrop 
John Carter 
Thomas Coit 
JerHmirth Miller 
Joshua (Irnipsted 
JaruHS Sti-wart 
Anthony Wulf 
Siineim Chester 
Thomas Orimn 
Mary Latham 
Jonath Latham 
James Hfiu'n*^>m 
Caleb Mead 'M 
Mary Rich 
Jabez Fitch 
Jrts. H(.bby. Jr., 
Nath'i Reynolds 
Jas. Lamnhier, Jr 
Elipbalet Mead, Jr 
Daniel Merrit 



£ 

215 

258 

It) 

56 

13 
4 

26 
3 

3 
1 
6 
15 
14 
8 
4 
1 

14 

23 

26.35 



4 

IT 

2 
Iti 
10 
18 

7 
IS 
16 


16 

5 
18 


14 
12 

4 
11 

9 
13 
18 



d. 
10 



4 







8 
10 

• 



3 
9 




9 

4 
10 



Thomas R. Gold 



13 


18 


6 


1 


14 





H 


15 





3 


H 





4 









Gideon Granger 



208 
T6 
44 
41 
31 

4; 

42 

(15 
30 



4 
17 
11 

2 

3 
9 
15 

10 
6 



Ain't Classed. 


£ 


s. 


d 


2!J4 


15 


10 


258 


17 





16 


2 


4 


56 


Ifi 





7 


10 





16 


2 


4 


4 


7 


8 


26 


15 


10 


3 


16 





2 








3 


16 





1 


5 


3 


6 


18 


9 


15 





n 


14 


14 





8 


12 





4 


4 





1 


11 


9 


14 


9 





23 


13 


4 


211 


6 


6*^ 


62 


15 


3 


1 


8 


8M 


4 


14 





8 


15 





3 


8 





4 









Isaac Bi'onson 



1 

6 

6 
9 I 



Committee 



44 
76 
44 
41 
11 
31 
2 



11 
2 

3 
2 
3 


10 
12 



6 

7 

1 
2 
3 
4K. 



Footing of Classifloation No 2. £1,344 



Classification No. 3. Section 3. 



Original Grantee.^. 


A 


n't Losti. 


Classified bi/. Am 


t Cltissed. 




S 


s. 


d. 


£ 


g 


d. 


Mary Benedict 


40 








Gideon Granger 40 


6 





Abner Booth 


40 


1 


6 


40 


1 


6 


John Burchard 


35 


9 


10 


35 


9 


10 


Silas Barton 


48 


12 


6 


48 


12 


6 


Jedikiah Hanford 


39 


1 


11 


39 


1 


11 


Peter Hitchcoclc 


11 


13 


6 


11 


13 


6 


Azor 3Iea<i 


36 


6 


8 


36 


6 


8 


Steplieu Smith 


48 


2 


11 


48 


2 


11 


John St. J';)hn 


51 


16 


3 


51 


16 


3 


Josiah Tliatcher 


400 


6 


5 


150 


2 


5 


John Bigsbee 


7 





6 


'* " 7 





6 


Daniel Wiidman 


31 


19 


9 


31 


19 


7 


Ebenezei- Benedict 


5 


16 


10 


5 


16 


10 


Josejih Wddman 


278 


5 


4 


278 


5 


4 


Ebenezer Moiison 


23 


6 


8 


•Xi 


6 


8 


Ebenezer Benedict 


4 


14 





., 4 


14 





Samuel Olmstead 


37 


9 


4 


37 


9 


4 


Ebenez'rOlmstead 


5 


1 


4 


5 


1 


4 


Sam'l Olmstead 3d 


23 


16 


7 


a:} 


16 




David Olmstead 


36 


2 





36 


•> 





James Sturges 


10 


11 


8 


10 


U 


8 


George Fottal 


12 


IT 


4 


12 


17 


4 


Ebenezer Jones 


5 


4 


s 


" , 5 


4 


8 


Bartlet Folliot 


5 


10 


10 


5 


10 


10 


Matthew Keeler 


a 


2 


4 


2 


2 


4 


Philip Dundrey 


3 


8 


4 


3 


8 


4 


Eb'nez'r Sherwood 


5 


13 


4 


5 


13 


4 


Wm. Brandoge 


49 


10 


11 


49 


10 


11 


.lames Hounan 


20S 


17 


10 


164 


10 


6 


Neb. St. John 2d 


6 


11 





6 


11 





Abner Wilson 











" " 9 








John Borno 


84 


4 


7H 


33 


13 


10 


Waiter Beliee 


9 


8 


9 


4 


4 


11J4 


William Coit 


44 


17 


10 


17 


19 


IH 


Rebecca Clnirch 


52 


11 


10 


21 





g:u 


Thomas Gardner 


22 


2 





8 


16 


'M 


David Gardner 


11 








4 


10 


2l| 


Matthew (iriswold 


10 








4 








Abigail Holt 


IS 


11 


2 


'* '* 7 


8 


7^ 


Tliobias n.>lt 


4 


18 


7 


., .. 4 


18 


John Han-is 1st 




11 


1 




11 


1 


James Stewart 


13 


18 


6 


4 


2 


8« 


Benjamin Sutton 


5 


11 


2 


2 


11 


6 


Icbabod Powers 


620 


8 







10 






Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 
Oriijimil Grantees. Am'l Loss. Cla.isified hi/. 



Am't Glassed. 



Nathan Beers 
Abigail Raymond 
Eliakim Smith 
Daniel Hyat 
Josiah Thatcher, 

Jr., 2 rights 
Doc. Uriaii Rogers' 

lieirs 
Doc. Uriah Rogers' 

heirs 
Daniel Smitli 
Eliz'b'th Whelpley 
Thomas Belts, J r, 
Bridget Ledyard 
Daniel Huriburt 



£ 

195 
144 

203 

8", 



99 
17 
13 
.397 
126 



1 
4 

10 
6 



17 
14 
14 
14 



Isaac Bronson 



£ 

19 

144 

206 

85 

210 



8 

4 

16 

6 



d. 
5H 
3 
1 







2 W\4 



21.-! 


17 


l^ 


99 


5 


1 


17 


17 


8 


W 


14 





273 


11 


7 


51 


18 


OH 



Footing of Classiflcation No. 4, £1.344 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



■i27 



XAME. 

The township tlorived its iianu' fmin Is;uu- Bronsoii, 
oiu' of till' original owuefs of tlie s<iil. 

PHYSICAL FEATfRES. 

The tounsliip, wliile generally level, is divci'sified 
l)y the lii'aiu'hes; of the Huron in the western part. 
In this portion of the township the soil is a loamy 
cLay mixed with gravel, while the eastern half is 
mostly clay. Sandstone of the newer formation un- 
derlies a considerahle portion of the township, and is 
(juarried in some portions to a considerable extent. 
'I'he varieties of timber were whitewood, hickory, 
beech, white ash, black walnut, the oak in several 
varieties, butternut, basswood, elm, sycamore, chest- 
nut, and some other kinds of less importance. Sev- 
eral of the eastern branches of the Huron river run 
through the township, their general course being 
northwest. The stream called East luaiuh crosses 
the southwest corner of the township, and another 
crosses the northeast corner, while High IJridge creek 
flows from the southeast part to the northwest. The 
stream received the name of "High Bridge" from the 
circumstance that a bridge which formerly crossed it 
south of the present residence of David Morse was 
considerably elevated, the banks being steep. 

There are several (piarries of sandstone in the third 
section, which have been extensively worked for build- 
ing purposes. The dwelling of Mr. George Lawrence 
is built of stone obtained from one of these quarries. 

XATIVE AXIMAI.S. 

The animals (if the forest were the bear, deer, wolf, 
wild cat, fox, raccoon, opossum, etc. The wild tur- 
key was the princijial bird, an<l was quite abundant. 
Bears were not infrequently seen, but were not often 
killed. Deer were numerous, and venison was a com- 
mon article of food with the earlier settlers. Their 
skin was an article of clothing, as well as of trade. 
Two deer skins would suffice to make a pair of jianta- 
loons, and one would face a pair. The facing was 
done by sewing the neck of the hide on to the seat, 
and the half of the balance on the front of each leg, 
with a stiiii around the bottom. 

The woods abounded in wolves, and they were a 
great annoyance to the farmer. It was usual to pen 
their sheep up at night, in rail pens, built near the 
house, for to leave them out at night was to insure 
their destruction. 

Rattlesnakes, also, were very numerous in the first 
settlement of the township, more esjiecially in the 
vicinity of the streams. A nest of them was discov- 
ered by Ephraim Herrick on the bank of the creek, 
near his father's house, and, with the help of two or 
three others, ipiarried out from among the rock and 
killed one hundred and twenty. 

SETTLEMEXT. 

Tlie first habitation erected in Hronsoii, foi- the 
abode of civilized people, was the log cabin of the 



,S([uatter, .John Welch, built in the summer of 1815. 
He came from Pennsylvania with his family, and 
located west of the creek, 02)posite Mr. Kellogg's. 
His parents and his brothers came in soon after, some 
of whom located in Peru, but none of the family 
made a permanent settlement. 

We date the actual settlement of the township from 
the arrival of Benjamin Xewconib and family, who 
moved in. in the winter of 1S1.5-1<;, and settled on lot 
number four, section number three, where .\dam 
r.eutman now resides. Xewcomb was a native of Leb- 
anon, (now Columbia,) Connecticut. .Vt the age of 
eighteen he removed, with his widowed mother, to 
Bi'idgewater, Pennsylvania, and while yet a young 
man came to Trumbull county, Ohio. IIc^ married 
Stata Crosby, and before the war of 1812 came to the 
Fire-lands, and settled on the southwest coi-ner of 
Norwalk township. 

While residing there he had occasion to go to 
Huron after provisions, and, while there, was attacked 
by an Indian through mistaken identity. A man by 
the name of Hayes kept a sort of tavern at Huron, to 
which the Indians frequently resorted for whiskey, 
and he had greatly offended one of them by refusing 
to give him a drink. Newcomb so strongly resembled 
the tavern-keeper, that, while standing outside of the 
tavei'n, the Indian, supposing him to be Hayes, ap- 
proached him in a menacing manner, when Xcw- 
comb seized an ax that was sticking in the wall of 
the house, and knocked him down. 

The next day the Indian suddenlv rode up to him 
near his house, with tomahawk and scaljiing knife in 
his belt: but, before he had time to dismount. New- 
comb jerked him from his horse and beat him until 
he was insensible. Supposing him to be dead, Xew- 
comb dragged him into a corner of the fence, and the 
children covered liim up with brush and leaves, but 
the next morning Poor Lo was missintr. 

When information of Hull's surrender was received 
— which was conveyed to the inhabitants in that sec- 
tion by .lohn Laylin, of Norwalk — Newcomb and 
family immediately started for Trumbull county. 
They were soon joined by others from Huron, and, 
when they reached the Vermillion river, the water 
was so high that a delay was occasioned for a day or 
so, during which Newcomb returned to the vicinity of 
his home for the purpose of reconnoitering, and wit- 
nessed the burning of his house by the Lidi.ans. The 
deed was evidently committed out of revenge for the 
treatment by Newcomb of the Indian previously men- 
tioned, as no other'd welling was destroyed so far from 
the lake shore. 

After reaching Ti'ninlnill county, he went into the 
army as teamster. .Vt the close of the war he re- 
turned with his family to his former residence in 
Norwalk, but, soon after, disposed of his contract for 
the lot to Levi (!ole, and purchased ami settled in 
Bronson, as already stated. 

The life of this hardy pioneer was cut short by an 
a<'cident. which occurred the next vi>ar after his set- 



238 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



tlemeiit. He was returning from mill at Mansfield 
July 4, 181G, with flour which was carried in pack- 
saddles on two horses; and, while adjusting the load 
near Plymouth, was kicked in tlie stomach by the 
horse, killing him instantly. His son Sterling, then 
a lad nine years old, was with him, and carried the 
sad news of his father's death to Plymouth, where he 
obtained assistance in removing the body to the home 
of the bereaved family. The next day after the burial 
of her husband, .July 0, 181G, Mrs. Newcomb gave 
birth to a son, who was the first child born in Bron- 
son. She survi\ cd her husband about eigliteen months 
only, her death occurring at Mansfield in December, 
1817. Their children were Samuel Sterling, Clark 
Benjamin, Mary (who married Philo Comstock), and 
Timothy T., the last-named being the only survivor. 
The next settler was Martin Kellogg. He and his 
family, consisting of his wife and three daughters, 
Mandane, Lucy and Reliecca; Aaron Fay, (fatiier of 
Mrs. Kellogg), his wife, two sons, Lucius and Apol- 
los, and daughter Clarissa; the wife of John Fay and 
her brother Eliphaz Bigelow, — left Bethel, Windsor 
county, Vermont, for the Fire-lands, June 17, 1815. 
This company was increased at Granville, New York, 
by the birth of a daughter (Polly) to Mr. and Mrs. 
Kellogg. This event necessitated a stop of only a 
week. On account of the reported bad condition of 
the roads west of Buffalo, four of the company (Apol- 
los and Clarrissa Fay, Mrs. John Fay and E. Bigelow) 
with the goods, journeyed from Buffalo to Huron in 
an open top. boat. After a tedious journey, both on 
land and water, the party arrived at the house of Eb- 
enezer Merry, in ililan, then Avery, on the 30th of 
July, autl a few days afterwards took u}i their abode 
in the block house. In August following, Mr. Kel- 
logg moved to Ridgefield and occupied the unfinished 
house of David Underbill, who had returned to New 
Y'ork for l>is family. He lived there until the next 
March, when he mo\ed on to a farm in Norwalk town- 
ship, now owned by ]\Iiner Cole. He remained here 
until June 17, 1816, just one year after leaving Ver- 
mont, and then located on the farm on which he has 
since resided, lot eight, section three. Mr. Kello"o- 
was born in Bethel, Windsor county, Vermont, Sep- 
tember 31, 178G. December 7, 1809, he married Polly 
Fay, who was born in Barnard, same county, July 17, 
1787. She died April 1, 1800. Mrs. Kellogg was a 
woman of intelligence and exalted character. They 
had a family of twelve children, as follows: Mandane 
(now Mrs. Perry G. Harding) lives in Nebraska; Lucy 
(Mrs. Jason K. Thompson) lives in Berlin; Rebecca 
married Daniel Guff, of Norwalk. Both died in 1837. 
Polly F. (.Mrs. Dcvine) lives with a son in Greenfield; 
Aaron F. nuirried Mary Ann Coffey, November 24, 
1844, and they now reside iu (ireenfield: Martin died 
May 32, 1837, unmarried; Eleutheira (Mrs. Kdward 
Familiar) lives in Fairfield; Lyman ami Harriet L. 
(Mrs. L. L. Thayer) live in Bronson, the latter on the 
old homestead. Anson lives in Milan township. 
Thomas died in infancy: Kinsley B. died Feliruary 4. I 



1858. Eleven of the children lived to adult age. Mr. 
Kellogg still lives on the farm on which he settled so 
long ago, having reached the advanced age of nearly 
ninety-three years. He retains his mental and i)hys- 
ical faculties in a marked degree of excellence. He 
is a fine old gentleman and is also a man of extensive 
information and of original thought. He is as busy 
as most men are at sixty, and has only quite recently 
written and i)ul)lished in a local newspaper, a history 
of his native town. 

In the fall of 181G, Simon Ainnurman, a native of 
Pennsylvania, moved in from Cayuga county, New 
Y'ork. He settled on lot four, where Benjamin New- 
comb formerly resided. He continued to live there 
until his children were settled in life, after which he 
made his home with his son John. He died ]\Iarch 
11. 180(1: his wife. Feliruary 7. 1851. There were 
eiglit children, four of whom are yet living, viz: Mrs. 
Charles Gardner in Pei'u; widow of Seth C. Parker 
in Greenfield, and widow of John Haganian in Bron- 
son. 

Reuijen Pixley moved (ui to lot nuinlier six in tlie 
third section, in the winter of 181G-17. He came to 
the Fire-lands from the State of New York before the 
war of 1812, and the name is associated with the Sey- 
more tragedy. In the fall of 1812, Reuben C. Pix- 
ley, his son, then sixteen years of age, was assisting 
Seymore in cutting down a bee-tree on Seymore 
creek, when they were fired upon by two Indians in 
ambush. Seymore was shot through the head and 
fell dead at Pixley's feet. The Indians came up and 
scalped Seymore, and finding the boy unhurt, though 
a bullet had pierced his hat, they turned him around 
with his face toward the west and ordered him to run. 
He obeyed, and they ran together behind him, con- 
cealing liiin as much as possible, until they got away 
from the settlement. He was taken to Canada and 
kept a prisoner for about six months, when he was 
bought of the Indians, at one of their drunken 
carousals, for seventy-five dollars, by a man by the 
name of Hunt. Hunt understood well the Indian 
nature and knew that when thc^' became sober they 
would break their bargain and endeavor to recapture 
the boy, and he therefore took him home and secreted 
him in his cellar. The next day the Indians went to 
Hunt's house, laid down the money and demanded 
Pixley, saying that they loved him and could not give 
him up: that they had adopted him and had a squaw 
selected for his wife. Hunt rejilied that tlie bargain 
was a fair one, that he paid tlie jirice asked for their 
captive, and, supposing that it was satisfactory, had 
sent the boy to Detroit. The Indians doubted Hunt's 
statement that Pixley had gone and they remained 
near the house, \N'a telling fiu' liis appearance. .\fti'i- 
watching for three days they went away for a siiort 
time, and Pixley, taking advantage of this fortunate 
circnnisiance, made good his escape. 

Reulien Pixley and his son were much engaged in 
clearing land by the job. making roads, etc. Tiiey 
made, in 1S37 and "28. a part of the I urn|iike bet ween 



I 




m.M 





'Z-^<^^^ 



A. J. THOMAS. 



MRS. A. J. THOMAS. 



Andrew J. Thomas was born in the town of Exeter, 
Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 1832, and was the sixth son of 
Gcorne and Adaliue Thomas, both of whom were of New 
Enghind ancestry, and who settled with their parents in 
New York State, while quite young, and engaged in farm- 
ing, — an occupation which most of their descendants have 
followed. 

Mr. Blason was united in marriage to Miss Orcelia S., 
daughter of Asael and Susan Allen, of the town of Edme.s- 
ton, Otsego Co. They had three children, — Don J., the 
only surviving child ; Mary B., who died at the age of 
eight years ; and a son, who died in infancy. 

Mr. Tiiomas' early teachings all inculcated the lessons of 
industry and economy, which were more commonly acted 
upon by the youth of his generation than those of a later, 
and he believes that whatever of success he has made in 
life is attributable largely to the early training that he had 
upon those subjects. Like too many farmer boys of his 
time, he had only the most limited advantages and oppor- 
tunities of securing an education, never attending any other 
than the common district schools during the winter terms, 
after he was eight years of age. Arriving at manhood, he 
realized the importance of a wider information than he 
possessed, and resolved to secure it by those varied and val- 
uable means fortunately afforded those whose school-days 
have been few. He became a j)ractical and persistent reader 
of books and ncw.spapers, and, being naturally of a reflective, 
discriminating turn of mind, gleaned from many sources an 
education ])erhaps more thorough and beneficial than he 
would have .secured from dry text-books. 

1"he same laudable ambition that made him desire im- 
provement mentally, led the young man to seek the better- 
ing of liis condition in otlier respects, and he followed an 
actively industrious course of life that led naturally to a 
state of prosperity, plenty, and comfort. He accumulated, 
through well-directed effort and untiring labor, the property 
upon which liis pleasant home is at present, — a fine farm. 



consisting of about three hundred acres of fertile land, 
lying five and a half miles south of the county seat, and 
upon which he has made all of the improvements, except 
building the old portion of the house, a cut of which 
appears upon another page of this work. This farm is 
under a high state of cultivation, and one hundred acres 
are free from obstruction of any kind, and presents a beauti- 
ful appearance. ' 

He has, from the commencement, turned his attention 
particularly to the breeding and handling of sheep and 
cattle, making the former liis specialty, and has met with a 
marked degree of success in this line of farming. Mr. 
Thomas is justly deserving of credit for his course as an 
agriculturist and stock-raiser, and may well be proud of what 
he has attained. He is one of those farmers who take 
pleasure in the performance of their labor, and in loading a 
wholesome, independent life. Wliile he works liard, lie 
has a feeling of pleasure in seeing the results of his labor, 
and the consciousness, which all men of liis class should 
have, that farming is something more than a merely menial 
calling. He is a strong believer in the dignity of labor, 
and, holding to the theory that whatever is worth doing at 
all is worth doing well, he has put it into practical effect. 
In a broad sense he has carried out the principle involved 
in the wise old adage, 

'' He who by the ])low wuiild thrive, 
liimself must either hoKi or drive." 

All that he has, he has ac(|uired by hard labor. He 
began with nothing but his hands, and his career of success, 
through honest hearty effort, affords an example worthy of 
the emulation of every young man who must begin for him- 
self the battle of life. Me is really a self-made man. 

In politics, Mr. Thomas is a Republican, having cast his 
first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He has ever 
been an earnest advocate of the principles of that party, 
and is regarded as one of its leading supporters in Bronsou. 




RESIDENCE or A. J. THOMAS .BRONSON TP.flURON Co.O 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



'VV l/ 



I'.ilkviu' and Clyde, iind the family moved to York 
township in Sandusky cnunty. Reuben Pixley, Sr., 
died in 1834, in the townshij) of Mihiu. While at 
work at Huron, he was attacked witli eholera, and in 
comi)any with an acijitaintance, by the name of Browu, 
started for his home in York township. While passing 
throush the township of ililan he became unable to 
proceed further, and with some ditHculty found 
shelter in a farm-house, which the family abandoned 
for the sick man to die in. He lived only a few hours 
and was buried on the place, by liis companion, who 
carried the sad news to his family. 

The son, Rueben C married a daughter of Joseph 
Read, of Norwich township, in 18"-iS, and settled in 
that townshiji. Tliey both died in 183U. 

Xathau SutlifE, originally from Hartford. Connec- 
ticut, moved into Bronson from Cayuga county. New 
York, in March, 1817, and settled on lot No. nine, 
section three. His son, George Sniliff, now lives on 
the place. He died on this farm in tiie fall of 18G4r, 
aged seventy-five. Loretta SutlitI, his wife, died in 
May, 1859, aged sixty-six. Tiiere were eight children, 
six of whom are now living, viz. : Samuel. Mary, 
Loretta, and George, in Bronson; John, in Fairfield, 
and David, in Greenwich. 

William W. Beckwith and family moved in about 
the same time and settled on the east ])art of lot six 
in the third section. He died here August .5th. 1861, 
aged sixty-eight. 

In 1818 Thomas Hagaman and family, from 
( aynga county. New York, took up their abode on 
lot No. eight, section three. He died in this township, 
at the age of seventy-nine, August 5th, 1851. His 
wife survived him some ten years. There were three 
cliildi'en, John. James, and George. The first is 
dead; James is blind, and George is a paralytic. 

Tlie first settlement in the fourth section was made 
In* Roljert S. Southgate, of Barnard, Vermont. He 
first came to Ohio in the winter of 1815 in company 
with Caleb Keith, Carhis Keith, Joshua Freeman, 
and Jonathan Fish. They journeyed from Vermont 
to New Lisbon, Ohio, in a sleigh; thence in a wagon 
to Springfield (the snow having disappeared), where 
a sister of Southgate was living. They bi'ought 
with them their provisions, which consisted of half 

liushel of baked pork, chickens, bread, a box of 
I igars, and eifjUt (jalloiiH of point ii ivhigky. South- 
gate engaged at brick-making near Marietta until the 
next October, when, in company with Caleb Keith, 
he returned to A'ermont. The next fall ho moved 
out with his family, which consisted of his wife, his 
father, Stewart Southgate, and Samuel and Lucy 
Taft, his adopted children. N'atlian Keith and 
family came at the same time. Tiiey stopped with 
the Fays iti Xorwalk township until .ludge Southgate 
could put up a house in Bronson. He l)nilt on lot 
No. forty-one in the fourth section. In January, 
1817, lie wcnf on foot to the State of New York and 
pnrciiased of Tilly Lytide something over two thou- 
sand acres. The tract cost jiiin. iucliidiii"- tiie ex- 



l)ense of the survey and partition, about two dollars 
an<l sixty cents per acre. Judge Southgate was a 
man of superior ability and high character, and his 
influence was always on the side of good order, edu- 
cation, and morality. He was the first magistrate in 
the townshiji, and was seven j-ears Associate Judge of 
Common Pleas for Huron County. He died in Bron- 
son May 9, 1838, aged sixty-four, and his wife, Anna 
Keith, died May 2, 184G, aged sixty-six.- Stewart 
Southgate, the father of Judge Southgate, died in 
tliis township in the year 1820. 

Nathan Kerth, about a year after liis arrival, was 
injured while at work in Carkhnff's saw-mill in tireen- 
tield. wliich resulted in his death shortly afterwards. 

Caleb Keith, who came out witii Judge Southgate 
in 1815, as elsewhere mentioned, moved his family 
out the next year from New Hampshire, and settled 
in New Haven, and resided there a few years and 
'then moved to Bronson and l)uilt a iiouse on the iiill, 
a short distance east of the present residence of R. S. 
Danforth. He did not purchase, but soon after re- 
moved to Florence township. Erie county, and tiiere 
purchased a farm and settled. Carlos Keith married, 
April 22. 1824. Elvira Pond, daughter of Munson 
Pond, who moved into Peru from Knox county the 
year previous. Keith settled on lot number thirty- 
four, in the fourth section, but afterward traded his 
farm for one-fourth interest in the mills of Southgate 
and Pond, a short distance south of Macksville, in 
Peru. He then took up his residence where Henry 
Williams now lives. 

ilajor Eben Guthrie, from Genoa. Cayuga county. 
New York, came into the townshiji in the summer of 
1817. He luirchased fifteen hundred acres of Judge 
Southgate. eleven hundred on the south part and four 
hundred on the north part of section four. He built 
his house where that of Abijah Nichols now stands 
(lot forty-two), and the next year his family came on. 
Major Guthrie died on this place October 20, 1855,. 
aged eigiity-five. His daughter, widow of Henry 
Terry, who, with her husband, were long residents of 
Bronson; now lives in Norwalk with iier son. 

PrinceHaskell came into the county in 1817. His 
family came in 1819. They lived for a few years in 
New Haven township, and then moved to Bronson, 
locating where Mr. Nye now lives, near tlie west 
township line in the fourth section. Tiiey afterwards 
moved on to the farm now occupied by Mr. Thomas, in 
the first section, and subseiiuently luiilt a mill on High 
Bridge creek. Mr. Haskell was a valnalile accession 
to the infant settlement, being skillful in making the 
various implements and tools so necessary to the set- 
tlers and so hard to get in the early days — such as 
plows, harrows, sleds, scythes, etc. His death oc- 
curred in January. 1849. His father. Prince Haskell, 
Sr., died in I'eni in tiie sjiring of 1841, at the age of 
eighty-two. He was in I in' military service of the 
United States during a part of tlie Revolutionary war, 
and was afterwanls taken a prisoner by the Indians 
while at work on his farm in .Massaciiiiselts. He was 



k 



230 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



taken to Canada and given up to the British, by wliom 
he was thi'own into prison and confined about a year, 
when he was released. He suffered many cruelties 
during his captivity. 

Jabez Deming, originally of Sandersfield, Berkshire 
county, Massachusetts, moved to Bronson, with his 
family, from the State of New York, in the spring 
of 1817, and settled on lot number twelve, in the 
third section. He had previously been in the town- 
ship, anil with Martin Kellogg and Jasper Under- 
hill, assisted Almon Kuggles in surveying the third 
section. Jasper Underbill, and his brother David, 
subsequently began on lot thirteen. Jabez Deming 
moved to Xorwalk in 1872, where he died the follow- 
ing fall. Several children are living, but none in 
Bronson. 

Amos Deming, brother of Jabez, came to Bronson 
from Tjivingstou county, New York, in March, 1818, 
performing the journey on foot. He was then eigh- 
teen years of age. He purchased fifty acres of his 
brother, for whom he worked for a few years. June 
10, 1821, he married Fanny Wetherell, of Livingston 
county. New York, and moved on to his farm in 
Bronson. In 1850 he moved to the center of town, 
where he now resides. His wife died in 1850, and he 
subsequently married the widow of James Ford. 

Among the early pioneers of Bronson was Ezra 
Herrick. He was a native of Vermont, born April 
25, 1770, and married, August 22, 1790, Catharine 
Lott, who was born February 19, 176.3. He removed 
to Bronson in January, 1819, and settled on lot ten, 
of the third section, erecting his cabin a short distance 
south of the present residence of A. E. Lawrence. 
Here he spent the remainder of his life. He died 
December 24, 1853. Mrs. Herriek died July 12, 1842. 
The family consisted of nine children, seven boys and 
two girls, as follows : Joel, Orpha, Ezra, Lott, Ann, 
Ephraim, Abel, Gideon and Isaac. Lott came to 
Bronson in 1818, and married, in the fall of the same 
year, Lola SntlifF, which was the first wedding in the 
townshi}). Mrs. Beckwith, living in Cincinnati, aged 
eighty-three, and Ephraim Heri-ick, in his eighty- 
third year, are the only surviving members of the 
family. Mr. Herrick resides in Bronson, on the same 
lot on which he settled with his parents so many years 
ago, making his home with his son-in-law, A. E. 
Lawrence. His wife (formerly Electa Webb) died 
April 28, 1870, aged seventy-five years. Mr. Herrick 
says the wolves, in the early settlement of tlie town- 
ship, were numerous, and extremely trtuiblesome, 
often killing tiie sheep of the settlers under the very 
walls of their ea!)ins. They killed for his father one 
night, ill a pen witiiiii fuiir rods of the house, two 
of his little tbjck, and left another with its hinder 
parts denuded of llesh. He (Ephraim) determined on 
having some sort of satisfaction for the outrage, built 
a rail i)en the next evening, about twenty rods from 
the liouse, in which he tied a live sheep as a decoy, 
and in the door set a large bear-trap. The follow- 
ing morning lie found in the trap, not a wolf, but 



the slieep, with a leg broken. This was not the kind 
of satisfaction the young man was after. He car- 
ried home his sheep, cut off the broken limli, and 
substituted a wooden one. The next night he "took 
another sheej) for a stool-pigeon, and set the trap 
outside of the pen, in the path the wolves had nuide 
ill their tramp around the inclosure tiie previous 
night. The next morning he found the trap gone, 
and with his rifle he followed its track about a mile 
eastward, when he came upon a large gray wolf 
among some bushes, with the trap attached to his 
leg. He shot him, took off his hide, which he carried 
to the county clerk, and received his bounty of three 
dollars. Mr. H. afterwards, with a trap, captured a 
young wolf, which he carried home alive. 

Jonas Leonard came in with Major Guthrie and 
subsei|uently married his daughter and settled in the 
southwest corner of the township, where his widow 
(second wife) now lives. His first wife, Abigail, died 
in 1837, aged twenty-nine. Mr. Leonard was a man 
of intelligence and a most worthy citizen. He taught 
the first school in the townshi]) of Peru. He died in 
March, 1873. 

Henry Terry settled on lot thirty-seven, in the 
fourth section, in ISl'.t. He married a daughter of 
Major Guthrie. lie died October 2, 1843, aged forty- 
seven, and his widow (ptite recently in Norwalk, at an 
advanced age. 

Edward L. Cole moved into Bronson from Scipio, 
Cayuga county. New York, in 1821. He had visited 
the township previously and worked for awhile for 
Major Guthrie. He settled in the fourth section, 
where his son .losepli now lives. He died June 15, 
1859, aged sixty. Mrs. Cole still occupies the place, 
making her home with her son. She is now seventy- 
six, and is a woman of more than ordinary intelligence 
and strength of character. 

Lemon Cole came out with his brother Edward 
when the latter first came. He returned to New 
York, and subseipiently married and moved to Bron- 
son aliont the year 1824, settling on lot number thir- 
ty-three. He died on this place in 1801, and there 
are none of the family now in the township. 

Daniel Brightmau, formerly from Massachusetts, 
came to Ohio in February, 1823, and located on lot 
number five, section three, where the widow of the 
son Alvan now lives, lie died on this plac'c in 1851, 
aged seventy-seven, ilrs. Hrightnian died many years 
previous. There were eight children, of whom there 
were two i)airs of twins. Mrs. Jonas Parks (widow) 
now living in \(n-\valk, is the only surviving member 
of the family. 

Aro Dauforth came from V'ermont to Bronson <in 
foot, in his twenty-first year, arriving in December, 
1824. He had learned the carpenter and joiner trade 
ii Barnard, Vermont, and followed it here until 1801 
or '62. He has built, and aided in building, about 
one hundred framed iiouses in this region, mostly in 
Bronson and Peru. He nuuried, in 1828, Miss Lucy 
Taft, who came to Bronson with the family of Judge 




THOMAS LAWKENCE. 



Thomas Lawrence, eldest son of Samuel Lawrence, was 
born in South Salem (now Lowisboro'), Westchester Co., 
N. Y., May 8, 1794. His father was born in Fairfield 
Co., Conn., Jan. 25, 1760. At sixteen years of age he 
commenced service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
and was in many engagements at the closing of that strug- 
gle. His father, Capt. Samuel Lawrence, settled at South 
Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., some time previous to the 
struggle for liberty, and served through many engagements 
as a commissioned officer. The Lawrence family are of 
English descent, and, so far as known, were members of 
the Presbyterian Church, Capt. Lawrence being an ofiBcial 
member of that body. 

Our subject removed from South Salem, N. Y., to Huron 
Co , Ohio, in 1833 ; commenced keeping house in a rude 
log cabin, without any floor in it, three-quarters of a mile 
west of the village of Olcna. He soon afler purchased 
the farm now owned by his son, George B., located one- 
half mile west of Olcna, on which he ever after lived. He 
was thrice married ; first, to Clemenco Reynolds, Nov. 27, 
1823, who died Nov. 14, 1830; second, to Ada Bishop, 
May 24, 1831, who died March 25, 1843, leaving no 
family ; third, to Drusilla Stone, May 9, 1844. By the 
first union wxs born three children, viz. : John, born Oct. 
17, 1824, died Dec. 25, 18G0 ; Lucinda, born June 16, 
1826, died March 16, 1843; Alonzo, born Sept. 9, 1830, 
and married, Jan. 1, 1856, to Lois Morse. The result of 
this union was four children, viz., Thoma.s, Daniel, Edwin, 
and Mary. George H., son of Thomas Lawrence and Dru- 
silla Stone, was born June 7, 1846, and married, Feb. 8, 
1869, to Emma J. Green; to them were born three chil- 
dren, two of whom are living, viz., Clara and Martin. 

Thomas Lawrence wa.s a millwrij^ht and carpenter pre- 
vious to his removal to Ohio, but, having taught .school in 
his early manhood, was noted as an exten.sive reader and 
cogent thinker. For forty-six years he was a helpful 



member of the Presbyterian Church, and was greatly es- 
teemed for his benevolence to the needy, and his integrity 
in the business relations of life. 

It is related of him that his conscientious regard for 
the sanctity of the Sabbath once lost him the purchase of 
a farm at a good bargain, because he declined to converse 
on the subject on the holy day. He died at his home in 
Bronson, Huron Co., Feb. 22, 1877, at the ripe age of 
eighty-three years. His wife survives him, and resides 
on the old homestead with her son, Gcort;e B. 



One night, as I l.iy sleeping ami slumlirring nn my bed, 
A vision then appcaroil, — a ilreani came in my head : 
The awful day of judgment I thought had surely come, 
The Judge himself was there, to summon old and young. 

I heard myself called forth by the trumpet loud and shrill : 
"Arise, ye sons of men, let your deeds bo good or ill !" 
I trembled as I listened, with sorrow, grief, and woe ; 
But could not be exempted ; to judgment I must go. 

I had not long been there until .Satan came ; I thought 
He came as my accuser, and all my sins he brought : 
Ho laid them before the .Judge, ami claimed me for his own, 
T felt my crimes wore great, and e.xelainu-d, " 1 am undone I" 

The ,Judgc then sweetly said, " I'll quickly end the strife; 
I'll see if the sinner's name stands in the Book of Life." 
Then the Book of Life was brought, the Judge did it unfold, 
And the sinner's name was there in letters wrote in gold. 

The Judge then gravely said, " Satan ! Satan ! st.iy ! 
The sinner's name is here, his sins are washed away." 
Then Satan, trembling, roaring, and in a dreadful fright, 
Ho said unto the Judge, "Those inditings arc not right." 

The Juilge then sternly saiil, "O Satiin, do not lie; 
Thou knowest very well that for sinners 1 did die. 
I died for my chosen ; their sins were laiil on me ; 
In vain dost thou accuse thein. thov are secure from thee." 



Competed htj Thoiiifii /.Ktecfnee, nbmit 18.32. 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



231 



.Soutligatc in 1810. .Mr. and Mrs. Danfortli first set- 
tled on the farm now owned Ijy Albert Crane, in the 
southwest part of the township, but si.x or seven years 
afterward sold and moved to Pern township, taking 
up their residenee iialf a mile south of Maeksville, 
wiiere he resided until the spring of ISTti. Since then 
they have lived witli their son, Robert S. Danforth, 
in Bronson. Tiiey are aged respectively seventy-five 
and seventy-two. 

Frederick Soars and William (iregoi'y, and tiieir 
families, came from Cayuga county. New York, in 
l^^'-T. Sears settled on lot thirty-one, in the fonrtii 
.-tction. lie was subsequently elected Judge of Com- 
mon Pleas and removed toNorwalk. GregoTy settled 
on the lot adjoining Sears, on tlie south, and lived 
there the remainder of his life. His son, Munson 
Gregorv. resides in Bronson. His widow lives with a 
daughter, in Xorwalk. 

Martin Hester, witii his ]iarents, settled in Colum- 
biana county, Ohio, in the year 18i)T. He married, 
November :iO. 180SI, Mary M. Stougli, and at the close 
of the war of IBT-i settled in t)range township, now 
Ashland county. He removed to Bion.son in tiie year 
1827, and settled near the west line of the township, 
where his son, Martin M. Hester, now resides. He 
died in that place January 31. 1870, at the ripe age of 
nearly eighty-three, surviving his wife about seven 
}-ears. They reared a family of five children, all of 
whom are living, as follows: John S., in the township 
of Norwich; Eliza W. (Mrs. Savage) in Berea; Sam- 
uel, in Anderson, Indiana: Matthias and Martin M. 
in Bronson. The latter is the best autliority on the 
early history of Metliodism in this region, and has 
written some interesting sketches on that subject for 
The Xorwdlk Rcflectdv. 

George Lawrence and family moved in from Genoa, 
( avuga county, New York, in September, 1831, and 
settled on lot number nineteen, section four, where 
he and his aged wife now reside. Jlr. Lawrence has 
been deacon of the t'ongregational eOmrch of Peru 
for al)out forty-five years. His brother Timothy Law- 
rence came from the same place and settled on the lot 
adjoining in the south in 1833. He subsequently 
moved to tlie township of Norwalk and resided there 
for a time, but finally came back to Bronson and now 
'I (upies his original purchase. 

William G. Mead, liis wife and one child, his wid- 
owed mother and two sisters from the same place, ar- 
rived in the same year. Mr. Mead settled where he 
now resides on lot seventeen in the fourtli section. 
His mother (Mrs. Worthington) is yet living, and lias 
reached the advanced age of ninety years. 

Tlie first .settlers on the old State road in this town- 
-hip were David Cole, Abijah liundell and Nathan 
TaniuT. They catue to Ohio from Cayuga county. 
New York, with their families, in the spring of 1815, 
and remained in the township of Avery (now Milan) 
until 181 i, wlien tliey moved into Bronson. Cole 
made his location on lot sixteen in section tliree. He 
resided here some eiglit or niiu' veai's, and then, his 



wife having previously died, he returned to New 
York and joined the Shakers, and his children be- 
came scattered. His oldest son Hylas was killed in 
1825, by tlie fall of a tree. He was in tlie woods cut- 
ing down a tree, from which, in falling, a large limb 
was broken off, striking him on the head, and causing 
instant death. 

Mr, Rundell settled on the unnh half of the lot 
seventeen, next south of Cole. He was a native of 
Dutchess county. New York, and was born June 19, 
177G. He married Betsey Parker, of Cayuga county, 
New York, from whence he removed to Ohio as 
previously stated. He died June 19, 1842. 

Of their family of se\cn children but two remain, 
viz.: Jlrs. J. I). Knapj) and Rial Hundell. both in 
Bronson; the latter living on the old homestead. 

Jlr. Tanner located on the south haJf of' lot seven- 
teen. He removed from the township a nunilier of 
years after. 

The next settler, south on this road, was Daniel W. 
Warren. He was a native of New Jersev, but re- 
moved to the Fire-lands from New York in 1814. He 
lived for a while on the farm of Ebcnezer Merry, 
Esq., in Milan township, and in 1818, moved into this 
township, settling on lot number eighteen, section 
number three. There are three children, as follows: 
Elisha in Hartland; Adaline (Mrs. C. C. Cadwell), 
and Charles L. in Bronson. The latter occupies the 
place on which the family first settled. 

David Conger, from Cayuga county. New York, 
came to Bronson in June, 1819. He came on foot to 
Buffalo, thence to Sandusky on the first or second 
trip of the first steamboat on Lake Erie tlie Walk-in- 
the- Water. His family followed in tlie fall, coming 
with a brother to l>uffalo, and from there to Ohio 
with a Mr. DeWitt and family. Mr. Conger settled 
on the south part of lot number eigliteen, where he 
has since resided. He is now in Jiis eighty-ninth year, 
and is somewhat feebh' Itotli in liody and mind. Mr. 
Ciouger is a good and worthy man, res])ected liy all 
who know him. His wife, who was formerly Sally 
Parker, died March 2. 1875, aged nearly eighty. Mr. 
Conger served in the war of 1812, and was taken 
prisoner by the British at the battle of Qneenstown. 

The next settler on this road was Bethucl Cole, 
brother of David Cole, previously mentioned. He 
moved in with his family from Ontario county, New 
York, in October, 1823, and settled on lot number 
nineteen. Mr. Cole built a snug, hewed log house, 
where the dwelling of his son-in-law, T. J. McCague, 
now stands. There was merely a blind path south of 
them where the State road now is. The loneliness 
and privations of the settlers were promotive of sym- 
pathy and neighborliness. and the people in those 
days, living five miles or more ajiart, exliibited a more 
truly friendly concern for one another tiian do many 
who dwell on the same lot nowadays. Mrs. Cole in- 
forms tile writer that tlyy were frequently visited by 
settlers in Fitchville, and they were always as glad to 
see them as if they had been long absent relatives. 



k 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



They wonld, of course, stay over night, as such a 
journey and such visits as were made in those days 
could not be finished in a single day. Mr. Cole died 
on his original location in 1873. in the seventy-eighth 
year of his age. Mrs. Cole, now an octogenarian, 
still occupies the old homestead, making her home 
with her son-in-law, T. J. McCague. 

In June, 1820, Caleb Heath and family, and his 
wife's father, Andrus Porter, and family, joined the 
settlement in this part of the township. Heath set- 
tled on lot twenty, while Mr. Porter bought one hun- 
dred acres of David Cole, on which he located. He 
died on this farm in 1857, and his wife afterward, 
both aged eighty-eight. Heath, many years ago, 
removed to Indiana, 'where he and his wife both 
subsequently died. 

Attrusha Cole, brother of David and Bethuel, 
arrived in February, 1839, and settled on lot number 
twenty-two, section number three, where he has since 
resided. He came out first in 1818. He is now 
nearly eighty years of age. His wife died in Janu- 
ary, 1876. 

The first settlement in section two was made by 
David Clark in 1816. He emigrated to Ohio from 
Middletown, Connecticut, and took up some four 
hundred acres of land in the above section, building 
his cabin on lot number one. He died in Bronson, 
about the year 1830, quite advanced in life. His wife 
died afterwards. There were five sons and a daugh- 
ter, whoMjecame the wife of Mr. John Laylin, of 
Norwalk. One of the sons now lives in Iowa, and is 
the only surviving member of the family. 

Joel^Blish and family, of wife and three children, 
came to Ohio from Hartford, Connecticut, in the fall 
of 1832. He remained in Berlin township until 
May, 1834, and then removed to this township, loca- 
ting at first on the State road, opposite where David 
Cole then lived. Two or three years afterward he 
changed liis location to lot number twenty-six, in the 
same section (second), purchasing his land of the 
heirs of David Clark, and resided there until 1854, 
when hejmoved to the village of Norwalk, where he 
has since lived. He has arrived at the advanced age 
of nearly eighty-eight. 

In the same vicinity a man by the name of Harmon 
Roscoe had settled a short time previous to the ar- 
rival of Mr. Blish. He remained several years and 
then removed to Clarksfield. 

John^'Lyon and family, from Tompkins county. 
New York, settled a short distance north of the cen- 
ter, on tiie 'cast side of the road, in the year 1828. 
After a residence there of some twenty years he 
moved back to New York, where both he and his 
wife siibsei|uently died. 

Tiie first settlement in Ihc lirst sectiim nf this 
township was made in 1833, by Jonatluui Hull. 
He died in 1828. 

Alva Munsell came in and settled in 1837 or '28. 
Seven or'eight years afterward lie mdved out of the 
township. 



Samuel Hull, brother of Jonathan, located just 
east of Munsell in the spring of 1830. ilany years 
afterward he moved to Seneca county. 

Jacob Hicks settled on lot number twenty-seven in 
1828, and a 3'ear or two afterward built a saw mill on 
High Bridge creek. His little three-year-old daughter 
was drowned in this creek in the spring of 1833. 
While the people in the neighborhood were at a meet- 
ing in the school house, one Sunday morning, a mes- 
senger arrived with the startling announcement that 
" Little Martha Hicks is missing." The congregation 
went immediately over to the house and began a search 
for the missing child, ller foot prints were traced to - 
the edge^f the stream, and shortly afterward, about a 
mile below, her dead body was found floating among 
some drift wood. It is supposed she started to go to 
the mill, where her father and brothers were at work, 
the stream being so high from recent rains as to en- 
danger the property. 

Mr. Hicks was a man of intelligence and influence, 
and served some years as justice of the peace. He 
moved into Peru township in 1838. 

Daniel S. Morse, formerly from Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts, came to Bronson from Monroe county, 
near Eochester, New York, in September, 1830. He 
settled a short distance north of Esquire Hicks, on 
lot number twenty-nine, in the first section, where 
Mr.Vroman now lives. Six years afterward he moved 
on to the State road, just north of the creek, where 
he has since resided. Mr. Morse has filled the office 
of justice of the peace two terms, and was township 
clerk a number of years. He is now seventy-three 
years of age, and his health is somewhat impaired. 

Frederick Hicks and Ira Hull came in from the 
State of New York in the year 1828. .They settled 
to the north of Mr. Morse. Hicks, about the year 
1849, moved to Michigan. Hull afterwards moved 
on to the State road, but finally removed to some 
western State. 

Orrin Hicks arrived in the spring of 1830; subse- 
quentlv married Sallie Gregory, and settled on the lot 
adjoining Mr. Morse on the north. He movi'd tcfl 
Norwich in a few years, and finally to Iowa. 

Abner Sylvester and family moved in from Court- 
land county. New York, in September, 1831, andJ 
settled on lot number thirty-five in the. first section.*' 
The place is now owned by N. S. Hakes. The set- 
tlers were so few in that part of the townshij) that it 
required two days to raise their house. Mr. Sylvester 
was a pioneer Baptist preacher. He rode all through 
this region of country, preaching in Bronson, Fair- 
field, Peru, Huron county, Berlin, Erie county, and 
in Lorain county, traveling much of the way through 
unbroken forest, with nothing to guide him but blazed 
tri'es. In 1840 they moved to Olena, and four years 
afterwards returned to New York, where they resided 
until 1800, when he' removed to Kalamazoo county, 
iliciiigan, where he and his wife now live, aged re- 
spectively seventy-nine and seventy-three. Mr. Syl- 
vester preached for the Baptist Churcli in Bronson 




ALVIN BRIGHTMAN. 



Alvin Brightman, son of Daniel Brightman and 
Elizabeth Bronnell, was born Jan. 11, 1818, in the 
town of Scipio, Cayuga Co., N. Y. He removed 
with his parents to Bronson, Huron Co., in the 
montii of February, 1822. He was the youngest of 
a family of eigiit children, — a twin, his brother Al- 
fred, surviving him a little more than two years. 
Was united in marriage, Dec. 8, 1842, to Pamelia 
C. Douglass ; to tiieni were born four children, three 
daughters and one son, all of whom are still living 
except the eldest, she dying at the age of seven 
years. 



At the age of eighteen Mr. Brightman experi- 
enced religion, subsequently uniting with the Pres- 
byterian Church, of which he was always a member 
and a liberal supporter. 

He was a Republican in politics, and served two 
terras as county commissioner ; was also pr&sident of 
the Huron County Agricultural Society three years. 
He always lived on tlie same f;irm i)iirchased by his 
father, and died very suddenly, at the age of fifty- 
seven years and eight months. He was a kind and 
affectionate husband, an indulgent father, a good 
neighbor, and a man miicli respected. 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



233 



f<ir twenty years, and is highly respected by all who 
know him. Mrs. Sylvester is a woman of much force 
of character and of earnest piety. 

J. D. Knapp, from Onondaga, Onondaga county. 
New York, came to Bronson in the s])ring of 1830. 
He married. October 33, 1833, Diana, daughter of 
Abijah Rundell, and settled where he now resides. 
Tiiey have raised a family of seven ciiildren, all of 
whom are living. 

Daniel Sumerlin was an early settler on the [)lace 
now occupied by Charles Herrick. The family came 
from the State of New York. They finally moved to 
Seneca county. 

Thomas Lawrence came to this townsiiip from 
Westchester township. New York, with his family, 
consisting of his wife and three children, in .June, 
1833. lie lived for a few montlis on lot thirty-five, 
in the fourth section, after which he purchased a 
farm half a mile west of where Olena has since been 
built. There he continued to reside until his death, 
which occurred February 33, 1877, at the advanced 
age of eighty-three years, ilr. Lawrence was a man 
of the best type, industrious, persevering and public- 
spirited. He was, moreover, a true Christian, and 
was, from the date of its organization, a most effi- 
cient member of the Presbyterian Church at Olena. 

He was married a third time, and his widow, with a 
son, G. B. Lawrence, now occupies tlie old homestead. 

.James R. Knight was one of several sons of a wid- 
owed mother, who came to Norwalk in 1834. The 
same year he went to Bronson, and worked there 
until of age. He moved to New Haven in 1837, and 
to Ripley, where he now resides, in 1803. His first 
wife was Clarissa Bureii; his second, Louisa Fuller. 
Several of his children died young. George A. and 
Clara are living at home. Mr. Knight made and 
sold, about the year 1835, the first spi'ing wagon sold 
in Norwalk. 

Daniel Angell, a native of Rhode Island, removed 
from the State of New York to Fairfield township in 
June, 1833, and settled on the farm now occupied by 
IJeuben Carpenter on the Norwalk and Fairfield road, 
now called the new State road. He resided there 
some eight years, when he removed to Bronson, loca- 
ting at Olena, where his son Ephraim kept tavern a 
number of years, as mentioned elsewhere. Ephraim 
Angell subsequently exciumged the hotel property for 
the farm he now occupies, and his parents afterwards 
lived with him. Daniel Angell died, in 18.54, aged 
seventy-two, and Mrs. .\ngell in 187."), in her eighty- 
ninth year. 

In July, 183f;, Ephraim Angell married Eliza J. 
Adams, daughter of Peter Adams, of Fairfield. Mr. 
Adams moved to that township from Cayuga county. 
New York, in 1835, and l)egan on a place a mile and 
a quarter north of the village of Noi'th Fairfield. He 
afterwards located more permanently on a farm of 
three hundred acres southwest of the same village. 
He died there September 10, 1851. .Mrs. Adams 
die<l in .\ugust, 1850. 



James Ford and family came from Tompkins 
county. New York, to Bronson in the fall of 1833, 
and settled on lot thirty-five in the first section, 
opposite where Norman S. Hakes now lives. The 
land is now owned by Mathias Hester. Mr. Ford 
died in this townsiiip in 1845, and Mrs. Ford after- 
wards married Amos Deming, with whom she is now 
living at the center of Bronson. 

Alexander McPherson, at the age of twenty-five, 
emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, to the L^nited 
States in the year 1830. He married, May 3, 1833, 
Hannah McKnight, of Seneca county, New York, 
and resided in that State until the year 1839, when he 
removed to the Fire-lands, settling first in the town- 
ship of Ruggles, l)Ut removing eighteen months 
afterwards to Bronson. He located in this townshi]) 
on lot number seventeen, in the first section, and re- 
sided there until 1806, when he moved to the place 
he now occupies — lot number nine in section three. 
Mr. McPherson has creditably filled various offices 
of public' trust. He was a Republican Representa- 
tive from this county to the State Legislature at the 
session of 18H0-61; has also been coroner of the county, 
and was elected justice of the peace in 1843, and 
again in 1868. He is now in the seventy-fifth year of 
his age. Mrs. McPherson died June 4, 187fi. Wil- 
liam McPherson (father of Alexander McPherson) 
and his family arrived in Bronson in 1833, and settled 
on lot number nineteen in the first section, where 
they afterwards resided. Mrs. McPherson's death 
occurred in 1853 at the age of seventy-six, preceding 
her husband a few years, who died at the age of 
eighty-four. Of the six children, three are now liv- 
ing and in this township, viz: .Vlexander, Elizabeth, 
and William. The latter occupies the old homestead. 
Elizabeth married Andrew McPherson, a cousin, and 
resides on lot number ten in section two. 

Benjamin Haines came from Massachusetts with 
his brother George and family, Bartlett Davis and 
wife, and Calvin 0. Chaffee and family in the spring 
of 1833. He settled where his son-in-law, Charles 
Herrick, now lives. His brother, after a short resi- 
dence in Bronson, setth'd in l\i))ley. where most of 
the family died of a malignant disease communicated 
to the family by a young man from one of the 
Southern States. Benjamin Haines died soon after 
of the same disease. Mr. ChatTee and Mr. Davis set- 
tled in Hartland, and the latter aiul the widow of the 
former are still living there. 

In November, 1837, Isaac E. Town, with wife and 
one child, moved into Bronson from Onondaga county, 
New York, and settled where he now resides — on the 
Norwalk and Olena road. This i)art of the township 
was then very new, the road had only been cut out, 
and a team would hardly be seen to pass (jncea month. 
The settlers assisted each other in their logging, and 
Mrs. Town herself has burned log-heajis many a night 
until twelve o'clock. On the land which they jiur- 
chased stood a poor ai)ology of a house, which an 
uncle of Mr. Town had built for a son. The door 






30 



234 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and window w'ere made of punclieons, the roof was of 
))ark, and the floor consisted of a single lioard. In 
this the family took up their abode, and began pioneer 
life. One night, shortly afterward, the family were 
awakened by a noise in the direction of their grist — 
which Mr. T. had brought home from mill the day 
before — and on investigation it was discovered that a 
hog had got into the house and sadly reduced their 
stock of breadstnfi. 

Mr. and Mrs. Town have had an old-fashioned 
family of twelve cliildren, nine of whom are living, 
and all but two settled in life, but widely scattered. 

Mr. Town was born January 16, 1812, and Mrs. 
Town February .3, of the same year. 

Joseph Park and family, consisting of his wife and 
six sons, emigrated from the county of Donegal, near 
Londonderry, Ireland, to Bronson in the year 184:7. 
He made his location in the first section, on lot num- 
ber twenty-one, where he continued to reside until 
his death, which occurred November G, 1800, aged 
fifty-eight. Mrs. Park died January 1, 18G1, at the 
age of fifty-six. Of their six children, five are yet 
living, as follows : Joseph, in Bronson. on the road 
running from Olena to Norwalk ; Robert, on the 
south line of the township : James, in Hartland, one 
mile east of Olena ; William Henry, (U. S. ganger,) 
in Cincinnati, and Alexander on the old homestead in 
Bronson, a mile and a quarter north of Olena. 
Matthew died January 3U, 1874, unmarried. 

The first German settler in the township was Peter 
Seifert, who came from Cayuga county. New York, 
in the fall of 1817. He settled on lot numlter five, 
in the third section, but after a few years returned to 
New York, where he died in 1828. He was in the 
service of the United States during nearly tlie whole 
of the Revolutionary war. There was no general 
emigration of Germans, or other foreigners, to Bron- 
son, however, until 1828. That year several families 
nioved in, the first of which were those of Peter 
Bowers, Joseph Carobin, and Anthony Phillips, who 
emigrated from France. Peter Bowers located where 
his son Peter now lives. He died there in the year 
1844. There is now a considerable German popula- 
tion in the township, mostly in the northwest part. 

In the returns of the enumeration of the white male 
inhabitants, over the age of twenty-one years, in 
Huron county in 1827, as made by George Shettield, 
county assessor, the following persons are given as 
such inhabitants of, Bronson: 



JoDatban }{ull. 
Alvan Mujiseil. 
Nathau Tanner. 
ApoUos Fay. 
Robert Morton. 
Ethan Powers. 
Lemon Cole 
Frederick Sears. 
Peter Seifret. 
Ezra Herrick. 
Nathan SutlifT. 
Abel Herrick. 
Thomas Haj;an\an. 
.lames v. Hagaman. 
John liagaman. 
.lohn B. Hoskins. 



William Taylor, 
bamuel Halstead. 
Timothy Taylor. 
James Cole. 
Briant Johnson. 
.Simon .\tnmernian. 
Henry Beam. 
Samuel Parish. 
Jacob Taylor. 
Eben Cruthrie. 
John Collis 
Jonas Leonard. 
Edward E, Cole. 
James (."orbett. 
Joel BUsh. 
Tilly Poyer. 



Albert Southard 
Abijah Rundle. 
.Jeremiah Rundle. 
David Conger. 
Andrew Porter. 
Ira Porter. 
Daniel W. Warren. 
Thomas Warren. 
Wm. W. Beekwith. 
Daniel L. Clark. 
Jabez Clark. 
Armon Roscoe. 
Henry Terry. 
Halsey Terry. 
Lemuel Siphert. 
Martin Kellogg. 



Jabez Denning 

Job T, Reynolds. 
John Buchanan. 
James Elsby. 
Warren Miuer. 
Perez Miner. 
Daniel Brightman. 



Joshua Poyer. 
David Cole. 
Elijah Slocum. 
William Huyck. 
Lester Clark. 
Daniel Sumerliu 
Caleb Heath. 

FIR8T EVENTS. 



Phineas Guthrie. 
Lot Herrick. 
Prince Haskell 
Robt. S. Southgate. 
E|ih W. Herrick. 
Halsey Clark. 



The first white child l)oru in Bronsctn was Timothy 
T. Newcomb, son of Benjamin and Statu Newoonib. 
He was l)orn July G, ISIG. the next day after tiie 
burial of his father, who was killed by the kick of a 
horse, as previously mentioned. He married, Sep- 
tember 9, 1840, Friuda Goodell. of Shalersvillc, Ohio, 
and moved to Hiram, Ohio, where tliey have since 
resided. 

The first couple married was Lott Herrick and 
Lola Sutlit!. Tliis event occurred October 16, 1818, 
at the house of Nathan Sutlitf, Robert S. Southgate, 
justice of the peace, performing the nuptial ceremony. 
They settled on the north line of the township, but 
some years afterward removed to Indiana, wliere both 
subsequently died. 

At a later hour of the same day Judge Southgate 
united in marriage John Laylin. of Norwalk. and 
Olive Clark, daughter of Daniel Clark. 

The first death was that of Benjamin Newcomb, 
who was killed by the kick of a horse, July 4, 1816, 
the circumstances of which have already been given. 

SCHOOLS. 

Tiie first school in Bronson was kejit Ijy Lola Sut- 
litf, in the log barn of Martin Kellogg, in the sum- 
mer of 1818. Her scholars were Maudane, Lucy. 
Rebecca and Polly Kellogg; Lucy, Jane, Tina, Elean- 
or and .John Amaierman: Peggy and John Welch. 
The teacher received seventy-five cents per week, her 
wages being paid by the parents in jiroportion to the 
number of children sent. 

The first school-house was liuilt (of logs, of course) 
on the north part of Nathan Sutliff's farm, a short 
distance west of the present frame, in the fall of 1810. 
Martin Kellogg taught the school in it the next win- 
ter, and was the first male teacher in the township. 
The house was unfinished at the time he opened his 
school, and he and Wm. W. Beckwith put it in con- 
dition for occupancy. He had about twenty scholars 
and received fifteen dollars per month. 

The earliest religious meetings were held at this 
school-house, and a remarkable revival occurred tiiere 
m the winter of 1823-24, when twenty-one heads of 
families were converted and afterwards united witli 
the church. 

The first school-house erected for the benefit of the 
State road settlement, was built du the mirth town 
line. One of the most efficient early teachers in this 
house was Es(piire John Douncc. who lived in the 
southern part of Norwdlk towiishi|i. He taught sev- 
eral terms and is remembered a-: an excellent teacher. 

The first schonl-house liuilt for the aceo'.ninodation 
of the settlers in the first section, was erected dii tlu^ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



235 



farm of Es(|uire Jacob Hicks on lot twenty-seven, just 
south of the eivek. The house was siibsetjiiently 
moved south to the coriiei-s, on the southeast corner 
of Ehler Sylvi'ster"s farm. The earliest settlers in 
the fourtli section wei-e sent to Maeksville to scliool. 

( HUR( IIES. 

With the exception of the Catholic Church, the 
churches in this township are all located at Oleua. 

THE BAPTIST CHI'RIH 

was organized at the log scliool house, whicli then 
stood on the farm of Esquire Hicks, by Elder Phil- 
lips, of Berlin, in the summer of 1834:. There were 
sixteen persons composing the organization, as fol- 
lows: Abner Sylvester and wife. Frederick Hicks and 

wife, Flinkley and wife, Hiram Newiiall and 

wife, Nathan Stewart and wife, Jacob Hicks and 
wife, WillianijVroman, Abel Richardson, Mr. Burras 
and Mrs. Barber. Jacob Hicks was elected clerk of 
tiie church, and Frederick Hicks deacon. Tlie first 
and only pastor for nearly 'twenty years was Elder 
Sylvester. The scliool house was used as a place of 
worship until the erection of the church building at 
Olena in the year ISi'-i. The ciiureli was built by 
Hiram Newiiall, and cost about one thousand dollars. 
Since Elder Sylvester, Mr. Hull, Mr. Ames, Mr. 
Critchet, Mr. Gray and Mr. Islip have officiated as 
pastors. The latter began his labors in the spring of 
1S78, and continues in cliarge. The present member- 
■ ship is about one hundred. Tiie officers are as fol- 
lows: H. M. Hood and Mark Ammerman, deacons; 
Ciiarles Reed, Charles Blacknian and George Fuller, 
trustees; Angus McDonald, clerk. 

H. M. Hood is the superintendent of tiie Sabbath 
school. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN* CHURCH 

was organized at tlie iiouse of Daniel S. Morse, April 
23, 1835, by a committee of the Huron Presbytery, 
consisting of Rev. E. Conger and Deacon Josepii 
Pierce, and was composed of fifteen members. On 
the following sixth of June the society met at the 
school house at the center of town, and elected Daniel 
S. Morse, John Hagaman and Thomas Lawrence, 
elders for one, two and three years respectively. 

The use of the center school house as a place of 
worship was objectionable to a few of the inhabitants 
there, not members of the church, and the place of 
meeting was soon changed to Angell's Corners (now 
Oleua). The churcii continued with usual prosperity 
under the labor of Rev. T. Kennaii and Rev. J. Ed- 
wards until the spring of 18-10. At this time, during 
the pastorate of Rev. E. P. Salmon, tlie subject of 
the erection i>f a house of worship began to l)e dis- 
cussed. Tiu' ciini'ch was unanimous as td I he neces- 
sity of a building, but was divided as to tlie proper 
place of location. The members living near the 
center desired it located there, while those in the 
viciiiitv of Aiijzeirs Corners regarded tliaf the better 



location. This division of sentiment resulted in a 
division of the church, the center portion, under the 
lead of the pastor, withdrawing and forming a Con- 
gregational society. The balance of the cluircli n\)- 
plied to the Presbytery for advice, and were advised 
to continue their meetings, and consider themselves 
still as the First Presbyterian Church of Bronson, and 
in connection with the Presbytery. During the year 
1811, the church was under the care of Rev. E. Scott. 
In July, 1842, Rev. E. P. Sperry commenced preach- 
ing half of the time, and continued his labors three 
years and a half. 

In the sjiring of 1847, Rev. J. M. Hayes began his 
labors as ]tastor, preaching lialf of the time, and con- 
tinued with success for three years. 

December, 1850, Rev. .bx'l Talcott beeuine pastor 
and remained for one year. 

Rev. E. Conger began his laliors as pastor in Feb- 
ruai'y, 1852, preached one-half of the time, and 
officiated until June, 1855. In August of the same 
year, the Rev. John McCutcheon began his pastorate 
and continued five years. Rev. J. D. McCord began 
his labors for the church in September, 1801, and 
continued until March, 1SG5. In the following May, 
Rev. Hubliard Lawrence commenced his ]iastoral re- 
lation and remained until the spring of 18G8. From 
that time until January 1, 1870, the church was with- 
out a pastor, during which Rev. Marcus Palmer, a 
quondam Indian missionary, supplied the pulpit. At 
the date mentioned, Rev. T. D. Bartholomew com- 
menced his service as pastor and officiated until the 
close of the year 1877. He was succeeded by Rev. A. 
Cone, whose term of service has not expired. 

After the withdrawal of the center members the 
remnant of the church Iniilt a small frame building, 
which is now used as a Sabbath school room. 

In 1861, the present brick churcli edifice was 
erected, chiefly through the efforts of Deacon ThomaS 
Lawrence. The building cost something over twenty- 
three hundred dollars. It contains a fine bell, the 
cost of which was four hundred and fifty dollars. 

The membership of the church is now something 
over one hundred. 

John Ernsberger, N. H. Spfucer and James Park 
are the Deacons. The lattrr is the sii])eriiiteiideiit of 
the Sabbath school. 

Tiie Congregational church, soon after their seces- 
sion from the Presbyterian church, erected a liouse of 
worship a mile north of the center, the land of which 
was donated by Mr. Bethuel Cole. The church con- 
tinue<l with a fair degree of prosperity until the 
organization of the Congregational churcli at Nor- 
walk, when it was disbanded. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL ClIfUCH 

at Olena was formed in 1853, liy a union of a North 
Fitchville class and a Hart land class with sonic nieni- 
bers from Bronson and Fairfield. The following are 
the names of the original members so far as we have 
been able to get thoni: M. E. Butler, leader, .Mahala 



23(5 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Butler, D. M. Pratt, local preacher, Mary Pratt, Es- 
ther Roberts, Cornelia Johnson, Jude Vandusen, Ann 
Eliza Vandusen, James Buck, Lettie Buck, Thomas 
Crawford, Chloe CraAvford, Hannah ifead. Hannah 
Favrar, James M. Ward, Abbic J. Ward, S. L. Mead, 
Mary A. Mead, Almiiia Mead, Ambrose Royce, Bet- 
sey Royce, Rhoda Buck, Caroline Royce, John Owens, 
Nancy Owens, Richard Owens, Ann Eliza Buck, Lo- 
vina Miller, John D. Cheney, Elizabeth Cheney. 

The meetings were first held in the Baptist church, 
which had been kindly offered to them l)y that society, 
and subsequently in the small frame l)uilding of the 
Presbyterians, the Methodists using the house in the 
forenoons and the Presbyterians in the afternoon. 
The pastors that officiated for the church were the 
circuit preachers of that period. Some of the earliest 
are the following: James Mclntyre, True Pattee, John 
Hazard, Shadrach Ruark, Cyrus Carpenter, Jacob 
Ragan, Ebenezer Chase, Adam Minear. The present 
pastor is Rev. E. J. V. Booth, who also preaches at 
other jioints. The church building was completed 
and dedicated in March. 18G0, Rev. William B. 
Disbro, preaching the sermon on the occasion. Rev. 
Ralph Wilcox was the pastor at that time. Rev. Mr. 
Richards and E. Y. Warner were then on the Fairfield 
circuit, and Edward R. Jewett was presiding elder of 
the Sandusky district. The building cost about sev- 
enteen hundred dollars. The church membership at 
the present time is eighty-five. The class-leaders are 
Jared Pond, Anson Newman, William Pond and Ed- 
ward Butler; stewards.- Jared Pond and Matthias 
Hester; trustees, Edward Butler, Jared Pond, David 
Holmes, Leauder Mead and Anson Newman; local 
preacher. Rev. D. M. Pratt. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 

located on the west township line, in the northwest 
part of the township, was organized in the year 1831, 
and consisted of about eight families. At the time of 
organization there was no similar church nearer than 
Canton. The first building was a frame, erected in 
the year 1833, and stood a short distance north of the 
present house. The stone church was built in 1851. 
The stone were obtained in Bronson, on lot number 
two, in the first section. The society now numbers 
about eighty-five families, -a majority of whom reside 
in Peru township. The church is at present under 
the care of Rev. M. Dechaut. The Catholics erected 
a large brick school house just west of the church 
during the past year. 

TOWNSHIP OR«ANIZATION. 

At a meeting of the commissioners of Huron county, 
( Frederick Falley. El lenezer Merry and Bildad Adams, ) 
held on the 18th day of February, 1S17, on petition 
of David G-ibbs and others, the townships of Bronson 
and Norwalk, numbers three and four in the twenty- 
.second range, were set off from the township of Hu- 
ron, to l)e organized as a separate township !iy the 
name of Norwalk. Tiie election for township officers 



was held at the house of Hanson Read, in Norwalk 
township, in April, 1817, Robert S. Southgate, Sam- 
uel B. Lewis and Abijah Comstock constituting the 
board of election. There was no one present who 
could lawfully qualify the board, and Esquire Little- 
field was brought from Ridgefield for that purpose. 
The squire's duties w-ere so new to him that lie was 
unaljle to administer the oath, and had to rejieat it 
after Abijah Comstock, a former justice of the peace, 
and a member of the election board on this occasion. 

On the 4th of March, 1822, the county commis- 
sioners (Eli S. Barnum. Robert S. Southgate and 
Amos Woodward, )''ordered, on the petition of Edward 
C. Cole and others, that townships number two and 
three, in the twenty-second range (the first Fairfield 
and the second Bronson), l)e organized with township 
privileges, and that the same be known by the name 
of Bronson." The election for townsliiii officers was 
held at the house of Ezra Herrick, April 1, 1822, 
Robert S. Southgate, John D. Hoskins and Timothy 
Taylor were chosen judges, and Martin Kellogg and 
Abel Brownell clerks of election. Township officers 
were elected as follows: ilartin Kellogg, clerk; Abijah 
Rundell, Timothy Taylor and Philip Moffit, trustees; 
Eljen Guthrie and Ezra Herrick, overseers of the 
poor; Daniel Warner and Thomas Hagaman, fence 
viewers; Abel Brownell and Jonas Leonard, appraisers 
of jiroperty; Jonas Leonard, lister; E. W. Herrick, 
constable; Henry Terry, treasurer; Edward L. Cole, 
Nathan Sutliff, Lester Clark, Al)el Brownell, John 
Crawford, Benjamin F. Taylor and Eliphalet W. Day, 
supervisors of highways. The number of votes polled 
at this election was forty-four, the names of the elec- 
tors Ijeingas fellows: Halsey Clark, Elien Guthrie, Jr., 
Martin Kellogg, Ephraim W. Herrick, Jolm Craw- 
ford, John G. Taylor, Ezra Herrick, Edward L. Cole, 
Henry Terry, Abel Brownell, Carlos Keith, Job T. 
Reynolds, Alvan Munsell, Daniel Warren, Bryant 
Johnson, Amos Harkness, John Sample, John DeWitt, 
Eliphalet W. Day, William Baker, Isaac DeWitt, 
Thomas C. Wilson, John D. Hoskins, Rol)ert S. 
Southgate, Henry Sifert, Philip Moffit, Abel Herrick, 
David Conger, Thomas Ervin, Spencer Baker, Jabez 
Deming, Nathan Sutliff, Wm. W. Beckwitli, Jonas 
Leonard, Timothy Taylor, Lester Clark, Benjamin F. 
Taylor, Eben Guthrie, Nathan Tanner, Simon Am- 
merman, Perry G. Beckwith, Abijah Rundell, Thomas 
Hagaman, Ezra Herrick, Jr. M 

In the spring of 1823 Fairfield was detached from W 
Bronson, and organized for independent action. The 
following township officers for Bronson were elected 
in April of tlie current year, to wit: N. H. Spencer, 
clerk; James Stone, Charles L. Warren and Thomas 
Beach, trustees; Norman S. Hakes, treasurer; J. E. 
Buffington, assessor; John Buffington and Martin M. 
Hester, justices of the i)eace. 



I 



POST OFFICK. 



The first post office was established at the center of 

the townshii) alwut the year 1820 or ';?0. John Lvon 



II 



,,^,,, 





f^.S.^AKES 



MrS-NS Hakes, 




RESIDENCE OF N.S. HAKES .Sronson fp, f<URON Co.,0 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



23^ 



was the first postmaster, who served a number of years. 
Since Mr. Lyon, Ezekiel Morse, J. A. Nichols, Isaac 
Sanford, Chri.-stian Conger and Amos Deming have 
successively officiated as postmasters. The office was 
vacated in 1861. 

The office at Olena was originally located in the 
iiortiiwest part of Fitchvilie townsliiji, and was called 
North Fitchvilie. It was established about l!S32, with 
a Mr. Morgan as postmaster. The office was moved 
to its present location in 1841, where it was first kept 
by Andrew (lodfrey. His successors have l)een, re- 
spectively, Joseph L. Smith, C. W. Manahan, William 
King, Ur. L. Johnson, Walter Gallup, B. W. Green, 
Dr. G. W. Stetson, Orlando (Jiftord and N. H. 
Spencer, the present incumbent. 

•mi U.S. 

No grist mills have ever been Ijuilt in Bruusuu. In 
tlie early settlement of the township, the settlers 
nhtaiued their grinding, usually, at the grist mill of 
David Mack, at Macksville. sometimes at Carkhutfs 
mill in (h-cLMitield, and. Dccasiunally. even at Mans- 
field. 

Tliere have been a nuuiljer of saw mills erected in 
the townsiiip. There were formerly five in operation 
oil Higii B)-idge creek at tiu' same time. Tiie names 
of their builders, beginning at the first, near Olena, 
and going down stream, were Jacob Hicks, Picket 
Latimer. Prince Haskell, Messrs. Sears and Herrick, 
and Martin Kellogg. These mills did an extensive 
Inisiness. 

There was also a saw mill on tiiu branch of the 
Huron, fartlier nortli. lint the name of the Ijuilder is 
not known. Major (ruthrie also built one ontheeast 
branch of the Hunni. 

There is now but one mill in the township — the 
saw mill of Addison Heath, at the center. 

The only cheese factory in the town is situated on 
the south line, and was established in the spring of 
18TT, Ijy Messrs. Pratt and Tucker, by whom it is 
still owned. 

OLENA VILLAGE. 

In the southeast part of the township, on tiie Hart- 
land line, is the village of Olena, the first house in 
which was built by Wni. H. Burras, in 18.32. He pur- 
chased sixteen acres of land on the southeast corner 
of the cross-roads, and put n\) a log house where the 
dwelling of Dr. D. A. Wood now stands. He mar- 
ried Rutii Palmer, daughter of Abijah Palmer, of 
Fitchviik'. Septemlter 22, 183.5, and moved into his 
log cabin, previous to which he had occujned with 
his parents. Mr. Burras located at the corners with 
the intention of subsef|uently opening a tavern; but 
his wife's opposition on temperance grounds, induced 
him to give up the project, and after a residence there 
of some three or four years, he moved just across the 



line into Hartland, and settled on one hundred and 
thirty acres on lot number one of the foiirtii section 
of that township, where he afterwards resided. He 
died in July, 18T(j, aged sixty-eight. Mrs. Burras 
subsequently moved to Olena, where she now lives 
with a married daughter. They had six children, 
only three of whom are living, as follows: Abijah, on 
the farm in Hartland, where his parents formerly re- 
sided: Mrs. Josei)li Lazell, I'n Fitchvilie, on the old 
iiomestead of her grandfather: Abijah Palmer and 
Mrs. David Summerlin in Olena. 

Samuel Burras, an older brother of William, came 
with his family from the State of New York a short 
time afterward, and first located on the old state road, 
but soon after bought a short distance southeast of 
Olena, and erected a log house, where his widow now 
lives, which was one of the first buildings in the 
place. 

Among the earliest houses built at Olena, liesides 
those mentioned, were those of Joel Wooley, on the 
sinithwest corner of the cross-roads: Hiram Allen, on 
the northwest corner, and .lohn iloore a short dis- 
tance west of Allen. 

The first tavern at Olena was kept, in a small way, 
by Benjamin Drake, in a log house, some twenty rods 
south of the corners, about the year 1835. In 1840 
Daniel Angell bought out Drake, ami his S(ni, E]>hraim 
Angell, continued the tavern about two years, when 
he bought the sixteen acres of William H. Burras, 
and erected a framed hotel on the southeast corner of 
the cross-roads, and kept a tavern there for ten years. 
Andrew Godfrey built a frame tavern on the southwest 
corner, which is still standing, in 1841, or about that 
time, and kei)t the first post office there. The tavern 
business a', this ))oint, in the olden times of wagon 
trade, was something immense. Mr. Angell reports 
that he used frei|uently to keep over a single night 
more than a hundred teams and teamsters. The rate 
was fifty cents, including supper and breakfast for a 
man and four-horse team. 

The first store at Olena was occupied by Noah Close, 
but at what date we are unaljle to determine. The 
business, however, was not extensively carried on until 
about 1850. when C. W. Manahan, now of Manahan, 
Taber &Co., of Norwalk, and Courtland Cannon es 
tablished a store on the southeast corner, in the Iniild- 
ing formerly occupied as a hotel l)y Mr. Angell. They 
continued some two years, and until the death of Can- 
non, when Lewis Manahan became a partner of iiis 
brother. They afterwards erected the building now 
occupied as a general store by Mr. Knight, and con- 
tinued there some years. The village was formerly 
called Angell's Corners, and continued to l)e so called 
for several years, when, at a imljlic meeting of 
the citizens, the name was changed to Olena. The 
village now contains about fifty or sixty families, with 
llie following Inisiness places, to wit: one general 
store, one grocery, one millinery shop, one hotel, two 
wagon shops, two blacksmith shojis, two shoe shops, 
one cooper shop, and oiw tile vard. 



238 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 




Mr, Samuel S, Newcomb. 
the newcombs (jf bronson. 

The present representatives of the Newcomb fam- 
ily in Bronson are descendants of Benjamin and 
Stata Newcomb, who settled in tliat township in 
1811. It is not definitely known where Benjamin 
Newcomb was born, as the old records of the family 
have been destroyed, but it is probable that his birth 
took place in 1786, as the fact of his baptism in that 
year is mentioned in the genealogy of the family. 
Benjamin Newcomb came originally from Durham, 
Connecticut, removed from there to Pennsylvania, 
thence to Trumbull county, Ohio, and from there to 
Bronson, as above stated, or rather at first to Nor- 
walk, just north of the township line. He had an 
experience of pioneer life that was seldom equaled 
upon the Fire-lands.* He was one of that small, 
brave band of settlers who endured, from 1812 to the 
close of the war in ISl-t, many i>f the severest priva- 
tions, suffered from the constant appreliension of a 
visit fi'om tlie hostile Indians, and several times was 
actually obliged to seek safety in the block house iit 
Mansfii'ld. When the war was concluded, he had but 
a short time to enjoy the condition of peace and 
security which the people in the scattered settlements 
enjoyed. Only two years afterthe cessation of hos- 
tilities and the return of the settlers to their homes, 
Mr* Newcomb met with a violent death while return- 
iui;' from Tru.Kville (now fJanges). He was killed 
almost instantly by tlie kick of a horse. His widow 
di(Ml in Manstield in ISln. 



•^As the events of liis life in Bronson during and after the war are 
fully sjtoken of elsewhere, it is unnecessary to enter into (ietftil here. 




MRS, Elizabeth Newcomb. 

Benjamin and Stata Newcomb were the parents 
of four children — Samuel Sterling. Clark, Mary 
and Timothy Jabez, the eldest of whom was more 
prominently identified with the progress and growth 
of Bronson than any of tlie others. Upon the death 
of his father the family were scattered, the children 
being compelled by necessity to separate, and Samuel 
was bound out to a farmer in Trumbull county, who 
treated him in a most shamefully cruel manner, until 
he was released, from what was really a condition of 
slavery, through the interference of relatives and 
friends. He afterwards worked in various places 
through Northern Ohio, and finally returned to 
Bronson, where he continued his industrious habits 
of labor, and eventually, tlirough the close saving of 
his hard earned wages, was alile to buy a farm. This 
was the piece, consisting of one hundred acres, upon 
which his son lives. His life was an almost ceasless 
grind of labor. He cleared up ins farm with no other 
assistance tlian tliat which his son gave him. wlien 
old enough, and alisolutely wrung a living from the 
soil that it took the greatest of efforts to bring into a 
state of cultivation. Tiiougli he was a man of !)ut 
little education, in tlie common acceptance of the 
term, he actjuired, through observation, experience, 
reading and reflection, a good knowledge of men and 
atfairs in tlie world ;it large. His was a character 
more truly worthy of admiratijon and emulation 
than most of tiiose made famous by so-called great 
deeds. He was simple, manly, strong, honest, indus- 
trious — a good man, true to himself, and one wlio 
fulfilled, patiently and willingly, his liumble destinv. 
He was born September !l, 180T. and passed to his 






# I -/t 



.--«?■• 





HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•^39 



rewaixl after the allotted three scoro years and ten, 
— a hu.sy. useful life, Decemlier I'-!. 18T<i. 

The sharer of his life and laljor, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Shubael and Betf^ey Xewnian, he married when 
in his twenty-seventh year, September 11, 1834. They 
had two children: Samuel Benjamin, born October 
23, 1835. and Mary Elizabeth, born April 53, 1838. 

Samiiel Benjamin Xewcomb lives upon the old 
homestead. lie married Margaret, daughter of John 
and Agnes Kennedy, of Bronson. Mary Elizabeth 
Newcomb, also resident in Bronson, married William 
Kennedy, a brother of her brother's wife, and is now 
a widow, her husband having Ijeen killed by the 
bursting of a boiler several years since. 



DAVID CONGER 



was born in the township of Bern, Albany county, 
New York, August 38, ITOO, and was the fifth child 
in a family of twelve (six sons and six daughters), of 
Reuben and Lydia Conger, — the former born in New 
Jersey, and both of New England origin. Our sub- 
ject, the only surviving member of this once large 
family, when fourteen years of age, removed from 
Bern, Albany county, to the township of Semphronius, 
Cayuga county. New York, where he remained till 
June, 1819, when he removed to Bronson, Huron 
county, Ohio, and settled -on a piece of land (the old 
homestead) purcliased previously by his father, con- 
sisting of fifty-three acres, and began the life of a 
pioneer, the Fire-lands being mainly an unbroken 
wilderness. Here he cut the first tree, and erected a 
rude log cabin, about fifty feet to the rear of the 
l)resent residence of his son, Edward Conger. He 
was married, Decendjer 'iath, 1814, to Sarah Parker, 
daughter of George and Phebe Parker, of Semphro- 
nius, Cayuga county. New York. By this union were 
Ijorn four children, viz: Catharine, George R., Ed- 
ward and iH'lilah, all living, except George, who died 
Februai\ 15. 1856, aged thirty-five years, three months 
and one day. Mrs. Conger, wife of David, died 
March i, 18T5, aged seventy-nine years, eleven months 
and one day. 

Mr. Conger, whose portrait, at the age of eighty- 
nine years, ap[>ears, in connection with other mem- 
bers of the family, upon another page of this volume, 
is a man who has ever enjoyed the confidence and 
esteem of the people of Huron county, and one whose 
name will Ije long remembered as a hardy pioneer of 
the Fire-lands. 

Edward Conger, the third child of David Conger, 
succeeds his father in his agricultural pursuits, and 
is well known as a prominent farmer of Huron county. 
At the age of twenty-four years he was united in mar- 
riage to Betsey Pilgrim, daughter of Francis and 
Ornha Pilgrim, of Bronson township, whose portraits 
appear in connection with those of the father and 
mother. 



LEISTER SMITH 

Was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, Novembers?, 
1814. His parents. Erastus and Fanny (Spencer) 
Smith, were from Connecticut. Some interesting re- 
miniscences of the Smiths and Spencers, and of their 
early settlement in Ohio, are recorded in the history 
of Greenfield township, to which the reader is referred, 
Mr. Smith was married to Mary A. Hamilton, De- 
cember 31, 1847. They have four children: Willey 
H., Julia E., Edward B. and MaryG.. allot whom are 
living. 

Mr. Smith commenced his Ijusincss life as a tiller 
of the soil, following the oceujiation of his father, 
on the portion of the paternal estate which fell to 
his share. Here he remained until 18(i5, when ho 
sold out and bought a farm in Peru township. 
This he exchanged in 18<i8 for another farm, 
which he still occupies. Having been enal)led, 
by patient and honest industry, to procure for him- 
self and family a comfortable living, he rightly 
regards this as a satisfactory success in life. Not be- 
ing of an eager, or grasping disposition, he has not 
aimed to be rich, but has contented himself with the 
calm enjoyment of life as it passes, considering the 
golden mean, "neither jjoverty nor riches,"' for which 
Agur })rayed, as a greater l)lessing than the cares of 
wealth. Recognizing the hand of Divine Providence, 
in the almost constant ijestowment of health and hap- 
piness upon himsulf and family, and especially in the 
exemption of his family circle thus far from invasion 
by the fell destroyer, he has always acknowledged 
the debt of gratitude and sought to repay it by 
contributing, according to his means, to the sup- 
port of the christian religion and for all charitable 
purposes. 

Early in life he was taught to believe in the exist- 
ence of God, and in the general doctrines held l)y the 
Presbyternm Church ; but not being able conscien- 
tiously to accept all its principles, he did not identify 
himself with any church till the year 1873, when, with 
his wife, and oldest son and daughtei', he found what 
has proved to them a congenial ecclesiastic il home in 
the First Universalist Church of Peru. 

His first vote was east for Harrison, in 184o, ;ind 
since the formation of the reinililican party he has 
always acted with it, and voted for its candidates. He 
has never asi)ii-ed to any public office, but. at the so- 
licitation of his fellow citizens, he has accei)ted a few 
of the minor enes, whose duties he has never failed 
to jierform in such a manner as to secure the cordial 
approval of his constituents. 

Having now entered upon that period of life in 
which men, whether willing or unwilling, must ac- 
custom themselves to the not always welcome a])i)ella- 
tion of old nge, Mr. Smith has the enviable satis- 
faction of looking back, ui)on his past life, with the 
consciousness that he has always been honored and 
trusted by his fellow men, and with the comfortable 
assurance that it will be so to the end. 



240 



IIISTOTIY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



NORMAN S. HAKES 

was born in the town of Nassau, Rennsselaer county, 
New York, July 5. 1818, and was the second son of 
Samuel A. Hakes and Hannah Victory. The father 
was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and also his 
ancestors, some of whom were of Revolutionary fame, 
the grandfather having served three years in the 
struggle for liberty. The mother was born on the 
siune farm where our subject was, in Nassau. Mr. 
Hakes removed from Nassau to Bronson, Ohio, in the 
spring of 1840, and began work as a carpenter and 
joiner, which business he followed for twenty years, 
in the fall of 1840, Mr. Hakes returned to Rochester, 
New York, and was united in marriage to Adelia M., 
daughter of Oshea G-. Fox and Theresa M. Tucker. 
Mr. Fox and wife were natives of Rennsselaer county, 
New York, of New England ancestry, their parents 
being natives of New Hampshire. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Hakes were born five children, two daughters and 



three sons, all of whom are living, and married, viz.: 
Annette, wife of Oscar Burras : James H., residing 
in Bronson : Martha L., wife of Freeborn Kellogg, 
residing in Chicago ; Norman Millie, at home, and 
Samuel Albert, living in Bronson. Mr. Hakes has 
been identified with the farming interests for some 
thirty-seven years, having invested the money earned, 
while working at his trade, in real estate, and he now 
owns two highly improved farms in the southern 
portion of Bronson, consisting of over two hundred 
acres. A cut of his home, and portraits of himself 
and wife, appear on another page of this work. Mr. 
Hakes is regarded as one of the most enterprising 
farmers of Bronson, and is one of the self-made men 
of the country. In politics, Mr. Hakes is an out and 
out republican, ever having been a faithful exponent 
of the principles of his party. Although not a mem- 
ber of any cluirch organization, he is, in principle, a 
Baptist, and contributes liberally to the interests of 
church and schools. 




Mr, Timothy Lawrence. 




Irs. Timothy Lawrence. 



TIMOTHY LAWRENCE. 

was born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, March 16, 
1800; was the fourth child and second son of Samuel 
and Hannah Lawrence, who were also of New Eng- 
land birth. When Timothy was four years old he 
removed with his parents to Cayuga county New 
York, where he lived until 1834, ami then removed 
to Huron county, Oliio, in the town of Bronson, 
where he now lives. 

Mr. Lawrence was married to Miss Calista Todd, 
27th of February, 1831, who was also of New Eng- 
land parentage. She (Mrs. Lawrence) was horn in 
Lansing. Tonyjkins enuiity. New York. To this 



couple have been born two children, Josiah and Delia, 
both living and married. Josiah has three children. 
Delia married E. T. Curtis, of Michigan. They have 
one child. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence early united with the Con- 
gregntioual Church, of which body they are still 
members, and under the government of the Presby- 
tery. Mr. Lawrence was first a whig, and at the 
organization of the republican party he identified 
liimself with the same. Mr. Lawrence is now seventy- 
nine years of age, and remarkably wtdl ])reserved. 
Mrs. Lawrence is sixty-seven years, and enjoys ex- 
cellent health. 



/• 



'^ 





\ \ ^. 




Wm G Mead. 




RESIDENCE of W.G.MEAD, Bronson Tp, Huron Co.. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



241 



GEORGE LAWRENCE 

w;is ])orii ill Genoa, Cayuga county, New York, March 
1. ISo.i, and was the sixth child in a family of nine 
children of Samuel and Hannah Lawrence, both of 
whom were natives of Connecticut. Samuel's father's 
name was Timothy, of New England birth, and 
English ancestry, (being a descendant of John Law- 
rence, born in England) and of the third or fourth 
generation. Solomon Diblde, of French extraction, 
was the grandfather of <Kir subject on the maternal 
side. Mr. Lawrence settled in Huron county, Ohio, 




~^^^^?> 



on the farm where he now resides, in the year 1831, 
— coining l)y way of wagon to Montezuma, to Buffalo 
by the Erie canal, and to Sandusky by Lake Erie. 
He purchased, in all, some one hundred and forty 
acres, began clearing and improving, and has become 
one of the substantial fanners of Huron county. 
Was married January 23, 1831, to Rhodema Smith, 
daughter of Lockwood and Fanny Smith, of Genoa, 
New York. By this union were born four children, 
viz: Minor, Alonzo E., George A., and Alice Eliza- 
beth, all of whom are living. All are married, and 
residing in the vicinity of their early home, — the 
eldest having ciiarge of the old homestead and farm. 
.Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are both members of the 
First Presbyterian Church of Peru and vicinity, hav- 
ing joined that body in l>^3i. Mr. Lawrence was ap- 
pointed deacon in 1834, and ha.s held the otRce suc- 
cessively until the present lime. In politics, Mr. 
Lawrence is a republican, ever luiviiig been a faithful 
exponent of its priiici|)les. He cast his first presi- 
<lential vote for John Quincy Adams. Mr. Lawrence 
i- now seventy-four years of age, and ipiite well pre- 
xrved for one who has met with the struggles of a 
pioneer life. 

31 



JOHN BUFFINGTON. 

Mr. Buffin£rton was born in Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, May 20, 1813. When twenty-three 
years of age he came to Ohio, stopping in Richland 
county four months, thence proceeding to Milan, 
Erie county, where he engaged in his chosen occujia- 
tion — that of wagon-maker. He resided at Milan 
seven years, when he removed to the township of 
Fitchville, Huron county, fixing his residence at the 
village of Clinton. There he married, in June, 184-.5. 
Miss Abbie J. Belding, daughter of Benjamin and 
Jane Belding, of Greenwich, this county. She Avas 
born January 24, 1818. He continued to reside in 
Fitchville until the spring of 18.54, when he pur- 
chased and settled at Olena, in Bronson, where he 
has since resided. Esquire Buffington has held the 
office of justice of the peace, continuously, since 1845, 
with exception of the first four years of his residence 
in Bronson, a period of thirty years. We doubt if 
any other justice in the county can show such a term 
of service. It has been his practice, as a general 
thing, to advise the settlement of suits, and through 
his counsel, the cause of difference between parties 
litigant, have frequently been amicably adjusted. 
This course greatly commends itself to the better 
class of citizens. 

Mrs. Buflington is a woman of characteristic amia- 
bility and an efficient member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church of Olena. Mr. and Mrs. Buffing- 
ton have three children, as follows: Ann, born No- 
vember 27, 1847, married Ransom Walcott and now 
resides in Barry county, Michigan; Jennie, liurn 
March 11, 1840, residing at home with her parents; 
John E., born August 19. 18.50, married Ella Burras, 
and occupies the farm with his father. 



W. G. MEAD. 

son of Alfred Mead and Betsey Barger, and grandson 
of Jonathan Mead, of Scotch ancestry, was born Sep- 
tember 3, 1808, in the town of Genoa, Cayuga county. 
New Y'ork. Mr. Mead remained with his father 
until twenty-three years of age. When twenty-one 
years of age he began with David Tucker, of Genoa. 
New York, as a carpenter and joiner, .serving some 
two years for instruction, which business he followed 
for twenty-one years successfully, paying for and 
clearing a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres 
with the earnings of his trade. In 1833, June 4, he 
arrived at Norwalk, Ohio, and immediately located 
lands in the town of Bronson, five miles south of the 
county seat of Huron county, and subsequently pur- 
chased lands amounting in all to two hundred and 
five acres, of which he is the present owner. Mr. 
Mead is truly a pioneer, having cut his own road 
through the woods for one mile to get to his farm. 
He is generally acknowledged to have been one of the 
hardiest men of the country, and lias done as much 



242 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



manual labor in the clearing and improving of lands 
as any man in Huron county; is of strong physique, 
and, at present writing, managing and working one 
of the finest farms of tiie county in which he lives. 
In the fall of 1841, Mr. Mead was elected, justice of 
the peace, aud has served in said capacity twenty-one 
years. During the first ten or twelve years of western 
life our subject devoted much of his time to deer 
hunting, and was widely known as a lucky sportsman 
with the rifle. Mr. Mead is strictly a temperance 
man, having used neither tea nor coffee for thirty- 
seven years. In the year 1828, April 27, he was 
united in marriage to Hannah, daughter of Newman 
Smith, of Genoa, New York. By this union were 



boi-n two children: Betsey Ann, died at the age of 
twenty-two: and Alfred N.. born March 21. 18-11, at 
present lumber merchant in the city of Cleveland. In 
politics he is a prohibitionist and an earnest supporter 
of the jirinciples of his Jiarty, although formerly a 
republican, and during the war was one of the com- 
mittee with James Knapp to raise money and procure 
men to avoid a draft in the town of Bronson, which 
was carried to a successful and satisfactory ending. 
Mr. Mead has the premium farm of the county, 
having been awarded the only prize granted, upon an 
e.xamination of several farms by a committee chosen 
for that purpose, — a cut of his residence and buildings 
appearing upon another page of this work. 



TOWNSEND, 



OKKilXAL OWXEKS. 

For an explanation of the following table, see 
Wakenian history: 

TOWXSEN'D, TOWN XIJIHER FOUR, IX THE TWEXTY- 
FIRST RAXGE. 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Oriifinal Grantees. 



Amos IMorriss 

Benjamin Partly 
John Townsend i'i 

I'itrlits) 
Hannah Russell 
Lewis Foi-bes 



Am^t Loss. 
£ s. d. 



Classified br/. 

Kneeland Town- 
send 



Am^t classed 



1,235 
06 

W 
17 
4 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1,344 



15 
9 

14 
17 
11 



Classification No. S, Section 8. 



Ch-igiii(il (rt-antees. Am't Loss. 



Ezekiel Hayes 

Isaac Townsend 
John Closs 
Nathaniel Mis 
Ebenezer Townsend 
Moses Venters 
Jac<ili and Elijah 

Pardy 
Marv and Lydia 

Panly 
Mary Pardy 
James Prescott 
Jedediah Andrews 
Jonathan Brigden, 

or Bi-iglin 
Jesse Upsnn 
John Beecher 
Jonathan Edwards, 

Rev. 
John Beecher. Jr. 
Wm. Bi-entnail 
Samuel JIunson 
James Ailing 
Ann Platt 
Aljraliam Barnes 
Abel Banitt 
Stephen Austin 
Francis Brown 
Samuel (lills 
Natlian Beers 
John Trowbridge 
Elijah Hills 
Ji>hn Robinson 
Thankful Thompson a'J 
Israel Jlonson 
John Wise •■Jl 

Sanuiet Austin 
Nathan Howel 
Benjamin Sanford 
Levi Fobes 
Stephen Ball 



Classijied by. 

Kneeland Town- 
send 



Am't Classed. 
£ s. d. 



16 



15 



11 
3 
10 

y 

31 

402 

40 

134 

26 

9 

3 

47 
25 

57 
23 
10 
41 
12 
10 

3 
27 
12 
12 
58 
13 
17 

9 
26 
13 
87 
10 
09 
10 
.32 

1 



17 
16 


13 

5 



6 
10 







Classification No. 3, Section 3. 
Oriyinal Grantees. Ani''t Loss Classijied by. 



S 4 

14 
3 

II 7 

15 
18 
17 



15 
9 
14 
17 


n 

10 
18 
12 
16 
4 

13 
I 
16 
6 
6 
13 
13 
8 
5 



4 
10 

2 
10 

6 

3 



6 

6 

9 

3 



8 



2 

1 







ll^ 




d. 



Ebenezer Sturges 

Hezekiah Sturges 
Abigail Whittier 
Samuel Rowland 476 
Grace Spalding 
Daniel Osborne 
Hezekiah Parmelee . . 
Jonathan Fitch 
Samuel Coudy 
Benjamin Browu 
Samuel C'hatterton 
Stephen Brown 19 

Solomon Phipps 
Buckminster Brent- 

nail 
Wm. Greenough 
Jabez Johnson 
Mary Kimberley 
Jonah Mix 
Nathan Oaks 
Elijah Painter 
Sarah Pomeroy 
James Rice 
Addonijah Sherman 29 
James Sherman 
Wm. Ally 

Joseph Trowbridge 
Nehemiah Smith 
Stephen Ball 
Hannah Howe 
Sarah Howe 
Daniel Osborne 
Andrew Rowland 1,568 15 
Abiah Ailing 13 13 



Kneeland Town- 
send 



Ain't classed. 
£ s rf. 



89 
59 
111 
238 
10 
135 
109 
170 
51 
30 
33 
10 
43 



4 
3 
13 
5 

5 
5 
3 
4 
1 
13 
12 
10 



3 

11 

3!^ 



27 


14 


li 


13 


19 


4 


IS 


111 


I) 


15 


19 





19 


16 


4 


14 








27 


16 





64 


9 


2 


29 


15 





7 


1 





9 


4 


6 


36 





6 



16 



51 7 10 

15 14 10 

7 4 

2 

6 

8 

II II 

19 

16 S 

18 11 

4 9 

4 
1 II 
1 5 

5 11 



10 

8 
10 

15 
29 
16 

2 

10 
5 
17 



11 

7 



3 6 

14 7 1 

13 

12 10 8 

2 7 11 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1.314 
Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Footing of Classification No. S, £1,344 



Original Grantees. 

Esther Mansfield 

Joseph Bradley 

Phineas Bradley 
Charles Chauucey 
Jeremiah .\twater 
Hezekiah Gorham 
Simeon Joulin 



Amazia ■ Joulin 
Caleb Hotchkiss 
Jonah Hotchkiss 
David Atw-ater 
Timothy Atwater 
Gad Luke 
David Gilbert 
Timothy Gilbert 
Timothy Gorham 
Joseph Muusou 
Abigail Putter 
Tilly Blakesley 
James Rice 
Sarah Pomeroy 27 

James Gillett 
Joel Gilbert 
Naphtali Iiuggett, Dr.. 
Timothv B-jiiticon 
Willard" Brentnall 36 
Stephen Ball 36 

James Slierman 7 



Am't Loss. 
£ s. d. 



64 



Classified by. 

Kneeland Town- 
send 

Samuel and Abijah 
Hull 



Kneeland Jown 
send 



.4»i 
£ 

299 

403 

19 

47 
2-27 

21 

10 
25 

9 
19 

3 

8 
27 

8 

3 
111 
10 
85 
13 
34 
11 



32 
13 
20 
17 
3 



7 rlo! 



9 
13 
15 
11 

5 

15 
111 

6 
12 



10 
19 
4 
9 
17 
12 
10 



11 
2 

4 







sed, 
d. 



6 
3 
6 
•> 

3 

4 
6 
3H 

6 
3 



Footing of Classificotion No. 4, £1,344 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•>43 



TOPOnitAI'HY. 

The surface of tlie towiisliii) i.s <;eiierally level with 
-liL'ht unilulations in the second ami third sections. 
The soil is a clay loam, with a mixture of saml in the 
northern anil northwestern jiortions. The .streams 
are small, the larg-e.st being Rattlesnake creek, a trib- 
utary of the Huron, flowing tln'ough the west part of 
the townshi[). The name originated from the large 
number of rattlesnakes that were formerly found 
along the stream. There are two other branches of 
the Huron in the western i)art, and Im Chapelle, a 
tributary of the Vermillion, in the eastern jiart. The 
stream is said to have derived its name from a French- 
man who discovered it, and explored it to its source. 

Townsend was originally clothed with a magnificent 
growth of timber, the principal varieties of which 
were wliite oak, whitewood, ash, hickory, black wal- 
nut, liutrernut, l}eccli and maple. The manufacture 
of white oak staves was an import mt industry of this 
township for many years. 'L'he staves were usually 
marketed at Milan, and so extensive was the business 
that the [jroduct was known there as •• Townsend 
wheat." 

The following estimate of the value of the primi- 
tive forests of this township, is made liy gcntletnen 
of experience and reliability: 

Lumber— 15.000 feet per acre, (16,000 acres)=-340,000 feet. 
Wood— 100 cords per acre, •' •' =1,600,000 cords. 

i40.(.«0 feet of lumber, al S16. DO per 1000 *3,84U,000 

I.iJOO.OiW cords wood, at Sl.OO per cord 1,600,000 

Total S5,44O,00O 

One of the gentlemen al>ove referred to cut from a 
single tree on his own laud: 

5,000 teet of lumber, which he sold for 575 00 

3,000 staves, which he sold for 60 00 

20 cords wood, which he sold for 20 00 

Total 155 00 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The earliest settlements in the township were made 
in the north part, in section number three, and 
(ieorge Miller is generally accorded the honor of 
being the first settler. He remove<l with his family 
from Pennsylvania to Milan, (then called Avery,) 
Erie county, Ohio, in 1800, and remained there 
until ISll, when he came to Townsend, and took 
n\i his abode on lot number five. His log cabin 
was the first habitation for the abode of civilized 
people in the township. Mr. Miller was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and was born in 170"). He married 
-Mary Burdue, of the same State, and had a family of 
four children, all now dead. He died on his original 
location, February 7, IS'^S, and his wife, April IT, 
1840, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. 

Soon after Miller, came William Burdue and family. 
Burdue was also a native of Pennsylvania, and was 
Ijorn November '^^ti, 178-^. March 28, 1809, he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Blazer, who was born September 20, 
17'.n. In 1810 lie removed with his familv, consisting 



of wife ami one child, to ihc vicinity of Milan, then 
called Indian \'illage, but remained there only one 
year, when he moved into Town.send, making his 
location on lot number four, in section three. He 
died on this place, October \>'.]. IS'-U. and his wife, 
March 20, 1808. They raised a family of .seven 
children, four having died when young. Six are now 
(February, 1870,) living, as follows: Nathaniel, in 
Norwalk ; Cieorge and W. W., in Townsend ; John, 
in Kansas ; Isaac, in Fulton county, Ohio, and Ben- 
jamin, in Indiana. George Burdue, who occupies 
the old liomestead, was born during the residence of 
his parents near Milan. Fel)ruary 10,1811. November 
20, 183s, he married Susan Hill, of Delaware count v. 
New York. They have two children, viz.: M. W. 
Burdue. who occupies the original log house built by 
his grandfather, in 1811, and Mrs. Thomas Riggs, 
who is also a resident of this township. 

Soon after their settlement, the family made the 
ac(piaintance of an old Indian in the vicinity, and 
who, subsetpiently, by reason of the many favors 
shown him by them, esjiecially by .Mis. Burdue, a 
woman of much excellence of character, became 
warmly attached to their. Burdue, iiaving lost a sjian 
of horses and a colt on one occiision, was asked by the 
Indian to show him their tracks. He was taken into 
the woods, where the horses had recently been, and 
where their tracks were found. Tiiese tlu> Indian 
carefully measured, with his hand, and then went 
off. He returned in a few days, and informed Burdue 
that he had found tracks answering to the description, 
directing him to the place where he had seen them. 
Burdue traveled a long distance to the south, until 
he arrived at an Indian camp. He saw his horses 
there, but did not make the object of his visit known. 
He learned, however, before returning, that the 
Indians would, in a few days, go to Huron— their 
usual trading place. They passed by his house in a 
few days, as expected, and Burdue followed them. ( »n 
arriving at Huron he found the horses, and demanded 
their surrender, but the Indians refused to give them 
up unless compen.sated,— the terms being a small 
quantity of corn and whisky. These were ])romi)tly 
furnished, and the horses recovered. 

The old Indian, above referred to, gave other evi- 
dences of his friendship for the family, tiie most im- 
portant of which was the information, shortly after 
Hull's surrender, that the Indians were preparing to 
massacre the settlers, and advising the fjimily to seek 
a place of safety. He enjoined secrecy as to the 
source of their information, as, he said, if it were 
known he would suffer death. He then went awav. 
and was never again seen in these parts. The family 
immediately left for Pennsylvania,, where thev re- 
mained until 1810. when they returned to their home. 
Before leaving, they hid some of their household 
furniture under the |iunclicon llmir of their log cabin. 
These they .found, on their return, undisturbed, 
although the cabin itself had been occupied by (he 
savages. 



2U 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The Miller family also weut to Pennsylvania at the 
same time, and remained there until 1817. ' 

Orisimus Kellogg and family, consisting of wife and 
six children, emigrated from Batavia. Genesee county, 
New York, to the Fire-lands, in June, 1811. They 
were about four weeks on tlie journey, arriving in 
Towusend on the fifth of July. There were, at the 
time of their arrival, only two families — those of 
George Miller and William Burdue — in the township. 
The family lived with the latter until Mr. Kellogg 
could roll up his cabin on lot number one, the north- 
west corner lot in the townsiiip. He was Mr. Towu- 
send's agent for the sale of his land, and received 
from him, gratis, one hundred acres, as a compensa- 
tion for leaving the comforts of his eastern home and 
settling in the wilds of Townseud. The log cabin, 
when first occupied by the family, was, indeed, a 
primitive liabitation for the abode of civilized people. 
It was ab:nit twenty feet s(|uare. and was without a 
door, window or chimney, and the puncheon floor 
only half laid. 

Mrs. Caroline Fay, a member of the family, gives 
the following account of their flight on hearing of 
Hull's surrender: "The sad news was announced at 
my father's dwelling at the hour of midnight of the 
Sth of July. The elder members of our family arose 
and set themselves to work immediately, making 
preparations to flee for their lives. At ten o'clock in 
the morning we were all ready and commenced our 
flight from the savage foe which we imagined was in 
close pursuit. We directed our course for Cuyahoga, 
Portage county. It had been raining quite hard all 
of the previous night. After traveling four or five 
miles we fell in company with four families of our 
acfiuaintance. We got twelve miles on our journey 
by dark, and pitched our tents and partook of our 
evening meal, and were obliged to spread our beds on 
the wet ground, and in the morning they were nearly 
covered with water caused by the rain that had fallen 
during the night. There we were, in an unbroken 
wilderness, and an unfrequented road of seventy-five 
miles to our place of destination. We were obliged 
to ford all the streams that lay in our path or to stop 
and cut trees and bridge those that were flooded by 
the recent rain. We were on our journey eight days 
and seven nights without seeing so much as a log 
cabin, expecting every night when we lay down to 
rest to be tomahawked and scalped before morning 
by the Indians. Many of the youth of our company 
were so much fatigued by ti-avel that they could not 
stand alone when they first rose in the morning. One 
night we camped near a sugar camp where some one 
had made sugar the previous spring, and spread our 
beds on some bark that was lying on the ground. To 
my astonishment, when I arose in the morning, I saw 
n blacksnake peeping out his head from under the bed 
that I had rested upon. On removing tlie bed the 
men killed seven large snakes. 

"There was only one mill on the Fire-lands at that 
time, and that was situated at the head of Cold creek. 



It ground grain without bolting. Fortunately my 
father had returned from there the day but one before 
we heard of Hull's surrender, with nine or ten bushels 
of wheat grouml. Tlie next day we sifted the whole 
of it through a common hand scive. The flour of 
that grain was nearly all that the whole of the five 
families had to subsist upon during the journey. We 
numbered nearly thirty, — children and all. We re- 
mained at Cuyahoga aliont six weeks, and then re- 
moved to Painesville, where we remained until Octo- 
ber, 1813, and then returned to our former residence. 
We found our house, and the furniture that we buried 
before we left, in as good condition as could be ex- 
pected." 

Bryant Milliman and family, from Livingston 
county. New York, moved into the township in the 
spring of 1816. and settled on lot number twenty- 
three, in section three. His was the fourth family 
that settled in tlie town. A son. iVmherst Milliman. 
aged seventy-three, now occupies the old homestead. 
The first settlements in the western part of Town- 
send, were made by Jasper Miles, Benjamin Bailey, 
and Hezekiah Barber and their families, in February, 
181T. These families were from Penfiekl. t)ntario 
county, New York. Miles settled on lot number 
ninety-six, in section four. He brought with him 
from New York about one thousand dollars in money, 
but instead of paying for his land he bought it on 
time and used his money in making improvements, 
being encouraged to do so by Kueeland Towusend, of 
whom he made the j)urchase. and who promised 
leniency in case of failure to ]>ay at the time stipu- 
lated. The family endured many liardships, toiled 
hard, and had the farm in a fair condition of imin-ove- 
mcnt when tlie notes for its purchase became due. 
Townseud demanded payment according to the bond, 
in default of which the family was ejected, losing 
not only the money invested, but the results of many 
years of hardship and toil. The family moved to 
Milan wiiere they lived about eight years, and then 
to Berlin, where they secured a home and afterwards 
resided. Mr. Miles died there in 1819, Mrs. Miles 
surviving him many years. They were an intelligent 
family and highly respected. During their residence 
in Townseud, Mrs. Miles, who bad learned the tailor's 
trade, assisted in keeping "the wolf from the door" 
by making buckskin pants for the men, taking her 
pay in any thing that was of use to the family. But 
provisions were so scarce and high that it required 
days of hard labor to pay for even a little salt. A 
load having been brought to Milan in 1818. Mrs. 
Miles weut there after some, and brought home a 
peck, for which she paid one dollar and twenty-five 
cents in cash. 

Hezekiah Barber settled on lot niimber seventy- 
three in the third section, and Benjamin Bailey in tiie 
fourth section on lot ninety-five. Bailey sulisequently 
removed to Berlin. 

Soon after the above families arrived, the families 
of Amaziah Barl)er, Aliijah Barlter, Augustus Bar- 



I 



[ 




^ \ 




MARTIN DENMAN. 



MRS. SALLY ANN DENMAN. 



MARTIN DENMAN, 



the subject of this sketch, was born in Neversink, Sullivan Co., N, T., 
April 16, 1806, and was the seventh child of "William Denman and 
Ann (Borcman) Denman. His parents were natives of Kent Co., 
England, and were married in Iladcom, in said county, June 24, 
1790. 

Martin Denman married Sally Ann Washburn, in Wawarsing, 
Ulster Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1830, In 1833 he inimignited with his 
family to this county, and purchased over four hundred acres of 
land in the township of Townsend, one hundred and fifty acres of 
which are still owned by the family. The only improvements on the 
land originally purchased by him was a clearing of five acres and 
five acres of slashing. 

Ilis remarkable energy and good judgment, as well as his sterling 
courage, will appear when it is kuown that his health was never firm, 
having inherited a pulmonic trouble; but feeble as was his health, 
stimulated by the very diflBculties to be overcome, in the shape of a 
frowning forest, and especially the wants of a growing family, he 
pressed vigorously forward, conquered the forest, and carved there- 
from a beautiful home and a handsome competence for his family. 
His life shows what industry, economy, integrity, and determination 
will accomplish. 

His education was limited to such as the common schools of his 
native county could furnish. He made a profession of religion in 
early life, and was a prominent and active member of the Methodist 
Church until his death. 

In politics he acted with the Kepublican jtarty, but cast the second 
Abolition vote ever deposited in this township. So bitter was the 
ffoling against him, on account of this pructieal application of Chris- 
tianity, that his neighbors refused to hold his horse — who would not 
suffer himself to bo tied — while he deposited his ballot. He was 
obliged to find a sbible where ho could secure his fastidious animal, 
when, with that courage and determination wiiicii characterized his 
life, he went fearlessly forward in the discharge of duty, and that, 
too, when men of leas courage and less principle would have suc- 
cumbed to prejudice and popular opinion. 

What his hands found to do ho did with all his might. This 
quality, an well as his patriotism, wa.-^, perhaps, never more apparent 
than during the late war, when active, clcnr-hcadvii, large-hcarfed 
men were needed to collect hospital supplies and clear the township 



of draft, and thereby save the few remaining young and able-bodied 
men to plant for future harvests. Here his real worth was apparent. 
He was untiring in his devotion to his country, and unflagging in 
his energies to provide for the wants of those who took their lives in 
their hands, and went forth to do battle for the maintenance of con- 
stitutional liberty and human rights. 

On the 23d day of January, 1872, from an attack of typhoid pneu- 
monia, having, we may truly say, fought his good fight and finished 
his course, death came to bring the new birtJi. 

We cannot speak of the end of such a life, when those who knew 
him best, and were nearest to him in his earth-life, still live in the 
echoes of that life, making an immortality in whoso glory they stand. 

Mrs. Sally Ann Denman was tlie tenth and youngest child of 
James Washburn and Judith Griffin. The family consisted of seven 
girls and three boys. Of this largo family but two are living, the 
subject of this sketch and one sister, Mrs. Golden, now living in 
New London, Ohio. 

Her brother, Joseph Washburn, was one of the earliest settlors of 
Fitchville township, and is said to have donated the lands for the 
church buildings of that place. 

Mrs. Denman's parents were Quakers, but at quite an early age 
she united with the Methodist Church, and has over since been a 
member of that body. 

Too much can hardly be said for the mother, who^ in addition to 
the task of rearing a family, could courageously meet the trials inci- 
dent to, and inseparable from, a pioneer life in a new country. 

Having turned her back on the scenes of her childhood, with its 
pleasant memories and luring charms, with Christian fortitude and 
unfaltering faith in (Jod, she went hand in hand with him who had 
promised to love and cherish her, meeting her trials with that calm 
resignation so bcfilting a trusting soul. IJy her aid and good man- 
agement, her faithful husbanil was enabled to see the fruiti<m of his 
labors in the acquirement of a compctcnco for the support of those 
who survive him. 

Two daughters and one son were the fruit of this marringo : Julia 
Ann, married Philip Hawxhurst, May 4, 185-1, and settled in I'itch- 
ville, this county ; she passed to a higher life, Sept. 1 1, 1867. Harriet, 
married Horace S. Brooks, May 5, 1879, and settled in Huntsvillc, 
Logan Co., Ohio. 



HISTOKY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



24 5 



her and David Lee moved into tlie fourth section near 
tiie Norwalk line. That part of the township took 
tiie name of "the Barber settlement,"' which name it 
has since retained. Tiie Barbers were Baptists of the 
ilnse communion order, and they were very exclusive 
-oeially as well as religiously. In bargaining for 
their land, they endeavored to' secure a pledge from 
Kneelaiid Towusend, the proprietor, that so-called 
■•worldly peopile" be kept from settling in that part 
■ )f the township. There was almost no intercourse 
lirtween them and settlers in other portions of the 
township. The children imbibed the ideas of the 
parents, and kept aloof from other children, and 
cousins intermarried with cousins. A double wedding 
of Barbers once came off, the notice of which was 
published in the Norwalk Reporter, headed "Barber — 
ous times in Townsend." 

Amaziah Barber served in both the French and 
Indian war and the Revolutionaiy war. He also en- 
listed in the war of 1812, but his former .services were 
thought sufficient, and he was sent home. It is said 
tiiat Abijah was the only one of the numlier who suc- 
ceeded in ]>aying for his farm, and he was enabled to 
do so only by the aid of his father, Amaziah Barber, 
who applied his pension to the extinguishment of the 

Ama/.iah Barber died in Townsend in 18iW, at the 
advanced age of ninety-s**- years. 

Aliijah Barber's location was on lot seventy-four in 
section three. He finally removed to Branch county, 
Michigan, where he died. 

David Lee built, on Rattlesnake creek in 1820, the 
tirst saw mill in the township, which he operated for 
several years. He was unsuccessful in paying for his 
land, however, and it reverted to the original owner, 
Lee removing to C'larksfield where he died at an ad- 
vanced age. 

Frederick Perring came into the township in 1818, 
M'ttling in the fourth section. Many years afterward 
he sold and removed to Branch county, Michigan, 
wliere he subsequently died. There are no descend- 
ants of the family now living in Townsend. 

Samuel Sherman came to Townsend from New 
York, without his family, in the spring of 1817, and 
liargaincd for one hundred acres in the Barber settle- 
ment. He then returned east and moved out with 
his family the next year. He lived in this township 
only four years, when he moved to New London. He 
resided in the north part of that township twelve 
3ears, and then settled iu Vermillion. He died there 
ill 1830, aged seventy. Mrs. Sherman survived her 
iiiisband a number of years, and was seventy-seven at 
her death. There were twelve children, nine of 
whom lived to adult age. Three are now living, as 
follows: Samuel, aged eighty-one, on the Medina road 
in Norwalk township; Lemuel, in the village of Nor- 
walk, aged sixty-seven, and Mrs. A. Welch, living 
with her brother Samuel. 

Joseph Waldron, from Ontario county, New York, 
settled in the townshij) of Hartland (then called Can- 



terbury) in the year 1820. He located on the Hecock 
farm on Hartland ridge, and after a residence there 
of three years moved into Townsend, settling on lot 
number one hundred and thirteen, section one. He 
lived here until his death in Se])tember, 18<J5. His 
wife died four years subsei|ueiitly. They had a fam- 
ily of seven children, five of whom are yet living. 
Sanford G. Waldron. the oldest, occupies tiie farm on 
which he located in 183'.), just south of the old home- 
stead. :\Irs. O. II. Vantassel and .Mrs. Franklin 
Shinetlew also live in Townsend. Edmund lives in 
Missouri, and Mrs. Sterling Tenant resides in Berlin 
township. 

Thomas E. Fletcher settled in the south part of 
the township on the Medina road, in 1818 or'li). He 
was a cooper and worked at his trade here. He 
finally sold and moved to Indiana. 

David H. Sutton, at an early date, settled on the 
creek in the west part, but did not remain long. 

Ephraim Munger came in about 1818, and lived in 
the west part of town several years. Also, a fainilv 
by the name of Malonv, about the same time. 

David Goodell was an early settler in the iioi-th 
part, and in diflferent portions of the township, 
Stephen Heath, Henry C. Westfall, Jeremiah Mils- 
paugh, Caleb Knapp, Horatio Thompson, and Joseph 
Purdy. 

The first actual settler in the second section, was 
Johnson Wheeler, who moved from Connecticut in 
January, 182-1. A family by the name of Ellis had 
previously come on to the ground, erected a log 
house near the Wakemaii line, on lot sixty-two, and 
partially cleared two or three acres around the cabin, 
but they had abandoned the premises when Wheeler 
had arrived, and he and his wife, with the permission 
of William Townsend, who owned the land, took up 
their abode in the vacant house. The former occu- 
pants had left a bedstead made of round poles and 
corded with bark, and a rude home-made table, which 
the tenants gladly made use of. In the cleared 
piece, among the logs and brush, had been planted 
corn and beans, which remained unharvested, and 
these also were appropriated by the new occupants. 
Wheeler a short time after contracted with Town- 
send for the lot on which he lived, together with the lot 
(eighty-four) adjoining on the south, agreeing to 
furnish him, in payment for the same, a certain num- 
ber of axes, scythes, hoes and other necessary farming 
implements. In order to the fulfillment of the con- 
tract on Wheeler's part, a triji to Connecticut was 
necessary, which he made in tlie fall of 182.i. As- 
sisted by his brother-in-law, James C. Judsoii, after- 
wards a resident of Florence, he made in Litchfield 
county, Connecticut, during the following winter, 
the articles contracted for, and returned with them 
the nest spring. They were delivered to Townsend 
at Sandusky and proved satisfactory. 

Jlr. Wheeler resided in Townsend about seven 
years, and during that time but one other settler had 
moved into the section on which he lived. That settler 



246 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



was Lewis Middleton. Wheeler moved to Clarksfield 
in the fall of 1830, and located near the mills. His 
energy and public spirit manifested themselves in a 
number of enterprises. In company with his brother 
he carried on, during his residence in Clarksfield, a 
farm, a store, grist mill and saw mill and also built 
and run a distillery for a short time, but these enter- 
prises proved financially unsuccessful. In 1835, he 
sold out and moved to Florence, where he kept a tavern 
and carried on a grind stone factory for several years. 
He lived in Florence until 1846, when he removed to 
Crown Point, Lake county, Indiana. A few years 
later he caught the excitement about gold in Cali- 
fornia and went to that State, but remained only a 
few months, returning to Crown Point, whei-e he 
spent the remainder of his life. He died September 
27, 1870, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. 

The settlers in the Barber settlement were generally 
very poor, and lived in the most primitive manner. 
Mr. Benjamin Benson, writing of their condition, 
says: "Some of the settlers in this part of the town- 
ship, were not very fastidious as to what kind of 
clothing they wore, and some allowed their children 
to be seen in a state of perfect nudity. The writer 
once called at a house in this place for some water, 
when a lad of about twelve years was sent for some. 
All the clothing he had on at the time was what had 
once been the arm-holes of a waist coat, but which 
was of no more service as an article of clotliing than 
if it had been a piece of cotton yarn crossed over his 
shoulders and tied. And it is a fact that some of the 
children were provided with but a single garment — 
that is a shirt or frock of tow cloth for the then cur- 
rent year, unless they were occasionally assisted by 
the charity of others. But the most astonishing part 
of the story is, that this extreme destitution wa not 
the result of vicious habits, or ruinous inebriety, for 
the most of those in this settlement were considered 
as correct in tlieir morals, and it might be said, 
pious. This is no fiction. And if the real condition 
of some of those peoi)lc. at the time alluded to, should 
be related in detail, it would create a doulit as to the 
truthfulness of the narrative." 

Although the first settlers in Townsend were among 
the first in the county, the township was never-the- 
less much more slowly settled than many others. 
The land was difficult to bring undei- subjection, be- 
ing generally wet and very heavily timbered, and the 
township was generally shunned by the earlier emi- 
grants. Many who did take up land, and ran in debt 
f(ir it. were compelled, after years of hard toil and 
privation, to give n\) the struggle, thus losing the 
improvements they had made. When the land was 
once cleared and drained, it was found to be very pro- 
ductive, and in the character of its soil the township 
now ranks among the best in the county. 

Nehemiah Ordway came to the Fire-lands from 
Vermont with his family in the year 1818. His first 
.settlement was on the Comstock place in Norwalk 
township. In 18"24 he settled on lot number one 



hundred and thirty-seven in the first section of Town- 
send. In 18-33 he sold to .James Arnold and ])ur- 
chased and settled near the center of town where 
Harlow House now lives. In 1852 he moved to 
Bowling Green, Wood county, Ohio, where he died 
April 19, 1873, aged nearly eighty-five. He was jl 
twice married, and was the father of ten children, ' 
five of whom are living, and one — Martin — in this 
township. 

Among those who came in at a later date were the 
Arnolds— two brothers, Alfred and James. Alfred 
Arnold, now almost an octogenarian, and in very 
feeble health, came to the Fire-lands when a 1-id of 
thirteen years with Abijah Comstock, arriving from 
Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1810. Comstock 
was then unmarried, but subsequently he married 
and settled in the third section of Norwalk townshi]), 
and young Arnold continued t<j live with the family 
until he attained his majority. 

Not long after their settlement they began to expe- || 
rience annoyances from the Indians. Comstock 
missed a couple of his hogs, which he subseijuetitly 
found in the possession of tw'o Indians, who were 
dressing them near where the seminary in Milan now 
stands. Ho demanded their surrender, but the In- 
dians refused to give them uii. Seeing their rifles 
against a tree a few rods away, Comstock seized them 
and carried them home, with the intent on of keeping 
them until the hogs should be restored or paid for. 
This greatly enraged the Indians, and dire conse- 
quences were feared by those who better understood 
the Indian character than did Comstock. An ad- 
justment of the difficulty, 'however, was agreed upon 
through the mediation of an Indian missionary, the 
Indians promising to husk a piece of corn for Com- 
stock in i)ayment of the hogs, when the rifles were to 
l)e returned. On the day appointed the Indians be- 
gan the fulfillment of their part of the bargain, men, 
women, and children engaging in the w^ork. A few 
hours after, Comstock went out to see how the work 
was iH'ogressing. when he discovered to his amaze- 
ment that instead of putting it in piles the Indians 
dropped the corn as they husked it and then pressed 
it into the wet ground with their feet. Comstock 
was glad to buy them off, which he did. and to return 
their rifles to boot. 

When intelligence of Hull's surrender was received, 
Mr. Comstock returned to Connecticut. He saw that 
he was a special object of the animosity of the Indians 
and believed that his presence would tend to excite 
them to acts of violence. He instructed young Ar- 
nold, in case of threatened danger, to take Mrs. Com- 
stock and baby, then a week old, to Wooster. While 
the boy was in the woods after the cattle, that sanu' 
day, an Indian suddenly accosted him with "How 
Alfred?" It was the Indian Dniick. afterwards exe- 
cuted at Cleveland for murder. The boy had often 
seen him, but never, as now, in his war paint and 
feathers. He in(|uired about Mr. C'omstock. The 
bov said he had goiic to Connecticut. He tlien asked 




Dudley S. Humi-iirey was the eiglitli child of Dudley 
Humphrey and Pully il. Sherman. He was born in Goshen, 
Conn., Nov. 21, 1814. His early life was spent among the 
hills of New Englund. In the winter of 1834-35 he, with 
his brother William, engaged in a lumber speculation which 
resulted in the purcliase of a large number of clocks. To 
dispose of these clocks, the brothers decided that the West 
offered the most inviting and promising field not only for 
the sale of their clocks, but for future enterprises. During 
the year 1835 they came to Ohio and settled in Parma, near 
Cleveland, where they remained about fourteen years. Their 
first venture in the lumber business having proved remunera- 
tive, together with their ruitural fitness for the business, both 
of them having a taste for mechanics, they again embarked 
in the lumber and clock business, built a water, afterward a 
steam, saw-mill in I'arma, and developed a large trade. 

Our subject married JIabel F. Fay, of Parma, Ohio, ilarch 
10, 1847, by whom he had five children: Mina .S., married 
A. D. Scott, of Wakeman, and is iu)w living in Hartland. 
Harlow, Dudley S., David, and Linnie are unmarried and 
live in Townsend. 

The scarcity of timber in Parma induced the brothers to 
come to Townsend, which they did in the year 1849, and pur- 
chased a large tract of land. They built mills and opened 
business on a large scale. During the partnership of the 
brothers the}- built over forty steam and water saw-mills 
through the West. They were the first to introduce and use the 
" Mulay Gang-Saws, " and " Cone Pulley- Feed." In Janu- 
ary, 18-')1, while working with a circular siding-saw, an acci- 
dent occurred which resulted in the amputation of his right 
hand. Seriou.sas was this accident, press of business, ingenuity, 
and ambition made the better use of his remaining liand, as 
well as the machinery; in fact, he is said to liave handled 
tools and machinery more .Nkillfully with one band than most 
persons wouUl with two. 

In 1855, ilr. Humphrey moved tn the southeast part of the 
township, where they owned a tract of land and a mill. He 
divided his attention between the mill and farm. 

In ISfiO he returned to Townsend Centre and remained until 
1863, when hi' returned to the farm on the townline road, 
and gave hisattention t<> its improvement and embellishment. 
He was an enthusiastic admirer of fruit- and forest-trees, as the 
large orchards and many shade-trees on llie farm will attest. 
He planted out over five miles of maple-trees along the road- 
way, which gave the name of Maple Street to the road so 
improved. His admiration for shade-trees will be seen from 
the following circumstance: 

In opening a public highway on one side of his farm, a 



number of thrifty maples stood in what was to be the centre 
roadwaj'. The supervisor attempted to cut them di>wn, but 
our subject defeiided them so vigorously that the supervisor 
was forced to desist at the time, and, to make the protection 
complete, served an injunction on the supervisors, which was 
made perpetual b}' the courts. More than four hundred of 
his friends and neighbors joined him, it is said, with aflidavits 
in defense of the trees. These trees still stand as monuments 
to the memory and fidelity of him who so nobly defended 
them. 

His school-room education ended with his thirteenth year, 
as the financial condition of his jiarents was such as to oblige 
the sons to conmience their business life early. He was tem- 
perate in his habits and industrious alwaj's, — as might bo 
expected of a New England boy, — which may explain the 
force and vigor of his later life. He took a deep interest in 
the welfare of others, and in building up for the comfort of 
those who were to follow. AVas jiublic-spirited and generous 
to a fault. It has been said that he and his brother William 
did more to relieve the township from draft during the late 
war than all the rest of the township combined. His educa- 
tion, like his brother's, was self-acquired for the most jiart, 
and few men in the country read more, and fewer still were 
more successful in business. 

In 1872 he indorsed paper for some manufacturers in Wake- 
man, and in 1873, when the financial crash came, these manu- 
facturers failed, and he to save himself took the mill pruperty, 
which required a still greater outlay of money. He never 
reecivercd this loss, as ]u-ices declined with the demand for 
manufactured goods as W'cll as grains and stock. 

He gave generou.sly to all church organizations seeking aid, 
Init his belief and .sympathies were with the Universalists. 
He was a man of great courage, fine jircscnce, and wonderful 
nerve. When he met with an accident requiring a surgical 
operation, — he broke a leg two or three tiuu-s badly, lost a 
too and a hand, — he refused all aniesthftics, jireferring to be 
in perfect command of his senses during the painful operation. 
He died of typhoid pneumonia, Oct. 10, 187li, after an illness 
of several months. 

His wife, w'ho so nobly sustained him in his efforts, still sur- 
vives him. She was ever faithful in seconding the eflTorts of 
her husband, and is a loving and atl'ectionate mother. The 
two older sons, Hurlow and Dudley S., though up to the time 
of the death of their father unaccustomed to care and respon- 
sibility, with a courage and determination rarely equaled, 
have shouldered the indebtedness of the estate, and hope, by 
apiilication to business and strict economy, to di.scharge the 
incumbrances. 




■•■fix:- ■■■'/■ 



,^7l4^^^ Sl\yn 




\V,L,,,AM 11,«.-HKKV «...< bn,n m oshon, <^""":' O'^'- '/.' ^^1; 
and w,us the seventh child „f Du.lle.v Imnph-Jj ■•- "1^- » • ^^ \_ 
■nan. He nuirried Sar.ih A. H.ercc, «t ('..rnwall, mni., ^1 "'• » +• 
I '"hi. inuon were bmn fuur children : Emnn. L.,uis„, marrcl Jose, h 
Ivdc a ex ensive farn.er, and lives in the northeast port.on ot the 
ovns'h p Sarah Alice, tnirried tieorge Bargns, farmer, fruit -grow e, 
'^y';^:Li^;«rer of litabcr, and ^^^'^^ ^^ ^^f^^l^^^, 
same township. Delia Lncret.a, n.arr.ed W »■ ,•' ""'"vi^j'^ j ,' " 
at the centre of Townscnd; she died June Vo, I.M.J. Will.t, aua 

"'m::'- Humphrey died Nov. 13, 185J ..or -'0-1™'^^^^ 
-eeond wife, Miss Sarah M. Hyde, of Wakcman, Ohio. .lune 2S, ISdd, 
who u vives him. At an early age the subject of our sket.d. nian - 
fe ted ... usual .uecha.iical skill and ingenuity and dur.ng h.s bus. 
nessic invented many improvements in machinery; aniong wh ch 
Is what is stiU known as " llumphrey-s Direct Action Meam-MiH, 

^'r';s;;'l.:T^:^;r;vrc:^t^ur'^ Parina, Ohio, w,.re, with 
his brother Dudlev S. Humphrey, he engaged in the manufacture of 
1 ck" umber etc. In IsV.) tiu- two brothers eamc to Townsend, 
p rch;.!^ a la ge tract of land, and commenced lumbering on a large 
Hie TlK^ built mills and plank roads, and furnished employment 

''\vi'::'^r:n':;wJ';:nbrokcn .crest in 184U is now adorned by 
two thriWng villages, broad acres of pasture, meadow, and orchard 

'"Tie" was president of the Centre Plank Road Company ami was one 
of thV,;rincipaI movers in the enterprise; iu fact, was the animating 

'^■^i:- ^mbirmr^rtrdby them was, to ^^^^^^^Z 
Kastern market through .l/i/"/' as the nearest shipping-point lor water 
,r i Icnce t icy became the most e.vtensive patrons „1 the plank 
road. He "on became .be largest landholder in the township, and 

-■iii:'::l t"a:.f!:i:;'an;^i;;::;r:;l';^n=.nd of ,.. .wees, 

,„ m- r what the emergency. When, as was frcpient y the ease 
c f h s mill-mcn would meet with an accident re,,u,ring siirgica 
skil like t le crnsbing of a hand ..r the breaking ot an arm, he wa 
he fir^t ^in sought ^r; when, with poekca-knifc, I;-; -,7 - :;7;;^ 
bandage, with steady nerve and --^'^v J"' f "7 ;, ',, t 

wound so acceptably ttiat the surgeon would seldom clung, it. 

Twnit boldly forward wi,h business enterprises where many o 
large experience,- even, woul.l hesitate and douk. His judgment oii 
irbu-iiess maUers in which he had the management «as dear 
decided, and eame by intuition apparently. In every sense of the 



word he wa. a^large-hcarted, broad-gauged "-"• ^n-i;;^}! 
appearance, attractive and genial in manner,-with stumpers 

'''Hc'strned a mean or dishonorable transaction, ami was incajniblc 
of doing a mean thing himself, and despised 'V'-l'^'reauanimi y o 
with hi° other social qualities was the r,u-^ "■<■,( of "'q" °; "^^ ' 
remper and forbearance! even under stroijgproyocation.^^.^^^^^^^ 

"^^^l ^.:A ^^J:;"'!rh!^^.Iut^:ocmed to be reeog- 

"'x:!t':;u^'iJ!/b;^ines:"biJi"h::!;i:;:;ities and his ^r^^^^^^^ 

on a bro^d and generous scale. He w"..''' .^'-J- I- ^ '^^ t ' l^"^, 
.v„,n distress a poor, industrious man. He was a peaieinaK.r oi u 
^ ghb;:;!,;;;:.M;d, no matter what the press '^^^f^'^t^, 
lively listen to the misfortunes and trials of others, and, like a 

citizen, liberal and patriotic. His biographer l.nd, ■ " J" 

'vriting of one who was endeared to a whole comnunitv bv ^o many 
amiable qualities, and who was so entirely .";'-";■;''■ j,.„„ ,„^,„ 

His s,.lo(d-room education cnilcd with his twclllh vuir. i ew ■ 
„i!h a classical education were — l'.-7--'f, ,•,» ';,r;." HMie, 
education was practical, and acquired in 'l.»' "^ " "' ,',' ai 1 to 

Polilically, be affiliated with "'" .'>"'""-•'■"'"' l'",;Vit on 1 liberty, 
be in activJsym,mtl,y with the mainlemin^c^ eon itutmM berty. 

::t Ttime when his party was in a hopeless miuonty, and of course 
was not elected, though he ran ahead of bis ".;.-• ,„,, 

He never was a nieniber ot -^v church ogna.ion,^ 
all with respect. His religion was to -'" .V "" '''' '^^ ;„„„ „,,•; 

covering the Almighty in the soul ^ ,,„ff,.ldi„g. 

unconscious most of the time until death released him. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



247 



alniut Mrs. Comstock and. tinally. '-nuw papoose?" 
'J'lus (|uestioii startled tliu l)ny, for lie knew that the 
liabe had never been out of the house, and the Indian 
had evidently been lurking about the place. The 
savage, noticing the boy's agitation, endeavored to 
reassure him. Taking him by the hair he addressed 
him thus: "Me no scalp you, Alfred. You good 
boy: give Injun corn bread. Me no kill i/hk.'' This 
empiiatic assurance, that his own life was not in 
jeopardy, did not tend to ([uiet the boy's fears. He 
hurried home with the oxen, and informed Mrs. Com- 
stock of the circumstance in the woods. They decided 
not to remain in the house another night, and prepa 
rations for fiiglit were at once commenced. Tliey got 
started by evening and. after a tedious journey, ar- 
rived at Wooster, where they learned that their cabin 
was buriu'd the night tiiev left, and evervthins: de- 
stroyed that had been left liehind. The family soon 
went to the t)lock house, wiiere they were afterwards 
joined by Mr. Comstock. There they re ained until 
after Perry's victory, when they returned to their 
ruined home. 

When young Arnold reached the age of twenty-one, 
.Mr. Comstock gave him fifty acres of land in Nor- 
walk township. He built himself a cabin and kept 
bachelors' hall for five years, and then exchanged his 
fai-m for a team, harness and wagon. 

While in attendance at a party a short time after- 
wards, his team broke loose and ran away, both horses 
being killed. He sold what remained of his harness 
and wagon for fifteen years — the total amount of his 
earnings for fourteen dollars. He went back to the 
State of New York, where his father was then living: 
l)ut, after remaining a year, returned to this county 
and bought, jointly with Xehemiah Ordway, a part 
of lot one hundred and thirty-seven, in section one. 

In 1S31. the year follnwing the arrival of his 
brother, .James Arnold, with his family, consisting of 
his wife and a son six years of age, arrived from 
I'tica. New ^'ork. The family were accomjiaiiied by 
a young lady, wlio siibsei|uently liecame the wife of 
Alfred Arnold. .lames bought out Ordway 's interest, 
the reinaiiuler of the lot was purchased, and the two 
lu-othei's remained in |iarliiersliip for six years, when 
a division was made, Alfred taking the east and 
.lames the west half. The former now lives on his 
original |iuichase. .James resided here seventeen 
years, wlien he sold and moved to the center of town, 
wiiere he bought a farm with the old block liou.se in 
wiiieh William Townsend had kept store. The next 
year .Mr. Arnold erected a framed building in which 
he opened a store, and continued in merchandise for 
many years. He now resides at the center, aged 
nearly .seventy-six. Mr. Arnold was the agent of 
William Townsend for the sale of his land for many 
years. 

W. S. Hyde, now living at Collins, came to the 
Fire-lands in 1823, from Fairlield county, Conuecti- 
cut. He was, for several years, one of the active 
Jjusiuess men of Milan. He was one of the original 



proprietors of the town site of the village of Collins, 
and is the inventor of the " Hyde Cultivator." Ho 
has four children, two sons and two daughters, 

Hiram Boardman came to this township from 
Massachusetts, alone, on foot, in the spring of 18.3.i. 
He bought his farm and then returned east for his 
family, with whom he arrived in .fuiie following. He 
died in Townsend in ISTl, aged sixty-five years. 

E. C. Riggs and family, and a family by the name 
of Beckwith, settled in 18.34, the former on lot fifty, 
and the latter on twenty-five, section three. Alva 
Low arrived about the .same time. 

Marcus L. Ward, from Cayuga county. New York, 
located where he now resides in 1834, and Martin 
Denman, from Delaware county, New Y'ork, about 
the same time, taking n\) his abode where his .son 
Cyrus now lives. 

Amasa Finch and family removed from Pennsyl- 
vania to Townsend in November, 1836. locating a 
mile and a half east of the center. He afterwards 
lived for a time in Clarksfield and in Wakeman, but 
spent the latter years of his life in this township, 
where he died, in 187T. aged nearly seventy-eight. 
His widow now lives near the center. Three children 
are living. .Julia Ann is the wife of S. G. Waldron, 
of Townsend. of whom mention has been made. Piatt 
W. lives in Clarksfield. and Chauiicey in this town- 
ship. 

Isaac Trimmer, his wife, and his wife's mother, 
moved in from Cayuga county. New York, in tlie fall 
of 1839. Mr. Trimmer made his location where he 
now lives, on the west part of lot seventy-five in the 
third section. His parents, John and Elizabeth 
Trimmer, came on some years subse([uently, but re- 
mained only a year, when they returned to New Y'ork, 
where he died in 1863. Mrs. Trimmer then came to 
Tow'nsend, making her home with her son Isaac the 
remainder of her life. She died January 18. 1876, at 
the advanced age of ninety-nine years, six months, 
and fourteen days. She was born on the fourth day 
of July, 1776, and was one of a family of eleven 
children, all of whom she survived. Her mother 
lived to the age of one hundred years, and her ma- 
ternal grandfather reached the great age of one hun- 
dred and ten. In her father's large family there was 
but one son, and it sometinies i)ecame necessary for 
the daughters to assist in the work on the farm, and 
it is said Mrs. Trimmer raked and bound grain many 
a day and kept up with the cradler. 

White Sammis moved into Townsend from Cayuga 
county, New York, in the year 1837. He cleaerd up 
the farm now owned and occupied by his family. He 
died January 2, 1859, leaving a wife and three child- 
ren surviving him. Mrs. Sammis is still living, well 
advanced in life. She makes her home with her .son 
Anson. 

The number of the white male inhabitjtnts of Town- 
send in 1827, alxive the age of twenty-one years, as 
shown by the enumeration made by the County As- 
sessor for that year, was thirty-five, as follows: 



248 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



George Kellogg. 
Henry Kellogg. 
Horatio Thompson. 
William Burdue. 
George Miller. 
David Goodell . 
Anion Milliman. 
Bryant Hilliman. 
Stephen Heath. 
Lewis Middleton. 
Sheldon Barnes. 
Nathaniel Calhoun. 



TOWHSEKD 35. 

Johnson Wheeler. 
John Miller. 
Edward Mollony 
Joseph Purdy 
Charles Purdy. 
Nehemiah Ordway. 
Alfred Arnold. 
Thomas Farrand . 
Joseph Waldron. 
Jeremiah Milspau 
George Milspau. 
Abijah Barber. 

EAKLY EVEXTS. 



Amaziah Barber. 
Benjamin Bailey. 
Benjamin Benson. 
Frederick Perring. 
Augustus Barber. 
John Barber. 
David Barber. 
Ansel Barber. 
Amaziah Barber, Jr. 
Caleb Knapp 
Thomas E. Fletcher. 



The first wedding in Townsend was that of Dr. 
Lyman Fay, of Mihm, and Miss Caroline Kellogg, 
daughter of Orisinius Kellogg, of this township. 
This event occurred at the house of the bride's father, 
July Jil, 1816, David Abbott, Esq., tying the nuptial 
knot. 

TVilliam and Elizabeth Burdue were the parents 
of the first white children born in the township. 
They were twins, were born in the year 1810. and 
lived only a few months. The ne.\t birth was that of 
Roxena Goodell, daughter of David and Electa Good- 
ell. She was born June 19, 1817, married Amherst 
Ordway, January 24, 1838, and died in Wood county, 
Ohio, May 11, 1876. A birth also occurred in one of 
the Barber families in 1817. 

David Sayre, was the first person that died in the 
township, but the date we are unable to give. 

The first tavern was opened by Moses D. Fowler, 
in the southwest part of town, on the Medina road, 
about the year 1834. On the southeast corner of the 
cross roads, where the west line road intersects the Me- 
dina road, stands the old "Blue Fly" erected by William 
Thompson twenty-two or twenty-three years ago. It 
was originally painted blue. Some one facetiously 
dubbed it "the blue fly" and the place has always 
been known by that name. Thompson kept it as a 
tavern for five or six years when he sold it to Theodore 
Williams, of Norwalk, who now owns it. It is now 
used as a dwelling. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school house was l)uilt in the Barber set- 
tlement, about the year 1818. The first school teacher 
is not known with certainty, but i.s generally supposed 
to have been Jasper Miles, who taught a winter 
school. Miss Polly Barber, (now Mrs. Samuel Sher- 
man, aged nearly eighty,) kepi the first summer school. 
Lucy Tenant was among the earliest school teachers 
in the township. She taught in a log dwelling 
which stood (Ji) the farm now occupied by S. G. 
Waldron, in the southeast part of town. A seminary, 
called " The We.sterii Reserve Union Institute," was 
estal>lished at Collins, in 18.5.5, chiefiy through the 
efforts of W. S. Hyde. The institution derived its 
support from the tuition of its pupils, and was not 
incorporated. It had an existence until alwut the 
year 1870, when the building was purchased by the 
township, and has since been used as a district school. 



RELIGIOUS. 



THE BAPTIST CHURCH 



was organized in Penfield, Xe\v York, in 1816, and 
consisted of five members, namely : Abijah Barber, 
Benjamin Bailey, Acsah Bailey, Jasper Miles and 
Betsey Miles, all of whom removed to this township 
the following year. It was originally called "The 
Peace Baptist Church,'' one of the articles of its con- 
stitution condemning "all carnal wars and fighting, 
and the use of carnal weapons, in self defence, as un- 
warranted by Scripture." 

The members, on removing to this township, kept 
up their organization, the earliest meetings being held 
at their respective dwellings. 

Elder French, a Baptist minister, preached the first 
sermon in the township. 

Elder Phillips, of Berlin, was also one of the 
earliest preachers of that denomination that preached 
in the township. 

The first settled pastor was Elder R. W\ Vining, 
who began his labors in 1837. Since Mr. Vining, J. 
R. Abbott, J. Freeman, F. P. Hall, A. J. Ellis, 
D. B. Simms, John Kyle, E. R. Richmond, J. P. 
Islip and S. A. F. Freshney, have successively officia- 
ted as pastors. The hitter's term of service has not 
yet expired. 

A church building was erected at the center, in 
1850, costing atx)Ut five hundred dollars. The 
society has at pi-esent a membership of fifty-three. 
Edwin Kinney is clerk ; William Bott and John 
Teed, deacons ; Edwin Kinney is superintendent of 
the Sabbath school, which is small, numbering some 
twenty-five or thirty scholars. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHIRCH. 

We are indebted to Rev. George A. Weber, pastor 
of the church, for the facts in the following state- 
ment: 

The church was in existence at Townsend Center 
in the s])ring of 1839; how long before that, or by 
whom organized, can not be ascertained. The first 
meetings were held in an old red school house a short 
distance southeast of the center. The building is 
now used by H. Boardinan as a bee-house. There 
were then two other M. E. Societies in the township, 
one of which met in a school house on the east town 
line, and the other in a school house (recently burned) 
about two miles further west. The society at the 
center had a precarious existence until the completion 
of its house of worship in 1853, at which time the 
other classes referred to disbanded, some of the mem- 
bers uniting with the church at the center and others 
going elsewhere. In 1849, when the Brothers Burton 
and Curtiss Fairchild with their wives united, there 
were only eleven members, themselves included. The 
names of the other memhcrs were as follows: A. D. 
Bryant (leader), liis wife and father, Zenas Graham, 
Alva Brewster and wife, and a Mrs. Vinino-. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



U9 



R'.'gular services, wliicli liml not been iireviously 
held, were at once e.stalilislied and have continued, 
wirhout intermission, until the present. They were 
held in the school house which then stood upon the 
site of the present school building at the center, but 
now stands a short distance further west, and is used 
by the Good Templars as a lodge-room. The church 
has grown from that little band of eleven, in 1849, to 
a present membership of one hundred and sixty-eight, 
including thirty probationers. 

From 18.38 to 1841, the following ministers were 
on the Clarkstield circuit, in which this church was 
embraced, viz: .J. L. Ferris, William Disbro, Thomas 
BarkduU, W. J. Wells, .John H. Curtiss, James 
Brewster and .John O. Conoway. L. B. Gurley was 
the presiding elder. 

The following were the preachers from 1S4'.I to 
18(3(i, to wit: Hiram Hnmplirey, f^nke .Johnson, John 
K. Jewett, H. M. Close, Wm. Hustiss, J. M. Wilcox, 
G. W. Breckenridge, E. H. Bush, James Evans, 
.Jacob A. Brown, Raljih Wilcox and John McKean. 
During that time (from 184'.) to 1800), or at least a 
jiortion of it, the society was included in the Florence 
circuit, and two preachers were constantly employed. 

Tlie churi'h buildiiii; was begun in the summer of 
1851 and completed, during the pastorate of John R. 
Jewett, in the fall of 1852, and cost fourteen hundred 
dollars. The dedication sermon was i)reached by 
Edward Thompson. D. D., afterwards bishop. 

The Sabbath school was organized iu the spring of 
185.1. George Perkins was the first superintendent. 
The present membership is about one hundred and 
fifty. George D. Liles is at present the superin- 
tendent. 

TKMPJiHAN'fE SOCIETIES. 

A lodge of Good Templars was organized at the 
center of Townsend iu 1867, with about forty mem- 
bers. The society occupied, for a time, a building 
which stood on the site of A. D. Smith's shop. The 
building was subsequently destroyed by fire, the soci- 
ety losing some two hundred dolhirs thereby. For 
seven months succeeding this event the meetings were 
held in the house of E. Kinney, when the old school 
house just west of the center was obtained and fitted 
u|i for a lodge room and has since been used by the 
society. 

TEMPEKANCE ML'TIAI. I M I'KDVEM ICXT SOCIETY. 

The object nf this organization is two-fold: to 
diminish intemperance and to i)rovide a means for 
mental improvement. The members pledge them- 
selves to abstain from the use, as a beverage, of in- 
toxicating drinks. The literary exercises consist of 
declamations, essays and the discussion of temperance 
topics. The society was formed in November, 1874, 
with forty-seven members, and up to the in'csent time 
five hundred and thirty names have been added to the 
list of nu'mlH'rs|ii|). The exercises arc held alter- 

32 



nately in the Methodist and Baptist churches at the 
center. 

POST OKKICE. 

The first post office was estal)lishcd in 183:? or 1834, 
with Daniel Phillips as postmaster, who kept the 
office in his house, on lot ninety two, in the first sec- 
tion. The ofKce was called East Townsend, which 
name it has retained until the present time, for the 
reason that there was an office in Sandusky county of 
the name of Townsend. Phillips' administration was 
defective in one p;irticular: he faili'd to account to the 
government for the receipts of his office, and some 
three years after his appointment, James Arnold and 
Nehemiah Ordway, his bondsmen, received a notifica- 
tion from Washington tiiat the official was then in 
arrears to the government in the sum of about seven- 
teeii dollars. The amount was p.iidby the bondsmen, 
and Phillips was removed from office, and was suc- 
ceeded by Hiram Boardman, who served for a term of 
six or seven years. White Sammis was then appointed 
and held the position three years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by James Arnold, and the location of the office 
changed to the center of the township. Mr. Arnold 
kept the office five or six years, and was followed by 
Jasper St. John who held the place for a few months 
only, when John Miller received the appointment. 
The office was then removed to the railroad, half a 
mile further north, and continued tiiere some four 
years, when it was re-established at the center, with 
William liumphrey as postmaster. He served two 
years, and was succeeded by James Arnold, who con- 
tinued until the appointment of the present incum- 
bent, W. D. Johnson, in October, 1873. 

The first east and west mail through Townsend was 
carried, on foot, by a man of the name of Coles, 
whose trip extended from Akron to Norwalk. At 
first his mail Ijag consisted of a large sized pocket 
book, locked with a padlock of about the size of a 
silver half dollar, but the first trip he made through 
Townsend his '"mail bag" vvas entirely empty. An 
early mail carrier was a man by the name of Waldron, 
and on one of his trips through the woods he threw 
the mail bag at a deer, knocking it down, and before 
the animal could regain his feet he jumped upon it 
and cut its throat with a pocket-knife. A man Ijy 
the name of De Bow carried the mail from Norwalk 
to Medina, l)ack in the twenties. His route j)assed 
within twenty or thirty rods of Thomas Fletcher's 
house, on the creek, south of the Medina road. 
Fletcher cut a mortice in a large white oak tree, on 
the road, for the reception of his mail, and made an 
arrangement with the mail carrier to blow his tin horn 
whenever his '• box" conlained any mail. The ar- 
rangement was faithfully carried out by De Bow. and 
the sound of his horn became as familiar as the song 
of the whip-poor-will. 

IMIYSICIAN'S. 

The eailiest doctors who practiced in the township 
were doubtless from the surrounding towns. The 



250 



HISTOEY OF HUKOIC AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



first resident pliysieiaii was Dr. G. R. Stanton, who 
located at the center, and began to practice in 18-17. 
He remained for six or seven years and tlien removed 
to Lawrence, Kansas, where he now lives. Dr. 
Morse came in (^oon after, but remained only a year, 
when he removed to Pennsylvania. Dr. Iloyt was 
an early practitioner of physic here. Dr. "C'liarles 
Arnold commenced the practice of medicine in ISIS, 
and continued until 18.51, when he removed to Mon- 
roeville. He now resides at Townseud Center, en- 
gaged in the manufacture of violins. Dr. E. Martin, 
the present physician residing at the center, moved 
into the place in the fall of 1851. He is of the regu- 
lar school, deriving his medical education at Hudson 
Medical College, Cleveland, where he graduated in 
1855. He is at present the only resident doctor in 
the township, and has an extensive practice. Since 
Dr. Martin began here, two or three others have 
started in practice, but remained only a siiort time. 

ORGAXIZ.VTIOX OF TOWKSHIP. 

The first election for townsliip officers was held, in 
pursuance of an order of tiie supreme court. October 
15. 1S"^0, at the house of Benjamin Bailey, Jasper 
Miles, Abijah Barber, and Isaac R. Wright were 
judges, and Frederick Perring and Royal Munger 
clerks of election. Township officers were elected as 
follows: Frederick Perring, clerk; Abijah Barber, 
David Lee. and Benjamin Bailey, trustees; Thomas 
E. Fletcher and Isaac R. Wriglit, overseers of the 
poor; Royal Munger and David C. Lewis, fence view- 
ers; Hiram Bailey, ajipraiser of property: Samuel 
Sherman, lister; Abijali Barber, treasurer: Royal 
Munger, constable. On the 15th of November, fol- 
lowing, an election was held for justice of the peace. 
There were nine votes cast, all of which were g.ven 
to Jasper Miles. The poll book of this election, on 
file in the office of the Clerk of Huron county, co'- 
tains the names of the following electors: Augustus 
Barber, Benjamin Bailey, Abijah Barber, David Lee, 
Hezekiali Barber, Frederick Perring, Royal Jfungcr, 
Hiram Bailey, Elisha H. Sheldon. 

April 1, 1822, Royal Munger was elected justice of 
the peace, receiving the nine votes cast. The first 
record of an election of justice of the peace in the 
original township record book, now in possession of 
Sanford G. Waldron, of Townsend, is that of April, 
1823, when Oliver Day was chosen to that office. Be- 
sides those mentioned. Joseph Purdy. Thomas E. 
Fletcher, Jolmson Wlieelcr, Levi Chaj)man and 
White Sammis, were some of the early justices of 
tiie peace. 

At the election for sheriff of Huron county, held 
in Townsend, December 6, 1820, thirteen votes were 
cast, of which Benjamin Abbott received six. Asa 
Sanford five, and Piatt Benedict, two. 

Tiie first election in the township, for State and 
County officers, was held October 9, 1821. There 
were tiiirteen votes cast for State senator, which were 
given for Ebeiiezer Merry. Fourteen votes were cast 



for representative in state legislature, of which Ly- 
man Farwell received thirteen and David Abbott one. 
Enos Gilbert received tiiirteen votes for slieriff and 
David Gibb?. one vote. Piatt Benedict received twelve 
votes for auditor: Robert S. Southgate had twelve 
votes forcounty commissioner, and James Strong, six; 
Luke Keeler had ten votes for coroner and Amos 
Woodward, six. 

The different settlements in Townsend were so 
separated from each other that election days were the 
only occasions on whicli they met together. Men and 
Ijoys attended the election as a lioliday, bringing their 
rifles with them to shoot at target. As but few votes 
were polled and but little excitement, politically, pre- 
vailed, they liad plenty of time to engage in sports. 

At the presidential election, wlien Jackson was 
elected president, there was a gr^nd wrestling match 
between tlie two jiolitical parties. It was a close con- 
test, but the administration party prevailed, who 
regarded tlie result as significant, and tlie affair came 
very near ending in a general fight. It is said tliat. 
if Milford"s wliisky liad not given out, blood would. 
undoubtedly, have been spilt. 

A substantial, two-story brick towuliall was erecteil 
in the summer of 1870, at the center, costing four 
thousand five hundred dollars. The plan was drawn 
and the building erected by E. Kinney, architect and 
builder, living at Townsend center. 

William Townsend. one of the original projirietors 
of the townsliip. put up a block house at the center, 
in wliich he opened a store in 1822 or "23. It was 
furnished fromliis store in Sandusky, wiiich he estab- 
lished in tlie winter of 1810-20. In-inging his first 
goods from New Haven, Connecticut, in a sleigh. 

A store was suljsefjueutly ke\n here a sliort time by 
Kneeland Townsend. brother of William Townsend, 
and still later by James Arnold, who continued in 
merchandise for a number of years. 

There are two villages in the townshi]), of nearly 
equal size, called Townsend center and Collins, the 
latter situated on the railroad, half a mile north of 
the center. At Townsend center there are two 
chu dies, two stores, one millinery shop, one black- 
smith shop, one school house, one saw mill, one bee- 
house, one violin manufacturer and one architect and 
builder. 

At Collins there are one general store, one grocery, 
one tin slioj), one millinery store, one hotel, two 
blacksmitli sliojis, one wagon shop, two shoe shoi)s, 
one harness slioj). one broom factory, one i)ump fac- 
tory, and one saw mill and bending works. 

MILLS XSD M.VNtF.VCTfHES. 

The jiioneer mill of Townsend was established by 
William Burdue. He brought with him from Penn- 
sylvania a pair of small mill-stones, and set up a hand 
mill for grinding grain. The rude contrivance was a 
great convenience to the early settlers, who were tiuis 
saved many miles of travel, through dense woods to 
get their milling done. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



.»51 



The first saw mill in this township was built by 
David Lee, in IS'^'u. It was located oh lot seventy- 
three, in the fourth section, on Rattlesnake creek. 
There are, at the present time, three saw mills in 
operation. The mill near the center was erected by 
James Arnold, in the winter of 1S4S-9. When com- 
pleted, he sold it to William Hum ihrey, who operated 
it until his death, in 1874, when it passed into the 
hands of Georse Bargus, the present owner. 

The saw mill of L. \'. McKesson was estalilished 
by Cyrus Minor, in 1856. He operated it for five or 
six years, when he sold to James McCuUouirh, who, 
a year subseciueutly, moved the machinery away. A 
man l)y the name of Funk afterwards bought the 
building and fitted it up for a grist mill, which he 
carried on for three years, and then removed the 
machinery to Mt. N'ernon. 

THE COLLINS PLMP COMPAXY. 

The original building of this factory was erected by 
W. S. Hyde and Pruden Ailing, in 185T, who engaged 
in the manufacture of tiie Hyde cultivator, of which 
the said Hyde was the patentee. They carried on 
the business for one year, when a suspension resulted, 
occasioned, principally, by the hard times of that 
period. In 180G, the building and ground were pur- 
chased by Isaac McKesson, who subsequently formed 
a partnership with M. M. Perkins in the manufacture 
of sash, doors and blinds. Afterwards, Cyrus Denman 
bought a half interest with McKesson in the property, 
and they, in addition to the business then in operation, 
began the manufacture of pumps. Snbse((uently, J. 
C. Shaw became a partner of McKesson, and they are 
now the owners of the property. The works are run 
by an ensine of twenty-horse power, and the factory 
possesses facilities for an extensive business. 

LNION BEXDIXU WORKS. 

The Union Bending Works were established in 18o"-i, 
by Hemmingway & Humphrey, in the saw mill near 
the center, and having passed through several hands 
down to ISOO, came into the possession of Smith & 
p]llis. will) began the business in its present location 
and carried it on for one year, when it passed into the 
hands of William tr. Ailing & Co. These [larties 
continued the business but one year. Isaac McKesson 
then became proprietor of the business, with his son, 
L. V. McKesson, as superintendent. Soon after this 
another copartnership was entered into between ilon- 
trose & McKesson, and was conducted under this firm 
name for one year, when Montrose sold out, and the 
firm was succeeded by McKesson & Ellis, who contin- 
ued the business for six months. Mr, Ellis, then 
went out and Isaac McKesson took his son, L. V. Mc- 
Kesson, into partnership, under the firm name of 
Isaac McKesson & Son, This arrangement continued 
for one year, closing with the year 1871. On Janu- 
ary 1, 1872, L. V. McKesson bought of Isaac Mc- 
Kesson, his share in the business, together with all 
the liuildings, machinery, etc., and has been, since 



that date, sole proprietor of the Union Bending Works, 
making numerous improvements and additions, both 
in machinery and buildings. A large, new warehouse, 
thirty by sixty feet has been erected in which to store 
felloes. The capacity of the works has been enlarged 
to a considerable extent. Formerly the utmost ca- 
pacity was, in the manufacture of felloes, from forty 
to fifty set, steamed and bent, per day; and in sawing 
luml)er, from two thousand to twenty-five hundred feet 
per day. At this time they have facilities for steam- 
ing and bending one hundred set of felloes per day, 
and for sawing from four to six thousand feet of lum- 
ber. The sawing, ripping, and planing are done in 
the basement story; the steaming, bending and pack- 
ing felloes is done in the second story of the mill 
building. Within the year past a turning shop has 
been added, and ipiite lately has been enlarged and 
improved. Xeck-yokes and whiffletrees are the spe- 
cialties in this department. All kinds of bent work 
for wagons, buggies, sleds and cutters is made, requir- 
ing, for these alone, from twelve to fifteen hundred 
feet of the i^est hickory and oak lumber per day. 
From fifteen to twenty men are employed about the 
works, and on some occasions as many as fifteen teams 
and teamsters are employed to get logs to the mill, 
A side track is laid from the Luke Shore and Michigan 
Southern depot to the mill platform, so that cars can 
be run in and loaded at the mill. 

The following is a list of personal property subject 
to taxation in a portion of Townsend, as taken in 
May, 182G, by John Miller, dei>uty assessor: 



Horses, Aggre- 



Mules, 
Asses. 



gate 
value, 



Thnmas E. Fletclier, 

Amazi ih Barber 

Augustus Earlier ... 
Frederick Perring .. 
Horatio Thompson . . 

Caleli Knapp 

Hezekiah Barber 

Benjamin Bailey — 

.\bijah Barber 

Stephen Heath 

Bryant Milliman 

Nirain ^lilliman 

Lambert Schaefer . . 

George Miller 

William Burdue 

.\mon Milliman 

George Kellogg.. ^^^ 



40 



40 



Neat As&re- 
gate 
value. 



Cattle. 



1| 8 

4| 32 

3| 2i 

4 32 



16 
•U 
■10 

8 
64 
32 

8 
56 
24 

8 
40 



Biographical Sketches, 



DOCTOR EDGAR MAKTIN 

was the eighth child of (Jilbcrt Marliii and Hannah 
Washburn, and was born in Fitchville, Huron county, 
Ohio, October 10, 18215. He came to Townsend in 
1851, and commenced the practice of medicine. 

He married Miss Mary Jane Chapman, of Town- 
send, in 1853. They have four living children: 
Marie, Fred. D., May and Edgar G. 

Fred. D. Martin is a phvsician, and lives in Colton, 
Henry county, Ohio. 'I'he other members of the 
iamilv arc at home. 



252 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Doctor Edgar Mai'tiu, the subject of this sketch, 
toook his degree from the Cleveland Medical College, 
in Cleveland, Ohio, in the year ISoG, after five years 




of practice, and he has been in almost constant prac- 
tice of his profession ever since, in Townsendjind the 
adjoining townships. His professional success may 
be easily inferred from his extended ride and his very 
busy life, — having had over twenty-five years of 
practice. 



He was elected justice of the peace in 1859, and 
has held the- office continuously since that time — 
twenty years. 

He was commissioned lieutenant in the One Hund- 
red and Twenty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fa itry in the early part of the late war, and was soon 
jjrjmoted to a captaincy in the One Hundred and 
Sistv-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

He was elected to the State legislature in 18T3. and 
se;ved in that capacity two years. 

In early life Doctor Martin was an abolitionist, and 
in 1853, voted for John P. Hale for president. He 
has been a staunch republican since the organization 
of that party. The repeated expressions of confi- 
dence, by his party, and his prominence in political 
ci.'cles in town and county, give lietter ])roof of his 
unswerving patriotism and real merit than anything 
tha writer can say. 

The doctor springs from a Quaker ancestry which 
will explain, to some extent, at least, his pronounced 
anti-slavery convictions in his early manhood. 

To properly estimate such a character, we must 
bear in mind that tlie church, society, and the two 
great political parties were intensely pro-slavery, and 
all alike ready to rend the man who had the temerity 
to stand and talk, and vote for human rights. "To 
remember those in bonds as bound with them," created 
the bitterest antagonisms as well as social ostracism, 
and was considered sufficient cause for personal abuse 
and cruel persecutions in many cases, both in the 
cliurch and out of it. This fact will add a special 
luster to the earlv manhood of Dr. Martin. 



RIDGEFIELD. 



The following historv is iirepured from personal 
interviews with early settlers, the public records, and 
the sketch of the early settlement of Eno.s Rose. 

Ridgetield township is described ou the records of 
the original Connecticut Keserve as number four in 
range twenty-three. It is bounded on the north by 
Oxford township, Erie county; south by Peru; east 
bv Norwalk, and west by Lyme townshijis. The 
township is genenilly level, except along the streams. 
Here are found in many places high banks or blutfs. 
In the northeast corner of the township the surface 
is iiroken or rolling. 

STREAMS. 

The East lirauch of the Huron river enters the 
township from the south, crossing the southern 
boundary ou lot six. in section one. Its course is 
slightly east of north, flowing from the township ou 
the east line, lot two in the second section. The 
West branch of the Huron river is formed from two 
streams, which cross the south line of the township; 
one on lots one and six in section four, and the other 
on lot sixteen in the same sectiou. Uniting on lot 
seven they form the main stream. This Hows a gen- 
eral northerly direction to near the center of Monroe- 
ville village. Here the course changes to due east, 
thence a northeasterly direction, and, after many de- 
vious turnings, crosses the north line of the township 
on lot fifteen in the second section. Another stream 
Hows from the southwest, and empties its waters into 
tlie West branch, in Monroeville village. This is 
known as Frink Run, from the fact that William 
Frink was the first to build a habitation on its bank. 
Frink Run and the West branch of the Huron river 
divide the township, and on the northeast side of 
tliese streams the land is of the nature of prairie, and 
generally of a deep rich soil, with small islands and 
groves of small timber. Another small stream enters 
the township from the west, flows east-northeast and 
empties into the West branch on lot fifteen, section 
.second. It is called Seymour Brook, from the fact 
that a man named Seymour was killed by the Indians, 
in 1812, while engaged in cutting a bee-tree, which 
stood on its banks. On the south and east side of 
Frink Run and the West i)ranch of the Huron river, 
the lands were heavily timbered, and possess a deep, 
rich, loiuny soil, not excelled, perhaps, by any town- 
ship of the Fire-lands in productiveness. 

The township is underlain with a slate rock, from 
seven to ten feet below the surface. 

In the early settlement of the township, game of 
all kinds was very plenty, as were also fish in the 
streams. It is related that Major David Underhill. 
with his men, in one day, caught two wagon boxes 



full of fish. At the present day fish enough abound, 
especially tho.se shy fellows, the black bass, to render 
exercise with the rod attractive; but unless the law 
is rigidly enforced, and persons prevented from shoot- 
ing them during certain seasons, this delicious fish 
will Soon become extinct. 

Ridgefield township was divided into four sections, 
and these were again divided into two-hundred-acre 
lots, making twenty lots in each section. 

ORIGINAL OWNERS. 

For an explanation of the following talde the read- 
er is referred to the history of Wakeman townshi]): 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Oriyiiurl (rrantees. 


Am 


't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


( Classed 




£ 


s. 


d 




£ 


8. 


d. 


Isaac Burr 


23 


5 





Phillip B. Bradley 


23 


5 





Aiith.inv Anniball 


155 


5 


2 


.. 


155 


5 


2 


Hwekiah Nichols 


.394 


10 


7 




394 


10 




Johu Squii'e. Jr. 


15 


10 


8 




15 


It; 


8 


Samuel Burr and 
















Johu Squire. Jr. 


35 


17 


6 




35 


17 





Setli Smith 


.56 


7 







58 


7 





David Burr 


394 


10 


7 




155 


5 


1 


Sanmel Camp 
Timothr Keeler 2d 


38 


17 


10 




38 


17 


10 


51 


9 







51 


9 





Da\id R,.ok«-eil 


8 


4 


6 






17 


5 


David Rockwell 2d 


3 


2 


10 


11 t. 


3 


2 


10 


Bartholomew Weed 


3 


13 


4 




3 


13 


4 


Timothy Benedict 


ti 


18 


6 


I. >t 


6 


18 


6 


Daniel Colev 


1 


IS 


8 


" " 


1 


18 


8 


Phillip B, B adley 


2" 


9 





.. .1 


20 


9 





James Scott 


2 


12 


8 


.. .. 


2 


12 


8 


Samuel Lockwood 


108 


14 


4 




108 


14 


4 


J'.thn Barnum 


5 


17 





" " 


5 


17 





Charles Peck 


6 


8 


4 


.. 1. 


6 


8 


4 


Johu Gregory 


4 





1 


>i 


4 





1 


David Pierce 


3 


12 





1. " 


3 


12 





Sarah Jlorehouse 


189 


6 


9 


Her heirs 


1S9 


6 


9 


Saimiel ijlmstead 


74 


18 


9 


Jai-ed Olmsted 


18 


14 


8 


Samuel Siuith 


18 


15 


2 


Nathan Smith 


14 


1 


5 


Abraham Rockwell 


10 


4 


4 


-Abraham Rockwell 


10 


4 


4 


Jonah Foster 


10 


3 


10 


Jonah Foster 


10 


3 


10 


Elihu De rarest 


2 








Timotli\- Keeler 2d 










Samuel Keeler 2d 


1 


7 


8 




I 


7 


s 


Thaddeus Rockwell 


20 


18 





Job Smith 


3 


10 


4 



Footing of Classification No. 1 .£1.3-14 



Classification No. 2, Sections, 



Original Grantees. 

Jabez Raymond 
Isaac Kf eler 
Jnhu Woi>dwaid 
(iur<iriii Bi'adley ■ 
Azariah Bcadloy 
Bt^iijainiii Pardee 
Samuel Bishop. Esq. 



.41)17 Lo 


A'.S. 


Clims 


'fifd bi/. 


Am 


'/ Classed. 


£ s. 


d. 






£• 


s. d. 


:«2 !i 





Amos Cook 


3:32 


9 


194 









51 


12 6 


8:i8 17 


3 






838 


17 3 


60 10 









66 


10 


19 2 









19 


2 


88 12 









22 


3 


13 13 


3 






13 


13 3 



Footing of Classifleatiou No. 2, £l,:i44 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed 




£ 


«. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Josiah Ravmond 


2.39 


9 


3 


Amos Cooke 


2:)9 


9 


3 


Jonthn Fitch's h'rs 


195 










195 








Koliert Waters. 
















two losses 


17 


15 


4 


'• •* 


17 


15 


4 


Isaac Keeler 


194 








" " 


142 


7 


6 


Ezra Starr 


1214 


11 


4 


H'rs Timothy Taylor 145 


17 


10 


Thos Benedict, Jr. 


in 


1 ' 


4 


1. .. 


10 


1 


4 


Ephraim Barnum 


3 


M 





.. II 


3 


10 





John Knapp 





10 





i. .1 


6 


10 





Christiana Starr 


6 


1 


a 


II ti 


6 


1 


2 


Daniel Stevens 


2 


12 





II 11 


2 


12 





Stepli'n Trowbridge 


7 







II 1. 


7 


II 


4 


Timotliy Wildmun 


2 


13 




II II 


a 


13 


4 


Daniel Taylor. Esq. 


656 





iH 


II II 


155 


10 





Nathaiuei Starr 


4 


7 




11 II 


4 


7 


4 


Aljigail Wood 


18 


7 




.. II 


18 


7 


4 


Daniel Tayljr, Esq. 


656 





IM 


Heirs of Elisha 
Whittlesey 


323 


9 





Jeremiah Dunning 


2 


2 




Heirs of Elisha 
















Whittlesey 


2 


2 





Samuel Gi'egory 


01 


16 




Heirs of Caleb Starr 


Gl 


16 


10 



Footing Of Classifleatiou No 3. £1,3*4 



(253) 



254 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. Am' t Loss. 

£ 

Daniel Smith 183 

Benjamin Northrup 159 

Gamaliel Northrup 87 

Thaddeiis Rockwell 20 

Ebenezer Stebbins 1 

Hope Rh. ids 7 

Stephen Morris 3 

Hannah Seymour 18 

Jesse Benedict 11 

Benjamin Smith 4 

Ichabod Ii<iolittle 5 

Simeon Stewart *)9 



Daniel Smith 
Daniel Smith 3d 
Sarah Litsby 
Jemima Ke'eler 
Lj'dia Gilbert 
John Smith 
Matthew Keeler 
Prue Northrup 
James Northrup 
John Keeler 
Gamaliel Northrup 
Abijah Smith 
David Rockwell 
Abijah Rockwell 
Nathan Godfrey 

Thomas and Simon 
Conch, Jr. 

David Comstock 
Andrew Comstock 
Matthew Gregory 
Elnathan Gregory 
James Trowbridge 
Mary Hayes 
Fountain Smith 
Nathan Hendrick 
Elizabeth Rogers 2d 
Josiah Wentworth 



183 
.30 



34 
13 
6 
4 
.53 
23 



3 

250 



313 
5 
12 
31_ 

3 

168 

19 

1 
1.51 



13 

18 
10 
10 


10 
14 
15 
10 

4 
19 
13 

18 

10 

16 
4 

17 


13 

14 
4 



18 
4 

6 
1 
16 
15 
18 
5 
16 



15^ 
4 

10 
3 





Classified by . 
Job Smith 



Am't Classed- 



£ 

100 
107 
73 
23 
1 

3 
5 
11 
4 



David and Darling 

Stewart 
Daniel Smith 



Amos Smith 

Daniel Smith 
Matthew Northrup 



Wm Rockwell 2d 
Abijah Rockwell 

Thomas and Simon 
Conch. Jr. 



34 
13 
6 
4 
53 
23 
14 



19 

in 


15 
10 
14 
15 

10 

4 
19 
13 
18 
10 

7 
16 

4 
17 


12 



?50 



Thomas and Simon 

Conch, Jr. 10 

Heirs T. & S. C. Jr. 313 

Betty Comstock 5 

Matthew Gregory 12 

Heirs of Caleb Starr 31 

James Trowbridge 7 

Committee 3 

i 







8 

9 

1)^ 

4 



4 





2% 



Footingof Classification No. 4, £1,»44 7 



INDIANS. 



Numerous parties of tlie Wyandotte and other 
trihes of Indians had a habitation in early times along 
the river. TJiey passed the time in hunting, fishing, 
making baskets, a.\ helves, etc., and were generally 
quiet and peaceable, except when under the influence 
of "lire-water," or whisky. Then they were ugly 
and quarrelsome, behaving themselves, as Mr. .-Mes- 
senger states. Just li/ce white folks. During the war 
of 1812, two inmates of the Parker block house in 
Milan, Seymour and Pixley, were engaged in cutting 
a " bee tree," standing on the south side of the small 
stream flowing through the Clary farm. They had 
nearly completed their labors, when they were fired 
upon by a I'arty of cowardly Indians, and Seymour 
instantly killed. Pixley ran. but becoming entangled 
in the brushwood, was captured, and remained a 
prisoner for many month.«. 

SETTLEMENT. 

William Frink is thought to be the first white man 
that contracted for land in Ridgefield township, for 
tlie ]uir]iose of settlement. His contract is dated in 
1811, and was for the south part of lot number five 
in the fourth section. Frink built tlie first house in 
the township. It was of logs and stood near the site 
of the house now owned by Samuel Clock. Frink 
was more hunter than farmer, and when Seth Brown 
came into the township, in the spring of 1812, Frink 
solil his contract and left the county. Very little is 
now known of his history, either before or since he 
left the township, excejit that he was eventually 
found dead in Seneca county. He was one of those 
characters who pret'ei- tlie .-olituile of the wilderness. 



Seth Brown was a go-ahead Yankee. Prior to the 
date last mentioned, he went to New Orleans, but 
finding the yellow fever prevailing there, he "stood 
not on the order of his going," but beat a precipitate 
i-etreat northward. He traveled the entire distance 
to Ridgefield, on foot, with no companion but his 
trusty rifle, a safeguard in danger as well as an assist- 
ant in procuring food in the wilderness. Arriving at 
the township, he purchased the land as before stated, 
and in the spring of 1812, brtjke a piece of prairie 
and planted it to corn — the first in the township. 
The Indians were exceedingly troublesome, and in 
the summer, Brown became connected with the army, 
going as far west as Monroe. Michigan ; here he be- 
came acquainted with a young widow (Mrs. Sarah 
Tuttle), whom he married, and with whom he returned 
to Ridgefield in the spring of 1813, and began the 
battle of life, in the first house in the township. Mr. 
Brown, it is said, thinking of his good fortune at 
Monroe, applied the name to the village of his creation. 
The family of this couple were four: George W., who 
was the first white child born in the township, is 
now living in Illinois; John S. , who lives in Price 
county, Minnesota; Seth, who died in Monroeville in 
1849, of cholera: and Emily Jane, who married James 
Hamilton, Jr., and died in Monroeville May .30. 1857. 
Seth Brown, Sr., at one time carried the mail from 
Huron to Sandusky. He died in Monroeville August 
20, 1821; his wife died November 18. 1849. 

The second settler in Ridgefield township was 
Sanders Littlefield. He was originally from Crown 
Point, New York, but was living in Erie county, 
same State, when heemignited to Ohio. This was in 
the spring of 1851. Accompanied by his daughter, 
Celia, he came by team to Ridgefield. Halting near 
the site of the residence of the late William R. Jack- 
son, a rude habitation was improvised from the 
wagon-box, and in this some three weeks were passed 
while a log cabin was being constructed. In the fall 
following, a son-in-law, George Pierce, arrived and 
occupied the cabin, Mr. Littlefield and daughter (Celia) 
returning East, going the entire distance on horse- 
back. The subsequent spring he removed perma- 
nently to Ohio, with his family, which consisted of a 
wife and four children. (One son, Ray S., remained 
Eait ) Of the children who came with the parents: 
Ledyard marrieil Mary Read, and in 1828 returned 
to New York, where he ilied, leaving four children, 
(Ann, Leason. Minerva tmd Darwin): Celia married 
Deodtitus Hubbell: L)iantha married Lewis Arnold, 
and is now deceased; Minerva married Theodore 
Hawkins, and resides in South Haven, ilichigan. 
After remaining a short time on the original location, 
Mr. Littlefield removed north, on the ridge, and 
located permanently on the farm now owned by S. D. 
Fish. Here he died on March 10, 1818. Mrs. Lit- 
tlefield returned to the State of New York, where 
she died. 

'/ John Sowers, the next settler in Ridgefield, was 
born in York county, Pennsylvania, where he lived 




^^fi 



^^ 



ISAAC UNDERHILL. 



Davitl Undcrhill was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., May 19, 
1765. His father, Abram Underbill, was a captain in the Revolu- 
tionary war and a member of the Constitutional Convention of Ver- 
mont, having previously removed to Dorset, in that State. When 
twenty-six years of age, David went to Herkimer Co., N. Y., and 
located land in the township of Norway. 

The following year he married Polly Osborn, of tioshcn, N. Y., and 
settled upon his purchase. He cleared up this farm, and subseqiucntly 
another in the same county. Through ill-considered kindness, in be- 
coming bail for an acquaintance, he lost his property, which induced 
him to come West. He came to Ohio first, in the spring of ISIO, 
leaving his family behind. He made his stopping-place at Esquire 
Abbott's, at the old county-seat, while he explored the surrounding 
country with a view to settlement. He returned East, and the next 
year came out and purchased thirty-six hundred acres in township No. 
4, range No. 23 (Ridgefield), at seventy-five cents an acre. In the 
summer of 1812 he made a beginning on his land, building a cabin on 
the bank of the Huron River where the saw-mill near the water-works 
now stands. He distinctly heard, while at work here on the day that 
Gen. Hull surrendered Detroit, the engagement with the British on 
the river below the fort, and went to Mr. Abbott's to consult about 
the occurrence. 

A messenger soon after arrived with the report that the British and 
Indians had been seen landing at Huron, and warning the inhabitants 
to seek safety in immediate flight. 

They all started southward, but before traveling far were overtaken 
by a party of men, at first supposed to be forces of the enemy, but who 
proved, on inquiry, to be the released prisoners of Gen. Hull on their 
way to Mansfield. They were the party which disembarked at Huron, 
and the majority of the fleeing inhabitants returned to their homes. 

Until the removal of his family, in 1816, Major Underbill made an 
annual trip to his Western purchase, usually bringing out with him a 
stock of goods, which he could sell on the journey, and taking back 
a stock of furs. 

In 1815 he was accompanied on his Western trip by bis son-in-law, 
Horace Morse, Levi Cole and son, and Dr. Joseph Pearce. In that 
year he built a part of his double log house, at the raising of which 
all the men in the county within a radius of fifteen miles attended, 
and yet the number, including the party above mentioned, was only 
sixteen. He arrived with his family Feb. 22, 1816, his log cabin 
furnishing temporary shelter during his absence to Martin Kellogg 
and family. 

Major UndcrbiU's was the usual stopping-place for the judges and 
some of the lawyers (Piatt Benedict accommodating the rest) during 
the sessions of the court in the early days of Norwalk. 

A few years after his purchase, Major Underbill sold to some of his 
friends in the Kast all but six hundreii acres of his tract, receiving an 
advance on the original price of fifty centa per aero. He subsequently 



owned, in connection with two other men, the third section of Eronson, 
but disposed of that also. 

In the fall of 1817 he erected a saw-mill near where he lived, which 
was one of the first saw-mills in the country, and which for many 
years did an extensive business. During the first years of their 
settlement the family suffered much from ague. The country in its 
new and undrained condition was unhealthy, and the erection of the 
mill-dam made it still worse in the vicinity of the dwelling, as it 
caused an overflow of the river-bottoms. 

In 1822 he removed to a more healthful location, that which his son 
Isaac now occupies, erecting a frame house, which constitutes a part 
of the present dwelling of Mr. Undcrhill. He died here Oct. 5, 1841, 
and Mrs. Underhili, Dec. 1, 1850. 

Major Underhill's career was one of great activity and usefulness, 
and he was esteemed as an honorable man and an enterprising citizen. 

He assisted in opening the road which runs through Norwalk, and 
was instrumental in removing the county-seat from Avery.' 

He was the father of eight children, as follows, in the order of their 
ages: Thirza, was the wife of Horace Morse, deceased; Mercy, died 
unmarried before the removal of the family from New York ; Harriet, 
widow of Nathan Strong, an early resident of Lyme, lives with her 
brother, Isaac Undcrhill, aged eighty-two ; Mary, was the wife of Dr. 
J. A. Jennings ; and Aurclia, wife of A. W. Hulett. 

Isaac Underbill, whose portrait is given in connection with this 
sketch, was born Jan. 1.3, 1805. Ilis first business venture was the 
purchase of a farm of two hundred acres of John C. Hale, an eastern 
resident, at $2 per acre, and he agreed to make a payment of $50 
the next spring. He was puzzled for some time to find a way of 
securing the $50, but finally, on a capital of between $6 and $7, com- 
menced buying deerskins, and on the first lot that he sold at Huron^ 
much of which was bought on credit, ho cleared $100 ; and when the 
day of payment arrived he was prepared to pay $70 instead of $50, 
which he did. From that small beginning he has made the property 
he now owns, and has purchased back the encumbered homestead of 
his father, without any assistance through inheritance. 

Mr. Underbill was married, March 28, 1851, to Amanda Patten, 
whose father was an early settler at Dayton, Ohio. She died July 5, 
1852, leaving a child who died in January following. 

His second wife was Lydia (Jrogory, whom he married Dec. 27 
1855. She was born April 13, 1830. There were five children born 
of this marriage, four of whom are living, one having died in infancy. 
The surviving children are Isaac M., born Sept. 27, 1856; Isabel F., 
burn July 6, IStU); Kdwin G., born Oct. 20, 1862; and Arthur, born 
March 6, 1S67. 

David Underbill, the younger of the two sons of Major Underbill 
fell from a horse many years ago, injuring his brain and resulting in 
his mental derangement, from which he has not recovered. Sarah 
Louisa was the wife of A. B. Beaverstook. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



255 



until attaining his majority, when he married and 
soon after removed to Baltimore county, Maryland. 
In 1811 he removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, and 
from there to Ridgetield, Huron county, arriving 
September 25. 1815. He located on lot four in the 
fourth section, a portion of which he sulxse(iuently 
caused to be laiil out, and now forms a i)art of Mon- 
roeville village. Sowers had four sons: John, Jr., 
who married Chloe Strong (by whom he had four 
/•cliildren: Catharine, John, Francis, and Dorcas); his 
wife died August 3U, 1830, aged thirty-one years, and 
he married Mrs. Deborah S. Benedict in October, 
1831: had several children by second wife. He died 
in Monroeville June 3, 1868. Second wife died April 
G. ISG'J. Moses, who married Mrs. Susan Abbott, 
eventually removed to Richland county, where he died 
February 16, 1875. leaving two children, George and 
Bloomer. Daniel, who married Mary McMillan, 
died in Monroeville October 26, 18T7. Mrs. S. died 
January 20, 1878. (The children were: Mary Ann, 
John, Agnes, George, Lavina, and Alice.) James, 
who married Catharine Eastlick, lived in Monroeville 
some twenty years: removed to Whitley county, In- 
diana, where he now resides. They have two chil- 
dren, Mary and Elizabeth. 

John Sowers, Sr., had l)ut one daugiiter, Mary, 
who married Jesse Davis. One child was Ijorn to 
them, John S. The mother died when he was three 
weeks old. He lived with his grand parents, and 
with them came to Ohio. He was then nine years of 
age. In 1836 he removed to Lexington, Richland 
county, and in February, 1838, located, at Gallon. 
Here he married Catharine Nave, May IT, 18-13, and 
engaged in merchandising. He became largely inter- 
ested in the banking interest at that point. In May, 
1866,. he returned to Monroeville, and purchased the 
residence of S. V. Harkness, where he still resides. 
He also purchased the brick building occupied by the 
stores of E. J. Squire and F. H. Drake and the E.\- 
change Bank. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis 
are: Amanda, who married Captain A. S. Skilton; 
(have two children, .John Davis and Bessie Roby); 
John and Kittie, who died in infancy, and Mary E., 
the baby. Mr. Davis is thoroughly identified with 
the business interests of Monroeville. John Sowers, 
Sr., died July 23. 1820, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. 
Sowers died May 21, 1848, aged ninety-three years. 

Julius C. Hubbell, of Charlotte, Vermont, mar- 
ried Sally Barker, and came to Ridgefield, October 
13, 1815, locating on lot nuniijer seventeen in the 
second section. When he moved into Ridgeville 
from Elyria, he came twenty miles without seeing a 
house. He was at the first election in the townshi]), 
but was not old enough to vote. There were no mills 
in the country at that time, and corn, hulled, grated, 
or pounded, was a common article of diet. He had a 
family of nine children. 

Daniel Page was a native of New Fairfield, Con- 
necticut, and his wife, Rebecca Moore, of Pownell, 
N'erinont. They were married ^larch 10, 1795. Mr. 



Page read medicine in early life, but finally became 
a surveyor. In 1811 he came to Ohio, locating in 
Dover. Cuyahoga county, where he ojiened a hotel. 
In 1815 Mr. Page bought the farm of Reuljen Pixley, 
in the second section of Ridgefield township, and 
moved his family thereto in October of that year. He 
died on this farm in July, 1829. His wife died July 
18, 1831. Tiiere were two sons and four daughters 
in the family who lived to maturity. They were as 
follows: Amanda, who married Henry Dillingham, 
and removed to Indiana. Lexey had two husbands. 
Hannah D. was captured by the Indians, and after 
enduring many hardshijjs, returned to her parents. 
She married Ezra Herrick, ancl died in Oakland 
county, Michigan, leaving seven children. Sophia 
was twice married, the last time to Amos Felt, of 
Norwaik. Daniel, who married Louisa Smith, of 
Oxford: died in Illinois. William, who married 
Mary Prindle of Oxford, and moved to Calhoun 
county, Michigan. 

Josepli F. Read came to Huron county in 1813. 
He settled on lot number sixteen in the second section 
of Ridgefield townsliij). in September, 1814. He 
afterward moved to lot number seven in the third sec- 
tion, and occupied a small log caliin, minus floor, 
chimney and windows. In this he soon commenced 
keeping a tavern. He subsequently removed to Cass 
county, Michigan, where he died. He had one son 
and one daughter. She married Allen Beverstock, 
and died in Ricliland county. 

A family named Sweatland first settled on lot fifteen 
in the second section. One daughter and the mother 
died in July, 1815, and the father in October of the 
same year. These are believed to have been the first 
deaths in the tow-nship. They were buried on lot 
fifteen in section one. 

Major David Underbill, formerly from Vermont, 
came from Herkimer county, New York, to Huron 
county, in 1809-10, and ]>urchased thirty-six hund- 
red acres of laud in section one, Ridgefield townshi}). 
The deed for this land was made in September, 1811. 
In 1812, he built a small log cabin on the bank of the 
river, but, on account of the war, he al)andoned it. 
In 1815, he returned, and built a respectal)le log house 
near the site of the first cabin, and the following 
spring, moved his family on to his possessions, and re- 
mained tiiere until iiis death which occurred October 
5, 1841. Mrs. Underhill died December 1, 1850. 
Major Underhill was prominent in the affairs of the 
township and county. In tlie sjjring of ISlfJ, he 
assisted in opening the road to Monroeville. and lie 
was instrumental in procuring the location of tiie 
county seat at Xorwalk. The family are as follows: 
Harriet, who married Nathan Strong, and is now liv- 
ing on the old homestead; Marian, who married Dr. 
Junia A. Jennings, and is deceased; Aurelia, wiio 
married A. W. Hulet, and is dead; Isaac, who married 
Amanda Patterson (had one child, this died as did the 
wife; he then married Lydia Gregory by whom he has 
four children). He resides in the old farm house. 



256 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



David, who married Caroline Wilbni% also lives on the 
old farm, and Sarah Louisa, who married A. B. 
Beverstock, is deceased. 

Thomas Dickey was born in Hillsboro, New Hamp- 
shire, December 15, 1790, and was one of a family of 
thirteen. When nineteen years of age, he was en- 
gaged to General Benjamin Pierce, and while with 
him. entered the army, and served during the entire 
war. During the siege of Fort Erie he was wounded 
in the foot. After his discharge from the service he 
returned to New Hampshire, September 15, 1815; he 
started on horseback for Ohio, and in due time 
reached Monroeville, where he stojiped, near the late 
residence of William R. Jackson, until April, 1819, 
when he married Elizabeth Myers, and removed to 
Seneca county. After a couple of removals he re- 
turned to Ridgefield township. This was in October. 
1825. He located in the second section, and remained 
in the township until his death, which occurred on 
the tenth of January, 18T9. Mrs. Dickey died in 
1854:. The children of this couple were five — three 
boys and two girls; but two of the children are now 
living. 

Charles Hubbell, of Charlotte, Crittenden county, 
Vermont, arrived in Ridgefield, July 23, 1817. He 
located on lot number sixteen, m the second section. 
The children numbered four; one sou and three 
daughters. The oldest daughter, Cecelia, married 
Fon-est Messenger, and died in Monroeville July .30, 
1849, of cholera. The second daughter married Jona- 
than Green, of Peru township. The third daughter 
married Ebenezer Welch, of Lyme township. 

George H. C'lotk was born in 1765, and emigrated 
to Ridgefield iij the spring of 1817, from the State of 
New York. He settled on lot number six, in the 
third section. His wife was Margaret Overhiser, by ■ 
whom he had thirteen children: Daniel. David, Tim- 
othy, Elijah. Archibald, Samuel, Andrew, James, 
Sally, Parmelia, Sophronia, Lovina and Julia Ann. 

The only one of these children now residing in 
Ridgefield township is Samuel, who married Maria 
Vroman. One son of this marriage was killed in the 
army; another, Andrew, is married and lives in Mon- 
roeville village; a daugiiter is married and resides in 
St. Louis, Missouri. Descendants of Timothy also 
reside in the village; among them are David Clock 
and Mrs. James Hamilton. 

William Brooks, a native of Onondago county, 
New York, came to Huron county in 1818. His 
family, consisting of a wife and four children, re- 
mained east. Mr. Brooks came to Monroeville, and 
was engaged by the Burt Brothers in the construction 
of the grist and saw mills at that point. In 1822 the 
family arrived. They lived for a time on the farm 
now occupied liy Mrs. Daniel Clary, and afterwards 
in .Monroeville village. Mr. Brooks returned east, 
where he died in 1849. 

In March, 1839, the family located in Sherman 
township, where the widow still resides, at the ad- 
vanced age of iiinety-f<nir years. The children were: 



Clinton, who married Lydia Haskins, and died in 
Michigan; Emeline, who married John Van Buskirk, 
and died in Norwalk of cholera in 1834; Temperance, 
who has been thrice married, is now the wife of 
William Ticknor, and lives on lot number ten, in 
section three, Sherman township; and Sylvester 0., 
who married Jerusha Ann Hallis, and died in 1849. 

JoJin Burdue, a Frenchman, was quite a character 
in the early settlement. He built the first log cabin 
in Norwalk township for Piatt Benedict. He lived 
for some time in the family of John Somers, Sr. He 
finally returned to Canada. 

Daniel Clary was born in Herkimer county. New 
York, in 1799. In 1817 he came to Ridgefield and 
purchased one hundred acres of land of Major David 
LTnderhill. This was in lot number nineteen in the 
first section. Mr. Clary paid for this land in labor, 
and so faithfully did he perform his part of the con- 
tract, that, at the expiration of three years, he had 
lost but three days' time. He subsequently purchased 
the farm on lot number nineteen, in section one; 
upon this he built the residence where he died, on 
April 29, 1863. On February 23, 1825, he married 
Miss Mary Wilcox, by whom he had two sons — Homer 
C. and George W., the latter of whom is deceased. 
The former resides on the old farm. The widow of 
Daniel Clary still occupies the home mansion. 

James Breckenridge, from Crittenden county, Ver- 
mont, married Lovina J. Read November 20, 1811. 
In the winter of 1817, he came by team to Ohio, and, 
after encountering many dangers, reached Joseph 
Read's, in Ridgefield township, on March 7th. The 
following summer he purchased two lots in Venice 
and erected thereon a house, returning in the fall to 
Vermont for his family. In June, 1818, he began 
the journey, and in July reached the "promised land." 
On arrival he found tliat he could not get a title to 
his land, and that the people who were there, and not 
already dead, were in a fair way of dying — for all 
were sick. He then purchased two lots in Monroe- 
ville, wiiere Eckhart's hotel now stands; built a house 
and oiiened a liotel, tiie first, of .importance, at least, 
in tlie village. The children of this couple numbered 
nine, two of whom died in Vermont. George W., who 
became eminent as a minister in the Methodist Epis- 
cojial Church; Ann F., Giles C, Jane E., Almira N., 
Jeanuette, and Frank A. who was a soldier in the 
union army during the rebellion. He was captured 
at Milroy's defeat. Winchester, \'irginia, and was for 
many months an involuntary guest at the hotel de 
Libby, Richmond Virginia. 

Deodatus Hubbell emigrated fiom Lanesborough, 
Jierkshire county, Massachusetts, to Ridgefield in the 
spring of 1818. He purchased lot number eighteen, 
in the second section. In 1819, he married Celia 
Littlefield. The season of 1820 was noted for the 
prpyalence of ague, billions fever and sore eyes. Mr. 
Hubljell became afflicted with the latter trouble and 
became totally lilind. He returned to Massachusetts, 
where he regained his health and eve-sight. In 1828 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



257 



Ir' ivtiinit'il to liis hoinu in Hiilyetielcl, wliert' he dii'd, 
August 19, l.S6v>. Mrs. HuL.hell died November •=>, 
1877. The children of this coui)le numbered four — 
one died in infancy — Eliza Ann, who married F. H. 
Drake, of Monroeville, Rosamond M., who niarrieil E. 
Read, and Celia .AI., who liecame the wife of James 
G. Hardy, and now resides in Covington, Indiana. 
Mr. llubbell became an early member of the Ba]itist 
Church, and always remained a prominent member 
and one of its principal supporters. The bell of this 
church, which cost three hundred dollars, was one of 
his many donations. 

Hial Hunt emigrated from Vermont, and in ISIG 
located in Margaretta township, Erie county, and, in 
connection with a brother, erected a mill on Cold 
creek", but, being unable to obtain a title to the land, 
gave it up, and he came to Ridgefield in the spring of 
1818. He purchased, finally, the lot upon which 
stands the brick building occupied by R. G Martin's 
hardware, and A. L. Lane's drug store. In 1820 he 
removed from the county. Returning about 182-t, 
he settled in the tirst section of Lyme township. He 
has had five sons and one daughter. His first wife 
died in 18.35, and he nuirried a widow ladv. named 
Phillips. 

Reuben Bloomci', from \'erniont, arrived in Ridge- 
field township on October 27, 1817. He located a few 
rods east of the jtresent residence of Sidney Brown, 
where he lived a few years, and removed to Sherman 
township, where he settled, permanently, on what is 
now known as the "Bloomer farm." Here he died, 
June 20, 1836. His wife died July 24, 1826. The 
children were : Susan, Coles A., Albert, Emma J., 
Charles B., George and .John V. Four are living — 
three in Ridgefield township. 

Charles Parker, of Rhode Island, married, on Feb- 
ruary -i, 1798, Lucina Lamberton. from the State of 
New York, and in about IfSOO emigrated to Oiiio. He 
located at, or near, the present village of Painesville, 
in Lake county, and was among the early merchants 
of that village. He remained there until 1811, in 
May of which year, he removed to Milan, (then called 
Avery.) and settled on Huron river, about one and 
a half miles southwest of the present village of 
Milan. 

Here the liisloric block house was erected, to 
j)rotect the settlers from the incursions of savages, 
rendered more ferocious by the offer of British gold 
for scalps. After the infamous and cowardly surren- 
der of the traitor, Hull, at Detroit, the families in 
the block house fled southward for. safety. The 
family of Ciiarles Parker were : Ira, who was born 
before the parents came to Ohio ; he w-as a soldier in 
the war of 1812, and died in the army. Anna and 
Hiram were born at Painesville. Anna married 
Thomas J. Prentiss, on September 27, 1819, and came 
at once to live in Ridgefield, locating on the farm now 
owned liy II. P. Stentz. Here twociiildren were born, 
Charles P., who married Emnni Lurkins, and resides 
in Monroeville, and Jane, who marriid Bailey 

33 



^\'hcelel■, and is now deceased. Iliram manied .Mis. 
Mary A. Russell, and died in .Michigan, in 1876, at 
Milan. Two children were born : Lucina who mar- 
ried Samuel Knight, and lives in Illinois, and 
Catharine, who married Hiram Brooks, and is living 
in the south. Mr. J'arker died October 12, 1815. He 
iiad three wives. 

Perry Easton came from Ontaria county. New York, 
and located in Ridgefield, June 9, 1818. The journey 
was performed by team to Buffalo, and from thence 
to Sandusky by boat. Settling on lot number six, he 
remained until 1821, when he i-emoved to Bronson 
township, and finally to Peru, where he permanently 
located. He died May 9, 1858. Mrs. Easton died 
December 29, 1872. The children were three : 
James D. and John C, (twins,) and a daughter, 
Cordelia. James D. married Jane Barker, and lives 
in Monroeville ; John C. married Anna Estes, and 
lives in Paris, Texas. 

James Hamilton and family moved from (iranville, 
Washington county, New York, to Lyme township, 
this county, in the spring of 1S19. Here he located 
and remained until the spring of 1826, when he re- 
moved t.o Monroeville. Mrs. Hamilton died in Lyme 
in August, 1821. Mr. Hamilton died in Milan in 
June, 1855. 

The family consisted of nine children: Chester, who 
died in Milan; Henry, who died in Buffalo, New 
Y'ork; Mai'garet, who mari'ied N. M. Standard, of 
Milan, died from injuries received by being thrown 
from the high bank near the residence of the late 
David Clock, by a frightened horse; Daniel, who died 
in Milan; John, who now lives in Anamosy, Iowa; 
James, Jr., who was born in Granville, New York, 
August 8, 1806, married Emily J. Brown. (She died 
May 30, 1851, leaving the following children: James 
H., Frank B., Francis J., Emily, .Margaret and 
Sarah; Emily is deceased.) Mr. Hamilton married 
Berthulia Clock, November 4, 1852, l)y whom two 
children were born: Clay and Marrion \j. He is at 
present postmaster at Monroeville. Findley F. , the 
next child of James Hamilton, Sr., is deceased, as 
are Thomas and William Edgar, which comprise the 
family. 

Forrest Messenger came from Granville, Licking 
county, Ohio, to Milan, Huron county, in August, 
1822. He remained there until 1825, when he came 
to Ridgefield township and purchased land in what is 
now Monroeville village. L'pon this he still resides. 
In the fall of 1828 he married Miss Cecelia Hubbell, 
l)y whom five children were born. Of these, three are 
still living. Mrs. .Messenger died of cholera in .luly, 
1849. In the spring of 1850, he married Hannah 
Patterson, by whom he has had one child, now de- 
ceased. Mr. Messenger was the "village lilacksmith" 
thirty-four years, and, during stageing times, he did 
an extensive business. He has, undoul)tcdly. shod 
more horses than any man in Huron county. During 
the war of 1812, although too young for a .soldier, yet 
he accoin]ianied the army as a fifer. 



2oS 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



John Brown, of New Hampshire, came to Ohio in 
the' summer of 1823, and located in the village of 
Monroeville, where he lived the remainder of his life. 
The childi-en were: Albert, Justus, Jeremiah, Sally, 
Melissa, Esther and John; five are still living. Al- 
bert is the only one residing, at present, in the town- 
ship. He married Emma J. Bloomer; they have 
seven children. 

John Fish came from Licking county, Ohio, to 
Pern, in about 1822. In 1825 he settled on lot num- 
ber seven in Ridgefield towushiji, and this farm is 
still owned by his heirs. His first wife was Jane Gam- 
ble, by whom the following children were born; Au- 
rora B., Sidney D., Gordon W., Edwin, Mary J., and 
Sarah A. Mrs. Fish died June 6, 1832, and he mar- 
ried Lydia Van Coy, who is still living. The children 
by this marriage are: Piatt C, James G., John \V., 
Celia, Judson D., and Ida, all living. Mr. Fish died 
September 13, 1866. 

Daniel Sherman, in February, 1825, purchased the 
farm formerly owned by Sandere Littlefield. This is 
now occupied by S. D. Fish. (For further of Mr. 
Sherman's history, see Sherman township.) 

P. J. Robertson, from Washington county, New 
York, located in Ridgefield township, on lot one, sec- 
tion four, where he still resides. In 1834 he married 
Mrs. Anna Prentiss. One child was born to them, 
(George) who died at the age of seventeen years. 

C. S. Brown, from Madison county. New Y''ork, 
settled in Ridgefield, on lot eight, in 1837, where he 
now lives. He has two children; Lloyd, who married 
Rose Mahon, and lives at home, and Retta, who mar- 
ried William H. Bishop, a son of Augustus W. Bishop, 
who settled in Ridgefield in 1835. 

Isaac Smith, from Tompkins county. New Y'ork. 
settled in Fitchville m 1835. In October, 1836, he 
married Cornelia Barnliart, and in February, 1838, 
came to Monroeville, and soon after engaged in mer- 
chandising, and has prosecuted this vocation continu- 
ously, with the exception of two years, until the pres- 
ent period. His wife died in 1850, and in 1854 he 
married Elizabeth Piatt, with whom he now lives. 
He is the oldest merchant in the village. The chil- 
dren are as follows; Byron A., Ellen L., Hattie C, 
Cynthia J., Ralph P.," Ed. S., and Abbie N. The 
last three are by the second wife. Elvira M. and 
Frank J. are dead. 

Among the early settlers we find the names of Al- 
len Lindslev, LysanderHalladay, David Webb, B. B. 
Jackson, Ezra Leonard, Asel Morse, Elihu Potter, 
Henry Tice, who was quite prominent in the village, 
Levi Cole, who settled in Ridgefield very early, had a 
family of eight sons, some of whom yet reside in the 
county. The Burt brothers who built the grist and 
saw mills in the village, were very early settlers. 
They came from Derby, Vermont. 

John Green came from Auburn, New Y'ork, to 
Huron county (locating in Greenfield township) in 
October. 1818. In 1822 he removed to Lyme town- 
ship, where he died, October, 1826. James, his son. 



was then fourteen years of age. He drifted with the 
tide, until 1833. when he came to Monroeville. He 
married Catharine Palmer, of Ashtabula, Ohio, m 
1834. They have four children — a son and three 
daughters. Mr. Green was, for a number of years, 
engaged in merchandising. He has been a justice of 
the peace for twenty-one years, and infirmary director 
for several years. 

J. R. Hall, a native of Kirkwood, Belmont county, 
Ohio, came to Ridgefield in the fall of 183C. He 
married Mrs. Jane Prout, and, erecting buildings in 
Monroeville village, engaged in merchandising. He 
was entirely burned out in the fire of 1855. He then 
purchased the property on the south side of the river, 
where he yet resides. Of the family of five children, 
three (Russell, Jane and Aldura) are deceased. 
Jeanuette and Marion are at home. The latter 
married William W. Beardsley, who is deceased. 

James Mason, of Atlantic county, New Jersey, 
located in Ridgefield township in 1831, where he still 
resides. He married Abigail Hess. The children 
are : Elias, Melissa, Francis H., Mary E. and James, 
who are all living. 

FIRST EVEXTS. 

The first white child born in the township of 
Ridgefield, was a son to Seth and Sarah Brown, born 
August 29, 1815. He is now the Rev. George W. 
Brown, of the ilethodist Episcopal Church, and is 
located in Illinois. He was a missionary among the 
Indians in the Lake Superior region before the open- 
ing of the copi»er mines. 

The first deaths were, without doubt, the Sweatland 
family before mentioned, which occurred in July and 
October, 1815. 

The first burial in the Monroeville cemetery was 
Preoxcintha, wife of Isaac Clary. She died on the 
21st of September, 1818. 

The pioneer wedding in the township was Thomas 
Dickey to Miss Elizabeth Myers. It transpired in 
April, 1819. This cou^Dle died in Ridgefield, the ' 
wife in 1854, and the husband, January 10, 1879. 

The first frame house in Monroeville was built by 
John Sowers, in about 1820. It stood just back of 
the site now occupied by the Davis block. This 
building now stands near the Baptist Church, and is 
occupied by Mrs. Ed. Wright. 

The first brick building was built by George Hol- 
lister. in about 1830. This is now the residence of 
John S. Davis. 

Schuyler Van Rensselaer was the first postmaster in 
Ridgefield township, and we learn that the office was 
located in a Iniildiag standing on the site of the 
present Exchange block, (corner Main street and 
Milan avenue.) This building was erected by Van 
Rensselaer, and in it he sold goods, among the first in 
the township. James Hamilton is present postmaster, 
appointed December 19, 1874. 

The first goods w-ere sold by a man named 
Drumiuond, who fitted up a corner of Burt's saw 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



■.'59 



mill for a store. This was immediately after the mill 
was completed. 

John Sowers planted an orchard on the farm where 
Thomas Cone now lives, in 181 T. This is believed 
to have been the jiioneer orchard in the township. 

Seth Brown and John Sowers each sowed a piece of 
wheat, as soon as practicable, after settlement. 

The tirst 4th of July celebration was hehl at George 
Pearce's, near the William H. Jackson residence. 
For dinner, they had baked meats, beans, and sorrel 
pie, and it is highly probable that whisky added its 
exhilirating effect to the festivities. A dance was 
held in the evening. The following 4th of July a 
celebration was held on •• Independence Island," 
then extending from a little above the present bridge 
at Monroeville some twenty ro.ls below and some five 
or six rods in width, and covered with trees. This 
island has now entirely disappeared. 

We have before stated that the first hotel stood on 
the site now occupied by the Eekhart Hotel, owned 
by Emerson Brothers. This pioneer hotel was a 
wood structure. In about 1834 it was burned, and 
soon afterwards the present brick hotel was erected. 
This was undoubtedly built by Harry Gritfin, and 
christened the Railroad House. Grittin, who mar- 
ried Harriet Sturges, was its host some three years, 
and is said to have kept the best hotel between Cleve- 
land and Detroit. Uriah M. Eekhart is the present 
I lost. 

The Exchange Hotel was built by James Tice, who 
sold it to Ste]ihen Crippen. It was operated some 
years for a hotel. Isaac Smith is tlie present owner. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Ridgefield township was organized the first Monday 
in December 1815. and comprised the territory now 
included in the townships of Ridgefield, Sherman, 
Lyme, and the south half of Oxford. The first 
election was held in the spring of 1816 at the house 
of Joseph F. Read, on lot sixteen in section two. No 
record of this election can be found. Enos Rose, in 
liis ''sketch of Ridgefield township," says: ''From 
the recollection of those wiio were at this election, 
David Page, Levi Sutton, and David Underbill were 
tiie first trustees; Joseph F. Read, township clerk, 
and Sanders Littlefield, justice of the peace. The 
names of electors were as follows: Joseph F. Read, 
Daniel Sherman, Sanders Littlefield, (ieorge Pearce, 
Seth Brown, Daniel Page, John Sowers, Sr., John 
Sowers, Jr., Moses Sowers, David L'^nderhill, John 
Hahn. Thomas Wcbl), Adam Wires, George Wires, 
Thomas Dickey, Richard Henry, George and John 
Burt, and two others named Drake and Strong. 

On March 4, 1816, the second and third sections 
of Lyme were set off to Wheat lainl. March '2, 1818, 
Oxford was attached to Bloomingville. February 6, 
1820, one mile square on the southwest corner of Ox- 
ford was attached to Lyme, and the next s(|aare mile 
east attached to Ridgefield, and on Marcli Oth. of the 



same year, the Lyme portion was set back to Ridge- 
field. Lyme and Sherman were detached from Ridge- 
field in 1819. Lyme, and about one mile of Groton 
now Erie county, making an election district, and 
Sherman and Norwich were organized as a township 
the same year. Ridgefield is described as township 
number four, range twenty-three. 

The townshij) officers for the year 1878 are: Alex- 
ander Mushett, John G. Myers, and Samuel La- 
moreux, trustees; Isaac Smith, clerk; H. P. Stentz, 
treasurer; Fred W. Aves, assessor; Henry Kingsley 
and Fred W. Aves, constables; and J. P. Cornell and 
James Green, justices of the peace. 

MONROEVILLE VILLAGE. 

On Septemlier 29, 1817, the north part of lot 
number four, in the fourth section, owned by John 
Sowers, Sr., and the south part of lot number five, 
in the same section, of which Seth Brown was owner, 
was laid out as a village. It was named Jlonroe, and 
continued to be called l)y tiiat name until the estab- 
lishment of a post office, wlien, to avoid rei)etition, 
the name was changed to Monroeville. On May 24, 
1836, an addition was made to the village, by the 
heirs of Seth Brown, and consisted of one hundred 
and forty-one lots. 

March 6, 1808, a petition was presented to the com- 
missioners of Huron county, asking that the village 
of Monroeville be incorporated. The jirayer of the 
petitioners was granted, and an election ordered. 
The following gentlemen were elected: James Green, 
mayor; W. J. Lewis, recorder; Roman Zipfel, treas- 
urer: Win. R. Jackson, S. B. Martin, C. P. Prentiss, 
J. Hamilton and R. Zipfel, trustees. The successors 
to the office of mayor, recorder and treasurer, are as 
follows: 1870, John Sowers, mayor; H. M. Roby 
was elected recorder, but declined to serve, and H. P. 
Stentz was appointed to fill vacancy. 1871, B. A. 
Smith, clerk. 1872, S. Robbins, mayor: D. Packard, 
treasurer. 1873, A. S. Skilton, clerk." 1874, R. Zipfel, 
treasurer. 1870, R. Zipfel, ma3'or; A. Hipp, treas- 
urer. 1877, John Butler, clerk. 1878, Roman Zipfel, 
mayor; A. E. Scholey, clerk; A. Hipp, treasurer; W. 
M. Fanning, James T. Camp, J. Tillotson, Joshua 
Parker, C. P. Ilankamer and F. G. Murphy, conncil- 
mcn; Henry Kingsley, marshal; .1. lienninger, street 
commissioner. 

FIKKS. 

Were it possible to i)urify by fire, then, indeed, 
would Monroeville be purity itself. In the early 
morning of March 4, 1855, occurred the first fire of 
importance, in Monroeville village. At this time 
the space on the west side of Main street, from 
Monroe street south to near where now stands 
the Idacksmith slioj), was filled by a row of wooden 
buildings. The building farthest south was oc- 
cupied by J. R. Hall's grocery. The fire originated 
from a box of ashes standing in the rear of the build- 



260 



HISTORY OF HUKOK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



ingnext north. There was no provision for fire, and 
a strong wind from the southwest drove the de- 
vouring element rajiidly northward, and, although 
buckets were brought into requisition, and every one 
strove heroically to stay its ravages, yet without avail, 
and in ])erhaps three hours, nothing remained, ex- 
cept ashes and smouldering ruins, from where the fire 
originated, north to Monroe street. The most im- 
portant building destroyed was the Hollister ware- 
house. The entire loss was estimated at seventy-five 
thousand dollars. 

In the spring of 1867. the second serious fire took 
place. It originated in the building, corner Main 
street and Milan avenue, and extended south along 
the east side of Main street. The fire was subdued 
when, about two-thirds of the distance from Milan 
avenne to Eckhart's hotel had been burned over. 
Three buildings only were left standing, north of the 
hotel. The principal sufferers by this fire were: John 
Hosford, Philip Meiljger, Urlan & Zipfel and James 
Wright. The rebuilding of the burned district was 
immediately begun. The loss, outside of insurance 
was six thousand dollars. 

In April, 1870, the three buildings north of the 
hotel (which were saved in previous fire) were burned. 
The losses were Urlan & Zipfel and J. Antemeii, and 
the amount, not covered by insurance, aggregated 
some two thousand dollars. 

On the night of April 1. 1877, occurred the last 
grand conflagration. The fire originated in the mil- 
linery store of Mrs. Parsons, standing on the north 
side of Jlonroe street. The wind blew a gale, and 
soon the fire fiend reached Main street. About mid- 
night the wind shifted to the north and the flames 
were carried across Monroe street to Mrs. Aves" mil- 
linery store, which was soon destroyed. This was 
followed rapidly by the residence and oiRce of Dr. 
Lane, the town hall, F. & J. Tyler's market, A. 
Hipp & Co. "s grocery, Merrill. Cary & Co.'s stores, 
A. L. Lane's drug store, R. G. Martin's hardware 
store, J. Carabin's grocery. The halls of the Masonic, 
Odd Fellows and Good Templar Societies were in these 
buildings and lost everything. Fire companies had 
been summoned by telegrajih from Xorwalk, San- 
dusky and Bellevue. and arrived on the scene at the 
time the fire had reached the store adjoining the 
Davis block. Bellevue steamer was soon in position 
and poured two powerful streams into the burning 
pile. The other comiianies worked with a will, and 
by their almost superhuman efforts the fire was stayed 
at this point. The people of Monroeville should ever 
cherish a feeling of gratitude for the noble assistance 
rendered on this occasion. 

The aggregate loss was seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars, upon Avhich there was a partial insurance. The 
origin of this fire is unknown, but is thought to have 
l)een incendiary. The majority of the parties burned 
out were soon doing business again, and the portion 
of the burned district on Main street was soon re- 
built. 



FIRE DEPAKTMEXT. 

Despite the repeated conflagrations with whicii 
Monroeville had been visited, no effort was made to 
organize a fire department until after the disastrous 
fire of 1877. Immediately following this, the legis- 
lature was petitioned t(j pass an "enabling act." 
authorizing the council to issue Ijonds in any amount 
not exceeding eight thousand dollars, the same to be 
applied to the purchase of fire engine, etc. This was 
done, and on August 10, 1877. a number four steam 
fire engine, of the Clapp and Jones pattern, was pur- 
chased : also, fifteen hundred feet of hose, and two 
hose reels, at a cost of four thousand, seven hundred 
dollars. The department was organized, with Henry 
M. Roby, chief ; A. S. Skilton, engineer : August J. 
Antenen, assistant, and William Rooney, fireman. 
Hose companies number one and two were formed, 
with twenty men each. They are officered as follows: 
Number One — Dr. C. 'SI. C. Prentiss, foreman ; 
Thomas Clarck. assistant : Tiiomas Emerson, treas- 
urer ; J. Carabin, secretary. Roby, Number Two — 
A. E. Scholey, foreman : Cliarley Karcher, assistant; 
A. E. Scholey, treasurer ; Roscoe De Witt, secretary. 
A hook and ladder company is in process of formation. 
The water supply is inexhaustible. 

MOXETAKV INTERESTS. 

In the year 185G. Messrs. Head & Perkins com- 
menced to do a private banking business in Monroe- 
ville village. After a time they were succeeded by S. 
V. Harkness, and he in turn, in 1866. by the present 
jirojirietors, Messrs. J. S. Davis. C. S. Crim and H. 
P. Stenz, who, under the firm name of Davis, Crim 
& Stenz, organized the "Exchange Bank of Monroe- 
ville." These gentlemen are also connected with the 
First National Bank of Gallon, and the latter with 
the First National Bank of Plymouth. The ' Ex- 
change'" does a general banking business. To show 
its stability, in 1873, when the disastrous panic struck 
our country, it had on deposit S180,00(i. and its de- 
positors were promptly paid on rail. The jn'oprietors 
are widely known as gentlemen of strict integrity and 
uncpiestionable financial ability. Steel portraits of 
Messrs. Davis and Stenz appetir in this volume. 

Isaac Smith and A. W. Prentiss have also done a 
jirivate banking business in ilonroeville. 

RAILROADS. 

In the yearl83G a charter was granted for the San- 
dusky and Monroeville railroad. Work was com- 
menced immediately and the road completed be- 
tween these points in 1838. The cars were drawn 
by horses. In about 1830 or '37, the since notorious 
Brigham Ydiing worked a lot of men on this road. 
While excavating for the deep cut the Ijones of a 
mastodon were unearthed. The line was extended to 
Mansfield, steam was applied and the road eventually 
extended to Newark, when it was leased to the Balti- 
more and Ohio railroad, and is now the Lake Erie 
Divisiciu of that company's line. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



261 



In 1851-2 the Cleveland. Xorwalk and Toledo rail- 
road was built. This is now the Southern Division 
of the Lake Shore and Michigan Soutliern railroad. 
The two lines of railroad cross in Monroeville. 

C H U H C H E P . 

In 1818 a Baptist Church was organized in Ridge- 
tield township, composed of members residing in the 
territory now embraced in Huron and Erie counties. 
The meetings of this body were held in different local- 
ities until 1835, when, by mutual consent, the church 
was permanently located in Xorwalk, and the name 
changed from " Ridgetield '" to "Xorwalk"' Baptist 
Church. For particulars connected with the early 
organization and history of this church, see history 
of Xorwalk Baptist Church in this volume. This 
was the first church organization in the township of 
Ridgefield. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHTRCH. 

Sundry inhabitants, of the Presbyterian church, of 
Lyme and Ridgefield townships, met at the house of 
S. Van Rensselaer on the l-tth day of November. 1831, 
and organized the aljove named church, agreeably to 
the general assembly of the Presbyterian church of 
the United States, apjiroved by tlie general association 
of tlie State of Connecticut. The following divines 
were present : Revs. A. H. Bells, Enoch Conger, 
Eveston Judson and E. P. Salmon. The constituent 
members of this church were : James Hamilton, Sr. , 
Hannah Hamilton. John Seymour, Sarah A. Seymour, 
Thomas H. Prentiss, Elmira Barney, Lewis Stone, 
Hannah Stone, Micah Skinner, Cata Skinner, Dilatus 
W. Skinner, Jane Catharine Skinner, Xatlian Ste- 
phens. Eliza .Stephens. Mrs. Rebecca Van Rensselaer, 
Mary A. Sowers. Mary Holiday. Laura H. Sherman, 
Eliza Ann Seymour. Elmira Cook, X'ancy Hand, aiul 
Betsy and Melissa Brown. Services were held in tlie 
school house, standing on the site now occupied by 
John Hosford's residence, until 18-10, April 13tii, of 
which year, the building committee report the church 
as finished, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. 
This isthe building yet occupied by this society. The 
season of 1865. however, the church was rebuilt, and 
extensive improvements made, for whicii some four 
thousand dollars were expended. 

The parsonage, which is located on Monroe street, 
was' purchased in the spring of 1864, at a cost of 
seventeen hundred dollars. The church oflicers, on 
organization, were : James Hamilton, Sr., John 
Seymour and Thomas H. Prentiss, elders ; John 
Seymour, clerk. 

The charter which was granted in 1838, created the 
Presbyterian and Congregational church and society 
of Monroeville, and on April 10, 1838, James Ham- 
ilton. Sr.. George Ilollister. John M. Latimer, Justus 
Brown and George W. IMannahan. were elected 
trustees, and .James W. Humphrey, secretary. 1854, 
Allen Lindsley. clerk ; 1800, Augustus \V. Prentiss, 
clerk. He was succeeded by E. J. Sipiire. and he by 



the present clerk, Brainard W. Salisbury. The otticial 
roster for 1878 is: John S. Davis. George Fish, IJavid 
Clary. Albert Brown and Brainard W. Salisbury, 
trustees ; Jonathan Green and All)urt Brown, deacons; 
E. J. Squire, treasurer ; D. H. Clock, chorister, and 
George W. Paine, organist and superintendent of 
Sabbath school, in which there is an average attend- 
ance of sixty-five. The cliurcli membership at present 
(March. 1879.) is sixty. 

The records arc quite imi)erfect from wliich the 
following list of pastors is compiled. The first 
regular pastor was Rev. E. P. Salmon, wlio remained 
until about 1836 ; for the six years following, the 
church had no regular pastor, but was supplied by the 

following : Rev. David Higgins. Parlin. A. II. 

Betts and Conger. June 1. 1842. Rev. I. B. Par- 
lin was installed pastor by the Huron Presbytery. He 
served until March 20, 1847. when he was dismissed, 
and Revs. Sperry, Xewton, Sawyer and others, acted 
as stated supply until .July 28, 1858, when Rev. C. 
W. Clapp was installed. He resigned. March 30. 
1855. and the following acted as supply: Rev. Charles 

Richards. Walker, Henry Willard. J. E. Weed. 

D. E. Wells began preaching JIarch 1, 1864. He 
was installed September 25. 1806, and dismissed in 
1808. After him. was Rev. T. J. Lewis and Smith 
Barnes. 1870. Rev. J. T. Pollock assumed charge. 
He resigned. Xovember 7, 1873, and was followed by 
Rev. C. W. Wallace, who remained until April. 1870, 
and from this date until October 1. of the same year. 
When the present pastor. Rev. A. A. Cressman, 
assumed charge, the church was without a pastor. 

Laura Sherman died December 31, 1876. aged 
eighty-six years, and Mrs. Mary Sowers died January 
20. 1877. aged seventy-seven years. These were the 
last and only constituent members of this church, 
who were residents of Ridgefiekl township. 

METHODIST El'IsrOPAL CHtKCH. 

The following sketch is written from the "recol- 
lections" of James Green, Esq., of Monroeville. one 
of the constituent members of this church. During 
the summer of 1832, a traveling minister. Rev. Shad- 
rach Ruark, preached occasionally in tlie school house, 
tiien standing on the site now occupied by the. resi- 
dence of .John Hosford. Esi[., and in, it is thought, 
October of that year, a class was formed. coiVsisting 
of the following persons: Benjainin .Miu'iihy. who was 
leader. James Green, Mrs. .Mary Green, .Mrs. Xancy 
Green, Mrs. Ann Bills. Mrs. Maria Bills and .Mrs. Ann 
Morrison. Meetings were held in tlie scliool house 
above mentioned until about 1841 or "42. when a 
small brick church was erected on Broad street. This 
was occupied until about 1801, wIhmi it became too 
small, and the [u-esent commodi(jus church on Chapel 
street was erected. This cost, with site, fifteen thou- 
sand dollars. The former church was sold to the 
Catholic society, and is now occupied by them for 
school purposes. The average membership since 
1801 has l)een one hundred and forty. 



262 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



In perliaps 18:34, a Sabbath school was organized in 
Monroeville. This was on the union plan, and was 
composed of children of every denomination. James 
Green was its superintendent. 

The Sabbath school in connection with the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church was formed in 1842 — James 
Green, superintendent. This school has now {18T9) 
an average attendance of eighty. John Hosford, 
sui:)erintendent. 

Among the ministers who have presided over the 
destinies of this clmrcli, are the following: Rev. 

Day, Goshorn, Edward Thompson 

(late bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church), H. 

0. Sheldon, Thomas Barkdull, Disbro, 

Thomas Cooper, George W. Brown, Lee, T. 

J. Pope, Pounds, John T. Kellum, James 

Kellum, Evans, Milligan, 

Painter, John A. Mudge, John R. Jewett, 



McKaskey, T. J. Guard, E. Thonipsou, and the 
present pastor. Rev. F. S. Woolfe. 

The present church officials are: James Gi'een, 
Samuel Carr, George Hearson, William Powley, 
Harry Powley, Frank Mason and Thomas Ackerman, 
class leaders; John Hosford, James Green, Dr. C. L. 
Kreider, Gardner Young, J. S. Green, Isaac De Witt 
and Frank Mason, stewards and trustees. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The writer desires to express his thanks to Rev. M. 
W. Homes for the following history of this church: 
"On June 6, 1830, eighteen members of this denomi- 
nation formed themselves in(o a jonference under the 
following pledge: 'We, the undersigned members 
of Baptist Churclies, feeling desirous to sustain the 
public worship of God in the village of Monroeville, 
and other parts of the town of Ridgefield, do agree 
to unite in conference, covenanting, by the help of 
God, to meet for his worship at such time and place 
as shall be by us appointed; and when not favored 
with the preached word, to improve the time in exhor- 
tation, singing and prayer, as the word of God 
directs.' 

"The following are the names of those forming the 
conference: David Webb. Roswell Phelps, Samuel 
Chapman, Diodatiis Hubbell, Oliver Webb, David S. 
Webb, Martin L. Ruggles, Henry Dillingham, Lydia 
Webb, 'Louisa S. Webb, Miamee Phelps, .\manda 
Dillingham, Sallie Chapman, Celia Hubbell, Louisa 
Lake, Elizabeth Webb, Eliza Giasler and Fidelia 
Ruggles. 

"The conference held their first meeting June 18, 
1830; Elder A. Morse, moderator, and Roswell Phelps, 
clerk. At this meeting arrangements were made for 
regular religious services, including the montlily 
covenant meeting. On August 27, 1830, the organi- 
zation of the conference as a churcii was fully com- 
pleted, by the adoption of articles of faitli and church 
covenant and tlie approval of ministering brethren 
and the churches of wliich those composing the con- 
ference had been members. Tlie articles of faith 



were those known as the 'Philadelphia articles.' In 
1850, the church adopted what are known as the 'New 
Hampshire articles.' at which time the name of the 
church was changed to Monroeville Baptist Church. 
At th&-same meeting they appointed delegates to apply 
for admission into the Huron Baptist association, 
and were received at the session of that body at Nor- 
walk, the same year. 

" The first addition to the church, by baptism, 
occurred April '2. 1837, when three were baptized. 
One of these, the wife of deacon F. H. Drake, and 
daughter of Diodatus Hubbell, is still living (April, 
1879). 

"April 15, 1857, six more were baptized, among 
whom were David Clock and wife. Mrs. Clock at 
this writing is still living. 

"The church employed Elder A. Morse as supply 
until they could secure the service of a regular pastor. 
The Rev. S. B. Webster .was engaged in the spring of 
1837. The following have served the church to the 
present time: William White, Benjamin Thomas, A. 
Brown, Jeremiah Hall, C. J. Biroles, E. B. Turner, 
E. Eaton, Watson Clark, I). W. Morgan, D. Morse, 
L. Bailey, J. L. King, J. Hawker, D. Downie, M. 
E. Lyon, and the present incumbent, Rev. M. W. 
Homes. 

'■'The church and society were incorporated March 
5, 1838, with Diodatus Hubbell, Edward Baker and 
David Clock as trustees. The first meeting as a 
church and society was held April 14. 1838, when a 
constitution was adopted and the following officers 
elected: Willard Knight, president; Diodatus Hub- 
bell, Samuel Clock and George W. Allen, trustees; 
and Edward Baker, clerk. • At the same meeting, 
Willard Knight, George Hollister, Elisha' Lake and 
Benjamin F. Morse were appointed a committee to su- 
perintend the building of a house of worship. The 
house was completed and dedicated January 8. 1839, 
Elder S. Wadsworth preaching the sermon. The 
cost of the building is not given; it has since been 
repaired, once in 1844, cost not given: again in 1868 
-09, at an expense of two thousand dollars. 

"A Sunday school was organized in the spring 1839, 
and reported to the association forty scholars. Its 
present superintendent is William Roth. Under the 
labors of Kev. S. B. Webster, the membership was 
largely increased. During the entire history of the 
church there have been received into its fellowship six 
hundred and twent\'-nine. Of this number, four 
hundred and nineteen were received ])y baptism. 
The present pastor began his laboi's January 1, 1877, 
since when fifty-two have been added to the church. 
The following gentleman have served the church as 
deacons: David Webb, Diodatus Hubbell, Edward 
Thomas, F. H. Drake and William Skaden, the last 
two still acting as such; clerks, R. Phelps, Benjamin 
Vrooman, J. (Jantz, C. D. Hall. F. H. Drake, and 
the present incumbent, G. Stimson. There is 
commodious parsonage." 




ORRIN W. HEAD. 



Orriii W. Head was born ut Paris, Oneida Co., 
N. Y., on tlie 18th of May, 1808. His parents were 
Jonathan and Hepzihah (Liverniore) Head, both 
horn in New England, tiie former in Rliode Island, 
the latter in New Hampshire. His father, with two 
l)rothers, left Rhode Island in early life to settle in 
New York. They came up the Mohawk, bringing 
their silver money in a tin-pail, and landed at Utica 
when there was but one tavern in that now j)opidous 
and beautiful city, and nearly the whole of Oneida 
County was luisettled. The tavern above mentioned 
occupied the identical site of Bagg's Hotel, well 
known to travelers on the New York Central Rail- 
road. 

Mr. Head had eight brothers and two sistere, of 
whom six brothers and one sister are still living, the 
latter in Oakland, Cal. 

In 18-")6 he was married to Jidia Crane, in Mar- 
shall, Oneida Co., where her parents had resided for 
many years. Four children were the fruits of this 
marriage, their names and dates of birth being as 
follows: Thaddeus W., born December, 1837; Irvin 
T., born December, 18^39; Lucy M., born January, 
1841 ; (Jeorgc, born Se[)tember, 1846. 

Mr. Head «»nie to Ridgefield township in April, 
1842, purchasing what was then known as the 
Sowers farm, consisting of one hundred and eighty 



acres. He has lived on the same land ever since, 
but has at various times bought and sold contiguous 
lands, so that his farm now comprises two hundred 
and fifty acres. 

It is an achievement well worth recording, that he 
has taken, almost literally with his uum hdiuh, the 
native forest (yielding, the most of it, one hundred 
cords to the acre) from more than three hundred acres 
of land, hardly a log-heap having been burned on 
all that extent of ground of which he did not 
superintend and assist the construction, handspike in 
hand. And yet a hale old age testifies that the work 
did not overtax his vigorous constitution. 

Mr. Head claims to have more miles of //oofZ/cHce 
on his farm than any other farmer in Huron County, 
and no one can ride past his well-ke|)t anil well-cul- 
tivated grounds without thinking that his claim is 
valid. 

In 1857 he built, in company with Mr. E. R. Per- 
kins, what is known as the " Davis Block," in 
Monroeville, and est;d)lislicd there the Perkins tt 
Head Exchange Bank, which continued in suc- 
ccssfid operation live years. 

Mr. Head never held or sought any public office, 
but he has been the "standing bondsman" for town- 
ship and county Auu-tionaries of every gra<le for the 
past twenty years. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



263 



EPISCOPAL CHCRCH. 

This cluircli was first denominated ''Unity," but 
this was subsequently changed to "Zion," — the name 
it now bears. Its history begins with the year 184.3. 
The summer of that year Rev. Alvah Guion, rector 
of St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, l)egan, and for oue 
year subsequent, held service every Sunday after- 
noon in the Presbyterian Church. There were then 
but three Episcopal families residing in Monroeville. 
At the end of the year, from various reasons, services 
were discontinued, and eleven years intervened ere 
regular sci'vices were again established. During this 
interval occasional services were held by rectors of the 
surrounding parishes. 

In 18.54, Rev. G. S. Davis, of Medina, accepted a 
call. He took up his residence in Monroeville, 
preaching here on eacli Sabbath afternoon, and in 
Lyme township, during the forenoon. The parish 
was organized, and measures were taken to raise funds 
sufficient to build a church edifice. This was nearly 
consummated, when deaths and removals caused a 
postponement. During the stay of Rev. Mr. Davis, 
the congregation met in the Presbyterian, Methodist 
and Baptist churches, and in public halls, and it was 
during his rectorship that the rite of confirmation 
was, for the first time, administered in Monroeville. 
After two and one-half years Mr. Davis resigned 
charge of the parish, the communicants at that time 
numbering ten. 

The summer of 18.57, Rev. J. P. Curran, rector of 
St. Luke"s Church, Milan, assumed charge of the 
parish, holding service in Perkins' hall on Sunday 
afternoon. A Sunday school was now organized, with 
five teachers and twenty-five children. The question 
of building a church was again agitated, and work 
was about to begin, when 'Sir. Curran resigned the 
rectorship. 

July 8. 1860, Rev. Samuel Marks assumed charge 
of the parish. September 25th, the corner stone of 
the church was laid, aud on the 8th of December, 
18G1, it was completed and opened for divine ser- 
vice. The cost was three thousand five hundred 
dollars. The holy communion was first administered 
within its walls on Christmas day. The consecration 
of the church was consummated on February 2, 1864, 
by the Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcllvane, bishop of the 
Diocese of Ohio. Nine clegymen were present. The 
Rev. Mr. Phelps, of Fremont, preached the sermon, 
from 1 Kings viii. 27. Rev. Sir. Marks, by reason 
of failing health, resigned the pastorate in the spring 
of 1864. 

The following summer the pulpit was supplied by 
different clergymen, and in the autumn Rev. A. E. 
Bishoii assumed temporary charge. He remained 
until July, 1865, when the Rev. William R. Powell 
entered upon the duties of the rectorship: he remained 
until February, 1867, when he resigned. Rev. Henry 
L. Badger sncceeded him, and he remained until the 
spring of 1869. Rev. W. H. Dean then assumed 



charge. He remained until August, 1870, and was 
succeeded by Rev. D. C. Howard, who resigned Sep- 
tember 1, 1872. The parish now remained for more 
than one year with only occasional supply. 

On December 2, 1873, Rev. J. Karcher, present 
rector, assumed charge. The membership at present 
(1878) numbers fifty-six. The Sabbath school has an 
average attendance of forty. Albert C. Williams is 
superintendent. Following are the church officers: 
on March 27. 1856, Edwin Prentiss, Charles Earl, 
Alva Adsit, James T. Camp, C. C. Williams, Thonuis 
M. Cook, Lewis Zahm. Daniel F. Williams and Isaac 
Smith were elected vestrymen, and William R. Jack- 
son, clerk. At the Easter election, 1866, Philip 
Ward was elected senior warden, H. L. Wilson, junior 
warden, and Isaac Smith, Jonathan Prentiss, John 
S. Roby, J. T. Camp, Albert Williams and R. G. 
Martin, vestrymen. In 1868, wardens and a number 
of vestrymen re-elected; new vestrymen. Dr. 0. Pren- 
tiss and Henry SI. Roby. 1871, Jonathan Prentiss and 
Albert Williams, wardens: John S. Roby, William R. 
Jackson, Charles William Radcliffe, Dr. 0. Prentiss 
and E. Wright, vestrymen: at tJie same time Dr. 0. 
Prentiss. Jonathan Prentiss and Albert Williams were 
elected delegates to convention at Toledo. 1872, 
wardens re-elected: new vestrymen were H. S. Wilson 
and R. G. Martin. 1874, Jonathan Prentiss and Dr. 
0. Prentiss, wardens; H. M. Roby. H. J. Coit, C. H. 
WilHams, W. R. Jackson, W. W." Radcliffe and J. T. 
Camp, vestrymen. 1875, Edmond Wright, warden; 
Dr. 0. Prentiss, vestryman. At this election the 
number of vestrymen was increased to seven to avoid 
the danger of a tie vote. 1876, A. C, Williams, se- 
nior warden. William Prentiss and A. S. Skilton, ves- 
trymen. 1877, officers re-elected entire, except J. H. 
Sargent, vestryman. 1878, A. C. Williams and A. S. 
Skilton. wardens: Dr. 0. Prentiss, H. M. Roby, Geo. 
Williams, Charles Sargent, C. H. Williams, M. 0. 
Merrill and J. T. Camp, vestrymen. The parsonage 
was built during the summer of 1866, at a cost 
of two thousand dollars. Henry M. Roby was the 
superintendent of construction. 

CONGREGATIONAL CIUKrll. 

This cluirch. which is located at Four Corners, 
was organized by Rev. Jeremiah Butler on the 11th 
of February, 1846. Following are the constituent 
members: Chauncey Cook and Dorcas, his wife, Mrs. 
Theoda Cook. Elias Kingsley and Polly, his wife; 
Brainard Willard, Miss Mary Ann Willard. John 
Hoyt and Lydia, his wife; Miss Amelia K, Hoyt, Mrs. 
Laura E. Weed. Mrs. Eunice Cook and Moses Fisher, 
who joined by letter: Elisha Cook, \. SI. Ilorton, 
Samuel M. Cook, Thomas Smith, C. B. Cook, and 
Miss Cornelia Kingsley, joined by profession. Meet- 
ings were held in the stone school house until 1853, 
when the present meeting house was erected. This 
is a substantial wood building with spire, and cost 
with grounds ?il.785. A Salibath school was organ- 
ized several years prior to the formation of the 



264 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



cliiircli. and has continued until tlie jiresent. Tliere 
is now an average attendance of seventy children. 
H. C. Reed is its able superintendent. Following 
are the ministers who have presided over this church 
for a period of one j'ear or more: Rev. J. E. Allen, 
who assumed charge in April following the organiza- 
tion. He remained five years, and was succeeded by 
Rev. C. C. Baldwin. After him were Rev. C. Bur- 
gess, M. H. Smith, — C'oyner, E. N. Bartlett. Quin- 
cy M. Bosworth. John Hollway, J. H. Payne, C. W. 
Wallace, A. D. Knapp. and F. 8. Wolfe, who is the 
present incumbent. The present membei'ship is 
eighty-four. The whole number who have united 
with the church since its formation is one hundred 
and seventy. The following are the names of per- 
sons who have served the church as deacons: Ciiaun- 
cey Cook. Cornelius Powers, M. W. Needham, and 
W. S. Barnes, and W. K. Radcliffe, the present in- 
cumbent. The clerk of the church is Mr. C. B. 
Cook, to whom the writer is indebted for the data 
of this sketch. 

EVAXUELKJAL PROTESTANT (■HURCH. 

The organization of this church occurred on Feb- 
ruary 10, 1861, and was consummated through the 
efforts of Jacob Setzler, Sr., and Philip Weihl. Fol- 
lowing are the original members: John. .Jacob and 
Philip Weihl and wives, Jacob Setzler and wife, Jacob 
Setzler, Jr., and wife, Henry, Casper and .Jacob 
Haas and wives, Philip Knoll and wife, Ludewick 
Kanbach and wife, Jacob and Philip Erf and wives, 
Jacob Seel and wife, Philip Horn and wife, Chris and 
William Heimann and wives, William Hankamer and 
wife, Jacob Weisenlieimer and wife, Carl Bender and 
wife, William Miller and wife, William Millei-, .Jr., 
and wife, Jacob (xehring and wife, George Meyer, wife 
and father, George Linder and wife, John Bahr and 
wife and William Stotz and wife. Meetings were 
held in the old Methodist Episcopal Church and in 
public halls until 1864, when the present church was 
completed. The cost of this structure was two thou- 
sand three hundred dollars. The ministers who have 
presided over the church are as follows: Rev. F. E. 
Ludevic. Wilhelm Hessal. Frederick Haniberly. Wil- 
liam Kling, Frederick Benedict and William Renter, 
the present pastor, who assumed charge some three 
years since. TheoflRcers on organization were: Pliilip 
Weihl, president; John Bahr, socretary: Jacob Set- 
zler, .Jr., treasurer; William .Millei-. Jacob Setzler, Sr., 
and Jacob Erf, trustees. The present (jffieers (1878) 
are: Philip E. Horn, president; Jacob Ilinninger, sec- 
retary; Chris Hankamer, treasurer; Philip Deidrich, 
George Holdrick and Henry Haas, trustees. The 
present membership is one hundred. Tlie Sunday 
scliool, in connection with this church, was organized 
in August, 1875, by the Rev. Mr. Renter, wiio was 
the Hrst, and is the pre.sent, superintendent. The 
scliool lias an average of sixty children in attcnihuue. 
Charles Hankamer, assistant sui)erintendent. 



ST. .JOSEPH'S (catholic) CHURCH 

was attended as a missionary station until 1863, 
when it was organized by the Rev. Mr. Obermuller, 
of Norwalk. Meetings were held in Carabines Hall 
until January 12, 1863, when the brick church, now 
occupied as a school room, was purchased of the 
Methodist society. The committee on purchase were: 
R. Zijjfel, Robert Urlau, Charles Freuud, Cornell 
Schnurr, and .Joseph Walter. Rev. Obermuller con- 
tinued to attend until July 12, 186-3, when Rev. A. 
Abel assumed charge as settled pastor. He remained 
until October 9, 186-4, and was succeeded by the pres- 
ent jjastor. Rev. J. M. Peutz. The church was es- 
tablished with a membership of one hundred and fifty 
families, and has now some twenty-five less. A school 
was organized in connection with the church by Rev. 
Obermuller. This was more or less interrupted, for 
want of proper accommodations until 186-5, when it" 
convened in the present parsonage. Four years later 
its sessions were held in the old school building of ^the 
Union School. In 1877 it was permanently removed 
to its present location, in the old church. The av- 
erage attendance is about one hundred. It is a graded 
school of primary and intermediate departments, and 
both English and German are tauglit. 

The corner stone of the present commodious church 
edifice was laid on October Vi, 1873. It was com- 
pleted in the early summer of 1876, and consecrated 
on June 17th of that year, by Bishop Dwenenger of 
Fort Wayne, Indiana. The building is, in size, fifty- 
four by one hundred and twenty-five feet, of a com- 
posite order of architecture, composed of the Roman 
and tlie Gothic, a style much used in the twelfth cen- 
tury. The cost of the ciiurch was twenty-six thou- 
sand eight hundred and sixty-three dollars, and the 
total amount at present invested in the building and 
real estate is thirty thousand dollars. The present 
trustees (1869) are Benjamin Baumann, William 
Thompson, Matthew Carroll and Andrew Hipp. 

The data from which the foregoing sketch was 
written was furnished by Rev. J. M. Peutz. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first schoul house in the township was erected 
on lot number two hundred and seventy-two in Mon- 
roeville village. It was, doubtless, built of logs, but 
the date of its construction, or the teaching of the 
first term of school within its walls, the writer could 
not ascertain. George Burt was the first teacher and 
he was paid ten dollars per month for his services; 
tradition ilnes not state, but he undoubtedly boarded 
hinixelf; lie certainly could atford to from so munificent 
a salary. The children wiio attended tiiis school 
were : John S. Davis, Augustus H. Hubbell, James 
Sowers, Benjamin, Isaac and Rachel Spicer, Nelson and 
Oi-rin Brown, William and Rachel Fletcher, Diantha 
and Minerva Littlefield, Cecelia and Loisa Hubbell, 
Hosev and .\lmnn Hunt. 



UlSTOKY OF HURON AND HKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



iCo 



MOKROEVILLE I'N'IOX SfHOOLS. 

Piusu;int to notice, the i-itizons in district number 
two, Kidtreticld townshij). convened at llic sciiool 
house, in said district, on April in. 1S.V2, for tlie piir- 
]iose of adopting or rejecting tlie law wiiicli created 
the Union School system. .TacoU M. Zahm was 
chosen chairman: S. C. Palmer, assistant chairman: 
and William Saddler, clerk. A ballot was had, and 
of the seventy-eight electors i)rescnt, but forty voted 
in favor of the system. This was, however, a major- 
ity, and on April •■iith, the following gentlemen were 
elected directors of the public schools: D. B. Allen, 
J. W. Humphrey, J. M. Zahm, Dr. T. M. ('.)ok, 
James Hamilton, Jr.. and Isaac Smith, anil on or- 
ganization, Dr. T. M. Cook was chosen president; 
J. .M. Zahm, secretary: and Isaac Smith, treasurer. 
The iiouse of Miss Josephine Lemmon was first used 
for the sciiool. This is now occupied as a dwelling 
by Charles Foehler. In is,")-t, a l)uilding was pur- 
cluffcd of J. K. Benjamin, which was occupied by the 
school for a time. 

The i)resent substantial school building was erected 
from designs prepared by Henry M. Roby, Es((., and 
was first occupied on October i, 1868. Tlie total 
cost of the l)uilding was twent\--seven thousand and 
fifty-eight dollars and thirty-three cents. In addition 
there have been expended for furniture, grading, 
fencing, etc., three thousand and seventy-nine dol- 
lars, making a total of thirty thousand and one 
hundri'd ami tliirty-seven dollars. 

The fine library in connection with the sciiool, con- 
tains a complete set (twenty-one volumes) of the En- 
cycio]iaedia Britannica. which is a complete library 
in itself. Tlie school is jn'ovidcd with a full chemical 
and astronomical apparatus, and all the adjuncts to 
a thorough course of study. The course embraces 
the prinuiry, secondary, intermediate and grammar 
sciiool grades, with a liigli sciiool course embracing 
a four year's study. 

Tiie following shows tiie teachers in the school, 
from its organization to the present time (1878) : prin- 
cipals. Prof. T. B. Hutcliins, Edwin (Jregory, A. B. 
Cornell, Collins Ford, (ieorge Cornell, G. L. Starr, 
Miss Emma A. Fish, Prof. A. E. Smiley, A. N. .Mead, 
C. C. Chamberlain, A. E. Roberts, A. Tiiomas, C. G. 
Bisbee. \V. H. H. Jackson, R. N. Smith, A. J. .Mich- 
ael, li. II. Kennison. and the [iivseiil etficicnt sujier- 
iiitendeiit, O. E. Latham. 

The assistant teachers are: .Miss Josephine Lem- 
mon, Mary Patterson, Worden, .M. Clock, E. 

I'latt, L. Piatt, Mary Price, Rosalia Prentiss, Fannie 
iienjaniin, .Mr. C. Brockenridge. Miss H. Adsit, Ruth 
Prindle, Louisa Squire, Helen Eaton, Emily (tregory, 
Ida C. Leonard, Lucia Bonett, .Mr. \\. Robbins, Miss 
E. Iaoiis, M. Collins, Addie (.'olver. — Gilbert, L. 
Randall, Julia A. Jackson, Lovina Breckeiiridge, 
Mattie Morrison, .M. J. Balentine, F. E. Brown, — 
Herrick, Jeissie lirown, .\. L. f>ane, Harriet Gowdy. 

34 



Julia Kittell, M. L. Moore, Mary Randall, .Mary E. 

Allison. .Vnne E. Wilson. Lizzie Montgomery, Jose- 
phine .\dsit, Helen Smith. Anna Montgomery, Emma 
L. Sumner, May Ciiancc, Francis Cami), F. C. Ath- 
erton, Lodusky Lassalles, Fannie Zahm, L. Oleflcld, 
Stacie Lyon, Mr. John Gann, Miss Lucy Raymond, 
Alice Sowers, Jennie ifulock, Ruth Howarth, Emma 
-Martin. Ida Daniels. — Dimon, Mr. Charles Young, 
Miss Lizzie Diggins, .\.lice Dean, H. llartsiiorn, L. 
A. Caiioon, Jennie Edgar, Maggie Boyd. 0. D. Bald- 
win. Addie Salsbury, J. S. Green, D. Campbell. 
Helen Smith, Lottie E. Fant,-Hattje Smith, Helen 
Witford, and Florence Robbins. Tiie present staff 
is: Professor 0. E. Latham, principal, Miss Lizzie 
Frail, Anna C. Prentiss, Retta Traub, Jennie Bisseli, 
Alice L. Simson. IdaS. Easton, and F. .1. Hotchkiss, 
assistants; J. G. Kline, teacher ])ennianship. Board 
of Education, 18T8: C. P. Prentiss, president: L. 
Emerson, secretary; R. G. Martin, treasurer: Dr. 0. 
Prentiss, E. J. Sipiire, W. M. Fanning, and C. V. 
King. Whole number of scholars in tiic district, 
five hundred and thirty eight; amount ]iaid tt'uchers, 
three thousand two hundred and sixty dollars. 

SOCIETIKS. 

Numerous social organizations liave from time to 
time had an existence in Monroeville. Among the 
oldest of these, and in fact the only one that has 
withstood the '' lapse of time and the ravages of bar- 
barons force," is Nachee Lodge No. 94, I. 0. 0. ¥. 
In consequence of having passed through fire, the 
records of this society give very few details from 
which to prepare a sketch. The charter bears date 
August 20. 1847. and bears upon its face tlie follow- 
ing names: H. K. Steele, T. I). McClelland. Timothy 
Baker, Cornelius P. Ross, John Sowers, Jr., John 
L. LeBean. F. C. Taylor, C. D. Dwiglit, and F. H. 
Cone. The officers at present (1879) arc: A. L. Lane, 
N. G.: G. Wilkinson. V. G.; B. W. Salisbury, secre- 
tary, and John S. Roby, treasure)'. Present mem- 
bership, forty-five. The society meets on Tuesday 
evening of each week in Odd Fellows" Hall. 

Rose Lodge No. ;j(i4, F. and A. M., was organized 
A. D., March 10, 18.J8, with the following charter 
members: Enos Rose. Dr. 0. Prentiss, Darius S. 
Colver, L. Pomeroy, Jacob Natlian, Edwin Fish, l>e 
Witt C. Doanc, Charles E. Phillips. W. S. Wortman, 
i John S. Roby, John Fish, and .1. I!. liosc. Tlie first 
officers were: Enos Rose, W. M.; Dr. O. Prentiss, 
S. W.; D. S. Colver, J. W.; John S. Roby. treasurer; 
L. Pomeroy, .secretary; E. Fish, S. P.: D. W. C. 
Doane, J. D.; and Charles E. Piiiilii)s, tyler. Tiie 
ciiarter was issued at the session of tiic grand lodge, 
held in October, 1858. and tiie first meeting of the 
lodge, under charter, was held Novenilier 10, 1858. 
A public installation of officers wa,s iield at Perkins' 
Hail. No\eml)cr 8th, same year. Tiie lodge room on 
tiie corner of Main and Monroe streets was fitted up 
in elegant style. Tiic furniture, charter and a por- 
tion of the jewels were destroyed in the disastrous fire 



266 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



of April 1. 187r. The lodge has not resumed labor 
since that time. 

Temperance societies have been organized from 
time to time, but the element against reform in in- 
temperance is so strong in Monroeville that it was 
constant battling with the tide, and, although to 
stranger eyes tlie need of thorough temperance work 
is painfully manifest, yet no society exists except the 
Emerson Xational Temperance Savings society. This 
was organized December, 1878, and derives its name 
from its founder. Mr. L. Emerson, of Monroeville. 
The following are the officers: James S. Green, pres- 
ident: Dr. C. M.' C. Prentiss and T. J. Middough, 
vice presidents: James Brad\-, secretary, and W. H. 
Wilkinson, treasurer. This is not a secret society, 
but open to all, especially those who wish to shake ofE 
the demon. Intemperance. Each member pays an 
initiation fee and weekly dues, one-half of which he 
is allowed to draw out at the expiration of one year, 
leaving the other half, as a guarantee of his future 
good behavior, and at the end of every six months 
thereafter he can draw out the earnings of the preced- 
ing six months. Should he indulge in intoxicants he 
forfeits what he has paid and is expelled from the 
society. In case of sickness or removal he can draw 
his entire accumulation if he so desires. The society 
started with a membership of thirteen, and is now in 
a flourishing condition. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first disciple of ^Esculapius who graced the 
township by his ]n-eseuce, permanently, was Cyrus 
Cole. He was from Easton, Washington county. New 
York. He there read medicine with a Dr. Moshier, 
and practiced with him three years; came to Ohio in 
1817. At Fremont he married Mrs. Elizabeth De- 
sang, and in the spring of 1820 located permanently 
in Ridgefield, where he practiced until his death, in 
March, 1853. The widow is now deceased Their 
ouly daughter, Mary L., is the wife of Dr. T. M. 
Cook, of Sandusky. 

Following Dr. Cole, was Hugh T. Prouty, but of 
him we have no history, except that he was drowned 
in the straits above Mackinaw, while passing the rap- 
ids in a canoe. 

In October, 184.3, J. L. Lane, from Hartford, 
Trumbull county, Ohio, located in Monroeville. He 
married Martha A. McFarland in 1838. Dr. Lane is 
still practicing in Monroeville. Has two children, 
Albert L. and Grace. 

Thomas M. Cook comes next. He practiced here 
some twelve years. Now lives in Sanduskv. 

Obadiah Prentiss married Harriet D. Webster of 
Jefferson, Ashtaljula county, Ohio, January 1; 1814 : 
graduated at the E. M. Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, 
in June, 1848, and settled iu Monroeville in May, 
1854. He has an extensive and lucrative practice. 
Of the five children who have been born of this mar- 
riage, but two are now living : Chalmer M. C, who 
is a graduate of the Wooster Medical College, Cleve- 



land, Ohio, and a -daughter, Corinne M., who re- 
mains at home. 

B. T. Smith first settled at Four Corners, and from 
there removed to Monroeville, where he practiced 
many years. He died in the spring of 1878. 

C. L. Kreider comes next, and is still practicing, as 
are the following: G. A. Slack and Jay Kling. 

INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 
MILLS. 

The first in the tOH'nship were built by Richard 
and Henry Burt, iu 181T. The saw mill was built 
first, and the grist mill soon afterward, both now 
owned by John Boehm. The saw mill is but little 
changed, except by time. The grist mill has been 
entirely rebuilt inside. Boehm also owns the mills 
on lot one, in the fourth section. 

A grist and saw mill was next built by George 
Myers, in the northeast part of the township. These 
were located on the Huron river, and have long since 
gone into decay. 

Major Underbill built a saw mill soon after. This 
was on the east branch, lot three, section one. The 
mill is still standing, but the dam has been carried 
away by the flood. 

The buildings of the Holly water works are situated 
on lot two, in the same section. 

DISTILLERIES. 

Schuyler Van Rensselaer built the first one. This 
went into operation in about 1823. It was a log 
building, and stood on the site now occupied by the 
dwelling of William Webljer. Joseph Pierce was its 
first distiller. This distillery was ''in blast" but a 
few years. 

George HoUister built the next one, in about 1825 
or '20. The liuilding was of brick and wood, and 
stood on the north bank of the river, a few rods east 
of the bridge. It was in operation, under different 
owners, until about 18G5. Nothing now remains to 
mark the spot. 

In 1837. James Hamilton, Jr., built a distillery. 
It was of brick, and stood on the corner of Hamilton 
street and Milan avenue, and was in operation until 
1859 or '60. It boilers exploded a few years before it 
finally ceased Ijusiuess. 

The distillery standing near the junction was built 
by Messrs. Amsden, Williams and Company, in 1848 
or '49, and was in operation till the spring of 1876. 

Messrs. Prentiss and Packard also l)uilt a distillery. 
This was destroyed by fire. 

In October, 1848, Jlr. J. S. Roby, iu connection 
with Isaac Harper, erected the brewery on the corner 
of Monroe and Ridge streets. It was conducted by 
the Roby brothers uutil 1866, when they sold the 
property to C. P. Prentiss. The present i>roprietors, 
Messrs. Urlaw, Rupp and Company, came in posses- 
sion October 13," 1877. They have invested, in real 
estate, buildings and fixtures, twentv tiiousaiul dollars. 



i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



267 



The firf^t woolen factoiy in Monroeville, was built 
by Timothy Baker, in 1830. It stood on the bank of 
tlie river, on wliat is now Meehanic street. This was 
((uite a conijik'te affair. It was in operation a nnniber 
of years, and gradually went to decay. 

The Monroeville woolen mill was built in IST^S. It 
was constructed by a stock company with an author- 
ized capital of one hundred thousand dollars, about 
sixty thousanil dollars of which was paid in. It was 
fully equipped, liut never run. The machinery has 
been removed, and the fine building is now unoc- 
cupied. 

In 1849, F. H. Drake built a sash and lilind factory. 
It was on lot two hundred and thirty-eiglit in Mon- 
roeville village, and was in operation some ten jears. 
This Avas the only manufactory of the kind in Huron 
county, and was finally destroyed by fire. 

In 184.5. C. P. Prentiss erected a wooden building 
on Ridge street, which he occupied for a foundry and 
machine shop. The business grew to be one of con- 
siderable magnitude. At one time some thirty men 
were employed. 

The present brick building on this site was built by 
Messrs. Roe & Drake in 18.37, the lower jiart for 
foundry and machine shop, the upper for the manu- 
facture of sash and blinds. Drake, sold his interest to 
Roe. and he, in 18G0. disposed of the pri)]K'rty to the 
present proprietor, W. E. Smith, who has at present 
invested in the business six thousand dollars. He 
manufactures agricultural implements. 

The fanning mill manufactory was established by 
John Hosford on January 1, 18T0. There are now 
ten thousand dollars invested, and an average of eight 
men employed in the works, and seven salesmen are 
required during the summer months. The first year 
there were manufactured one hundred mills. The 
second year the business increased to seven hundred 
mills, and continues the same at present. Tlie s;des 
for 1878 aggregated the snug sum of nineteen thou- 
sand six hundred dollars. During this season the 
making of the Schuyler churn was commenced. Mr. 
Hosford's sales are confined principally to Ohio and 
Michigan. 

The ))low works at Cook's Corners began operations 
as early as 1832 or '33. Messrs. Searls & Scadden 
were the projectors. They began in a small way, 
their first efforts being wooden plows, gradually the 
Ijusiness enlarged. (It is believed this firm made the 
first steel plows ever put up in the State. ) The present 
proprietor, James Truesdall, purchased tlie pi-operty 
in 1802, and made that year one hundred plows. He 
has n<jw invested ten thousand dollars, employs an 
average of eight workmen, and manufactures four 
hundred jjIows yearly, and about the same number of 
cultivators and harrows. An eigiit-liorse engine pro- 
pells the machinery. Years since there was an ex- 
tensive hemp works at the "Corners."' Of tliis we 
have no particulars. 

There are at present three wagon makers in the 
village: L. II. Raymond, M. Fritz aiul M. Railey. and 



the following blacksmiths: F. G. Murphy, J. Fitz- 
patrick and M. & A. Fritz. 

Frederick Richards operates a small tannery in the 
village. 

MONROEVILLE IN 1879 

Dry Goods. Notions, etc.— Isaac Smith is the oldest merchant in tbe 
village. E. J. Squire, perliaps, cumes uext in settlement. Next in im- 
portance is the store of Messr.;. Manahan, Taber A' Co. , which is oper- 
ated in connection with the Norwalk house. It was established Oc^Jbe^ 
1, 187s, and is under the control of Mr. Henry Taber. by whose efficient 
management it already occupies a prominent position among the mer- 
cantile houses of the village. L. Tyler and A. M. Merrill complete the 
list in this line. 

MiLLiNERV.— Mrs. B. S. Clark and Mrs. F. Aves. 

Drvos, Groceries and Notions.— Messrs. Kling & Sargeant and A. 
L. Lane. 

Hardware. Stoves a.nd Tinware— In this line, Robert O. Martin is 
the oldest representative, Benjamin Bauman next. Ralph P. Smith 
deals in stoves and tinware onlj". 

Groceries— J S Green, J. Carabin, R. Zipfel and A. Hipp— also han- 
dle glassware. 

FfRNiTCRE — F. H. Drake & Son (the senior partner of this firm has 
been for many years connected with the business interests of Moi:roe 
ville). and J. T, Haskell. 

Dealer in Mcsical Instruments, --H. Ehlers. 

Harness Makers.— C P. Hankamer and August Fehrenbach. 

Clothing and Furnishing Goods. —J. Antenan, 

.Jewelry and Silverware. — CJeorge A. Turner. 

Photographs.— A. S. Ciilson. 

Merchant Tailors. — Andrew Razor, B, Diringerand S. Schneider. 

Boots and Shoes. — A. & P. Tyler and F. Hamerich. 

Bakeries. — Joseph KUunpp and B. S. C*lark. 

Markets —F. ,!t J. Tyler and Miner & Hiltz. 

General Merchandise.— A. S. Skilton. 

Malters.— J. S. & H. M. Roby. 

The livery interest is represented by Emerson Brothers, J. Tilloltson 
and R S Seely. 

Attorneys,— Monroeville has been the home of a number of gentle- 
men of the legal profession , The present are: J. P, Cornell and James 
Brady. 

Notaries Public —The present are: A. S. Skilton. John P. Cornell 
and Louis A, Carabin. 

Prominent among business men of ^lonroeville ;ire 
the Roby brothers. They were formerly from 1 )etroit, 
Michigan. John S. located in Monroeville iu 1842, 
and engaged in tlie business of malting and brewing. 
In 18.50, Reuel came, and tliree years later Henry M., 
who became connected with the business and still 
continues. Joiin S. was the first agent of the S, M. 
and N. R. R., aud subsequently of the L. S. and M. 
S. R. R.. in which capacity he has acted for nearly a 
quarter of a century. Since closing out the brewery, 
the brothers have been engaged e.Kclusivoly in the 
business of malting. 

Among others wlio have been i)roiuiiiently con- 
nected with the growth and business interests of 
Monroeville are found the names of Ephraim B. Per- 
kins, Schuyler \'an Ranslaer. James Hamilton. Jr., 
Isaac Smith, George Ilollister. Charles P. Prentiss, 
S. V. Harkness, Charles Earl, Henry aud James Tice, 
George W. Manahan, (j'harles Barrett. John J. Ilol- 
lister. S. D. Fish. 

The Monroeville Cornet Band was organized 
August 20, 1875, with twelve members. W. Wiest. 
leader. .V set of iiistrunu'Uts was purchased tlie fall 
following organization, and during the winter con- 
siderable progress was made, but in the s|)riug of 
1870 the organization ceased. A second organization 
took place the subset|uent summer with A. J. Ante- 
nan, leader. Tin' winter of 187G another collapse oc- 
curred. The present band was organized in the 



268 



HISTOKY OF HUKON A^"D ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



summer of 18T7, and is composed of the following 
persons: Judson P'ish. leader: A. J. Antenan S. L. 
and Fred Clary, Fred Fanning. John Zorn, A. S. 
Gilson, Dr. C. M. C. Prentiss, Frank, John, and 
Lew Tyler, John B. Wiest. C. Latliam. ;ind Charles 
Zipfel." 

ASCIEXT KEMAIXS. 

In the tirst section of Ridgefield township, on lots 
number two and three, are found remains of ancient 
earthworks. It will be remcmljered the east branch 
of Huron river enters the townshi)) from the east on 
the corner of lot number three. In the first section 
there is a stream known as the Peru branch, which 
flows into the east branch on lot number tliree, where 
its course is turned north. These streams make 
three high banks or bluffs, which lie nearly in a tri- 
angular form. Upon these are earthwork fortifica- 
tions of a circular form. There was also on lot num- 
ber eighteen in the second section, on tlie east side of 
the west branch of tiie Huron river, an ancient 
mound of small size. 

In the fourth section is located a circular earth- 
work, enclosing an area of perhaps ten acres. The 
indications are tinit a stockade formerly surmounted 
the present embankment. Immediately south of this 
are a number of mounds. In these, as in the others 
mentioned above, human bones have been found, 
indicating to a certainty that these elevations are the 
burial places of a race formerly inhabiting the coun- 
tr}-, but long since extii.ct. 

FOl'R fOKXERS. 

Tlie following sketch of tliis locality is prepared 
upon data, obtained in an interview with F. D. 
Drake, Esq., of Oxford townshiii. Erie county, who 
settled there as early as 1815: 

Dr. Daniel Tilden was undoul)tedly the pioneer 
settler at the ••Corners." The date of his coming 
was in 181T or '18. He settled on the place now oc- 
cupied by W. S. Barnes. Dr. Tilden remained a 
few years, removed to Xorwalk. and finally to San- 
dusky, where he died a few years since. The next 
settler was, without doubt, the grandfather of Jay 
Cooke. We wrote to Pitt Cooke, of Sandusky, asking 
him to furnish the data for a sketch of the family. 
He replied that he had not ••time or incUnation to 
furnish the items we desired:" hence we are obliged 
to leave this family unwritten. Lewis Stone was the 
next settler and Martin Vroman the fourth. He 
located on lands now owned by Hon. E. Bogardus. 
The corners did not settle rapidly; in fact, the fore- 
going are all who may be regarded as pioneers. 

John Seymour, now of Lyme township, bought the 
Vroman property, and to him belongs the honor of 
selling the first merchant goods at the '•corners." 
He sold to Lewis Stone. The second store was es- 
tablished by John K. Cam])bell in about lS3.i. The 
goods were displayed in a snuUl building standing on 
tlie Webster lot. After two or three years he removed, 
and soon after Edward Cook opened a store, who 



continued in the business, perhaps, fifteen years, and 
sold to Messrs. Bogardus & Atherton. The present 
store of Messrs. Read & Valentine is a continuation 
of this estaljlishlnent. 

A j)ost office was established here as early as 1835, 
and Edward Cook commissioned postmaster. The 
present postmaster is H, C. Read, and the office is 
kept in his store. The other Imsiness at the corners 
is the plow works, described elsewhere; wagon shop, 
by H. G. Webster; harness shop, by H. D. Williams; 
and shoe shop. Ijy John Cook and D. Murray. 

As early as 1830. and possibly earliei'. the old stone 
school iiouse was Iniilt. Prior to this, however, a 
school was held in one room of Martin Vronian's 
house. The teacher was a man named Perkins. This 
was as early as 1825. Religious services were lield in 
the school house until the erection of the jn-esent 
church. 

A society of the Sons of Temperance was established 
at quite an early date, and also a lodge of I. 0. G. 
Templars. 

The Corners has a dramatic club of considerable 
ability. 

Col. James Smith settled at •'Four Corners" in 18"-J8. 
He purchased the hemp machine property in 183"2: 
made brick several years, removed to Monroeville in 
183T, and finally to Lyme township, where he died in 
October, 1800. 

The following, from the pen of Dr. Prentiss, gives 
an account of an affair that produced much merri- 
ment in the neighborhood in and around Monroeville 
village, long years since. The persons referred to 
were sons of tlie third permanent settler in the town- 
ship of Ridgefield: 

Some forty years since, when I was a child, i 

AQd ail of Ohio was ruggetl and wild; 
Where cities now stand with spires in the sky, 
The forest in glory waved branches on high. 

The led man, triumphant with arrow and bow, 
Sought panther and bear, the b;;ck and the doe; 
Trapped beaver on stream-side, caught otter and mink. 
From river caught fish, as he sat on the brink. 

Few were tlie white men, yes, scattered 1 trow. 

Much as real Christians among us are now; 

Then husband and wife both worked with one heart, » 

And people were neighbors, though ten miles apart. 

From 3Iaryland"s fields two brothers had come, 

In to Ohio to look out a home; 

The3' settled apart, but not a great ways, 

So each could make visits eveiy few days. 

One bi-other was John, the other's name, Dan, 
Each was au honest and hard working man; 
lu those early days, when wolves killed the sheep, 
Dogs wei'e of profit for farmers to keep. 

John had a ilog. but his brotlier had none, 
So Dan was looking to get himself one; 
One afternoon, a chap came along, 
W'ith a noble, big dog. both active and strong. 

Uncle Dan saw the dog and the man going by; 
The dog was a beaut.v. and so took his ej-e; 
" Which way ai-e you going, and where have you been? 
You've got a good dog as ever I've seen." 

'* You'd saj' so, my fi-iend; you know Hinley's big dog, 
I stopped thei-e a moment to rest on a log; 
His dog was right sivage. and pitched into mine. 
And Tiger, here, thrashed him in less than no time. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



269 



IVe another, name's Lion, exactl}' this style. 
But I can't keep them both, foi- they fight all the while.' 
Dan asked the price, which the fellow made known; 
It was willingly paid, and the fellow went on. 

Dan tied the dog with a rope in the barn. 
Then went to the house to tell his dog yarn. 

The time sped away for two or three days. 
\Vhile things riui along much in the old ways; 
Then John took the team, names. Nellie and Fan, 
And drove the folks over to see Cncle Dan. 

They were met witli a smile by the folks at the gate, 
With " How do yon do?" and " We're all tirst-rate. 
■ Hie, Bidd.v Martin!" says Dan to John, 
• We'll put out the horses and have s^ane fun " 

They were putting the hoi-ses just into the stall. 
When the dog gave a whine, and a recognized squall; 
Uncle John jumped around as quick as a frog, 
' What are you doing, Dan. Dan, with my dog?" 

Then came the story, how. three days before. 
The dog had been stolen from Uncle John's door. 
Uncle John loosed the dog from the rope in the barn, 
Then went to the house to tell his dog j-arn. 



Biographical Sketches. 



JOHX 8. DAVIS 

John 8. Davis was bora March 28, ISUG, in Balli- 
more county, ilarvland. His parents were Jesse and 
Mary Ann (Sowers) Davis. His mother died while he 
was still an infant, and he was brought up by his 
maternal grandparents, John and Mary Ann Sowers. 
After his mother's deatii his father was twice married 
— first to a Miss Hunt, of whom he had two chil- 
dren. Mary and Jackson — and again to a Miss Sewell, 
who l)ore iiim onu ciiild. Ann Eliza. Not long after 
his niotlu'r's death, his fatiier removed to the State of 
I'ennsylvania where' (in thu village of Shrewsbury, 
York county,) he died aljout the year 1833. 

In 1811, when he was l)Ut five years old. Mr. L)avis 
came, with his grandparents above named, to Fair- 
field. Lancaster county, Ohio. Not long after, they 
settled in Ridgefield township, on what is now known 
as the Cone farm — a part of which isinehnkil in the 
corporation of Monroevillc. Here his grandfather 
died July 23, 1820, aged si.\ty-three, and his grand- 
mother twenty-eight years after, )'. e., May 21, 1848, 
aged ninety-three. These grandparents had four sons, 
John, -Moses, Daniel and James, with the older of 
whom Mr. Davis lived till after his majority. It is 
well worthy of record, as a renuirkable physiological 
fact, that James, the youngest of these four uncles 
(who is still living in Whitley county, Indiana) was 
born when his mother was fifty-tlirec years old, his 
next older i)rother, Daniel, being then in his four- 
teenth year. 

Mr. Davis lived in this township till 1835, when he 
removed to Lexington, Richland county. Three years 
later he moved again to (ialioii. Ciawford count v. 



where he lived twenty-eight years — returning to 
Monroeviile in 180G. 

While living at Gallon, on the ITth of May, 1843, 
he married Catharine Navt.- who was born in Path 
Valley, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. 'J'hey inive 
had four children, of whom two daughters are still 
living. The elder of these daughters. Amanda J., 
born February IT. 1844, married Capt. A. S. Skil- 
ton in Galion. De'cemlier 20. 180."). They have two 
children, John Davis Skilton and PZlizaljeth Roby, 
and now reside in Monroeviile. Jlr. Davis" youngest 
daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born January 1.5. 1809. 

ilr. Davis followed the lionoral)le jirofession of 
fanner, on asmall jtlace in Ridgefield township, till lie 
was thirty years old, when he went into the dry goods 
business with Mr. Bloomer as partner. About the 
year 1850, he embarked in tiie Ijusiness of banking, 
first in the Exchange Bank of Gallon, managed under 
the firm name of Atwood, Davis & Bloomer; after- 
wards in the First National Hank at the same i)lace. 
He is also interested in the Farmers' National Bank 
of Mansfield, the National Bank of Plymouth, and 
(more especially) the Exchange Bank of Monroeviile, 
of which the managing firm are Davis, Ciim \ Stentz. 
In all his business enterjjrises, Mr. Davis has been 
singularly successful, and if he has not "made 
.money'' (piiie as fast as Midas, he has been more for- 
tunate tluiii that fatally avaricious king, in that lie 
has been permitted to choose what should, and what 
should not, tuni fo (juUl under his touch. 

On the 2Sth of March, 18TG, a very numerous com- 
pany of his relatives, friends, and neighbors, assem- 
bled at his spacious mansion to celeljrate his seventieth 
birthday. The aflfaii' was managed by his good wife, 
together with his daugiiter and son-in-law, Mr. and 
Mrs. Skilton, as a "snr|)rise," and most complete was 
their success, Mr. Davis Iniving not the least susjjicion 
of what was going on, till the guests began to arrive. 
But ills surprise reached its culmination when, after 
the C(nni)any had all assembled, an elegant gold-headed 
cane, and a beautiful, life-sized crayon portrait of 
Mrs. Davis (a present from the above-mentioned jiar- 
ties), were produceil and presented to him in au 
appropriate address. Touched to the heart by these 
manifestations of kindly regard, it would have been 
strange, indeed, if he had found any other than the 
sim])lest wortls of tiianks. in wiiich to express his 
grateful emotions. The Huron county teachers' in- 
stitute, being then in session at Monrouville. were 
present in a body, and with theni the distinguished 
grammarian. Professor Harvey, of Painesville. 

In the fall of the same year, he enjoyed the distin- 
guished, but unsough'^. honor of being chosen elector 
of i)resident and vice president of the I'nited States; 
and afterwards, in the college of electors, of casting 
his vote for Rutherford B. Hayes and William A. 
Wheeler, as president ami vice luvsideiit of the 
nation. 

Mr. Davis is enjoying a hale and green ()ld age. at 
Moni-oeville, surrounded by an alTcctionate family. 



270 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and looked up to by his neighbors, young and old. as 
a kind friend and prudent counsellor. Xo object, 
looking toward the moral and religious improvement 
of the community, fails of his cordial support. He 
is exceptionally unostentatious, affable and com- 
panionable; and tlie writer hereof will not soon forget 



the pleasant I'amble had with him in the beautiful 
cemetery of Monroeville. where 

"The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep "— 

searching among the white monuments of that quiet 
and clieerful resting place of the dead for dates to be 
interwoven in the foregoing biographical sketch. 








WILLIAM A. BISHOP. 

The subject of this notice was born in Hunderdon 
county. New Jersey, March 3, 1800. His parents 
were Joseph and Mary (Wykoff) Bishop. His father 
died in 1801, and his mother about 1859, having 
lived a widow fifty-eight years. His ancestors, on the 
father's side, were from England; on the mother's, 
from Holland. 

He was twice married; the first time, April 4. 1834, 
to Magdalene Edinger, who died April 5, 183T. Two 
children were the fruit of this marriage: Josepli, born 
January iG, 1835, died in infancy: William H., born 
June 10, 1830, is still living in this township. He 
married, as his second wife, on the 30tli of November, 
1837, Mary Ann Cadwell, who was born in Lorain 
county, January 11,1818. Following are the names of 
the children of this marriage: 1, Laura Ann. born 
January 18, 1830. 3, Eliza, born August 'i'), 1842. 
3, Charles D., born January 4, 1846. 4, Lina, born 
April 15, 1849. 5, Mary E., born .lanuarv •.', 1854 



6, Martha E. . born June 1. 1S5T. Of these children, 
only the tiiirJ, fourth and sixth still survive. 

Mr. Bisliop came to tliis county on the "-Jd of Au- 
gust, 1834, from Northampton county, Pennsylvania, 
to which place he liad migrated about two years be- 
fore. He settled in Ridgefield, on the west branch of 
the Huron river, on what was known as the Page 
farm. There lie lived about twelve years, and then 
moved to the Palmer farm, in 1849. This farm con- 
sists of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, sixty cr 
seventy acres having been cleared before he bought it, 
and about thirty-five since. Daring his thirty years' 
residence on this farm, he has built for himself a 
beautiful home (with cominodiDUs barns adjacent) 
near the bank of the Huron river, and pleasantly 
sheltered among th^ bluffs that border that beautiful 
stream. Here he is "'growing old gracefully," sur- 
rounded by an affectionate family. He has been su- 
pervisor of the county, and school director, but he has 
never "hankered" for the cares of office. Though not 
a ''professor of religion," he has always been a liberal 
supporter of the various ehurclies of his township. 








'! 




^'^'^ir^'mmlS-t^ '*^' 



c::^y&^-c:j6aAj^ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



J71 



HENRY I". STENTZ. 

Heun- r. Stentz was Ijorii in Midillctuwu, Feiiu- 
sylvauiii, on the 26th of February. 1838. His parents 
are Peter and Catharine Steiitz, of (iernian ancestry. 
They have five cliildren, all of whom, except Henry 
P., reside at Gallon. Their names are as follows : 
Marv L.. married to E. A. Snyder, Henry P.. Ida, 
nuirried to Charles Cronewett. Willis P., assistant 
cashier First National liank. (ialion. and KmnryK., 
a jeweler. 

Mr. Stentz, the fatla-r. (wlm is a nierehant.) came 
to Huron couuty in 1840, and settled at Plymouth, 
where he remained till 1854. He then removed to 
Cialion, where he still resides. Henry P. resided at 
the same place till 18(jG, being, for some eight years 
previous, in the employ of A. At wood, Esq.. a 
merchant and banker. The estimation in which Mr. 
Stentz is held by that gentleman, is shown from the 
following commendatory letter, which, having fallen 
into our hands, we take the liberty of putting on 
record : 

Galion. O., May 15. 1806. 
The bearer. H. P. Stentz. has been doing business with me, in my 
employ, without intermission, nearly eight years and a half, and I take 
great pleasure in sa.ving that he is strictly honest, entirely reliable, 
sober industrious, energetic, and capable of filling any position he may 
ask for. He is one {and there are few such) who takes the same interest 
in his employer's business he does in his own. He has been my confi- 
dential clerk and book keejjer during tlie n\ost of the time above men- 
tioned, and bvit few of his age, withoiu any start in life, have succeeded 
in dollars and cents, and in winning the confidence of the people, to the. 
extent he has Respectfully, 

A. ATWOOD. 

In 186G, Mr. Stentz came to Monroeville, and suc- 
ceeded 8. V. Harkness, as cashier of the Exchange 
l)ank, on the reorganization of that institution, which 
took place soon after. This bank is doing a very 
.successful business, having a range of deposits av- 
eraging aljout one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
Mr. Stentz assisted in organizing the First National 
bank, of Galion, and, afterwards, that of Plymouth, 
and he is at present a director in both those institu- 
tions. He has been treasurer of the township of 
Ridgefield for eight consecutive years, and is now, for 
the second term. i)resident of the Huron couuty 
agricultural society. He once ran for the office of 
Mayor, of Galion, on the Republican ticket, and even 
in that stronghold of the Democracy, came within 
fifteen votes of being elected. While residing at 
Galion. during the war, he was at one time operating 
very extensively at the south in cotton, sugar and 
hemp. Among his other valuable estates, is a fine 
farm, lying between Monroeville and Norwalk. 

His education was received in the Union school at 
'Plymouth. Though not a professor of religion, he 
is an attendant and supporter of the Presljyterian 
church. Mr. Stentz has never married, but still 
clings to his baccalaureate freedom. He is now in 
the prime of manhood, and is one of the substantial 
business men of Monroeville. He occupies, and de- 
servedly so, a high place iu the esteem of his fellow 
townsmen. He furnishes a striking illustration of 



the successful business man. Assuming the respon- 
sible duties of cashier of the Monroeville Exchange 
Bank when he was twenty-eight years of age, by 
close attention to every known duty connected with 
that institution, by strict and honorable dealing, by 
careful and wise management, by his pleasing man- 
ners and address, he has been instrumental in secur- 
ing for the E.xchange Bank a truly gratifying career 
of success, enabling it to take rank as one of the 
soundest and best patronized banking houses of the 
Fire-lauds. What greater compliment could there be 
in behalf of his strict and unswerving business integ- 
rity and his acknowledged business aljility and tact 
than is furnished in the fact that he has held the 
position of cashier without interruption since 186G? 
His marked success in business life in so unpreten- 
tious a village as Monroeville, affords a lesson of 
instruction for every young man just starting upon a 
business career. Success rarely comes to any one by 
the mere fortuitous revolution of the wheel of for- 
tune. It must be coveted, striven for, won and con- 
quered. He who does not have a strong desire for 
her laurels will never wear them; l)ut desire alone 
will nevL'r win the battle. An aim that is high and 
honorable, an industry that is indefetigable. a will 
and a purpose that are unbending, an integrity that 
is uncompromising, cou|)led with other character- 
istics that stamp the true gentleman, — these must 
unite with desire in order to secure the trojjhies of 
success. 



ROBERT G. MARTIN. 

Robert ('>. Jlartiu was liorn on the 31st of .January, 
1838, at Coventry, C-lienango county. New York. His 
father, Frederick Martin, died April 30. 1877, His 
mother, Penelope (Boughton) Martin, is still living. 

His maternal grandfather, Seymour ]?oughton, was 
a colonel in the last war with England, and was 
killed by the Indians, during the year 1812, at Black 
Rock, which is now included in the city of Buffalo, 
New York. The hat worn ])y him at tiie time of his 
death, bearing the marks liotli of the tomahawk and 
bullet by which he was killed, was presei'ved in the 
family till 187ti, when, strangely enough, it was de- 
stroyed by a person not realizing its value as a relic. 
His mother's family were of Scotch descent: his fath- 
er's from Ireland. 

Mr. Martin was first marrieil on the 16th of Octo- 
ber, 1860, to Virginia C. Wallace, of Pittsburg, who 
died February 36, 1867. Of this marriage there were 
two children, both of whom died in early childhood. 
He was married the second time to Louisa M. Cara- 
biu, a native of Norwalk. on the 23d of November, 
1868. Mr. Martin first came to Monroeville on the 
15th of Noveml^er, 1853, when he was but tifteen 
years old, to live witii his brother, Seymour B. , a 
druggist — with whom he resided two vears. This 



272 



HISTORY OF HITROy AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



brother was a prominent business man here for twen- 
ty-twi) years; one of the incorporators of the village, 
and townsliip treasurer and trustee for several years. 
He died at Grey Eagle, Buncombe county, North 
Carolina, in the month of October, 1876. 

In 1855, R. G. Martin, then in his eighteenth year, 
went back to Coventry. New York, and there, during 
the winter of that and the following year, taught 
school in the very district where he first learned his 
alphabet. The experiences of the young pedagogue 
during that winter, if we only had room for them, 
would make an interesting chapter in his history. 

Returning to Monroeville, he was associated with 
the brother above mentioned, in the drug store, till 
1800 ; when he and the same brother became suc- 
cessors to Mrs. N. V. Earl in the hardware business. 
Purchasing his brother's interest in 18(32, he became 
sole proprietor, and has continued in' the same busi- 
ness ever since. His establishment during these six- 
teen years (marked by financial revulsions which have 
shaken the whole country from center to circumfer- 
ence), has enjoyed a uniform prosperity, having out- 
ridden several storms in which many other less for- 
tunate crafts, though perhajis equally seaworthy, have 
gone to the bottom. The business Neptune of the 
land, like his brother of the ocean, is a capricious 
god, wafting one venture with prosperous gales, and 
driving another, which seemed equally promising, a 
wreck upon the breakers. And yet it is possible that 
success or failure in any given case, might he infalli- 
bly predicted by any scientific financier, who had ac- 
cess to all the data necessary for making his compu- 
tations. Mr. Martin has been, for a number of years, 
a member of the council of Monroeville; also a mem- 
ber and treasurer of the school board. He was elected 
the last time for three years, without opposition. He 
is a supporter of Zion (Episcopal) church. 

F. L. Martin, a brother of the subject of this 
sketch, resides in Colorado Springs, at the foot of 
Pike's Peak, to which place he went a few years ago 
on account of his health. He has iliere become a 
great sheep raiser, having cliiijjed last year over ten 
thousand fleeces. During the month of April, 1873, 
he lost between three and four tliousaml head, in a 
tremendous snow storm, but since that time, having 
become better posted in the business, he has met witii 
no greater losses than farmers and stock raisers in 
this region. Some two years ago, R. G. Martin lie- 
caine financially associated with this brother in tiie 
sliee|) business, and their flocks at present number 
about twelve tiiousand. 

F. L. Martin is the only survivor of six gentlemen 
who spent the winter of 1871-2 in Colorado for their 
healtli. Their disease was of a pulmonary nature, 
and Martin, although enjoying excellent health in 
Colorado, cannot remain at the east, even for a few 
months, without a return of his old eomidaint. 

Mr. Martin, tiie subject of this sketch, enjoys in a 
high degree the esteem and confidence of the com- 
niunitv in which he dwells. Coming to >[onroeville 



when but a lad of fifteen, and entering his brother's- 
store as a clerk, he, at that early day in his life, gave 
assurance to those who knew him of possessing the 
elements of true success. When but twenty-two 
years of age he was enabled to become a partner with 
his brother in the hardware business, and two years 
later succeeded to the sole proprietorshi)3. He has 
shown a laudable tenacity of purpose in clinging to 
the .same business in which he embarked at so early 
an age oi his own account, and to-day has his reward 
in the acknowledged position which is accorded him 
of being one of the most successful merchants Mon- 
roeville has ever known. 



THOMAS DICKEY. 



Thomas Dickey was born in Hillsljoro, New Hamp- 
shire, on the 15th of December. 1700. He was one 
of a family of thirteen children, ten boys and three 
girls, only five of whom were living when Mr. Dickey 
left New Hampshire. His parents. \Vm and Sally 
(Moore) Dickey, were natives of Ireland, who, with 
a colony of their countrymen, came to America to 
escape religious persecution. They purchased land 
and settled in the township of Londonderry. Rock- 
ingham county. New Hampshire, whence, in March, 
1790. they moved to Hillsljoro, forty miles distant, 
where Thomas was born. Here he lived till he was 
nineteen years of age, when he hired himself to Gen- 
eral Benjamin Pierce, father of President Pierce, and 
lived with him two years. He had engaged for one 
year more, but, the war coming on, he enlisted in the 
army. I\Iay 13, 1812; was at once made orderly ser- 
geant, under Captain John ;\IcNeai, and served in 
that capacity until July 1, 181-4, when, by orders of 
General Winfield Scott, he was detailed to "act as 
ensign, till the pleasure of the secretary of war be 
known." 

On the night of July 3, 1811, in Buffalo creek, the 
command embarked on board a boat, crossed over 
into Canada, landed below Fort Erie, then occupied 
bv the Britisii who surrendered witliout tiring a gun. 
On the 1th of July, they marched down the river 
nearlj to Niagara falls. The next day the enemy 
appeared, and the battle of Chippewa was fought. 
Afterward tliev wuiit to Fort George, at the head of 
Lake .Ontario, and remained there about a week. 
Then, being reenforced, (ieneral Brown moved back 
across Chippewa creek to Niagara, where, on the 25th 
of July, the battle of Lnndy's Lane was fought. 

Ill this battle Scott's brigade alone contended with 
the enemy for two hours, before reinforcements came 
up. Then General Ripley said to -Colonel Miller: 
" Can you take that battery?" and received the memo- 
rable rei)ly, "1 can try, sir." He did try, and drove 
the enemy from their guns, capturing tiiem all, thir- 
teen in number. The main contest was fought here, 
there being three charges by the enemy to retake the 



■^> 






£r3 




P^j^i ^V ^l '^^^ 




SALMON DHAKK. 










MKS. SALMON UKAlvE. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



!?3 



guns; but they were repulsed each time with great 
shtugliter. It was during the last charge that Gen- 
e'ral Scott was wounded. The enemy retreated some 
four Hniles. (xenerals Scott and Brown being both 
wounded, the command devolved upon General Rip- 
ley, who thought it prudent to retire to Fort Krie; 
wliere, after a few days, the enemy again made their 
appearance, and, for some time thereafter, laid siege 
to the fort. But they were tinally defeated with the 
loss of nine hundred men. our loss being only eighty 
wounded. 

The American army evacuated Fort Erie, and the 
regiment in which Mr. Dickey was serving finally 
marched to Sackett's Harbor, where he remained 
until peace was declared, and he was discharged. 
During the siege of Fort Erie, on tlie 11th of Sep- 
tember, he was wounded in the foot by the bursting 
of a shell; Init he was well enough on the 17th to 
take part in the final battle, in which lie had com- 
mand of his company. 

Mr. Dickey has often related many other incidents 
of the battle.-; fought near Niagara river. For these 
meritorious services, the government, many years 
after, granted him a pension. 

After his discharge, he returned to Hillsboro, New 
Hampshire, and on the l.jth of September, 1815. 
started, on horseback, for Ohio. He stopped at 
Monroeville, in this county, where he remained until 
April, 1819, when he was married to Elizabeth Myers. 
This lady was a native of the State of Virginia, where 
she was born on the 26th of January, 1791. Her 
parents were Adam and Mary Myers, of German 
extraction. They came first to Marietta, Ohio, and 
from there to Ridgefield township, about the year 1815. 

Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Dickey removed to Thompson, Seneca county, where 
they resided three years ; then to Oxford, (now in 
Erie county.) where they remained about the same 
length of time. Finally, they returned to Ridgefield, 
in October, 1825, where he cleared up tlie farm upon 
which he resided until his death, which occurred on 
the 10th of January, 1879. 

The fruits of his marriage were five children, three 
boys and two girls, of whom only two survive him — 
a sou, somewhere in the west, (the family having lost 
track of him,) and a daughter, Mrs. Cynthia Drake, 
who resides at the old homestead. 

Mrs. Dickey died in 1854. Two years later, Mr. 
Dickey united with the Methodist Episcopal church, 
of which he continued a member until his death. 
During his residence of sixty-three years in Huron 
county, he witnessed great changes. Looking forward 
from 1815, those years must have seemed to him 
almost an age. But, looking backward from Ib79. 
how short tlie sjjacc a])peared I He was a land-mark 
in the history of tlie county — a link between the 
present and the past. The laud mark lias fallen — the 
link is severed. 

Surrounded by his daughter and his grand chil- 
dren, loving hearts and hands ministered to his last 

35 



moments. He passed away, at the ripe old age of 
eighty-eight years and twenty-five days, — "a shock 
of corn fully ripe for the harvest." 

[The foregoing sketch is taken, with some additions and verbal 
changes, from an obituary notice by W. C. A., published in the Norwalk 
ReJIector. of January 28, 1879.] 



SALMON DRAKE. 

Salmon Drake was born at Plymouth, Luzerne 
county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of April, 1837. His 
parents were Hiram and Sarah (Ruggles) Drake, of 
English ancestry, who settled, at an early day, in 
Connecticut. He moved to Monroeville (Ridgefield 
townshi])) in Huron county, Ohio, in the year 1848; 
was married to Cynthia I>ickey, June 17, 1850. and 
settled on the Dickey homestead, in said township, 
in the autumn of that year. Here a goodly number 
of ••olive-branches" gathered, in due time, around 
their table — the following being their names and 
dates of birth: 1, Eliza Jane, born July 5, 1852. 3, 
Hiram Dickey, born July 7, 1854. 3, Charley W., 
born May 9, 1856. 4, Emmagene, born April 29, 
1858. 5, J. Omer, liorn March 6. 1861. 6, Gorgi- 
ana, born November 3, 1862. 7. Stery A., born 
March 19. 1864. 8, Ira, born October 4, 1865. All 
these children survive their father, except the last 
named, who died on the 18th of January, 1872. 

In July. 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Drake and their eldest 
daughter, united with the congregation of Christian 
people, known as "Disciples," in Fairfield, Huron 
countv. In January. 1868, measures having been 
taken to organize a similar congregation at Norwalk, 
in the same county, they transferred their connection 
to that organization. Mr. Drake was. at the outset, 
made •'deacon" of the new body — an office which he 
held during the remainder of his life. He is spoken 
of. by bis neiglibors and fellow communicants, as a 
zealous Christian man. active in every good work 
looking toward the moral and religious improvement 
of the community in which he lived. 

He was an industrious, skillful and successful far- 
mer, having devoted the greater portion of his life to 
the cultivation of the soil. He had, however, a prac- 
tical knowledge of the carpenter and joiner's trade, 
which he learned and practiced in early life. 

A few years ago he received a somewhat serious 
injury in his left side, from a young horse which he 
was training. Taking a violent cold, a short time 
before his deatli, from exposure in a severe storm, it 
settled in the injured side, and resulted in the fatal 
disease, typlioid jiiieumonia, which ended jiis days on 
the 3d of April. 1S77 — at which time he lacked but 
six days of being fiftyyears old. ••He died ipiietly in 
tiic midst of his family, greatly beloveil l)y them and 
his friends and neighbors, all of whom attested tJieir 
affection and respect for hi in l)y their presence in 
great nuniliers at his burial." 



2:4 



HISTOEY OF HUKOX AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



REUBEX PARKER. 

Joshua Parker and two sons. James and Reuben, 
came from Liucolusliire. England. The fatlier and 
sou James settled in Indiana aud died there. Reu- 
ben, the subject of this sketch, came to Ridgefield in 
August, 1851. and purchased the John Brown farm 
on the ridge in section three. He married Miss 
Mar}' E. Roe, and, b_v economy and steady, persever- 
ing effort, has now a line farm of one hundred and 
fort3"-six acres under profitable cultivation, for which 



he paid twelve thousand five hundred dollars. They 
have a family of eight children, whose names are as 
follows: Homer, Nellie, Charles, Rosa, Frank, Anna, 
George and Alice. A son, Joshua, Jr.. came to 
Ridgefield in the spring of 1845. He has been twice 
married; lives in Mouroeville. In 1861, three other 
children came on: John, who married Ann Clark, 
lives in Bronson; Mary A., who married Joseph 
Holdeu. lives in Ridgefield, and Jesse, who married 
Rachel Smith, and lives in Lvme township. 



CLARKSFIELD. 



DuRiXG the war of the revolution, the British troops 
committed many depredations in the east, among 
which was the burning of the towns of Daubury, Xor- 
walk, Fairfield aud other places in Connecticut. The 
State, in view of the sufferings of those who had sus- 
tained losses by fire, made them a donation of lands 
in Ohio, being the same now comprised mainly in the 
couties of Huron and Erie. 

ORIGIXAL OWXERS. 

For an explanation of the following tables the 
reader is referred to the history of Wakeman town- 
ship: 



Classification No. 3, Section 2. 



CLAKKSFIELD. 



TUWX X UMBER THREE, IN RANGE 
TWEXTY. 



Original (h-unteea. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


( Classed. 




S. 


s. 


d 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Thadeus Benedict, 
















Esq, 


349 


~ 


4 


John Dodd 

L. Philips, wife of 


222 


13 


4 


Davit! Wood 


•iSS 


14 





L. H. Phillips 


J222 


13 


4 


Eliijbalet Bariium 


42 


6 


8 


Philo Calhoun 


42 


6 


8 


Daniel Church 


40 


8 


10 


.. 


40 


8 


10 


Comfort Hoyt 


50 


7 





'• " 


50 


7 





Stephen Jarvis 
•Josliua Kiiapp 


« 


8 


6 


t. 4i 


43 


8 


6 


43 


3 


8 


'* " 


43 


3 


8 


Eleazer Hovt 


1 


19 


8 


it H 


1 


19 


8 


Daniel Taylor, Esq. 


636 





m 


Jadock Starr 


131 


4 





Benjamin Sperry 


113 


4 


2 


" ** 


« 


3 





Thomas Taylor 


11 


18 


3 


" " 


n 


18 


3 


Thomas Taylor, Jr 


10 


-> 





(t 4t 


10 


•2 





Seth Shove 


5 


14 


8 


-1 tt 


5 


14 


4 










Timothy Chittenden, 






Jesse Raymond 


ur 


2 


2 


Jr. 


147 


'1 


2 


Nathan *• ariug 


33 


14 


7 


"■ *' 


32 


14 


7 


Thomas Darrow 


17 


5 


.-> 


" '* 


11 


11 


9 


.Jonah Benetiict 


2oe 


6 


4« 


Daniel Minor 


306 


6 


4 


Isaac Benedict 


4 


4 


6 


.. it 


4 


4 


6 


Samuel Taylor. Esq 


23 


1 


2 


*• »' 


■23 


1 


•2 


Thomas Taylor 


22 


5 


4 


'* '* 


30 


3 


11 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original 0-rantees. 

Peter Hendrioli 
Abraham Andrews 
Abigail Desbrow 



£ 

399 

430 

9 



Am^t .Loss. 

s. d. 

6 8 



11 8 



Major Taylor 462 12 

Ebenezer Baker 21 18 

Benjamin Allen 5 3 

Joseph stehbins 19 16 

John Walerous 3 12 

Jefferv Wellmith 9 12 

Abraham Hays S3 19 

Nehemiah 31ead, Jr. 9 8 

Zebediah Taylor 10 

Robert Xutt 14 16 

Thomas Hobby, Jr. IS 13 

Titus Palmer 3 

Jabez Ferris 28 5 

Rebecca DeForest 7 15 

Abr'amCamp's heirs 142 13 

James Whelpley 4 5 

Marv Harvey 14 11 

Jolifi RocliweU 5 16 

John Rogers 41 1 



Classified by. 
William Walton 



Timothy Chitten- 
den, Jr. 



..47)1'/ Classed. 
£ s. d. 

399 6 8 
322 14 7 
9 11 8 



263 
21 

5 
19 

3 

9 
23 

9 
19 
14 
18 

3 
28 

142 
4 
14 
5 
6 





18 
3 
16 
12 
12 
19 
8 

16 
13 

5 
15 
13 
5 
11 
16 
19 





3 


6 

10 
3 

4 
4 


11 
8 
3 
4 


5 



Footing of Classification No. 1, fl,:M4 
Classification No. 2, Sections. 



Original Grantees. 
James Clark 

. Wakeman Burr 
John Allen 



Am't Loss. 



Classified by Am't Classed. 



£ 


S. 


rt 


5-ii 


3 


4 


i-M 


3 


4 


363 


14 


9 


SLI 


12 


6 


545 


12 


6 



Thomas Darrow 
John Rogers 



17 
41 



James Clark, Esq. 
Curtis Clark 
Joseph Trowbridge 

Capt John McLean 
Timothy Chittenden, 
Jr. 



£ 


s. 


224 


8 


:m 





.363 


14 


273 


16 


I4;i 


16 


5 


13 


34 


2 



d. 

4 

9 
3 
11 

5 

8 



Footing of Classification No. 3 £l.m 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 
Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,344 



£ 

Comfort Hoyt, Jr 478 

William Balger 19 

Antony Ani^evine 3 

Sanuiel Andrews 8 
Matthew Benedict 218 

Sarah Benedict 40 

Abijah Benedict 5 

Josliua Benedict 12 
Joseph Benedict, Jr 7 

Timothy Benedict 2 

Lemuel Benedict 2 

Thomas Benedict 13 

Ohver Benedict 4 

Samuel Benedict 4 
Benjamin Bougliton 2 

Matthew Barnum 2 

Comfort Barnum 3 

Samuel Brown 1 

Josei>li burcliard 1 
Sarah Bas.set 

Caleb Church 3 

Seth Comfort 3 

Isaa(; Caller 4 

Enus Camp 3 

John C'nwh 5 

Philip Corbin lH 

Amos Collins 4 
Joseph Broadbrooks 4 

Elisha Dibble 4 

Benjamin f»ailv 1 

Wait Disbrow ' 9 

John Elli..tt 3 

Jacob Finch 2 

James Fielditig 3 

William Griffin 3 

Rachel (.Ii-egory 4 

.Justus Hovt ' 2 

Noah Hoyt 3 

Caleb Hoyt 4 

Jonathan Hays II 



13 
1 

18 
18 
5 
10 
10 
14 



10 

3 
13 
18 
19 
11 
14 
19 
111 
14 
17 


14 
11 
5 
16 

14 

5 
5 
13 
10 



4 


4 
10 
4 
8 

4 

4 
6 
8 
8 

10 

4 

8 

4 
8 
4 
6 

8 
6 

4 
8 
3 
8 

6 

4 
4 





Comfort Hoyt Jr. 



Am't Classed. 

£ s. d. 

478 

19 

3 

8 

158 

41.) 

5 

12 



2 

2 

13 

4 

4 



4 
2 
3 
4 
11 



10 



3 

12 

1« 

19 

II 

14 

19 

10 

14 

17 



6 

14 

11 

5 

16 



14 



4 



4 

10 
4 
8 


6H 
4 

4 
6 
8 
8 

1(1 
10 
H 
4 
8 

4 
8 
5 
6 

8 
6 
I) 
4 
8 
8 
8 
7 

4 
4 




i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



375 



£ 

Horace Kuapp 2 

Aar.'ii Knapp 4 
Timothy Ketehuin 23 

Saniurl Lambert 3 

Amos North rop '2 

David Xortlinip 3 

Anne noi thrup 3 

David Northrup 4 

Abiel Piekel i 

Jo]m Stui-dirant 4 

John Slone 4 

Oliver Taylor I 

Beujamin Taylor -2 

Nathan Taylor. 3d 15 

Matthew lavior 33 

Elias Taylo^ 4 

Thomas Wildman 3 

Elijah Wo.>d 2 

Josi-ph Gregoiy 8 

Daniel C'omstock 9 

Ezra Dibble. Jr. 17 
Ezra Starr 1-214 

Benjamin Sperrj- 113 

Matthew Starr 2 

Jeshita Mead 11 

Elizabeth Moore 7 
Thadeus Lockwood .M 

John Wyllys 4? 
Michael C Timpany 76 

Jhsiah Thatcher 400 

Edmnnil Mead 11 



«. 
15 

18 
6 
19 
9 
14 
8 
I'l 
14 
11 
16 
16 
15 
.5 
19 
.) 

11 



11 
4 



18 
18 
14 
6 
9 



d. i 

I 
8 

8 



10 

4 

5 

G 



4 


10 

8 
11 

4 

2 



4 



.5 
U 

8 

11 " 



Comfort Hoyt Jr. 



£ s. 
2 IS 



'• 11 

4 

3 

.Jos. H. Gregory A heirs 8 

Ezra Dibble 9 

17 

■ 84 

14 

2 

54 

47 
7G 
4.') 
11 



18 
G 
14 
9 
14 
K 
6 
14 
11 
IG 
10 
15 
15 
19 



18 
IS 
14 
9 



d. 






II 

4 


10 

8 
11 

9 

(I 

(1 

4 



5 
11 

8 

8H 
11 



Footing of Classification No 4 £l,:il4 







Towiisliiii luiinber tliree in range twenty is bound- 
ed on the north by Wakeiiian towushiji; south by 
New London; east by Briglitoii townshi)). Lorain 
county, and we.st by Harthind townshij). The town- 
sliiji is generally level and well watered. The soil 
consists of a mixture of clay, a little sand, and a 
goodly jiortion (jf black loam, whicli together consti- 
tute a soil well adapted to agriculture. The ^'ermil- 
lion river is tiie princijial water course in the town- 
shij). It rises in Richland county, has two branches, 
and flows in a northerly direction until it empties 
into Lake Erie. The west branch enters this town- 
ship on lot twenty-five iu the fourth section, and 
flowing a general northeasterly direction, crosses the 
north township line on lot five in section three. The 
east branch is formed from two small streams which 
enter the south part of the township ou lots six in 
the fourth section and eleven in the fii'st section, 
which unite on lot twenty-three iu the last-named 
section. The stream flows northeasterly to lot 
twelve in the second section, where it turns westward 
and flows from the township on lot twenty in the 
second section. The banks of this river furnish an 
excellent ipiality of sandstone for building purposes. 
There are a few other streams, of wliich Sjiring brook 
is tlie chief, but they are unimportant, and generally 
dry ill the summer season. 

XAME. 

This township derived its name from a gentleman 
named James Clark, who was a " sufferer" to the 
amount of €1,048 Cs. 8d. The name was subse- 
quently changed to Betliel, and shortly afterwards to 
its present name of Clarksficld. 

INDIANS. 

Among the Indians, the Wyantlottes and Senecas 
were probably tlie most numerous, and often visited 
the settlement, bringing in venison to exchange for 
produce, whisky, etc. One of these Indians, having 
one day imbibed a little too freely while on a visit to 
the "hollow." called at the house of E. W. Itanium, 



and, supposing him to be "one Frenchman," insisted 
on killing him. He was. however, put in duress for 
the night, one of his own tribe aiding in tying him 
ii]!. Next morning he was. permitted to dc|)art, a 
little more sober if not better natured. They were 
in general, however, civil and well disjiosed toward 
the settlers, whisky causing nearly all the exceptions. 

SETTLEMEXT. 

In the summer of 18K', Samuel Husted and Ezra 
Wood came from Danliury, Connecticut, to Ohio, 
and during the summer erected the first house in 
Clarksfield township. This was constructed of the 
materials usual in pioneer times — logs. — and was 
situated on the hill near the site now occiqiied by the 
residence of Murray Stiles. After the couiiiletinn of 
this Jiouse, the two returned to their homes iu tlie far- 
away east. While they were prejiaring for a final re- 
moval to Ohio, two hardy sons of New Englaiul ar- 
rived in Clarksfield, and became the first families to 
locate there. Their names were Smith Starr and 
Simeon Hoyt. The former of these settled on lot 
number eight in the third section, where he passed the 
remainder of his days. He died July 13, I80G. Mrs. 
Starr died December 16, 18-t'J. During the first 
winter in the township, their nearest neighbor was 
some miles away. Tiie family consisted of John T., 
who now lives in Kansas; .Mary, Rory and Peter who 
are dead: Deborah, who lives on the old homestead; 
Smith who received an injury in the saw mill, from 
which he died; William K., who married .Jane .Vrnold, 
and also resides on the old farm. 

Simeon Hoyt came by wagon drawn Ijy two yoke 
of oxen and a horse. Six weeks were consumed by 
the toilsome journey. In October, Clarksfield town- 
ship was reached, and a settlement was soon effected 
on lot number six in the fourth section. Here the 
family remained until 18G0; then removed to Florence, 
Erie county, where the father died some three years 
later. The wife died in 1858. She was the widow of 
John Knapp, and had seven children when married 
to Hoyt. 'J'hree children were born of the last mar- 
riage. Their names were: Lyman who married Ar- 
villa Curtiss, lives in Clarksfield; Hiram who is dead; 
William who married Emma Webb, and lives in 
Clarksfield; Henry, who is dead; Caroline and Emeline 
(twins.) the former of whom married Sherman Smith, 
and lives in Clarksfield: the latter married Dr Tracy 
Cone, and lives in New London: Eliza, who married 
Major Smith, and lives in Clarksfield; J. Frederick, 
who married .Mary J. Andre, and lives in .Michigan; 
Dolly who married John Dean, also lives in Michigan; 
Lucy Ann is now the wife of Benjamin Pierce, of 
Florence, Erie county. 

Samuel Husted came, with iiis family, iu 1818. He 
came by the slow transit method, oxen and wagon, 
and was nine weeks ou the road. .Vrriving in 
Clarksfield, the family occupied the log house for a 
time. 'Slv. Husted afterward built a frame house in 
(he "hollow,"" the first in the townsliij), into which 



276 



HISTORY OF HUEON AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the fiimily removed. This house is now occupied by 
William Reynolds. Mr. Husted became prominent 
in tlie j)ioneer improvements of the township. He 
died May 10, 18 — . Mi's. Husted is also deceased. 
The children are : Hiram, who married H. A. Slocum, 
of South Carolina, and died there ; Edward E. and 
Samuel W. are dead ; Thomas F., living in Michigan; 
Hoyt and Betsey are dead ; Mary J., who married 
George H. Signor, and lives in the hollow ; (To this 
lady the writer is indeljted for the facts of this family. ) 
Obadiah J., who married Mary W. Hurlbutt, and 
lives on lot seven, in the third section : Hester Paul, 
an adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Husted, came 
with the family, and became an important person at 
the first wedding. 

Ezra Wood married Xaucv Rowland, iu ISIU, and 
reached Clarksfield, November 18, 1818. He settled on 
lot number seventeen, in the second section, (this farm 
is now owned by David R. Wood,) where he remained, 
nearly continuously, until his death, September 18, 
1875. Mrs. Wood died January 7. 1878. Ezra Wood 
was an expert hunter, and a sort of missionary among 
the Indians. He was connected with many early 
industries in Clarksfield. The children were : Maria 

C, who married S. R. Day, lives in Clarksfield ; 
David E. and William H. are deceased ; Nathaniel E. 
who married Julia A. McCord, lives in New London 
township, and Daniel R., who married Mary J. Ronk, 
lives on the old farm, and has three children — Ezra 
J., Edwin B. and Nancy May. 

Benjamin Stiles, of Danbury, Connecticut, arrived 
in Clarksfield township on July 3, 1818. He purchased 
some six hundred and forty acres of land, and located 
on lot number twenty-two, in section three. His first 
wife was Anna Morris, who died previous to his coming 
to Ohio, and he married Hannah Trowbridge, who died 
in Ohio, and he married Rhoda Root, who died in 1852 
or '53. Benjamin Stiles died in Clarksfield in April, 
187:i. The children are as follows : Ann, died Feb- 
ruary 9, 1841; Henry, died May 19, 18GG; Joseph B., 
died September 20, 1842, and Lncy B., died February 
22, 1835 ; Samnel, who married Harriet Livermore, 
and lives in Iowa ; William \V.. who married Sarah 

D. Tyler, and resides in Clarksfield ; (I'his gentleman 
is county commissioner. ) Hannah M. , who married 
Alfred Mead, and lives in Michigan, and Edmond R., 
who married Angle Bruce, also lives in Michigan. 

Solomon Gray came from Danbury, Connecticut, 
with oxen and wagon, to Ohio, in 1818. He first 
settled on the farm now owned by John Hayes. He 
next located on lot number nine, where he died in 
April, 1845. Mrs. Gray died a few years subsequent. 
The children are : Parmelia, who married James 
Green, and lives on lot nine ; George W. , who married 
Mahalia Spurrier, and lives on lot twenty-five, have 
live children living, (Martha J., Jeannettc R., Ella 
B., Mina, Agnes and James D.); James has been 
twice married, and lives on lot nine. 

Aaron Rowland was Ijorn iu Danbury. Connecticut, 
November, 1770. Januarv 1. 170!), he married 



Deborah Dean, of Putnam county. New York, and 
locating in Southeast, same county, he followed the 
milling business on the Croton river, until latter part 
of Septeml)cr, 1818, when he removed to Clarkstield, 
and settled on lot number eighteen in the second sec- 
tion. His family at this time consisted of wife and 
six children. The journey was performed with oxen 
and wagon, and some six weeks" time was consumed. 
Mrs. Rowland died in December, 18*16; and Mr. 
Rowland, in February. 18CS. The children are : 
Ezra, who married Ann Stiles ; she died, and he 
married Mrs. Catharine Doran. He died in 1868. 
The family live in Clarksfield. Jemima, who mar- 
ried Linas Palmer, she now lives with a son in 
Fitchville. William, who married Harriet Wright; 
she died, and he married Abljy Rickman, and lives in 
New York city. Wildman, who married Harmony 
Blair and now lives in Oberlin, Ohio. Tamazon. who 
married Samuel Husted; after his death she married 
Martin Pulver, and lives in Clarksfield. Betsey, who 
married Joseph Stiles, who died, and she became the 
wife of Thomas Pelton. now living in Berlin, Erie 
county, Ohi<i. Charles, who married Lucy Seagur, 
and after her death. Jane Grey, and now lives in New 
London, this county; and Daniel, who married Har- 
riet Chaffee, and now lives on the old homestead in 
Clarksfield township. 

Obadiah Jenney whose nativity was New Bedford, 
Massachusetts, left Cayuga county. New York, for 
Ohio early in March, 1818, and with a horse and cut- 
ter, made the journey in an incredil)ly short time, 
arriving m Clarksfield township on ^larch 11th. He 
was a mill wright, and the following summer, assisted 
in building the mills at the hollow. On December 
25, 1821, he married Miss Hester Paul. ' He had, 
previous to this time, bought one hundred acres 
of land in lot fourteen in the third section. In 
1825, he removed to Norwalk. and in 1828, he 
bought the hotel, at the village, known as the Mansion 
House. He is yet living living in Norwalk. The 
children are; Eliza A., who is deceased: Enoch S., 
who now lives in California; Cornelia, deceased; Ce- 
celia, who resides at home; Mary and John are de- 
ceased; William H. and Frank L. , (twins) the former 
was a physician, and is deceased; the latter married 
C. L. Loverien, and resides in Kansas City. 

In July, 1819, two brothers, Eli and Ebenezer 
Barnum, arrived in Clarkstield township from Dan- 
bury, Connecticut. Eli settled on the farm now oc- 
cupied by Mrs. Collins, where ho remained a number 
of years; eventually, however, he removed to Nowalk. 
He was superintendent of the county infirmary, where 
he died. Mrs. Barnum is now deceased. The chil- 
dren are: Levi. Horace, David, Henry. Lucy and 
Mary. Eljenezer, located on the farm now owned by 
Mrs. Fisher, and after a sliort time, removed to the 
farm now occupied by Ransom Camp, where he settled 
permanently. In 1857, he removed to tiie '•hollow'' 
where he died March 4. 1868. ilrs. Barnum is still 
livins. and iu the enjoyment of her faculties, altliougli 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



277 



eighty-one years of age. The family consist of 
Francis and Mary wlio died in infancy, prior to locat- 
ing in Ohio: John X.. whn married C'atliarine B. 
Croxford resides at the "liiiiluw." He has been en- 
gaged in merchandizing for the pa^:t twenty-five years. 
Josepii S.. whii married Sally A. Bacon, and lives in 
Missouri; William L., who married Maria Scott, and 
lives in Ontario, Indiana; Stephen G., who married 
Lucinda A. Noi'ton, and lives in Memphis. Missouri; 
Ehoiiezer M., Jr., who died in infancy; and Sarah A., 
who mai-ried Levi Stuck, ami died in Missouri. 

A few years suliseciuent to the arrival of Eli and 
Ebenezer. a third brother, Levi, came. He settled on 
lot number twelve where he died many years since. 
His wife is now deceased. Children: Mary A., who 
married William A. Patch, and lives on the old farm; 
Elizabeth, who married 0. P. Furlong, and lives in 
Tennessee; Fanny, who married Hiram Smith, and 
ives in Xorwalk; Thomas is dead: Joanna, who mar- 
ried John Lucas, and lives in Detroit, Michigan; 
Margaret, who married Harriet Bentley, and lives in 
Wakenuui. and Catharine, who married Wilson Cur- 
tiss, and now lives in Michigan. 

Ezra Wildman came from Danlniry to Ohio in 1830. 
His wife was Anna Hoyt, daughter of one of the pro- 
prietors of the township, who had received from her 
father a deed for one-half of lot number nine in the 
third section. Mr. Wildman purchased the remainder 
of the lot, and in 1838. located his family thereon, 
lie died February 26, 1858; age eighty-three years. 
Jlrs. AVildmau died on the 10th of the following 
June, at the age of seventy-nine years. The family 
were: Mary Ann. who married Daniel Stone, and lives 
in Clarkstiekl; William II., who is now living with 
his second wife, occupies the old homestead; Frederick 
A., who married Marietta Patch. He was a cap- 
tain in the Union army during the rebellion. (His 
family are three sons and two daughters.) The 
next child of Ezra Wildman was Cornelia E., who 
married Alfred R, Segur, and lives in Xorwalk. A 
sister, the eldest of the family, died prior to removal 
to Ohio. 

Three brothers — Sherman, Clark A. and Major 
Smith, came to Huron county in the fall of 1815. 
Their parents, Elisha and Margaret Mathews Smith 
had removed from Bristol. Connecticut, to Springfield, 
Clarke county, Ohio, in 1810, and three years later 
both died, and the three children came north, as 
stated. Sherman was aged twenty, Clark eighteen, 
and ilajor six years; a sister, Betsey, aged twelve 
years, was left with stranger-friends at Springfield. 
Sherman contracted for land in Xew London town- 
sliip. upon which he erected a log house, and then 
Mut fur the sister, who came on and kept house for 
the boys. The following spring the house and its con- 
tents were burned. 

In ls-.>l, liniling that a good title could not be ob- 
tained, tile land was given up. Clark had died in the 
meantime, and Sherman Ijonght seventv-onc acres of 
land in lot two, section four; built a log house and 



frame barn, (the third in tlu' township); married Car- 
oline Knai)p, and l)egan in earnest the work of ac(£uir- 
ing a competency. Major continued to live with him 
until he, too, married. His wife was Eliza' Knapp, 
They live in Clarksfield; have had one child, now 
deceased. Sherman sul)sequently purchased the farm 
in lot six, where he now resides. The children are: 
Sarah, who married George Bissell, and lives in New 
London; Saba, who married", Benjamin F. Fanning, 
lives in Clarksfield: Mina, wiio married U. A. 
Fox, and lives in N'ew London, and Emeline, who 
married Andrew J. Blackmail, and lives in Clarksfield. 
The sister, Betsey, married Lotus Barrett, of Xew 
London, and died, leaving two children. 

Eli Segur, at an early date, settled on the farm now 
occupied i>y Isaac Johns, where he died. The wife 
died in Bronson township. X'^one of the family are 
now living in the county. The children's names are: 
Mary Ann, Alfred R.. Albert W.. Amarillas, Lucy, 
and perhaps one other. 

Asa Wheeler was the most frequently settled man 
in the township, never remaining more than a year or 
two in one jilace. He finally died on the farm now 
occupied by S. Ronk. Of his family Lavina and 
Bathia are deceased; Anson W. and Lemuel live in 
Kansas. 

Abram Gray came from Connecticut to Ohio, arriv- 
ing in Clarksfield, September 14. 1825. He settled on 
the farm now owned by Hiram Pierce, which he cleared 
and upon which he died, March 7. 18-12. Mrs. Gray 
died June 20, IS-l-t. Children; Smith S., deceased; 
Erastus, who married Eliza Parker, lives in Norwalk; 
Deborah, who married E. E. Husted also lives in 
Norwalk; Peter S. , wlio married Alice ivuapp, lives 
in Iowa; Lydia. who married S. S. Barnes, lives 
ill Clarksfield; Pannelia Ann, Sarah and Harriet are 
dead. Samuel D., who marned Anna ('. Hasted, and 
lives in Clarksfield, and Hiram II.. wlm marric'd .lane 
Rogers, and lives in Kansas. 

X'athaii Harris came from Genessee county. New 
York, to Jessup, now Florence township, Erie county, 
Ohio, in 1815, arriving on October 2(itli; next went to 
Berlin township, and in 1847 to Lake county, Indi- 
ana, where he died. .Mrs. Harris died in 1845. The 
children are: Anna, Thomas, Hiram, Hiram, 2d, who 
married Betsey Hendrick, has five children, and re- 
sides at the center of Clarksfield: Emma, Betsey, 
Maria, and Harriet. N^athan Harris was one of the 
men who laid out the road from Florence center to 
Norwalk. 

KIIiST EVENTS. 

The pioneer bal)y in Clarksfield township was a sou 
to Benjamin and Hannah Stiles. This event, in the 
annals of our infant colony, occurred on X'ovember 
1.3, 1818. The infant was christened Samuel, grew 
to manhood, married Miss Harriet Livermore and' 
removed to Iowa, in which State he now resides. 

The first couple married in the township was Oba- 
diali .lenney and Hester Paul, an adopted daughter 



278 



HISTOKY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hnsted.. The contract was 
solemnized by Benjamin Stiles, Esq., at the residence 
of the bride's father, December 35, 1831. This 
conple ave now living in Xorwalk, where they occupy 
a respectable jiosition in society. 

The first death that occurred in the township was 
Ephraim, a youth some twelve ye irs of age, the son 
of Eli and Jane Seger. He was piciving up chips to 
put on a log heap, and was bitten by a rattlesnake. 
The boy was warm by previous exertion, and the 
virus took immediate effect, rendering every effort to 
save him ineffectual. He died on the third day after- 
ward. 

Soon after this, Henry Vandevere, while chopping, 
perceiving a cow feeding just \vithin the range of the 
tree he was about to fell {and which had already 
started to fall), ran to drive her away, but was caught 
by the tree-top and crushed in a horrible manner. 

Horace Bodwell was drowned in a well, in the sum- 
mer of 1820. 

A post office was established in Clarksfield town- 
ship (at the hollow), in the winter of 1819-20, with 
Smith Starr as postmaster, who continued to occupy 
the position many years. A mail route was laid out 
from Norwalk to Medina — a Frenchman, named 
Seboo, carrying the mail through the woods on foot, 
between these points. G. W. Jerauld is the present 
postmaster. 

Another jjost office was established in the eastern 
portion of tiie township, some years since. James 
Daley is the present postmastei-, the office being loca- 
ted at his residence, on lot eleven, in the second 
section. 

The first brick building in the townsliip was built 
by a num named Mead, and stood east of the hollow. 

The first orchard in the township was planted by 
Obadiah Jenney, in the year 1821. This was on the 
bottom, and known as the stone farm, and consisted 
of some fifty trees. 

The first trading establishment, if it be worth the 
name, was opened by R. T. Huyck, in "'the hollow." 
He s(jld rum, a few articles of stoneware and a trifling 
amount of groceries. The rum was good for men to 
get drunk on and but little else. The present stores 
are: .1. N. Barnum and Rufus Curtiss, dry goods, 
and P. W. Finch, drugs. 

OHOAXIZATION. 

The political organization of the townshij), like 
that of all others in the State, involves no special in- 
terest. It was first recognized by being attached to 
New London. A few years later Clarksfield and Can- 
terbury constituted one townsiiip, and continued for 
some years longer, wiien each assumed a distinct or- 
ganization. The records of the townshi)) are imjier- 
fect; in fact, the writer has been ol)liged to comjule 
much of tlie early iustory of this townshi]) from the 
"memoirs"' written by IJiMijamin P.ensdn and K. M. 
Barnum. 



In April, 1822, the following named persons were 
elected townshiji officers: A. Rowland, Josiah Kil- 
burn, and Benjamin Carman, trustees; Levi Barnum, 
clerk; Jason Tha3-er, William Howard, overseers of 
the poor; Ziba Thayer, James White, fence viewers; 
Eli Segur, Smith Starr, appraisers and listers; Eli 
Barnum, Nathan Miner, constables; Josiah Kilborn, 
Joseph Osier, Levi Barnum. Eli Segur, Eli Barnum, 
Ira Peck, Stephen Post, Smith Starr, and Allen 
Blackman, supervisors. Benjamin Stiles was elected 
a justice of tlie peace in 1820 (December), and 
Obediah Jenney had acted as township clerk previous 
to the election above mentioned. In early times, in 
the selection of candidates for office, little was urged 
but weight of character and fitness for the place j^ro- 
posed, and of wiiich most were capable of judging, 
consequently there were but few causes for sti-ife and 
debate. 

The officers for 1878 were: L. F. Beers; Henry 
Hayes, and A. J. Gridley, trustees; M. T. Stiles, 
clerk; G. W. Jerauld, treasurer; S. Long, assessor; 
Loren Spurrier, constable; Myron Rogers and A. J. 
Blackman, justices of the peace. 

CHURCHES. 

Immediately after Samuel Husted became settled 
in his wilderness home he began holding religious 
service there on the Sabbath. He was of the Pres- 
byterian faith, and had brought with him from his 
far-away eastern home some volumes of sermons, from 
which he read. Meetings were held at his house 
until it became too small to accommodate the in- 
creased attendance, and afterwaids in the school 
house. 

Alvin Coe and William Westlake, the former a 
Presbyterian and the latter a Methodist minister, 
were the first iireachers who visited the township. 
The first church organization was that of the Congre- 
gationalists. This took place on October 24, 1832. 
No early records of this church are now iu existence. 
Among the first memliers were Samuel Husted, E. E. 
Husted, and Rhoda Stiles. The first minister to 
locate was Rev. Xenophon Betts. Then followed 
Paine, Wilcox, Todd, Penfield, Shepard, etc. Rev. 
A. A. Grossman, now of Monroeville, was ordained 
pastor of this cliurch in 1875. Rev. J. M. Frazier 
succeeded him in 1876, and still labors there. The 
present church officers are: Martin Palmer and Wil- 
liam Adams, deacons; Mrs. F. H. Hayes, clerk; J. 
N. Barnum, treasurer; 0. J. Husted, F. E. Wildman, 
and A. S. Adams, trustees; Thomas Rowland, super- 
intendent. Average attendance at Sabbath school, 
fifty. In 1835, the churcii at tlie hollow was begun, 
and finislied two years later. The upj)er room was 
finished and occupied sooner than this. Do not know 
the cost. 

In about 1822, a Methodist church was formed in 
the south part of ClarksHeld,but the membershi)) was 
almost entirely from New London township, to which 
township the sketch of tliis church liclongs, though 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



279 



tlie fine brick church Ijuilt in 18T5 is located in 
Chirksfieia. 

The second class of this denomination was formed 
at the "hollow" as early as 18-25. The following are 
all that can now be remembered of the first class: 
Abram Gray and Anna, his wife; Andrew McMillan 
and Effie. his wife: Harvey Smith and Maria, his 
wife ; and Nancy Nickerson. Meetings were first 
held at the residence of Aliram Gray, and from there 
to the school house in the "hollow." In about 1835, 
the present church was l)uilt. This has been im- 
proved since. The Rev. Mr. Hazard is thought to 
have been the first resident minister. The present 
pastor is Rev. Hiram Royce. The jireseut church 
officers are: Barney Coojier, Joseph Stiles and Sam- 
uel D. Gray, trustees: William E. Starr, superin- 
tendent of Sabbath school. The average attendance 
of children is fifty. Present church membership, 
seventy-five. 

The East Clarksfield Methodist Episcopal church 
was formed in 1837 or '38. The following are 
the constituent members: Alexander Twaddle (who 
was the first class le.Vder), Sarah Twaddle, Henry 
S, Barnes, Lydia Barnes, Armon Rusco, Sarah 
Rusco, E. B. Nickerson, Nancy Nickerson, Elizabeth 
Twaddle, Charles and Jennie Blackman. Patience 
Giflford and Adam Shank. Meetings were first held 
in the houses of Alexander Twaddle and others, and 
afterward in a log school house standing on lot one in 
the second section, upon the same site the present 
church stands. This was dedicated in June, 18T0. 
Its cost was two thousand dollars. The first minister 
was James Brewster. The present is Rev. Edward 
L. Warner. Church officers: Aaron Rowland, William 
Phillips. Tlmnias Burrows, Giles Scott, Jacob Meyers 
and Pliilander Barrett, trustees; H. S. Barnes, Wil- 
liam Tewilliger and John Hand, class leaders. Aver- 
age attendance at Sabbath school, seventy. Sujieriu- 
tendcnt, Ashley Barnes. Membership of church, one 
hundred and twenty. 

There was at one time a large and prosperous Bap- 
tist church in the township. Many of the early 
settlers were members of it, l)ut it passed out of 
existence many years since. 

SCHOOLS. 

Coming, as the first settlers did, from New Eng- 
land, they early appreciated the advantages of educa- 
tion, and two years after the beginning of the settle- 
ment, a log school house was erected. This stood, 
perhaps, sixty rods south of the "hollow," and in it 
Miss Abzina Barker taught a term of school. This 
was supported by the inhabitants, who paid according 
to the number of children sent to school. This 
"dome of learning" remained for ii-few years aiid was 
burned, it is believed by some' of the enterprising (?) 
young men, then infesting the "hollow." A frame 
school house was soon after erected, and al)out the 
same time another was Iniilt on the west side of Ver- 
million river, in what was tlicii I'alled I lie "Stiles set- 



tlement," and others were Iniilt according to the 
wants of the settlement. In those early times, the 
scholars made but little jjrogress, as the schools 
were not continued for more than three months in 
the year, so that what instruction they gained dur- 
ing the term was generally lost during tiie long vaca- 
tion that followed. 

SOCIETIES, 

Clarksfield Grange, No, llT-l, P, of H,, was 
organized April 18, 1875, with the following charter 
members : C, C. Clark and wife, E. M. Day and wife, 
J. M. Rogers and wife, John J. Dunning and wife, 
D. K. Winans and wife, J. Kiiapp aiul wife, J. M. 
Tuttle and wife, L. Gibson and wife, M. Gregory, 
Mrs, Sarah Day, Miss Harriet Rogers, A. Colli ng- 
wood, L. Johnson, F. Wildman and wife, Henry 
Hardy and daughter. The society has convened, 
from its organization, at the residence of J. M. Tuttle, 
once each month, on the Saturday evening preceding 
the full moon. The total membership is now (1878) 
sixteen. The otficei-s for 1878 are ; C, C. Clark, 
master ; J. M. Tuttle, overseer ; D. K. Winans, lec- 
turer ; Mrs. V. A. Day, chaplain ; A. Collingwood, 
steward ; J. M. Rogers, assistant stewanl ; E. M. 
Day, secretary ; M. Gregory, treasurer ; L. Gibson, 
gate-keeper ; Mrs. C. C. Clark, Pomona : Mrs. Sarah 
Day, Flora ; Miss Hattie Rogers, Ceres ; Mrs. Anna 
Colllingwood. lady assistant steward. 

The temperance society, known as Good Templars, 
have twice organized in the township, and became 
flourishing and promising, but the interest would sub- 
side, and the operations of the ordi'r finally ceased, 

IXDISTKIVL 1'1'R.SriT.S. 

The first of the manufacturing industries in 
Clarksfield township was a grist mill, built by Samuel 
Husted, in the year 1818. It was small, substantially 
])uilt, and had one run of stone. Before this mill was 
built, the settlers had their grinding done at Merry's 
mill, in Milan, a distance of fourteen miles, and 
sometimes in Ricliland county, which was niucii 
farther. 

The present grist mill at the hollow, was built as 
early as early as 1838. by Messrs. Squires and Lawtoii. 
It was jjurchased by the ])resent owners, ilessrs, 
Hayes and Barniun, in 1877. they paying for the 
projjerty (grist and saw mill) six thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. The grist mill has three run of stone, 
and is thoroughly equipped throughout. 

In 1821, Smith Starr erected the first saw mill in 
the townshij). It was propelled, as was the grist mill, 
by the water of the Vermillion river. 

A few years after the beginning of the settlement, 
a whisky still went into operation at the " hollow." 
A second distillery was established at " Hayesville," 
as early as 1827. Percey, Wheeler and Johnson were 
the projectors of it, and it was in operation but a few 
years. 



I 



380 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



A " pocket " furnace was sturted at the "hollow" 
quite early, and did quite a business for, perhaps, 
ten years, casting divers small articles. 

The first tannery was started at the ••hollow'' by 
Omar Nickerson, as early, it is believed, as 18"30. It 
stood a short distance west of the site of the present 
grist mill, and was in operation, under diilerent man- 
agements, until about 1850. 

Sherman Smith built a second one, on lot two, in 



the fourth section, in 1836. He continued in the 
business until 1858. 

There are two cheese factories in the township, the 
first of which is located on the corner of lot thirteen, 
in the second section, and is, we learn, now ojjerated 
by Horr, Warner and Company, of Wellington, Lorain 
county. 

The second was established by Dorr Twaddle, in 
1875. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




•^\\.\v 




Mr. Sherman Smith. 



Mrs. Sherman Smith. 



SHERMAN SMITH AND WIFE. 

Sherman Smith, now a resident of the township of 
Clarksfield, Huron county, Ohio, was born in the 
State of Connecticut, Hartfoid county, September 24, 
1795. His parents were both natives of the same 
State. His fatiier, Mr. Elisiia Smith, was born in 
Plymoutli, Hartford county, in ITfiO; his mother, 
Margaret, daughter of Moses Matthews, of the same 
county and State, was born in 177G, Tliey were mar- 
ried in 1794-. Elisha Smith was by trade a blacksmith. 
In 1805, he and his family moved to Onondaga county, 
New York, about eiglit miles southwest of where 
now is the city of Syracuse; and in 1811, with a team 
and wagon, the family, now consisting of Mr. Smith, 
wife, three sons and one daughter, started for Southern 
Ohio by way of Buffalo, New York, to Erie, Pennsyl- 
vania, tiieiice across the wilderness to a jilace called 
•Beef, on the Alleghany rivci-, where a boat was pur- 
chased, and all. team, wagon and family shii)])ed 
aboard to Pittsbui-gh; thence down the beautiful Ohio 
to Cincinnati, then only a small village of less than 
two thousand si.\ hundred inhabitaiits; thence bv 



team, seventy-five miles to Springfield, Clark county, 
Ohio; having been more than forty days making this 
journey to their western home. During the war of 
181 "^-11:, he served as an artificer, shoeing oxen and 
horses. He died Sej)tember, 1814, his wife having 
died July 28th of the same year. 

Sherman Smith was the eldest of this family of 
orphan children, and had seen service for six months 
in the army. 

His brother, C. Austin, was born in Connecticut 
August, 1797, and died in New London August, 1827. 
His widow, now a widow of Squire Barrett, lives in 
Huron, Ohio. 

His sister, Betsey, was born .July, 1803, in Connecti- 
cut; was the first wife of C'apt. Z. Barrett (and 
mother to Philander and Smith Barrett), died in New 
London, Ohio, ^lay 35, 1839. His youngest brother, 
Major, was born^ August 17, 180'J, in Onondaga 
county. New York, and now resides in Clarksfield, 
Huron county, Ohio. These three l)rothers, in the 
fall of 1815, (in company with J. P. Case and family, 
Simeon Munson and family and others), came and 
settled in New London, on the farm now owned by 



il 




^, (l/^^^i 




^>v^^ 



g ^/ ^AJu 




RESIDENCE OF A. J. BLACKMAN , 



Tf, Huron Co.O, 



History of huron and erie counties, ohio. 



281 



>- 



(Jeorge Jennej. Sherman, now twenty years of age, 
acted asi botli parent and guardian to and for his 
younger brothers. The i)atieiit enduranee, hilior, 
cold, hunger and a tliousand wants poorly supplied, 
none, save those similarly placed, can or ever will 
realize. Major has told the liiograj)her that for years 
the only garment uf clothing he wore, was made of 
domestic tanned buck or dcer-skns! 

His sister, Betsey, did not come to New Ldiulnn 
witii her brotliers. She had been, upon the death of 
her parents in 1814, bound out to a Baptist preacher 
by the name of Michael French, wlm. according to 
tile sayings of those who knew, was "a better judge 
of the horse and horse-trading, and drinking whisky 
than he was of preaching the gospel.'" ami the girl 
was verii iU treated in this family: and in July, 
ISIS, her brother, Sherman, resolved on her resaie 
from worse than negro bondage, and hrarvlii did he 
steal, (if such a word may be emjiloyed for so noble 
an act,) and, on an old horse which she rode, and he on 
foot whipping the old jadeil animal through the 
woods, did both, after many hungry and weary days 
and nights, arrive in New London. He was pursued, 
and at home arrested for kidnapping, his sister. 
While under arrest, upon the giving of his individual 
note to French, for the sum of one hundred dollars, 
he was released. The note was never collected. 

In the spring of 1819, while all the family were 
absent, (Betsey visiting at A. Miner's, and the boys 
at a raising of a potash factory for Dr. Samuel Day,) 
the house and its contents, including the township 
and family records, were entirely consumed. Upon 
the organization of New London in 1817, Sherman 
was made township clerk, which office he held till 
IS-^-i. 

HIS WIFE, 

Miss Caroline Knai)p, daughter of John Knapj). was 
born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, August 9, 
1SU9: came with her stepfather. Mr. Simeon Hoyt, 
in October, 1817, and began living on lot number 
six, section Unxr, in the township of (Jlarkstield, and 
siie and Mr. Smitii now live on the same. Siierman 
Smitii and t'iiroline Knapp were married in New 
London, Ohio, by Isaac P. Case, October 17, 1835. 
Sherman now sold to his brother, Austin, his jilace 
in New London, and he and his wife went into tht^ 
woods in Clarkslield, on lot number two, fourth sec- 
tion, where James M. Crandall now resides. They 
cleared up this farm, and remained on it till 1863, 
since wliich time they have lived at their present 
house. This couple have livod long, peaceably and 
liajipily together, and are the parents of four as good 
and resj)ectable girls and women as the county is 
proud of as citizens. The children are: Sarah, (now 
.Mrs. Col. George Bissell) born April ."), 1837, and 
married October 1.5, 1843, and lives in New London. 
Sabra (now Mrs. B. G. Fanning living in Clarksfield), 
born January 13, 1839. and was mjirried'July 4, lS4(i. 
Mina(now Mrs. G. A. Fox, of New London), born 

36 



December 37, 1831, and was married September 35, 
1848. Emeline (now the wife of Andrew J. Black- 
man, Esi]., of Clarksfield), born April 10, L8,34, and 
was married September 1, 1856. 

Mrs. Smith is now a healthy, handsoine, well pre- 
served old lady; very proud of her aged and kind, 
generous and benevolent husband, and, if possible, 
manifests more satisfaction in being the mother of 
four so good, healthy and respectable daughters, (and 
the daughters love and are eipially i)roud of their 
parents). 

She requested hei' liiograplicr to say for her: "I 
have brought up fuar as (jood and rcujiectahh' girls as 
were ever raised; and I never compelled one of them 
to go to a Sabbath school a single day, but I left them 
entirely at liberty to go or not to go as they chose." 
And, when en(|uired as to what church she Ix'louged, 
replied: "To Dr. Skei.lenoer'.s Church." 

As pioneers, the family exp.'rienced much of its 
privations, including education and much of the joys, 
and )Jeasures and happiness known and enjoyed 
in the earliest days of the first settlers, Mr. Smith. 
now almost eighty-four years of age, does his labor on 
the farm, and enjoys excellent health. He has filled 
honestly and well several public positions, and. is a 
pensioner. One of the qualities that distinguish 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith is generous hospitability, ever 
delighting in the happiness and comfort of all their 
many friends. Benevolent, kind, generous, industri- 
ous, honest and happy, they are. May they happily 
continue to live. x. D. s. 



ANDREW J. BLACKMAN. 

Andrew J. Blackman was born in the township of 
New London, Huron county, Ohio, at the home of 
his parents at Barrett's Corners, December 10, 1830, 

Simeon Blackman, father of Andrew J., came to 
the county, from Cortland county, New York, in the 
spring of 1815, stopping a few months at Florence, 
Erie county, then a part of Huron county. He then 
bought a farm of om' hundred and fifty acres, at Bar- 
rett's Cornei-s, upon which he made a large part of 
the clearing, set out an orcluird and built a frame 
liarii. He was the sou of Josiah Blackman, who 
afterwards settled in Florence township. He was the 
sixth of a family of nine children, but three of whom 
are now living, though all attained a fair old age. 
He was but seventeen years of ago when he came to 
Ohio. His death occurred in May, 1864. He was 
married, in 1834, to the sixth child of Philander Bar- 
rett. She came to Ohio, from Ontario county, New 
York, in 1833, her father havitig ilied pj-eviously. 
She was twenty-one years of age when she came to 
the State. Immediately after nuirriage, they com- 
menced housekee|)ing on the farm at Barrett's Corners, 
where they remained until 1833. and where five chil- 
dren were born to them, viz; Stephen, who died in 



282 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AXD ERIE COUMIES. OHIO. 



infaiic}', Orinda. Elvira, Wealthy A. and Andrew J. 
They then bought a farm iu Russia township. Loraiu 
county, where they lived two years and where another 
daughter, Mary A., was born. They went from there 
to Huron, Erie count}', where they bought a i)rairie 
farm, )nit, it being a sickly location at that time, they 
remained but two 3-ears, when they bought a farm in 
Vermillion township. Erie county. This farm proved 
to be a poor one, and two years later it was traded for 
a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, in 
Clarksfield township, on which they immediatelv 
moved, and where they resided until tJie death of 
Mr. Blackmau, in 1804. While at Vermillion, another 
son. George W. , was born; and a son was also born 
after their removal to Clarksfield. The latter died 
in infancy. The others are all living at the present 
time. Their mother is also still living. 

Andrew J. Blackmau lived with his parents until 
he was twenty-one years of age. He liad the privi- 
leges of a common school education, and a term at 
Oberlin college. On arriving at age, he began-mak- 
ing efforts to secure a home of his own. at which he 
continued with reasonable success. On the first day 
of September, 18.55, he married Miss Emeline S. 
Smith, of Clarksfield. She remained with her parents 
two years after her marriage, during which time Mr. 
Blackman worked his father's farm. On August 30, 
1857, a son, Sherman F. , was born to them. In the 
fall of 1857, they began housekeeping on his father's 
place. In the spring of 1858, Mr. Blackman bought 
sixty acres of the farm he now owns, for one thousand 
three hundred and fifty dollars, it being new and 
with no buildings, ex'cept a log house and two log 
barns. They moved into the log house in the follow- 
ing November, where they lived humble and contented 
lives for nine years, making improvements and such 
additions to the farm as they were able to do. 
A daughter, Emma D., was born in April, 1864. 
They have had but the two children mentioned 
above. 

In the summer and fall of 1SG7 their present resi- 
dence was built, and in February, 1808, they vacated 
the old log house, not with the exjiectation of an in- 
creased measure of happiness, but to satisfj- an aspira- 
tion they had of always looking forward to something 
better. To say that all has been accomplished that 
was looked forward to. would be follv, vet, all thiues 
considered, they are not despondent on account of 
failures, nor yet flattered by success. 

In regard to his services in public life, Mr. Black- 
mail has been elected to all the township offices, ex- 
cept clerk and treasurer. He has been a justice of 
the peace all the time since he was twenty-seven years 
of age, with the exception of four years, and is now 
attending to the duties of that office. In i)olitics, he 
is a rei)ublican. 

Mrs. Emeline S. Blackman. wife of Andrew J., 
was born April 10, 18.34, at Clarksfield, Huron county. 
She is the youngest of a family of four daughters, 
viz: Sarah. Sabra. Miua and Emeline S., all of whom 



are now living. Her father, Sherman Smith, came 
from Springfield, Ohio, to Huron county, in its 
earliest settlement. He first settled in Xew London, 
but shortly after moved to Clarksfield, where he has 
since resided. He is now living, a hale old man, in 
his eighty-fourth year. His wife, who is still living, 
came from Danbury, Connecticut, with her mother 
and stepfather, when she was but eight years of age. 
Her maiden name was Caroline Knapp. 

Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Blackman have ever joined a 
church or secret society, nor have they or their chil- 
dren been addicted to the use of strong drinks of any 
kind, or to the use of tobacco in any form. 

Mr. Blackman's success iu life is mainly to be 
attributed to a strict sense of justice, to reasonable 
ecouomv and risid industrv. 



EDWIN W. CUNNINGHAM. 

Born iu 1S4-^. he is the youngest son of Hiram 
May and Eunice Cunniiiiiham. His father settled in 
Clarksfield iu 1838. and Edwin's place of birth was 




at the old Cunningham homestead, whei'e his father 
toiled many wearisome years to make it the beautiful 
home it became Ijefore Edwin left its shelter. Mr. 
Cunningham senior purchased his land in the second 
section, known as lots twenty-one and parts of lots 
sixteen and twenty-two, the extent of his purchase 
being a little more than two hundred acres, for which 
he paid four hundred and fourteen dollars and seven- 
ty-five cents. He lived in Clarksfield until the time 
of his death, July 11, 18GG. His was a quiet, useful, 
and unostentatious life. He believed in the advan- 
tage of a good education, and aided his children in 
this direction to tlie full extent of his ability. Kdwin 
began his collegiate course at Baldwin University in 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



283 



1860. wliere lie uoniiikTi'il liis juiiinr ye:ii'. Tn the 
fall of 1805 he went to Hillsdiile. Mitliifrnn. ;ui(l in 
June of 1866 he graduated with honors. As a stu- 
dent, while he was perhaps less industrious than 
others of liis classmates, he scarcely ever appeared in 
recitation without having gained a ready mastery of 
the subjects to be recited. His mind was then, and 
is still, of an analytical turn and (piick of comprehen- 
sion, and it scarcely ever graj)pled with a subject or 
problem wliich it did not (juickly understand or solve. 
His classmates were often puzzled over the (juestion: 
"How is it that Eil. masters with so little etfort what 
it costj us so many an.\ious, toilsome hours to over- 
come? " As a scholar he excelled in mathematics and 
the natural and mental sciences. The very fact of 
his easy mastery of his lessons made him a little care- 
less of the details of tiie subject in hand. Under- 
standing the main features clearly, the minor ones 
would often escape his attention. But for this fault, 
no fellow-student of his could possibly have ecjualled 
him in excellence of recitation, for none excelled him 
in talent. Leaving Hillsdale after his graduation, he 
returned to Clarksfield, and March 13, 1867, was 
united in marriage with Miss Deborah Rowland, 
daughter of Ezra and Catharine Rowland, pioneer 
settlers iu Clarksfield. The attachment which thus 
happily culminated in marriage was formed before 
Edwin had left his father's home to prosecute his 
studies in Baldwin University. Thrown in the soci- 
ety of other young ladies, some of them the fairest of 
the fair, still, through all the years of his almost 
constant absence from his first love, his fidelity re- 
mained unshaken. This constancy has been rewarded 



by the happiness which has ever characterized his 
home life: a hap[iiiiess which we feel safe in saying 
has never known a single disturbing element, save 
that which has come in the line of domestic afHiction, 
the tendency of which is always to cement still more 
closely the bond wliicli unites two hearts iu one. 

After his marriage Mr. Cunningliam taught for one 
year, assisted by his wife, the public schools of Milan. 
He then went to Urbana, Illinois, where three of his 
brothers were residing, and secured the position of 
superintendent of the public schools of that city. 
His leisure hours he gave to the study of law. In 
June of 1869 lie was admitted to practice by the su- 
preme court of Illinois, and in the following month 
removed to Emporia, Kansas, where he has since re- 
sided. He and the writer were in partnership for a 
short time in the law and real-estate business. In the 
spring of 1870 he was elected police judge and held 
the office two years. In 1872 he was elected to the 
office of probate judge, which position he filled for 
six years with great acceptability. The republicans 
nominated him for representative to the State legis- 
lature in 1878, but he was defeated by a few votes, 
the greenbackers uniting with the democrats for this 
purpose. 

He is a prominent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Emporia, and was chosen lay dele- 
gate to the general convention of that church which 
convened at Baltimore in 1870. 

He has four children living: Maud, born January 
VZ, 1868: Mabel, December 11, 1871 ; Ella, June 24, 
1875; Ralph E., May 27, 1878. 



SHERMAN, 



OHIOINAL OWNERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader is 
referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

SHERMAN, TOWX NUMBER THREE, IN THE TM'ENTY- 
FOUKTH RANGE. 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original Grantees. AmtL 


JSS. 


Classified by. 


.41)1 


t Classed. 


£ 


.s 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


John Sauuders ' 341 


IS 


10 


Stephen Lockwood 


241 


18 


10 


Dan'l FiDcli, i losses Hi 


14 


7 




123 


14 


7 


Setli Sevmour'sh'rs 15? 


4 


1 


" " 


157 


4 


I 


EliHiiezer irregory 57 


•J 


9 


'• " 


57 


.1 


9 


Muttlu-w Mallery 87 


4 


11 


*' *' 


87 


4 


11 


Nathan JIallery 157 


13 





" *' 


157 


12 





Josiah Thatcher 4iX) 


6 


51^ 


" " 


42 


IS 


7 


Matthew Keeler 165 


10 


10 


i. \k 


100 








Slarv Smith 17 


5 





" " 


17 


5 





Thohias Fitch 387 


14 


5M 


*' " 


77 


10 


lOH 


Thomas Fitch's h'rs 415 


3 





" " 


11 


17 


P 


Hannah Fitch's h'rs 141 


2 


7 




4 





Hannati Brown 6 


3 


6 


** " 


6 


3 


6 


I\Iarv Roscoe 2 


19 





*' " 


2 


19 





Nathan Aiiams 14 








1. a 


14 








Daniel Lvman 368 


7 


8 


'• " 


184 


3 


10 


Natlian Jarvis 279 


7 6 
ting of CU 


issificatiou No. 1, £1 


59 


11 


3 


Foo 


344 


7 





Classification 


No. 2, Section 2. 








Original Grantees. Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't classed. 


£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Peter Betts 180 


6 


10^ 


Samuel Middlebrook 11 


3 


^* 


Setli Abhott 55 


7 


3 


" " 


55 


7 


3 


Richard Dunning 26 


10 


6 


u " 


26 


10 


6 


Nathan Hyatt. Jr. 39 


19 


11 


" " 


29 


19 


11 


Joseph Olmstead 3 


8 





" " 


2 


8 





Jas.Small Olmstead 3 


IS 


6 


4. tt 


2 


18 


6 


Elizalieth Rogers 22S 


14 





" " 


228 


14 





James Olmstead 7 


9 





" " 


7 


9 





Sarali Morehouse 6 


4 


4 


" " 


6 


4 


4 


James Keeler 8 


4 


8 


(. tt 


8 


4 


8 


Thadd'us Morehouse 2 


3 





(i (t 


2 


3 





Lemuel Brooks 287 


13 


4 


(i (i 


287 


15 


4 


Elizabeth Fitch 10 


5 


2 


" " 


10 


5 


3 


I>aniel Gregory 18 


18 


8 


" *' 


IS 


18 


8 


S1e|ilien Keeler, Jr. 25 


1 


3 


" " 


25 


1 


3 


David Reed 136 


7 


4 


" " 


i-.;6 


7 


4 


S..lomon Morehouse 5 


11 





" " 


5 


11 





Nathan Hoyt 180 


4 


6 


" " 


180 


4 


6 


Jedeiliah Brown 163 


7 





*' " 


162 


7 





Jedediah Raymond 25 


8 


3 


it 1. 


25 


8 


3 


Jeremiah Webb 7 


5 







7 


5 





WilUam Raymond 5 








It t< 


5 








Samuel Miiidlebrook 14 


9 


11 


" *' 


14 


9 


11 


Ebenezer Whitney 108 


13 


9 


" 


94 


10 


OH 



Footing of Classification No. 2. £1,344 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


( Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Stephen Whitney 


19 


5 





Taylor Sherman 


19 


5 





Hezekiah Raymond 


152 


14 


4 


tt (1 


152 


14 


4 


Moses Raymond 


5 








tt tt 


5 








Richar-d Vitungs 


31 


5 


11 


'* " 


31 


5 


11 


Sobimnu W'hitmore 


17 


17 


6 


" " 


17 


17 


6 


David Bnalt 


5 


19 


9 


" " 


5 


19 


6 


Samuel Manin 


319 


3 


10 


tt It 


319 


3 


10 


John Jcckwood, Jr. 


!M9 


14 


?^ 


Phineas Miller 


249 


14 


OH 


Uriah Raymond 


124 


11 




124 


11 


1^ 


Jesse Brown 


44 








" " 


44 








Susannali Butler 


6 


10 





tt tt 


6 


10 





Josepli Whitney 


183 


11 


::.' 


>t tt 


182 


11 


2 


Daviil Sej'iuour 


3 


19 





It t< 


3 


19 





John Seymour. Jr. 


lOI 


19 


m 


tt tt 


101 


19 


6^ 


Gilbert Bryant 


19 


17 





" 


19 


15 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 



Original Grantees. 

Eliakim Raymond 

two losses 
Adle Close's AdmY 
James Ferris 
Ann Grefjg 
Euos Lookwood 
Theophilus Lockw'd 
Shadrach Mead 
En OS Mead 
Jouath'n & Ambrose 

Remolds 
Gold John Selliek 
John Seymour 
Nath'l Raymond, Jr 144 
John Kellogg 
Nath'l Benedict. Jr. 
Widow Abigail and 

Jonathan Bulkley 
Josiah Wentworth 



Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Eliakim and George 


£ 


s. 


d. 


.378 


5 


3 


Raymond 


378 


5 


3 


49 
42 


3 
13 


10 
3 


George Raymond 


13 

17 


11 
5 


6 
10 


43 


13 


1 


,1 ., 


17 


o 


6 


13 


15 





" " 


6 


6 





.2 








.( . 


2 








43 










17 


6 


1 


12 


12 


5 




5 


16 


9 


81 


1 


~ 


,, 


8 


1 


4 


13 


IS 





1. 


5 


7 





345 


5 





James Seymour 


345 


5 





144 


5 


13i 


N'fh'l Raymond. Jr 


144 


5 


m 


76 


9 





Jr.lm Kellogg 


76 


9 





1.52 


1 


3 


Nath'l Benedict. Jr 
Widow Hannah 


152 


1 


3 


54 


17 


3 


Bulkley 


54 


17 


3 


151 


16 





Nath'l Raymond. .Ji 


. 95 


" 


iH 



Footing of Classiflcation No. 4. £1,344 



NAME. 



Sherman is township number three, in range twenty- 
four, and is Ijouiided as follows: on the north by 
Lvnie township, south by Norwich township, east liy 
Peru townsliip, and west by the townships of Thomp- 
son and Reed, in Seneca county. It was named in 
honor of Taylor Sherman, Esij.. one of the directors 
of the Fire-lands Company, and originally a large 
land holder in the township. The name was given at 
a meeting of the directors, held at New Ha,ven, Con- 
necticut, November 9. ISOS. At this time the lands 
were divided by lot among those holding "sufferer's" 
claims. 

The surface is generally level, and the soil princi- 
pally clay. Along the borders of the streams it is 
mixed with yellow sand, and is easily tilled. Away 
from the streams the soil is harder to work, but is 
productive, and improves very much with proper cul- 
ture. This township contains but little waste land. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The following is principally from the ••Memoirs of 
Sherman," by John E. La Barre: 

Daniel Sherman, (son of Taylor Sherman and uncle 
of GeneralW. T. Sherman) Burwell Fitch and Samuel 
Seymour, were the first white settlers of thetownshii). 
The year of their arrival was 181'.^. They were from 
Norwalk, Connecticut, and the last end of their jour- 
ney was over what was then known as the Portage 
road, their teams being the first which travelled over it. 
The first night after leaving Newcomb"s, in Bronson, 
was spent in the woods. They were not accustomed 
to this sort of a life, and were disturbed and consider- 
ably alarmed at tiie noise of tlie wild animals witli 
which the surrounding woods almunded. They iin- 

(■284) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



285 



mediately commenced imiirovcineiits. in the second 
section. Tlie tirst clearing was made on Sherman's 
land, and the next on that of Harwell Fitch. The 
tirst house in tiie townslujt was built on the land of 
tlie latter. 

Daniel Sherman went to Lancaster in the fall of 
1812. He returned in December, and the war having 
ensued, made iiis home in the block house of Charles 
Parker, west of Milan. There, in 1813, he married 
Abby G-uthrie, and in Marcli, 181-1, returned to his 
home in Sherman township. He continued to reside 
in the township until 18"^5. Mrs. Sherman died in 
1821, and was buried in the township burial ground. 
This was the first burial, and the second death in the 
township. In 1821 he married Laura Hnbbell, and 
in February, 1825, removed to Ridgetield township, 
locating on the farm now occupied by S. D. Fish. 
Here he died September 27, 1801. Mrs. Sherman 
died December 31, 18T6. Their children were as fol- 
lows: Betsey, who was born November 5, 1814; mar- 
ried C. B. Hall, and is now deceased. William S., 
who was born January 20, 181T, removed to Mansfield, 
where he died September 24, 1876. George Edwin, 
born in 1819, died July 0, 1831. Harriet E., who was 
born April 24, 1825: married Sidney D. Fish, and 
lives on the old homestead; and Charles \V., who was 
born in 1827, and died in 183G. 

Taylor Sherman visited the town.ship which bears 
his name, one season, during which he was taken with 
the "lake fever." He returned to Connecticut, and 
after lingering some time, he finally died from its 
effects. 

Burwell Fitch died in Sherman. He had four chil- 
dren: Mary Ann, who married Buck Chandler, of 
Bellevue. He died and she became the wife of Ejih- 
raim Felton, of Norwich; Susan, wlio married Alonzo 
llusted, of Lyme: Betsey, who married William West, 
of Fairfield, and Eliza, who married William Burns 
and moved to Iowa. 

Samuel Seymour was killed by the Indians. (See 
history of Ridgefield township.) 

Most of the early settlers located in the tirst, third, 
and fourth sections, the second not being in the 
market. No particular effort was made by the orig- 
inal owners to draw .settlers that way, except, per- 
haps, by the Lockwoods. In 1814, land was held at 
one dollar and fifty cents per acre. — ■ Blancliard came 
this year and bought fifty acres of land. Daniel 
Sherman gave him fifty acres more to induce him to 
settle, and the year following he began clearing his 
farm. Mr. Blancliard had no children, except a son 
by adoption named Samuel, who lived for a time in 
Sandusky, and from there he went Michigan. Mr. 
IManehard died in Sherman. Rufus S. I'aine moved 
into tJie townsliip during the year 1816 or '17, and 
bought Blanchard's one hundred acres, on which he 
settled and lived until his death. Edwin Hanford, 
an early settler, died in Sherman, leaving three 
children, George, Edwin, and James. The following 
are among the early settlers: Valorous Richardson, 



II. Dascomb. who had a wife, was a baker. He .soon 
removed to Sandusky, and from tlienee to the west. 
William Frink, the noted hunter, after whom Frink's 
run was named, had no family in Sherman. He died 
many years since in Seneca county, with his trusty 
rifle by his side. Captain Howard moved on to lots 
eleven and sixteen in the third section at an early 
date. He remained four or five years, and removed 
to Hartford. James Lewis and a man named Samuel 
Rice were living in the township in 1817. 

On May 10. 1817, Jonathan Fitch left Norwalk, 
Connecticut, for Ohio, in company with Adam Swan 
and John and Seth Keeler. The three horses owned 
by the Jiarty were harnessed in one team, and with 
this the journey was performed. Near Morristown, 
New York, they were overtaken by Cajitain Husted 
and Ezra Wood, who were also en route for Ohio by 
team. The company continued together until June 
10th, when, having reached a point near Big Beaver 
bridge, Messrs. Husted and Wood took the right hand 
road to Clarksfield, while the remainder of the com- 
pany continued on to Mansfield, in Richland county. 
Jonathan Fitch soon after came on to Major Under- 
hill's in Ridgefield township, and from there to Sher- 
man township, where he took up his abode with 
Burwell Fitch. At this time there were four families 
on the fourth section. John Chany owned lot num- 
ber nine, Nathan Shippy lot number three, Burwell 
Fitch lot number eight, and Jonathan Fitch pur- 
chased lot number thirteen. After making some im- 
provements on his farm, Jonathan Fitch returned to 
Connecticut in the fall to get a helpmate. When near 
Pittsburg he met the companion of his former "voy- 
age," Cajjtain Husted and family, then " moving" to 
Ohio. Mr. Fitch married Hannah Raymond on the 
2d day of April, 1818, and started soon after, by 
team, on the return trij) to Ohio, which State was 
reached in due time, without accident or material 
incident, other than those usually occnring in an over 
land journey to the western wilderness. We have no 
history of Mr. Fitch and wife after reaching Sherman 
township. 

Joseph Purdy cainefi-om the State of New York to 
Huron county. Ohio, in 1818, locating in Sherman 
township in February of that year. In 1822, he re- 
moved to Townsend town.shii). Some three years 
later he went to Cleveland and engaged in merchan- 
dising. This occupation was soon abandoned, and 
Huron county again became the home of the family. 
The parents finally settled in Branch county, .Michi- 
gan, where they both died. The children are: Horace, 
who married Sally Thompson and rem<jvod to Michi- 
gan, where he died; Ransom, who married Sallv P. 
Bennett, and died in Bellevue, this county; and 
Major, who married Hannah Bennett, purchased a 
farm in lot number twenty-four, in section three, and 
still occupies it. Here the writer found him, hale 
and hearty; and, although time has ciianged his once 
jetty locks to a silvery hue, yet lias left his mind un- 
im]>aireil. He is the oldest settler now living in the 



286 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



township, and to him the writer is indebted for many 
items of historical interest. Mrs. Pnrdy died Sep- 
tember .3. 1874. Of the family the following are now 
living: Charles, Norman, Harriet and Nancy. 

Ransom Purdy purchased the farm now known as 
the Purdy homestead in lS2"-i, and lived upon it until 
about 1805, when lie put his two sons on the farm 
and removed to Bellevue, where he died March 23, 
1872, aged seventy-six years. TJie family are: Diana, 
who married Lewis Betterly, lives in Micliigan; Wil- 
liam S., who married Mary Harris, of Lorain county, 
lives in Sherman; Daniel M., who married Rachel 
Davenport, lives in Michigan: Mary, who died in in- 
fancy; and Eliza, who married H. L. Harris, M.D., 
of Bellevue, Ohio. 

Reuben Blooomer came to Huron county in Octo- 
ber, 1817, and with a family consisting of a wife and 
seven children, located in Ridgefield township. Here 
he remained six years, removing in 1823 to Sherman 
township. He located at Weavers corners, on the 
lot now occupied by Jacob Heyman. Here the par- 
ents died; Mrs. Bloomer, July 24, 182G, and Mr. 
Bloomer, June 20, 1836. Of the children, we learn 
Susan, the eldest, became tiie wife of Moses Sowers, 
and now lives in Lexington, Richland county: Coles 
A., the next, married Charlotte Johnson, and died 
in 1809; Albert, died in September, 1839; Emma J., 
is now the wife of Albert Brown, of Monroeville; 
Charles B., married Caroline C. Dimick, and died 
in 180.5; George, married Sally A. Johnson, and lives 
on lot number ten in the third section. He is the 
only member of the family now living in Sherman 
township: has nine children, and John, the young- 
est, lives in Galion. 

Jabez Brant, a native of New Jersey, moved to 
Ohio from Peunsylvania, and resided for four or five 
years at Loudouville and vicinity, and subsequently, 
for a few months, at Jeromeville, near Ashland. In 
1831, he purchased a farm in the southwest corner of 
Sherman township, and the next year two sons, Clark 
and John K. Brant, arrived and began the work of 
clearing. They had a few acres cleared and the logs 
cut for a liouse, when the rest of the faniilv arrived. 
A log house was soon rolled up, — the family, in the 
meantime, taking shelter under a shed built by the 
side of a tree. This family made the first improve- 
ment in this corner of the township. In 1800, they 
removed to Branch county. Michigan, where the 
fatlier died some five years later. Mrs. Brant died in 
Sherman in 18-12. Mr. Brant remarried, his second 
wife dying in Michigan. Ten children were born, 
seven of whom are n(jw living. John K., who lives 
in (ireenfield, is the only (jne of the family now re- 
siding on the Fire-lands. He is a progressive farmer, 
and as president of the Plymouth agricultural society, 
a jjosition which he has held for the past ten years, 
hi:s done as much to promote the interest of agri- 
culture ii-s any other man, perhaps, in the county. 

Brace Jones came fmni Windsor county, Vermont, 
to Ohio, arriving in Sherman township in .lanuary 



1838. He purchased a farm in lot number six in the 
third section the following June, and lived here until 
his death, September 26, 1848. Mrs. Jones died 
March 19, 186.5. The children are: Lucien and Susan 
E., who occupy the old homestead; Lucretia, who 
married Pardon Brightman, and lives in Sherman; 
and Sarah, who died in 1838. 

FIRST EVEXTS. 

The first death in the township, was a child of R. 
S. Paine, date not remembered. The body was in- 
terred in Lyme township. The second death was the 
wife of Daniel Sherman, in 1821. She was buried on 
the farm of her husband, in what is now the burying 
ground, .n lot number six in the third section. 

The first frame house in the township, was built by 
Henry M. Read, soon after 1820. It was located on I 
Slate run. Coles Bloomer l.milt the first brick house • 
in Sherman township. This is now occupied by 
George Bloomer. i 

The pioneer "tavern" was opened by Coles and i 
Albert Bloomer, in 1834, in the building now owned 
by B. Leyman. The present "'Sherman House" was 
established by David Weaver. H. Drake is its present 
host. 

Daniel Sherman received acomissionas postmaster, 
but did not accept the office. Rufus S. Paine was I 
next commissioned, and became the first postmaster. I 
After a few years, the office was removed to Weaver's 
corners, and C. A. Bloomer was duly commissioned 
postmaster. The present postmaster, at this point, 
is M. McCrillis, Esq. In 1871, a mail route was es- 
tablished from Bellevue to Lodi, and afterward an 
office was established, at the German settlement called 
Bismark, one mile south of the center, n-ith C. West- 
rick postmaster, who is the present incumbent. 

In about 183.5. Messrs. Isaac and David L^nderhill, 
of Ridgefield township, established a store at Weaver's 
corners. This closed out after a few years. The only 
mercantile establishment in the township is at Weav- 
er's corners, — Peter Roth, proprietor. 

The first apple trees were set out by Daniel Sher- 
man in 1817. They were In-ought from Lancaster by 
his brother Charles. The second orchard was planted 
by Horace and Major Purdy, on land now owned by 
B. Leyman, in about 1819. A number of these trees 
are still standing. 

The first road laid out in the township, was from 
Mansfield to the center of Sherman, and from there 
to \'enice. This was afterwards vacated. The next, 
and the first one improved, was from Monroeville, 
through Sherman to Thompson township in Seneca 
county. 

OKGAN1Z.\TIOX. 

At the first meeting of the commissioners of Huron 
county, held August 1. 1815, Sherman was attached 
to Greenfield township, ami in December of the same 
vcar was detached, and together with the south half 
of Oxford was united with Ridgefield. About the 
vear 1S20 it was united with Norwich, but no record 




LUCIEN JONES 



was born in Biirnard, Windsor Co., Vt., March 11, 1812. 
His fathor was Brace Jones, and liis mother Lucretia Part- 
ridge Jones. When he was eight years of age his mother 
died. In 1819 his father married Mrs. Lucy Beebe, formerly 
Lucy Sanderson. By his first wife his father had four chil- 
dren,— Amanda, Solon, Lucien, and Stephen; and by liis 
second wife he had three dauj^liter.?, — Lucretia, Sarah, and 
Susan. Sarah died in September, 1838, tlie fall after their 
removal to Oliio. 

Lucien Jones worked at farming with his father in the 
place of his birth until 1838, when he started with a team and 
sled for the then far West. He made the journey from Ver- 
mont to Sherman, Huron Co., Ohio, in twenty-six days. On 
starting out lie was provided with a set of wagon wheels which 
could be attached to the sled, but was obliged to use them only 
two days. There was sleighing for some six weeljs after his 
arrival in Ohio, and he can recall not more than one year 
since that time when there has been such a long season of 
sleighing. 

He purchased the farm in Sherman, Huron Co., Ohio, on 
which he has since resided. It contained ninety-six acres of 
land, of which about ten acres were cleared, and ten or 
twelve more jiartly cleared and girdled ; the balance of the land 
was covered with a heavy growth of oak, hickory, and elm, 
with a sprinkling of other timber common to the country. 
Two years later he added fifty acres to liis first purchase, 
giving liim his present snug farm of one hundred and forty- 
six acres. A log house was built on his first purchase several 
years i)reviously by Daniel Sherman, the former owner of the 
land. 

In June of the year he arrived (18:!H) the rest of his father's 
family came by way of the canal to liutfalo, N. Y., thenco by 
lake, experiencing uniformly pleasant weather during their 
journey. His parents lived with him until their death, liis 
father died Sept. 6, 1846, aged seventy-three, and his step- 
mother March 1!), 1865, aged eighty-one years. 

The first year after their arrival in (he new country all the 
corn was killed by an early frost, September 1st. Mr. Jones 
then went with a wagon to the Sciota River, some sixty miles 
distant, to procure corn and wheat for subsistence until another 
year should roll around. He paid $1.50 per bushel for corn 



and $2.25 for wlieat. Thereafter ho was enabled to raise 
enough grain to live on except during one year, about 1850, 
when the grain was killed by a severe frost in June. 

The family lived in the old log house two and one-half 
years, when they remodeled a frame blacksmith-shop that had 
been built on another part of the farm, and fitted it up as a 
home; here they lived until 1863, when the present substantial 
farm-house was built. 

During the early years of his life at Sherman, Mr. Jones cut 
staves and cordwood, which he sold to procure money to pay 
taxes and furni.sh needful articles for the comfort of the 
family. 

Lucien Jones has never been a robust man, though he has 
done much hard labor. He has generally kept hired help, and 
has been able to work with and oversee them until within 
the past few years. Some ten or twelve years ago he began 
to be troubled with sore eyes, and for the past seven years has 
been unable to perform any hard labor. He consulted eminent 
oculists in Cleveland, and was treated for several years, with- 
out any decided improvement, however. He finally consulted 
Dr. Graetf, of Sandusky, who at once pronounced his eyes 
covered with cataract; he made an effort to remove the 
trouble, and for a time with strong hopes of success, but in- 
flammation .set in, and soon all hope was lost. For the past 
two years he has been unable to use his eyes, and now can only 
discern the light. 

In politics Mr. Jones was a Whig in early days, and is now 
a Kepublioiin, and has been since tlii^ organization of that 
party. 

Mr. Jones has never married. His joiingcst sister, Susan 
E., remains with him, and assumes the care of household 
duties. His eldest sister, Lucretia, married, in 1832, Pardon 
lirightman, who died in November, 1878. Since her mar- 
riage she has lived in the .southeastern part of Sherman 
township, and is the mother of seven children. 

His life is one of confinement, his only exercise being that 
which he takes within the walls of his dwelling. He has 
lived a useful, temperate, industrious life, and now, in the 
years of his affliction and approaching old age, bis youngest 
sister, in her fidelity and nttaelimcnt to him, is bis comfort 
and solace. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



287 



is given of it. March 6, 1827, Norwich was detached, 
and Sherman has since remained a distinct township. 
The tirst general election, while united with Norwich, 
was held October 10, IS'^O. Asa Gilson, Kussell 
Woodruff, and Abraham Blodget were judges, and 
Naum (iilson and George Woodruff, clerks. Eight 
votes were oast — all for Ethan Allen Brown for Gov- 
ernor, Lynuui Farwell for representative, and Asa 
Sanford for coroner. Printed tickets at this time 
were unknown. Those used at this election were 
written evidently by one hand, and are still on lile in 
the office of the clerk of Huron county. At the State 
election in Ibi'i fifteen votes were cast fur W. W. 
Irwin, governor. 

During the time that Norwich and Siiernum were 
together there was a lack of harnidny iu local matters, 
Sherman complaining that Norwich had all the offices. 
The first and second election fora justice of the peace 
was declared illegal. At the third, Russell Woodruff 
was elected. 

The first election on record after the separation 
from Norwich was held April 6, 1829, at which time 
fifteen votes were cast, and the following jiersons 
elected: Reuben Bloomer, Andrew Hanford, and 
Joseph La Barre, trustees, and Jonathan Fitch, clerk 
and treasurer. George Hanford was without doubt 
the first justice of the peace. The officers for 1878 
were: John Gai'hursteiu. Jocob Haas, and Jacob Hitz, 
trustees; Milu McCrillis, clerk: Charles Westrick, 
treasurer; John Ernst, assessor; Lewis Miller and 
C'oonrod Metz, constables, Milo McCrillis and Wdliam 
A. Ileyman, justices of the peace, and eighteen su- 
pervisors. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school was taught by George Hanford in 
about 182-1 or '25 in a building standing on lot num- 
Ijer eighteen in the third section. There were some 
eight or ten scholars in attendance. In 1827 or '28 
the township was divided into two school districts, 
termed the east and west district. The first school 
house was built on lot number nineteen in the first 
section, and the first public schsol was taught l)y 
Sarah Mason, one of the early settlers of Norwalk. 
Slie received the first public money that ever came 
into the township for school purposes, and was paid 
(iff in silver half dollars. She had fourteen or fifteen 
-cliolars. among whom were the daughters of Burwell 
Fitch, who lived two and one-half miles away through 
an unbroken wilderness. 

CHURCHES. 

The first sermon preached in Siiernnin township 
was. withoiU doubt, by Iiev. Alva Coe, at tlie house 
of Daniel Sherman. We cannot give the date, but 
are assured it was early in the .settlement. The 
Methodist ministers were early u]>on the scene, and 
organized a church. Meetings were held at private 
houses, usually at Joseph La Barre's and Willian> 
Williams', the latter liciiiir an active member, as was 



also the wife of the former. The organization was 
kept up for a number of years. After them came the 
Free Will Baptists, who became quite numerous. 

The Catholic church, which is now the only organiza- 
tion, having religious tendencies, in the township, was 
formed in 18-36, and comprised some fourteen families. 
Ten years later a meeting house was built. This was 
of logs, and was occu]iied until the completion of the 
present brick meeting house, in 1857. The society 
have also a school house and parsonage, of brick, and 
are in a condition satisfactory, no doubt, to them- 
selves. 

This ehui-eli was first attended by Bruner, 

then pastor of the church in ThdUipson township. 
John Tomar was the first settled priest. He assumed 
charge in 18<j8, and remained some eighteen months. 
Peter Pitts succeeded him. He was removed in Sep- 
tember. 1872. The present i)riest. ^'ictor Hausner, 
assumed charge of the church .lanuary 10, 1873. The 
church directors are : Peter Bishop, Michael Phillips 
and John Swartz. 

PHYSK [AXS. 

There was no doctor in the township previous to 
1824, and since then, those who have located here 
have not remained long. Possibly, the township is 
too healthy, for certain it is that these medical gen- 
tlemen were thoroughly educated, and fully competent 
to combat disease successfully. Their names are 
Jackson, West, Hathaway, and M. R. Nichols, who 
at present comprises the entire medical staff in the 
townshi]>. 

SOCIETIES. 

There was at one time a large and tlourishing lodge 
of Good Templars in the township. This has gone 
out of existence. Possibly, the need of temperance 
societies does not exist in Sherman. 

INIIISTRIAI. ITRSl'ITS. 

Under this iiead the historian finds little to mention. 
Without doulit tlie first was a steam saw mill, liuiit 
l)y David Weaver, on lot number thirteen, in the third 
section. A small tanning estal)lisiiment is in operation 
near Weaver's corners. 

The township did not reach the pr<nid distinction 
of having a " whisky mill " within its limindaries, 
until the summer of 1S5G. David Weaver was tiie 
projector of this '■ institution '' which was located 
near the corners. It was in operation, ujuler different 
owners, until the spring of 187-1:, when it was closed. 
We learn it was never a success, financially. It is 
now in ruins. 

rniVATioNs. 

Few of the present inhabitants can appreciate the 
l)rivations endured l)y the pioneer settlers of Sherman 
townshiii. Tlieir milling was done at Ehlridge. Ctdd 
Creek, and sometimes Greenfield. Wheat and corn 
were the principal productions, but tluM'c was no 



288 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



market. At one time thirty-.<ix bushels of corn were 
paid for one barrel of salt. Not many of the necessa- 
ries, and fewer of the luxuries, of life were enjoyed by 
them. Wolf scalps and Owl creek bills constituted 
a large portion of the currency. At present (JIarch, 
1870.) there are but two of the first residents now 
living in the township. These are Major Purdy and 
George Bloomer. 



Biographical Sketches. 



THE PURDY FAMILY. 

Ransom Purdy was born in Saratoga county, New- 
York, July 9, 1795. Not long after the family moved 
to Ontario county, whence, in October, 1817, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, together with his parents, five 
brothers and one sister, emigrated to Huron county, 
Ohio. Thev slowly made their way, with teams, 
through almost unbroken forests and across streams 
unbridged, until, in the latter part of the following 
February, they reached what is now Sherman town- 
ship, and, moving into a deserted house opposite the 
present Purdy homestead, they began in good earnest 
the rough and self-denying labors of pioneer life, 
which secured for the family a competence in later 
years. Huron county, at that time, embraced all 
that portion of the State known as the "Fire-lands," 
together with a part of Lorain county. What is now 
the main road from Monroeville to Fremont was then 
but a mere trail, known to the hundred, or less, white 
families (whicii. together with the native Indians, 
constituted the entire population for some ten miles 
square) as "Strong's Ridge trail." 

Monroeville possessed, at that time, three or four 
houses and a small variety store: but where Belleviie 
now stands all was an unbroken wilderness. The 
nearest cabin was one and a half miles to the east, and 
the nearest settlement two and a fourth miles south, 
known as the " Woodward Settlement." 

During the spring of 1818 a clearing was made on 
the farm now owned by Mr. Mowry, in Thompson 
township, and a log cal>in built, into which Mr. 
Purdy's parents moved. Also, during tins spring. 
Ransom and his brothers, Horace and Major, took a 
contract to cut and split the rails to fence forty acres 
of land owned by (iurdon Williams, the northwest 
corner of which was in the center of Bellevue, in 
front of the old Tremont House. While engaged in 
this work they boarded in the Woodward settlement, 
staying out from morning till night, and taking 
(without thinking it much of a hardsiiiji, either) their 
johnny-cake and jerked venison dinners with them. 

It was during liiis season that the liearts of all the 
settlers were made glad by tiie erection of Burch's 
mills at Monroeville, the "raising" of whieii necessi- 
tated the gathering of all the ahle-bodii'd men for 
miles around, including tiie subject of our sketch. 



In January, 1821, Mr. Purdy married Miss Sally P. 
Bennett, whose father's family had moved here from 
Steuben county, New York, two years before. They 
at once rented and went to keeping house on the place 
which they bought the next year, and on which they 
continued to reside some forty-four years, ;'. e. till 
186.5, when, they rented their fine old homestead to 
their sons, William and Daniel, and came to Bellevue 
to spend their remaining days in quiet with their 
daughter, the wife of Dr. H. L. Harris. 

To Ransom Purdy and his wife, four children have 
been born, of whom brief biographical notices will 
here be in keeping: Diana, the eldest, was born 
March 3, 1822. She married Lewis Bettefjy, of Penn- 
sylvania, and now resides in Kent' county, Michigan. 
William S. was born September 10, 1824, of whom 
more will be said below. Daniel M., Ijorn February 
11, 1826, also resides in Kent CQunty, Michigan. 
Eliza M., the youngest, was born May 25, 1832. She 
was married- to Dr. H. L. Harris, of Lorain county, 
and now resides, as above stated, in Bellevue. 

William S., the second child of the family, married 
Mary, daughter of John Harris, of Lorain county. 
They have one child, named Belle, born April 29, 
1854:, who is now residing at home with her parents. 
The education of William S. was limited to the com- 
mon schools of Sherman township. He remained at 
home until he was twenty-five years old, when he 
went to Flat Rock, Seneca county, and engaged in 
the grocery business. He continued in this for five 
years, when he sold out and went into the dry goods 
business, in which he was engaged for four j'cars. 
Agiiin he sold out and went to Amherst, Ijorain 
county, and leased his father-in-law's farm for four 
years. He then returned to the old homestead, and, 
with his brother Daniel, worked the farm for about 
seven years, when he bought out the heirs and became 
sole proprietor. In politics, he was a whig, till tiie 
formation of the republican party, with which he has 
since acted. 

From what has been said, the reader can get an 
idea of the wonderful changes made hereabout during 
the last half-century, and of the part worthily per- 
formed by the Purdy family in settling this portion 
of the State, and developing its resources. Ransom 
Purdy, the principal subject of the foregoing sketch, 
died at the residence of his son-in-law. Dr. Harris, 
irj Bellevue, Marcii 23, 1872, aged seventy-six years, 
eight months and fourteen days. In all the relations . 
in life, as husband, father, neighbor and citizen, he I 
proved himself honest, ujiright and just; and he was 
taken home in the fullness of his years, mourned by 
all his friends, and respected by all who knew him. 
His aged widow still survives, enjoying the esteem 
and affectionate sympathy of the entire community. 
His four children were all near him in his last days. 
Of the brothers who accompanied him here, sixty-one 
years ago, three survive — the eldest. Major Purdy, 
living in Sherman, in the eighty-second year of 
his aire. 





?P^:SW«i«r-- 



o- 



Ransom FURDr 



^1RS. Sally Purdy. 





\ 



MRS, MARY PURDY. 



WILLIAM S. PURDY. 





Major Furdy. 



^RS Hannah FuRor 




RESIDENCE OF MAJOR PURDY, Sherman Tp, Huron Co., 



HISTOIiY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



289 



MAJOR PURDY. 



Major Purdy was born in the town of Westfield, 
Washington county, New York. October U, lTf>7. 
where his father was a fanner. In 1801, his father 
and mother removed to Argentile, Canada, about 
fifty miles nortli of Montreal, ou the Ottawa river, he 
then being some fonr years of age. Here they re- 
mained until he was sixteen years old. when they re- 
moved to Chittenden county. Vermont, where they 
remained three years, then moving to Ontario county, 
New York, in 1810. where they remained mie year. 
From New York 8tate they removed to ( Ihio, arriv 
ing in Kidgefield. Huron onunty, in Feljruary. 1818. 
They were detained this side of Butfalo, New York, 
some six weeks, on account of bad weather. Their 
journey was begun with wagons and ended with sleds. 
The family at this time coiisisted of father, mother 
and nine children. Of these, two are now living in 
Michigan. 

For some time after coming to Ohio, Major Purdy 
worked wlierever he could ol)tain work to do, at chop- 
ping cord-wood, splitting rails, etc., all of the hardest 
kind of labor. He was one of four Jiersons to split 
rails to fence forty acres of ground in the southeast 
part of the present village of Bellevue, one corner of 
the lot being near the present bank building on the 
county line road; the fence running thence to a point 
near the mill, and south to the cemetery, the west 
line being along the county line. At this time San- 
dusky county had not been surveyed, and belonged to 
the Indians. 

Mr. Purdy first bought forty acres of land in Town- 
<fiv\, Huron county, Ohio, but was unable to obtain 
a title to this property, and lost it. He then bought 
forty acres of land on what is called Muggs' ridge, in 
Sandusky county. He sold this property in 1824, 
and bought his present farm of eighty-eight and a 
fraction acres, then an almost unbroken wilderness. 



It had for improvements a log house and a small 
girdling. For these he paid one hundred dollars. 
Since that time he has disj)osed of two and one-half 
acres, leaving his present homestead of -a little more 
than eighty-five acres. 

In 1824 Major Purdy was married, in Sherman, to 
Hannah Bennett. The fruit of this union was six 
sons and two daughters, of whom two daughters and 
two sons ai'e now living. One son lives in Lyons, 
Rice county. Kansas; one in Toledo; a daughter in 
Hillsdale county, ilichigan, and a daughter, Mrs. 
Letherer, with whom he now lives, on the old home- 
stead in Sherman, Huron county, Ohio. Mrs. Purdy, 
his wife, died September 3, 1874, aged seventy-seven 
years and ten months. 

Very few settlers were to be found in the country 
when Mr. Purdy arrived. No county roads had been 
made, and not more than one was surveyed. The 
roads were mere trails through the woods; more tim- 
ber and swamp than dry land. 

Since he came to Ohio he has followed farming, 
and his present fine homestead was won from a rough 
country by the hard labor of his own hands, the land 
being girdled and cleared a little at a time. As the 
timber became deadened after girdling, corn was 
planted or grain sown in the spaces between the trees 
and stumps, until they were removed by burning, (jr 
by the more tedious action of the elements that rotted 
the tough wood. In time the fields became free from 
stumps and roots, and he could begin to see the re- 
sults of his hard labor, and now he has a Avell aj)- 
poiuted farm. He erected a good frame barn in 1832, 
but lived in his log house until 1839, when his present 
.commodious frame house was built. 

On his next birthday, October ii, 1879, .Major Pur- 
dy will arrive at tlie ripe age of eighty-two years. He 
is still hale and hearty, and at this writing. May, 1879, 
is preparing to take a long journey to visit friends in 
Michifjan. 



37 



RICHMOND. 



Is tlie preparation of tlie following hislorj', access 
has been had to John H. Niles's "ilemoirs." This 
became necessary from the fact that none of the jjio- 
neer settlers reside in the township, and Init few of 
their descendants. 

This township is hounded on the north liy Nor- 
wich township; south, by Auburn and C'ranVierry 
townships, in Crawford county; east,- by Xew Haven 
township; and west, by Venice township, in Seneca 
county. 

Kichmond is divided into upland and marsh. The 
upland occupies the north half of the township and 
a strip across the west side. This was covered with 
heavy timber. The north sliore of the marsh is a 
bluff, and rises thirty or forty feet above the marsh. 
The soil is a clay loam, the surface generally undu- 
lating, except in the northwest part, where it is 
broken by streams. 

Honey creek rises in the marsh on the north side, 
east of the center of the township, and runs west 
along the north shore some two miles, where it enters 
the woodlands. In leaves the township on the west 
line and empties into the Sandusky river above Tiffin, 
in Seneca county. 

The marsh covers over one-third of the township, 
and contains about twenty square miles. It is six 
miles long from east to west, and over three miles in 
width, covering an estimated area of five thousand 
five hundred acres in Richmond, three thousand five 
hundred in New Haven, and three thousand eight 
hundred in Auburn township, Crawford county. It 
has the appearance of a large grassy prairie, with 
clusters of timber and bushes, forming islands. The 
soil is composed of decayed grass, and is wet and 
spongy, sinking under the feet, and, where the turf is 
not strong enough to bear, it is sometimes dangerous. 

The Pigeon Eoost, the largest of the timber islands, 
lies on the county line, and is two miles in length, by 
about one half mile in width, and, from its isolated 
position, marshy surroundings, and its almost im- 
penetraljle thickets of underl)rush, has always been 
the favorite roosting place of myriads of pigeons dur- 
ing the summer season. 

On the north side of the marsh, in the first section 
of Richmond township, is an immense bed of cran- 
berry bushes, covering some two hundred acres. 
Whortleberries are also found in and around the tim- 
ber islands. 

ORKUSAL OWXERS. 

P\ir an explanation of the following table the reader 
is referred to the history of Wakemaij township: 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original Gran tees. 


Am't Loss. 


Cla.^sified by. 


AnVt Classed, 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s d. 


Eliphalet Lock- 
















wood 


731 


8 


iiH 


Eliphalet 
wood 


Lock- 


721 


8 11!^ 




■j:i 


18 





" 




23 


18 


Stephen and Hooker 














St. John 


30 


1 


6 


" 




8 


3 


William Seymour 


93 


1 


9 






93 


1 9 


Jabez Sanders 


31 


13 


11 


*' 




31 


13 11 


John Cannon 1,913 


8 


-% 


His heirs 




469 


4 IH 



Footing of Classiflcatiou No. 1. i£l,.JW 



Classification No. 2, Section 2 



Oriyinal Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


7 Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


John Loekwood 3d 


218 


4 


OH 


Andrew Fitch 


52 


8 


■^ 


John L'>ckwood 


9 


12 


8 


" " 


9 


12 


8^ 


Thomas Fitch 


387 


14 


m 


It (1 


77 


10 


lOH 


Thomas Fitch's h'rs 415 


3 





" •' 


11 


17 


Wi 


Hannah Fitchs hrs 


HI 


2 




I. ,. 


4 





ill 


Benjamin Merrill 


.5 








ti ti 


4 





John Piatt 




15 


6 


,( ., 




15 


6 


Nath'l Ravmond 


4 


4 





(. (t 


.J 


o 


io>4 


Uriah Smith 


.39 


9 





,, ,1 


12 


11 


•^ 


Esther St. John 


2 


2 





>, u 


1 


10 


Peter Sturges 




14 





(i ,, 




14 


0* 


Simeon Stuart, Jr. 


8 


6 





1. ,, 


2 


18 


10 


Isaac Scudden 


601 


IB 





Sarah Burt 


330 


18 





Benj. Isaacs" heirs 


400 


8 


9 


Benj. Isaacs* heirs 


316 


2 


5 


John Northi-up 


143 


17 


5 


Benjamin and Wm 
















Isaacs 


143 


17 


5 


Samuel Olmstead 


74 


18 


8 




18 


14 


8 


Nathan Keeler 


3 


7 





Sam'l Middlebrooks 3 







Matthew Jlead 


4 


19 


4 




4 


19 


4 


Benjamin Keeler 


10 


19 


4 




10 


19 


4 


Clapp Raymond 


34 


3 


10 


" 


34 


3 


10 


Abraham Benedict 


73 


3 


11 


" " 


73 


3 


11 


Peter Betts 


180 


6 


10^ 


I, ., 


169 


3 


m 


Nehemiah St. John 


oft 


9 


6 


., ti 


59 


14 


a 


Josiah Wentworth 


1-il 


10 





Nath'l Raymond 






10 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,344 



Classification No . 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. Am't Loss. 


Classified by. Am 


tCh 


ssed . 


£ 


s. 


d. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


William St. John 38 


11 





Wm. St. John's h'rs 318 


11 





35 


12 





" 35 


13 





Stephen and Hooker 












St. John 30 


1 


6 


5 





3 


Abraham Gregory 50 


9 


8M 


" 50 


9 


OYi 


John Belden 303 


14 


6 


John Belden's heirs .303 
John Beldeu. Jr.'s 
heirs and Amos 


14 


6 


Hannah Hanford 60 


3 


034 


Belden 60 


3 


OH 


John Cannon 1,933 


8 


m 


John Cannon's 












heirs 570 


10 






Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 
Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



John Cannon 



£ 
1,9.33 



s ■ d. 

8 2^1 John Cannon's 
heirs 



Amt 
£ 



Classed, 
s. d. 



Thomas Fitch's h'rs 415 
Thomas Fitch 387 

Hannah Fitch's h'rs 141 
Betsey Hall 23 

Daniel Fitch 2.59 

Rebecca Fitch 63 

John Loekwood 3d 218 



3 
14 



19 





514 

11 
1 




Mary Esther Fitch i 17 
and Edward Fitch -77 
(deceased) \ 6 

Betsev Hall '32 

Jonathan Fitch 1'39 
31 



OH Andrew Fitch 



15 
10 

fi 
14 
II 
15 



9M 

low 

llH 
11 

OK 

6 
10 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,344 7 

The original name of Richmond was Cannon, given 
in honor of Samuel Cannon, a wealthy merchant of 
Norwalk, Connecticut, who was oire of the "suffer- 
ers." He had five sons and one daughter. Tlic lat- 
ter married a man named Loekwood. 

(290) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



2'Jl 



SQUATTER SETTLEMENT. 

Ht'foiv the liUuLs of Kiclimoml were offered for 
.sale, tlic thousand.* of bnsliels of cranberries tliat 
annually grew on the inar?:]i allured to the north shore 
a settlement of sciuatters numbering i>erliajis twenty 
families. An important part of their business con- 
sisted of picking cranlicrries, wliich were sold to the 
distant settlers. Hunting necessarily claimed a good 
share of their attention, and as the deer flocked to the 
marsh to avoid the flies in the summer and the hunt- 
ers in the winter, their chances for deer hunting were 
unusually good. The settlers of the surrounding 
townships kept large luimbers of iiogs, that swarmed 
in the woods and fattened on the untold nuantities of 
mast. The sijuatters paid no attention to ear-marks 
or ownershij), but "appropriated" whenever in need 
of pork. The strong arm of the law was sometimes 
inviiked to abate their thievish practices, but if the 
unfortunate prosecutor got off, by paying the costs, 
without having his corn-crib, meat barrel, and hen 
roost jilundered in turn, he was extremely fortunate. 

With the sale of their cranberries, deer skins, 
■'shack pork," and coon skins, and the produce of a 
small j)atch of potatoes around their cabins, they 
managed to live, but made no improvements to entitle 
them to the name of settlers, nor did any of them 
ever become owners of the soil or join in the march 
of improvement that has since ch.iracterized the in- 
habitants of the township. 

Rut Richmond has long since outlived this gang of 
outlaws, and with honest industry, liberal churches, 
and well conducted schools, it now stands second to 
no township of its age in moral worth and prosperity. 

Jutting out from the south shore of the marsh, a 
mile or so in length, is a point of timbered upland, 
on the e.Ktreme northern jioint of which stood the 
cabin of Morehead the trapper, who was the first, and 
for many years, the only inhabitant of Richmond 
township. His principal occupation was trapping 
and spearing muskrats, and in times of high water, 
made his daily rounds over the marsh in a small 
boat kept for that purpose. .Many a weary hunter 
has sought his cabin and sharetl his homely meals, 
always consisting of johnny cake and venison; laying 
down at night on a plat of deer skins spread for the 
purpose on the cabin floor, and arising at dawn re- 
freshed and hopeful for another day"s hunt. 

SKTTI.E.MKXT. 

The first land sold f>>r settlement in Richmond 
township, was by Isaac Mills to William Tindall. in 
18'25. Tills was lot number twelve, in the second 
.section, and is now occupied by Ezekiel Buckingham. 
Tindall cleared a Held the .same year, built a cabin, 
and .<et out an orchard, the first in the townshi]). 
This consisted ot fifty trees taken from .lohiiny Apple- 
seed's nursery. This orchard is yet standing. Tin- 
dall soon became tired of pioneer life, traded his land 
to Judge Ives, of New Haven, and left the townshij). 

In 18:53, Amos Ogden began on lot one, in the 



second section. He was the first permanent settler 
in Richmond township, and died in 1850, leaving no 
children. 

Jacob Croninger, the ne.\t settler, came into the 
township October 6, 1835, and began settlement on 
lot number fourteen, where E. W. Fast now lives. 
He was ijorn in Pennsylvania, and moved from West- 
moreland county, in 181 1, to Stark county, Ohio, 
and from thence to this township. He died in 180*2, 
having a family of three sons and nine daughters. 

Reuben Franklin and family came from Herkimer 
county. New York, to Ohio, in the fall of 183v'.. He 
stopped during the winter in Norwich, and, the sub- 
sequent spring, located permanently in Richmond, on 
lot number twenty-nine, in the second section. Here 
he died four years later (October IG, 183?). Mrs. 
Franklin died the year following their settlement in 
Richmond. Of the nine children coiiiposing this 
family, four are now living: Maria, Rebecca, George 
and Edinond. The latter occupies the old home- 
stead, and is the earliest settler now living in the 
township. 

Philip Ujip, came into Richmond in the fall of 
1835, and cleared off two acres on lot number sixteen. 
Upon this he built a cabin, during the winter, and, 
the third week in Fi'bruary. 1836, moved his family 
into it. Mr. Ujip was a native of Pennsylvania. 
His death occurred in March, and a family were left 
consisting of two sons and two daughters. Jacob, 
the eldest, died in 1802, and Ifft a family in Michi- 
gan. Philip, the youngest, now resides in Plymouth, 
this county. Elizaljcth is the wife of Jonathan ( 'ro- 
ninger, and Hannah lives in Pennsylvania. 

Eleazer Day came into the township in the spring 
of 1830, and commenced settlement on the corner of 
lot nine, m the third section. The following year 
his brother-in-law built an addition to the house and 
ojiened the pioneer hotel in the township. They 
i)Oth left the township in aljout 184."), and of their 
history nothing is known. 

William Hutchison came from Monroe county, 
Ohio, to Richmond, in IS.'Si;, and located on lot num- 
ber four, in the flrst section, now occui)ied by a son, 
James. William Hutchison died i-n 1849. Mrs. 
Hamilton is still living. 

Daniel Sykes, who was originally from Franklin 
county. \'crniout, came to Huron county in 183'i. and , 
first settled in Greenfield township. His wife was 
Arabelle Butler. In 1830 he removed to Richmond 
townshij). aud located on lot number twenty-si'Ven, 
ill the .second .section, where he now resides. He has 
had seven children, four of whom were in the army. 
One was killed at Resaca. one died, and one lost a 
legal Winchester. \'irgiiiia. 

Jonas l'"ackler came into the townshij) on the 3(>th 
day of Ajjril. 1837, and moved into the cabin with 
I'hilip Upj). His younger brother, Jacob Fackler, 
came with him, and in nine days they had completed 
a cabin and moved into it. This was on lot number 
two, ill the second section. He had four sons and 



292 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



one daughter. The sons still live in the township, 
the daugliter in Michigan. 

William Johnson came from the State of New York 
to Hartlaud, in 1833. Here he remained some four 
years, and removed to Greenfield. Two years later 
he located permanently in Richmond township. This 
was on lot number two, in tlie second section. Here 
he died, in 186-.i. His wife died some ten years before. 
The family consisted of twelve children. Mary mar- 
ried Huriah Robinson, and lives in Richmond. 

Huriaii Robinson came with his parents to Norwich, 
in 183-^. January 2Gth, he married Mary Jolmson and 
the following year came to Richmond township, locat- 
ing on lot thirty-seven in the second section, where 
he still lives. Mr. Robinson has been for twelve years 
justice of the peace. Of the nine children born of 
this marriage, four only are now living. 

In May. 1837. Daniel Sweetland came to Ohio, and 
eventually located in Greenfield township. The 
children who came with him were : Elijah and wife, 
and Daniel, Jr. Elijah settled in Norwich, where 
he died. Daniel, Jr., married Orphelia Crosby, and 
settled on lot number forty-five, in the second section 
of Richmond township, where he now lives. They 
have had eight children, six of whom are living. 
Daniel Sweetland, Sr., died Feln-uary 2(i, 1848, and. 
Mrs. Sweetland the March following. The following 
are among tlie early settlers : Benjamin B. Tanner, lot 
four, m tlie second seotion ; George and Elisha Baker, 
Peris Miner, lot thirty-four, section two ; James and 
Abram Reed, Griffith Johns, lot thirty-tliree, section 
two; John Kelsey, lot seven, section three; Henry 
Rush, lot six, section three: James Lutts, lot eighteen, 
section three; Michael Lutts, lot seventeen, same 
section ; John Hall, lot one, section two; Robert 
Moore, Samuel Post, and i>ossibly others. 

James Y^oungs settled in Richmond township in 
December, 1835. His family, at that time, consisted 
of a wife and six children, and came from Broome 
county. New Y'ork. When the family reached Rich- 
mond, their entire worldly effects consisted of a yoke 
of oxen and a wagon, some l)edding, a dog and gun 
and a York sixpence. They located in the northeast 
part of the township, near whei-e Chicago Junction 
now is. Here they lived some three years, then re- 
moved to New Haven township, eventually locating 
in its eastern part. Mrs. Y'oungs died here, and Mr. 
Youngs subsequently married and settled in Green- 
field township, where he died in July. 1873. The 
children numbered eleven, three only of whom sur- 
vive: James J. and Charles, who live in Greenfield, 
the latter on the old homestead. A daughter, Mrs. 
Jacob Platts, resides in Michigan. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

There were birtlis, and jjrobably deaths, among the 
s((uatters, of which there is no remembrance: but 
the first birth among the permanent settlers was a 
daughter of John and Susan Cline. She was named 



Savilla, grew to womanhood, married Simon Yetter 
and moved from the township. 

The first marriage was that of Eliza Day to James 
McManigal. Of this couple we only know that thej^ 
moved to Miciiigan soon after marriage. 

The first death was that of Mrs. Higley, who 
resided on lot number one. The body was buried 
near the house, and some two years later it was dis- 
interred, with the intention of removing it to a more 
suitable location. 

In 1839, a post ottice was establisiied in the town- 
ship. John Foglesong was postmaster, and the office 
was located at his house, on Jot number seventeen. 
This office was finally discontinued and, for years, 
Richmond township has been without a post office. 

Richmond has never had anything in the mercan- 
tile line, except two small groceries, and these have 
long since gone out of existence. 

In addition to the hotel already mentioned, Abram 
Pollinger kept a house of entertainment on lot num- 
ber seventeen, in tiiird section, for a number of years. 

In 184-8, Amos Ogden built a steam saw null in the 
east part of township, on the Tiffin road (lot twelve). 
This was burned in 1861. Three otiier mills have 
been built and are still in operation in the township. 

The Tiffin road was the first opened in the town- 
ship. It was begun in 1836, and completed four 
years later, and even then it was often a day's work 
to drive through the township with a loaded team. 

ORGANIZATION. 

From 1815 to '30. Richmond township was attached 
to New Haven. At the April election of 1836. Amos 
Ogden was elected a supervisor for Richmond town- 
ship. He was the first sworn officer in the township. 

In March, 1836. the householders of the township 
met at the house of Philip Upp. Eleizor Day acted as 
chairman and secretary, and it was resolved, on mo- 
tion of Mr. Day. to petition the county commissioners 
of Huron county, for an organization of the township, 
under the name of Richmond. The following per- 
sons signed the petition: Eleizor Day, Jacob Cro- 
ninger, Josejih Anderson, Hugh Carson, Wm. Carson. 
N. Carson, William Linglefeltcr, Israel Randal, God- 
frey Lake, Elijah Packard, Wm. Hutchinson, George 
Day, Abram Carey. Amos Ogden. Henry Knavel, 
James Dailey, Jesse Williams, James Youngs, Charles 
Skinner, Samuel Spencer. William and Thomas Hill. 
Solomon Billings. Joseph Light and Jolm Carpenter. 
The ])rayer of the petitioners was granted, and an 
election for township officers ordered, to take |ihtce on 
the fourth day of the following July. The recoiil of 
this election cannot be found, but it is thought the 
following persons were elected: Reuben Franklin, 
William Hutchinson and Jacob Croiynger, trustees; 
Eleizor Day, clerk; Philip Upp,. treasurer: among 
justices of the peace we find the names of Amos 
Ogden. Amos Roop, Daniel Franklin, Jeremiah Wil- 
liams. Huriah Rol)inson. Michael Lutts, Joseph Beel- 
man, Daniel Sweetland, S. N. Sage, John Carothers 






Dr.WILLIAM ROBINSON. 



fv)RS.|HURIAH ROBINSON. f^URIAH ROBINSON 




residence: of H R08INSON,SiChmondTr,HuROnCO,0. 



niSTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



203 



and John Nesbit. The township officers for 1878 
are: Iliraiu Snyder, J. J. Critchett and Alexander 
Brown, trustees; Jolin Moore, clerk; Lewis Kirk- 
wood, treasurer; Abuer Crawford, assessor: Lewis 
Ault and Abner Crawford, constables; and sixteen 
supervisors of highways. 

CHURCHES. 

In 1840-41, there existed a small isolated class of 
Methodist people, along the line between Norwich 
and Richmond, who were compelled, for want of a 
better place, to hold their evening prayer meetings at 
the houses of the settlers. Benjamin Tanner, of 
Richmond, was their cluss-leader, and in December, 
1841, he appointed a meeting at the house of Mr. 
•Johnson standing far into the woods. Contrary to 
expectation, people flocked in, with torches through 
the woods, from every direction, and filled the cabin 
to its utmost capacity. Rev. Samuel Allen, a circuit 
preacher, had casually heard that John Keesey, a 
Methodist, was living in Richmond, and he visited 
him in time to attend the prayer meeting. He 
preached a line sermon, and from its good effect he 
thought best to make another appointment. This 
was at the school house on Day's Corners, and a class of 
Methodists were organized at this time, consisting of 
the following persons: F. D. Read and wife, Seth 
Read and wife, and John Keesey and wife. The class 
leader was John Keesey. These meetings continued 
until the church numljered about fifty members. By 
deaths and removals this class has become so much 
reduced in numbers that an organization hardly exists 
at present. Mr. Allen's sermon at the prayer meet- 
ing was the first Methodist sermon delivered in the 
township. . 

rXITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 

In the fall of 1838, Rev. Michael Long, of the 
Brethren faith, held an evening meeting at the house 
of Jacob Croniuger, and preached the first sermon in 
the township. In 1849. Jacob Bell organized the 
United Brethren Church, in the red school house in 
the east part of the township, with the following mem- 
bers: George S. Williams, James May, Jacob Upp, 
Henry Weaver, Philip Bash, David Bush and wife, 
and Reuben Fenton and wife. The same year the 
church, on lot number eight in the second .section, 
was erected. This is now occupied by this society 
and the Jlcthodists. The present officers of the 
United Brethren Church are John Auhmiller, leader; 
Philip Newman, Margaret Newman and Eliza Daw- 
son, stewards. The membership is seventy. 

The class of United Brethren at L'nion Bethel was 
organized in about 1870. Meetings were held, for 
several years prior to this, in the school house in this 
locality. The members of this class were: P. B. 
Keesey and wife, B. Hawn and wife, J. IToyles, wife 
and daughter, .Tames Thompson and wife, E. W. Fast, 
wife and two daughters, Mrs. Mary A. .McBride, 
Daniel Rogers, Mrs. Crabb, Mrs. Fiuley Leonard, Mrs. 



Hannah Pearch, Sarah Keesey, and Truman and 
Viola Fuller. The present membership is twenty- 
five. Church officers: Hewey Blair, leader; J. W. 
Sage, steward. The Union Sabbath .school is presided 
over by Finley Leonard. The following are among 
the ministers who have preached to both L'nited 
Brethren congregations in the township: Rev. (J. 
Hoover, William Nevil, William Mathers, George T. 

Seyler. John Aulnniller. Steamen. Bender, 

Ramsey and Klingel. 

THE CHURCH OF OOH 

was organized by the Rev. William Shafer in about 
18.55. Constituent members: Abram Pollinger and 
wife, James Shinaberger and wife, Leonard "Allaman 
and wife, Christian Fetterhoof and wife, Sarah Pol- 
linger and Mrs. Elizabeth Brandt. Meetings were 
held in the school house in district number five until 
the erection of the "Bethel" in 1860. This building 
is located on lot number eighteen in the third sec- 
tion. It was built by subscription, and is open to all 
religious denominations. The membership of the 
Church of God is thirty. Officers: Abram Pollinger, 
elder; Joseph Wolf and Lewis Rapji, deacons. The 
ministers who have presided over that church, are R. 
H. Bolton, John Senseneg, John L. .Tenner, ifartin 
Mowen, D. S. Warner. Jacob Aukerman, J. S. Mc- 
Kee, George Wilson, W. 11. Oliver and William Biir- 
chard. 

THE ZlOy LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

Meetings were held in the summer of 18.57, by the 
Rev. William Schmakero, in the house of Daniel 
Drehers. The following summer the church now 
occupied by this society, on lot number twenty-two, 
was constructed. This cost one thousand dollars, and 
soon after its completion, the church was organized 
with the following members: Peter Lei)ley and wife, 
Daniel Dreher and wife, John and Simon Dick and 
wives, William Miller and wife, W. Albright and 
wife, William Ritz and wife, Conrad Craft and wife, 
Frederick Goosh and wife. John Waltz and wife, 
Lorenz Kontz and wife, Frederick Lander and wife, 
and Christiana Sissinger. The membership at present 
(1878) is nearly the same as when first organized. 
Ministers: Charles Miller, Charles Smith, Brown- 
wait, Kninier, 0. K. Ulrirh and Jacob Kreigher. 

SCHOOLS. 

In 18.37, Richmond township was divided into two 
school districts, and a frame school hou.se built in 
each, but a school was only kept in the west one, then 
standing at Day's corners, on lands now owned l)y John 
Waltz. Eliza Day was the first teacher. Her scholars 
were: Jonathan Jacob. David, Susan, Hannah, and 
Lydia Croiiiugi'r, William, Eliza, and Charles Day, 
Charles, .Margaret, and Mary Ann Cliiie, Andrew 
and Elizabeth Anderson, and Elizabeth Lingerfelter. 
The east school house was not completed for a school 
that winter. These were the fust frame luiildings in 
the township, and were well fui'uished and comforta 



294 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



ble. Riclimond has now as fine a lot of school build- 
ings as any township in the county, nearly all of 
brick. 

DEFEAT OF THE SQUATTER. 

In 1837, Eleizor Day was elected justice of the 
peace, and served three years. In 18-40, W. H. Pond 
was elected, served three years, and was a candidate 
for re-election in 1843. He was wholly and entirely 
in the interest of the squatter clement. At this time 
two parties, equal in numbers, stood sternly opposed 
to each other morally. Amos Roop was the opponent 
of Mr. Pond. Two elections had been held, and both 
resulted in a tie vote. But at the third the Pond 
party had increased its strength, so that he was sure 
of receiving two majority. But to his surprise, when 
the votes were counted the two majority were in favor 
of Mr. Roop. An investigation was had, and a suit 
brought before Esquire Coglazier, of Plymouth, con- 
testing the election. The court, however, ruled that 
Roop was legally elected. The defeat of Pond was 
the defeat of the outlaw party, and the death blow to 
squatter rule in Richmond township, a sort of moral 
revolution, as it were. Her good men breathed freer. 
The civilizing influence of Mr. Roop"s judicial ad- 
ministration scattered the squatters and those who 
had gathered to their standard, like chaff before the 
wind, and Richmond assumed a moral position among 
her sister townships. 



Biographical Sketches, 



IIURIAH ROBINSON 

is the sixth child of William and Latitia Coleman 
Robinson, who removed from Washington county, 
Pennsylvania, to Ohio, soon after it became a State, 



first locating in Lenton township, Coshocton county, 
where the subject of this sketch was born, March 2, 
1816. In 1828, the family removed to Clarion county, 
where they remained until 1832, when they came to 
Huron county, arriving in Norwich township on May 
5th of tliat year. Eventually tlie parents removed to 
Fitchville township, where Mr. Robinson died in Oc- 
tober, 1864: his wife following him in February sul^- 
sequent. Huriah derived his education in the com- 
mon schools of Northern Ohio, and after obtaining 
his majority he engaged in the vocation of farming. 
On January 16, 1842, he was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary, daughter of William and Phebe Wade 
Johnson, of Richmond township, by whom the fol- 
lowing children' were born: Hannah, who married 
John Nesbitt, and resides in Richmond; William J., 
who is now clerk of the Morton House, at Grand 
Rapids, Michigan; Emily 0., who is deceased; Vol- 
ney J., who married Emeline Post, of Norwich, and 
lives in Riclimond; Eugene, deceased; Robert, de- 
ceased; Frank, who married Caroline Croxtou, lives 
in Richmond; Josephine, deceased; and Martha E., 
who married F. B. Tanner, deceased, leaving two 
children. 

In January, 1843, Mr. Robinson purchased the 
farm in lot number thirty-seven, in the second section, 
upon which lie still resides, and which he has brought 
from a " howling wilderness" to a profitable state of 
cultivation. He now owns one liundred and forty- 
eight acres. 

Politically, ilr. or Esquire Robinson, as he is usu- 
ally called, is a firm adherent to the principles of tlie 
democratic party. In his township lie has always 
occupied a prominent position in its politics, and be- 
ginning with the office of justice of the peace, which 
he held twelve years, he has held every township of- 
fice, except constable, and during his service as justice 
of the peace had but one case appealed. A fine view 
of his residence appears in this volume. 




Residence of Wm.MOTSON . Chicago Junction, Huron Co.O 




Residence of DANIEL SWELTLAND,RichmondTp,HuronCo.O 



NEW HAVEN 



TnK time that has passed, since the pioneer first 
walked in tlie wilderiie.ss by the side of tiie Huron, 
is almost three score years and ten. Strange and 
startling scenes, in life dramas, liave been enacted 
upon its Virink, before and since then. The Indian, 
glorying in his wild freedom and holding undisputed 
2)ossession of the forest, has here lain in wait for the 
deer to come and drink, has fought the l)ear and fol- 
lowed the stealthy panther. Human blood has flowed 
by the side of the stream. The white man came, and 
with hard labor rolled together the logs for a humble 
home. The prattle and the laughter of little children 
mingled with the musical babbling of the river. The 
.sound of the ax was heard along the shore, and the 
crushing of falling timber shook the earth. The 
forest melted away before the march of the army of 
peace. The country was dotted with human habita- 
tions; a village grew up and became a busy mart. The 
church and school house appeared. Where once 
were no sounds but those of nature, there had come 
tiic liuin of industry, the bustle of trade, a hurrying 
to and fro. the greetings of man with man, the ac- 
tivity impelled by varied human interests. The river 
was stopped that it might gather strength to turn the 
mill. There were births, marriages, deaths, the ever 
occurring joys and griefs of humanity.— the change 
and mutation of life and t.ime. The village arose and 
well nigh faded from existence again: houses rotted 
away: men who were liabes when the the country was 
new. grew old and went down to their graves. In 
the midst of change only the river went on un- 
changed, like the poet's lirook, for — 

"Men may cotiie and men may go; 
But I go on forever." 

Were tiie fiiUtilment of the task possible, it would 
be a pleasant duty to present to the reader of to-day. 
carefully trimmed outlines of the characters of tliose 
men and woiiien, whose lives were passed in pre- 
paring the wilderness for the present generations: 
Init we shall, however, present some of the facts of 
pioneer life, and strive to perpetuate, at least the 
names, of those who bore the l)ruiit in the great 
struggle of subduing a new country — -whosuriiKiunted 
its ol)Stacles and faced its dangers bravely. 

The history of New Haven has for several reasons 
a ix'cnliar interest. It was the first townshi]i settled, 
within the territory at present consisting of Huron 
county. The village was the first one formed and 
the ]>lat the first laid out within the present limits of 
the county. Two other villages have been developed 
— one to a considerable size by a slow growth, since 
the star of New Haven's hope waned; the other, a 
small one, recently and quickly. In addition to 



these facts, the red-man enters prominently into the 
recital of the first settlers' experience, and Jonathan 
Chapman — "Appleseed Johnny" — occu])ies a large 
share of attention, because New Haven was more of a, 
home for that strange philanthropist of the western 
forest, than any other he possessed after entering 
upon the life service that made him famous through- 
out the country. 

SITL-.VTION, STKE.VMS, SURFACE, FEATUKE.S. 

New Haven is township number one, range twenty- 
three, and was generally so known until it received 
its name. It is bounded upon the north by Greenfii'ld, 
on the east by Ripley, south by Plymouth township, 
(Richland county), and west by Richmond. The 
principal stream within its limits is the Huron river, 
which flows in a northerly and easterly direction 
through the eastern part of the townsliip, and thence 
on to the lake. Almost one fourth of the township, 
section number four, the southwest quarter, was orig- 
inally a wet prairie or marsh, which, until it had been 
improved by extensive and systematic drainage, was 
uninhabitable and untillable. It abounded, at an early 
day, in willow thickets, cranberries and rattlesnakes, of 
the kind commonly called ' 'Saugers. " As the land was 
improved, the rattlesnakes and cranberries and marsh 
grass gave place, in a large measure, to the production 
of other and more useful articles, and now a large 
portion of the once wild waste is cultivated, and gives 
tlie fanner a rich reward for his labor in grass, grain 
and corn. The marsh feeds a small stream, known 
as Marsh run, which is a tributary to the Huron 
river. 

Stone appears at the surface in the southern part 
of the township, near Plymouth village, and has for 
many years been quite extensively quarried for use in 
the i mediate vicinity. It is most commonly found 
in thin layers, mure suitable for flagging than for 
l)uilding purposes. 

The surface of the township is generally level, but 
in some portions is slightly rolling. The soil in the 
north and eastern jiarts is a mixture of clay and saiul, 
unexcelled for general agricultural pu poses. In the 
southwest it is a black sandy loam. 

An unusually heavy growth of tiinl)er originally 
covered this territory. The river forms a ilistinct 
dividing line between the <.iak and beech lands. The 
beech trees are still abundant iqion the east side, and 
oak. hickory, ash, maple and other hard timber u[)on 
the west. 

.MtomoiN.M. KICMAl.Ns. 

Early settlers speak of the remains of an old fortifi- 
cation, plainly visible l)efore the jilowshare had 

(296) 



296 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



levelled them with the surroundiug plain. It was 

upon land owned by the heirs of David Dow, and 

situated within the limits of tlie town plat. The 

embankments were of circular form, very plainly 
marked, and trees of a large growth were standing 
upon them fifty years ago. 

THE COXKECTICUT "sUFFERERS" AXD THK FIRST 
OWXERS OF THE SOIL. 

For an explanation of the following table the read- 
er is referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

• Classification No. 1, Sectio.n 1. 

Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. Am't Classed. 

„ , £ s, d., £ s. d. 

Samuel Squire, Jr. 8.3 6 S ElishaT. ils'ac Mills 33 11 8 

Walter Budtlington " *' 20 19 8 

Amos Jesup ■' " 30 6 

Horton Reynolds i " "65 15 10 

Richard t'amp Isaac MiUs 311 19 

Samuel Faircliild ! '• •' 131 3 11 

Jadock Benedict 67 13 4 | " " 4 17 9 

Abijah Baruum ,.,...;" •* 7 4 ^ 

Natlianiel Gregory : " " 18 17 3^ 

Sbudduck Morris " " 10 6 8 

Benjamin Shove ... " " 311 10J4 

Joseph P. Cook " '■ 53 6 8 

Elizabeth Henry or 

Henrick " •• 18 9 8 

Tnomas Benedict " " 1 11 6 

Caleb Baldwin *' " 2 0% 

Aaron Stone " " 2 11 

Benjamin Wood " " 15 4 

John Porter " •• 2 

Ellas .Shipman " ■' 10 19 6 

Jonathan Williams I Committee 6 

Thomas Wilson i Jno. N. Wadsworth 50 18 10 

James Lane I " " 9 6 10 

Martin Patchin " " 31 6 

Lois Wells •' " 8 18 4 

Jotham Williams ■* " 2 19 9 

Thomas Wiimot '* " 2 14 

Abraham Tuttie, Jr " " 37 3 6 

Widow Scovil or 

Scovit I " " 7 

Thos.Punderson, Jr " " 14 15 7 

Doctor Timothy Mix ' *' " 16 12 3 

Israel Bunnil " " 9 16 6 

Mary KimUerly ' '• ■ " 20 

Cornelius Thayer " " 3 17 8 

Isaac Thompson " ** 3 16 4 

Thomas Benham \ " " 10 10 

James Hull 1 Wm. J. Vredenburg 9 6 

Isaac Doolittle 26 17 ' ■• •■ 19 13 u 

John Goodrich 1 '• " 140 17 4 

Abraham Tuttie 4 4 " •• 2 17 1 

Thankful Thompson 33 7 8 Committee 10 

DanielWilmot Joseph Smith 4th 43 16 3 

Corn I's Cunningham Conuuittee 20 11 

Khoda Liemiison •• lu 6 

William Xoyes " \\ n (j 

EbenezerPeck Ebenezer Peck 23 3 2 

Abigail Starr • Committee 14 1 

Samuel White ' " 3 1 

Daniel Brown »* 5 nj q 

William Trowbridge 1 " 7 4 

John Whiting, Esq. 158 16 3 " 79 ] 3 

James Bradley James Bradley +s n 10 

John Bradley, Jr " ■• 31 6 2 

Footing of Classification No. 1 £1,344 7 

Classification No. 2, Section 2. 
Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



Abigail Andrews 
David Abbott 
Joseph Adams 
Lucy Barker 
Joseph Bishop 
Elias Buck 
Peter Bulkley 
Phebe Brown 
Timothy P. Bonticon 
Ama Clinton 
Levi Clinton 
John Carew 
William Doak 
Samuel Dunwell 
Samuel Iiwight 
Sarah Davenport 
Hamlin Dwight 
Amos Gilbert 
John G odsell 
Martin Gatler, dec'd 
Samuel (ioodwin 
HaiuiHli Hotchkiss 
Ebeni-zer Hull 
Richard Johnson 

Jack \ wife 

Elijah King 



- Joseph Darling 



Am 


't Classed 


£ 


s. 


d 


3 


8 


6 


4 


8 





13 


19 


5 


1 


12 


9 


8 


4 





3 


10 





2 


11 





7 


10 





4 


4 





4 


8 





6 


8 





8 


14 





15 


9 


6 


34 


.1 


0- 


9 


6 


6 


1 


.1 





2 


19 





13 







8 


13 





19 


6 




14 


1 





4 


12 


n 


5 


5 


II 


11 


8 


6 


17 


II 


11 


11 


19 


10 



Mark Leavenworth 
Samuel Little 
Phebe Miller 
William Miles 
Mary Miles 
"William Punchard 
Philip Rexford 
Francis Sage 
Elizabeth Stillman 
Timothy Sperry 
William Sherman 
Mo-es Thompson 
Stephen Tuttie 
Michael Vaun 
David Austin, Jr 
Paul Noyes 
•j. Nathan Smith 
John .\ustin 
John Pease 
Noah Tucker 
Joseph Tuttie 
David Hull 
David Phipps 
Archibald Austin 
Justin Hobart 
Ezra Peekit 
Stephen St. John 
Zadock Benedict 
Matthew Benedict 
Nath'l Lockwood 
Sallew Pell 
Mary Greenslate 
Rebecca Crowfut 
Matthew Crowfut 
Thomas Starr 
Major Taylor 
Benjamin Sperry 
Joseph Benedict 
Thos H. Benedict 
Mary Kilby 



67 
176 



13 
16 



Isaac Mills 



462 
113 



12 
4 



11 
15 
5 
o 

26 
15 
34 
26 
30 
2-3 
6 

3 
13 
.) 

9 

10 

18 

99 

93 

19 

17 

71 

16 

82 

20 

62 

101 

7 

6 

9 

1 

3 

9 

200 

14 

7 

8 





1 

s 

5 
19 
12 
13 
17 

1 

15 
13 

'2 


17 
13 

6 
18 
15 

6 
13 
17 

3 
14 

6 
13 
10 
11 

1 
15 


14 
13 
13 
11 
I.i 

5 
12 

3 
15 
15 



d. 
6 
1 
.3 

8 


3 
10 
6 

10 



3 
10 

6 
11 

6 



4 

4 

6 



6 

8 

9 

5)4 



7 

9 

3J4 

4 

4 
4 
1 


8 
9 
6 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £l,a44 7 



Clasmfication No. 3, Section 3. 



13 



Original Grantees. Am't Loss. 
£ s. d. 



Isaac Dickerman 
Edward Larkin 
Frederick Harding 
Nehemiah Hotchkiss 
Mabel Johnson 
Ebenezer .\lliug 
William Eyers 
Timothy Jones, Jr 
Daniel Gi ■odsell 
Samuell Howell 
Caleb Gilbert 
Benjamin Smith 
Nathaniel Kimberly 
David Mulford 
Benajah Thomas 
Andrew Smith 
Jon Allen 
Mary Stilhvell 
Samuel Barnes 
Nathan Catjiii 
Hannah Binglev 
John Richards" 
Hannah Mansfield 
Titus Beecher 
George Smitil 
Jeremiah McCumber 
Jesse Stephens 
Mando Cambridge 
William Pheymeit 
Phineas Andrus 
Thomas Davis 
Lamberton Painter, 

(two losses). 
William Holmes 
Isaac Jones 
Jonathan Sabin 
Samuel Horton 
Timothy Tuttie 
David IJeecKer 
Philemon Smith 
Azel Kimberly, (two 

losses! 
Peter Bonhier, or 

Bont leon 
James Plant 
Samuel Tuttie 



Classified by. 

Elisha T. & Isaac 
Mills 



Am't classed. 



31 

12 

14 

6 

16 



48 
3 



14 
15 
13 
13 
8 
10 
13 



20 
20 
18 
14 
32 
18 
21 

35 
43 
148 
64 



19 
53 

85 

70 
94 
54 



370 19 6 
Footing of Classification No 3. £1,3)4 



4 
3 
4 

11 


6 
4 
6 
5 

18 


13 

16 
6 

17 
10 
16 
16 
5 
6 
17 
8 
1 
5 

17 
11 
14 



19 
18 

a 

9 
5 







6 

6 

II 

n 
3 

8H 





6 


6 
6 






6 
8 
4 
4 
11 
6 

■m 




9 
6 
6 
5 




Classification No. 4. Section 4. 



.Original Grantees. 



Samuel Tuttie 
Tim y & Wm. Jones 
'I homas Wooster 
Jesse Leavenworth 
Abner Austin 
Edward Buddington 
William Buddington 
Samuel Squire, Jr 



Am't Loss. 
£ s. d. 
370 19 6 



Classified by. 

Elisha T. & Isaac 
JUlls 



Am't Classed. 



37 
83 



8 



216 
167 
590 
143 
56 
81 
37 
50 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,344 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



■i{)7 



A pioneer's EXHEKIE.VCE DIKIXU THE WAR OF 1813. 

Caleb Palmer was tlie pioneer of New Haven. He 
entered, for the purpose of settlement, what was then 
an unbroken wilderness, before the war, in 1811, and 
was, undoubtedly, the first permanent white resident 
in the territory now included in the bounds of Huron 
county. . He was a typical pioneer, rugged, strong, 
independent, fearless. He was a surveyor, and in 
that cajiacity had tramped through the forests of this 
part of the country some years before. He Ijought 
land in ISIO. His family, in 1811, when he made his 
settlement, consisted of himself, wife and two children. 
Tm'o men. Woodcock ami Xewcomb, canie at the 
same time, or soon after, but neither remained long 
in the township, or was j)rominently associated with 
its affairs. Xewcomb died in Trumbull county, 
where he had returned for his family. Woodcock 
made his home on lot sixty-six, section two. and 
remained a year or so. Xo mention of him is made 
after the close of the war, and it is probable that he 
did not i-eturu to his land after going to Richland 
countv, at tlie time of the Indian scare. It is difficult 
to obtain definite information in i-egard to Palmer, 
for he seems to iiave had a peculiar dislike of leaving 
anything to posterity concerning himself, and is said 
to have destroyed many jiapers, which, were they now 
in existence, would afford interesting particulars of 
his early life. 

The first few years of Palmer's exjierience was of the 
kind that would make the stoutest heart (juaii. Soon 
after the war began, he went to Lower Sandusky with 
an ox team, and tiiere learned of Hull's suri-ender, 
wliich left the frontier withmit defence. He was on 
his giuird on tiie long drive home, and prepared for 
the worst. Xo trouble was, however, expei-ienced. 
During the war. an almost constant watch was kept 
by the few inhabitants scattered through the country, 
and scouts were constantly employed, so that the 
ajjproach of any large body of redskins might be 
apprehended, and the settlers given time to flee from 
their homes. On one occasion, five hostile Indians 
encamped upon the river bottom, just o])posite 
Palmer's cabin. An attack was momentarily expected, 
but for some reason, although they were well aware 
of the existence of the house, they did not come near 
it, but contented themselves with making a meal from 
I he corn growing near by. The danger may have 
been overestimated, for it was regularly reported that 
the woods were full of Indians, and rumors, probably 
greatly exaggerated, reached the pioneers, of horrible 
atrocities in various parts of the wilderness. 

This family and one or two other settlers in the 
township, and two or three more in Greenfield, lived 
in almost constant fear that the terrific war whoop of 
the savages would be heard about their houses, and 
that scenes would be enacted about their hearthstones 
similar to those of which they had heard. The 
iinatrination pictured dangers when none existed. 
Anv unusual sound in ihr t'ort'st, the suspicious cry 

38 



of an owl. or of a wild animal, might be the signal 
for an overwhelming onslaught and massacre. 

Palmer and Woodcock had agreed that if either 
saw Indians in the vicinity, a rifle shot should be 
fired, and that on no account whatever, cxcei)t on 
such occasion, should a gun be fired. Palmer and 
"Johnny Ajjiileseed," who was at that time living 
with him. one day heard the sharp crack of a rifle, in 
the direction of Woodcock's cabin: almost immedi- 
ately it was followed by two more reports. Feeling 
sure that Indians were near at hand. Palmer ami his 
companion prejiai-ed for a hasty retreat. The family 
was prepared to start, the moveables were packed, 
and then it being thought best to reconoiter. Johnny 
started, rifle in hand, through the woods. Several 
hours passed, leaving Palmer and his family in terri- 
ble suspense, and then he too, shouldered his gun 
and went toward Woodcock's, expecting to find that 
his friends had both been murdered. As he neared 
the spot, where he judged the shooting had occurriMl, 
his mind troubled with all kinds of apprehensions, 
he saw. indistinctly through the bushes, a dusky 
form. Supposing that it was an Indian intent u])(Mi 
murder, he raised his rifle to his shoulder, took de- 
liberate aim and was aljout to fire, when the figure 
disappeared. Presently it again came in sight, and 
again P.dmer's rifle went to his shoulder and his eye 
glanced along the barrel. Something diverted his 
attention and he did luH fin-. .V third tiuu' he U'velcd 
his gun upon the form, and just as he was about to 
pull the trigger, he obtained a clearer view and rec- 
ognized '•.Johnny Appleseed." The rifle was dashed 
to the ground and Palmer iri a few seconds wa.s em- 
bracing his old friend and explaining to him the 
danger through which he had unknowingly passed. 
Woodcock having become almost famished for want 
of meat, and a deer coming close to his cabin, he had 
shot him. regardless of the agreement that no firing 
should take place unless Indians appeared. Johnny 
Appleseed on discovering the cause of the alarm, had 
reimuned to help dress the animal, and when seen 
by Palmer, was mi his way back with one of the venisou 
hams hanging by his side. 

Not all of the alarms, however, were so soon dis- 
pelled as this one. M three ditt'erent times during 
the war. Palmer was compelled to fly fiom his home 
and take refuge in the block house at .Mansfield. 
Once, in the fall of 1812, the .scouts came to his 
cabin and told him that if he cared for his own life, 
or the safety of his family, he must lo.se no time in 
reaching .Mansfield, for the Indians were not faraway 
and were approaching. Karly in the following morn- 
ing, the three horses were caught, all of the household 
goods, that could lie carried, packed u])on them: the 
crops that had been gathered, and whatever could 
not be taken with them, stored in the house, and the 
family made the tedious and slow journey to the 
block house. Palmer returned on foot to ascertain 
tlie fate of his log house and his goods, and laying in 
ambush, saw the the little log dwelling, which liad 



29S 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



cost him so mucli hard labor to build, in flames, 
while the red-skins, wlio had applied the torch, stood 
about, watching its destruction. 

Once, when the dread news was given that Indians 
were about, the Palmers made hurried preparations 
'to go to the block house, and were at a loss to devise 
a wa}' to carry their children. Finally, after much 
planning and anxiety, Mrs. Palmer hit upon a novel 
expedient. She had, among the things siie brought 
to her new home, some window curtains of heavy 
stutf. These she liastily made into two large bags, 
and then, putting a child in each, she hung them 
over the horse, and in that manner tlie little ones 
made their journey to a place of safety. 

Palmer even went as far south with his family as 
Knox county, but he liked New Haven, and could 
not give up the idea of living there, and, as -soon as 
it was considered safe to do so, he returned, and loca- 
ted upon lots tifty-six and fifty-seven, in section two, 
a little distance northeast of the center, and upon 
what is now known as the Norwalk road. He was 
told by the Indians, whom he afterward met, that he 
might have remained in the woods all through the 
war, with safety, as the Indians felt friendly toward 
him and would have done him no harm. They ex- 
]ilained that his house had been burnt because it was 
supposed to contain food and supplies for the army. 
Palmer lived until 185-4, and was one of the leading 
citizens of the township. 

THE INDIANS. 

Most of the Indians who were seen liy the early 
settlers in New Haven, were of the Seneca tribe, one 
of the divisions of the formerly powerful nation 
known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The south- 
western part of Huron county was peculiarly the 
hunting ground of this tribe. The Wyandots or 
Hurons were also seen, but not so frequently; and at 
times, some of the Delawares, the kindred of the 
Mohicans, about whom Cooper has woven so much of 
romance, passed through the country, as did small 
bands from various tribes of the Algo quin race. 

Before the settlement of the country some of these 
tribes inhabited the Fire-lands, and held them as their 
own. After the pale face came, they, no longer, re- 
garded the territory as their home, and seem only to 
have wandered through it, tarrying a little while here 
and there, hunting, fishing and making maple sugar. 
Tiiey had some villages in the northei'n part of the 
Fire-lands, but none in the southern. They were 
peaceable after the war had closed, and in New Haven, 
as in most other townships, there were no instances 
of any violence or crime being committed by them. 
The Senecas passed through New Haven, on their 
way to the eastern hunting grounds, sometimes in 
bodies of several humlreds, but more often in small 
companies which occasionally camped for a few days 
or weeks near the bank of the Huron. Some rode 
njion ponies, and some travelled afoot. All were 
clothed in characteristic Indum style. The warrioi's 



wore the peculiarly fierce appearing featliered head- 
dress, and were clothed in buckskin. The squaws 
were always neatly dressed, in short skirts, beaded 
moccasins, and gaily bedecked blankets. Tiiey brouglit 
baskets, deer hams and various trinkets to the 
settlers, which they were always anxious to barter for 
bread, flour or meal. There were strong friendships 
between some of the whites and Indians. liven the 
little children were so accustomed to seeing the dusky 
savages that they did not fear tiiem. and, indeed, 
formed for some of them strong attachments. 
Seneca .John, the famous chief, used to carry the 
Palmer children upon his shoulders, and they learned 
to like liim and look eagerly for his coming. Some- 
times when a band of Indians was seen approaching, 
they would watch them closely to see if Seneea John 
was among them, and then if they distinguished his 
tall, stalwart form, they would run to meet him and 
vie with each other the honor of a ride, to or from 
school, perched high up on his shoulder. The pale 
faced children played with the Indian boys and girls, 
visited them at their camps, and were upon as friendly 
terms as with the youthful playmates of their own 
race. 

Several Indians have been buried in the township. 
Two braves were interred on the south liank of the 
river, on what is now known as the Keiser farm, and 
their bones still rest there, unless they have been dis- 
turbed in comparatively recent times by the hand of 
some vandal white curiosity seeker. A little child 
was buried not far from the place where the two war- 
riors wei-e interred. Aliont forty Indian women and 
half as many men were present at the sepulture. The 
body, encased in a small rough coffin, was ])laced in 
the ground with the cover unfastened, ''so that the 
little s])irit could easily escape," the Indians said, 
and one of tlie chiefs uttered a few words in the 
tongue of his people, after which tlie grave was closed, 
and the sad but stoical band returned to the camp. 
An eye witness says that an observer could not tell by 
the outward signs of grief, which one of the many 
squaws was the bereaved mother, but as the same 
sub-stratum of humanity runs through all races and 
nations, however they may apjiear externally, there 
was one mother's heart which experienced a thousand 
folgl more pain than all of the others. 



I 



.lONATHAN CIlAi'MAN- 



".lOHNNY Al'l'LESEEI). 



No history of New Haven township could be com- 
plete which failed to bring into prominence that ec- 
centric man and great public benefactor, Jonathan 
Chapman, known more commonly by the sobri(|uet 
of Johnny Appleseed. If the man who causes two 
spears of grass to grow, where Init one grew before, is 
deserving of the meed of praise, "Johnny Appleseed '' 
should receive the thanks of hundreds uf thousands 
of people, whose homes are u]ii>n the fertile farms of 
Ohio and Indiana, for he not only caused the wilder- 
ness to blossom as the rose. I)ut to bear fruit for the 
pioneers' children and their eliiJdi'cn's children. 



i 



_„-f 






^' 





THOMAS T.MULFORD. 



[VIRS, THOMAS I MULFORD. 




Residence of THOMAS T. MULFORD, New Haven, Huron Co.O. 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTlESi, OHIO. 



20'J 



Jonathan Chai>man. siqiposed to have been born in 
Boston. 1TT5, first made his appearance in the terri- 
tory of Oliio in 1801. and about ten years later we 
find iiini living with Calet> Palmer in the township of 
Xew Haven. He remained here much of tlie time 
during the war. though he was frequently absent uji- 
on pilgrimages to various parts of the country. The 
great mission of Jonatlian Chaimian's life was the 
preparation of the wild western ccjuntry for the pio- 
neers and their succeeding generation, and through a 
strange monomania that possessed this singular man. 
his l)eneficent feeling toward mankind found expres- 
sion in only one form and etfect: the planting of ap- 
l)le orchards or nurseries in advance of the outposts 
of civilization. From these nurseries were obtained 
tile trees which formed most of the now old and de- 
caying orchards in Ohio and Indiana. Johnny's plan 
was to choose a good natural location, in a little glade, 
or in the thickest part of the woods, it mattered not 
which. If the piece of ground which suited him 
chanced to be heavily covered with timber he would 
clear it off and. with the tops of the largest trees, 
nuike a rude fence, inclosing an area of two or three 
acres. This was done to keej) the deer from brows- 
ing upon the young trees. Having prepared the 
ground he would sow his apple seeds broadcast, as 
farmers do wheat. He believed it wrong to raise 
trees in anv way but from the seeds, and looked upon 
pruning with much the same species of horror that 
other men would upon human murder. He iirocured 
his seeds from the cider mills in western Pennsylvania 
and usually carried them through the wilderness in a 
leathern bag, though sometimes he was known to 
transport them in a small wagon, to which he would 
have ail old horse harnessed, which had been turned 
loose by some settler. One of the nurseries planted 
liv old .lolinny was in Xew Haven, near the east mar- 
L:in of the marsh. When the trees were grown suf- 
liciently large to be transplanted Johnny either sold 
them, or gave them away himself, or left them in 
charge of a friend to be disposed of in a similar way. 
Sometimes he exchanged the trees for articles of 
clothing, but his general custom was to take a note 
]iayable at some indefinite time. Having received it 
he regarded the transaction at an end and bothered 
himself no further about the matter. He had no 
Inisiness method and needed none, for he had but lit- 
tle use for money. What little came into his posses- 
sion he soon disposed of in gifts to the poorer .settlers 
whom he met in his wanderings. He was never 
known to have made but one purcha.se of land, and 
that was in Michigan township. Ashland county, the 
southwest ipiarter of section twenty-six. With his 
customary indifference to matters of value, he failed 
to record the deed, and lost his title to the land, a 
fact of which he was probably never aware. 

The personal appearance of this strange character 
was in keeping with the peculiarities of his nature. 
He was small, wiry, (|uick and restless; his beard, 
short and unshaven; hair long and dark, and eyes 



black and sparkling. His dress was generally a med- 
ley of the cast-off clothing taken in exchange for 
trees, but at one time his sole garment was a coffee 
sack, in which he cut holes for liis head and arms. 
He nearly always went barefooted, even in the 
coldest weather. His head covering was as economi- 
cal as the rest of his attire. For a time, he wore the 
large tin dijiper in which he cooked his food when 
traveling, but, as it hurt his head, he constructed, of 
paste-board, something between a hat and cap. which 
he adopted as a permanent fashion. 

Religiously, .Johnny was a Swedenborgian. He 
was a most enthusiastic disciple of the great seer, 
and the zeal with which he endeavored to propagate 
his doctrines was only cfpiailed by his untiring labor 
in planting his apple nurseries. He went from place 
to place, carrying his bag of apple .seeds and his 
Swedenborgian hooks, and when he arrived at the 
hospitable cabin of some settler, no matter whether he 
were acquaintance or stranger, at once lay down uiion 
the puncheon floor, and, while recovering from the 
fatigue of his long walk, would read what lie called 
"news right fresh from heaven. " He purchased books 
and tracts treating of his favorite system of religion, 
for distribution among the settlers, and when he had 
not enough to go around, would often tear one in two 
and giye the halves to neighbors, telling them to ex- 
change when each had read his part. His veneration 
for the books of Swedenborg was so great that he 
believed they formed a sure preventive of bodily harm. 
The morals of the man were as good as his religious 
l)elief. He led as blameless a life as a human being 
could, and compared himself, in his simplicity of 
attire and habits of life, to the primitive Christian. 

Upon one occasion an itinerant i)reacher was hold- 
ing forth on the public square of Mansfield in a long 
and somewhat tedious discourse u])on the sin of ex- 
travagance, frequently emphasizing his text by the 
inquiry: "Where now is the barefooted Christian 
traveling to heaven?'" Johnny, who was lying on his 
back in some timber, taking theipiestion in its literal 
sense, raised his bare feet in the air and vociferated: 
" Here's your jirimitive Christian! '" He was a veg- 
etarian, and rigidly opposed to 'killing any living 
thing for food. Upon this point his ideas were car- 
ried to a fanatical extreme as will be seen by the fol- 
lowing incidents, which are well authenticated: One 
autumnal night, while lying i)y his camp-fire in the 
woods, he observed that the mosquitoes blew into the 
flames and were burned. Taking the huge tin dip- 
per, which answered the double purpose of cup and 
mush-pot, from his head, he filled it with water and 
quenched the Are, remarking afterwards: "God forbid 
that I should build a tire for my comfort which should 
be the means of destroying any of his creatures! " At 
another time he made his camp-fire at the end of a 
hollow log in which he intended to pass the night, 
but finding it occu])ied by a bear and her cubs, he 
moved the fire to the other end and slejit in the snow- 
rather than disturb the hears. Walking one morning 



300 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



over a small ^irairie he was bitten by a rattlesnake. 
Some time afterwards, a friend inquired of him about 
the matter. He drew a long sigh and replied: •' Poor 
fellowl he only just touched me, when I, in an un- 
ungodly' passion, put the heel of my scythe in him 
and went home.'" Again, while assisting in the con- 
struction of a road through the woods, a hornet, 
who.se nest had been destroyed in the operation, found 
lodgment underneath Johnny's shirt. Notwithstand- 
ing the fact that he was repeatedly stung by the en- 
gaged insect, he removed it with the greatest gentle- 
ness. His companions laughingly asked him why he 
did not kill it, receiving in reply, " It would not be 
right to kill the poor thing, for it did not intend to 
hurt me.'' 

Among his other eccentricities was that of a re- 
markalile stoicism, an indifference to physical pain. 
To demonstrate this, he would often stick pins into 
his tlcsli; and he cured wounds by cauterizing them, 
and then treating them as burns. This fortitude, or 
nervous- insensibility, wiiichever it was, led the In- 
dians to look upon him as a lieing peculiarly gifted; 
a "great medicine man,"' and they treated him with 
great kindness. "Johnny Appleseed '" made his 
home with Caleb Palmer through the war, visited 
tlie settlement very often afterward, and was as well 
known here as in any part of Ohio. 

About 1838, he left the State and pushed further 
into the west, still laboring in his self-imposed mis- 
sion, impelled perhaps wholly by his philanthropic 
monomania, but probably by a gnawing misery of the 
heart as well, for it was commonly believed that some 
bitter disappointment in a love affair, had, in his 
young manhood, changed the tenor of Jonathan Chap- 
man's life. If so, a great good was accomplished 
through the thwarting of one human being's happi- 
ness, for the strange, heroic, generous, humane char- 
acter, whom the pioneers of Oiiio and Indiana knew 
as "Johnny Appleseed," by his self-sacriticing toil did 
a vast service to the settlers whom he ju-eceded in the 
wilderness, and to their succeeding generations. It 
has been well said of him, that "as a hero of endur- 
ance, that was voluntarily assumed, and of toil, the 
benefits of which could only l)e reaped by posterity, 
the name of Jonathan Cliapman deserves a perpetuity 
beyond that of a generation of lesser lights passed in 
the glare and romance of the tomahawk and scalping 
knife period.'" 

But little is known of the early life of this pioneer 
nurseryman, but there is every reason to believe that 
it was one strangely in variance with his after years. 
Tiiat lie was a man of fine education is beyond doubt, 
for it is testilicd to by those who knew him in New 
Haven and el.sewhere. At a very early day he deliv- 
ered a Fourth of July address at Bronson, whicii, it 
is said by those who heard it, was masterly in matter 
and manner, a splendid piece of eloquence and a 
model of thought, such as only a mind of fine order 
could give birth to. 

Ill 184T, after nearly a lialf ceiiturv of devotion to 



his chosen mission, and at the age of seventy-two 
years, Jonathan Chapman died in the cabin of a set- 
tler near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The physician who 
was present said that he had never seen a man in so 
placid a state at the approach of death, and so ready 
to enter ui)oii another life. 

THE I'lOXEEKs AXD EAKEY SETTEERS. 

New Haven was settled by a superior class of men. 
Many of them had enjoyed unusual educational ad- 
vantages, and a number were much better endowed 
with material goods than the pioneers in a new 
country generally are. As the village was formed at 
an early day, there were many who came in without 
experiencing the pleasures or pains of pioneer life. 
This class did not, as a rule, take up land. They 
were not. in the proper sense of the term, early set- 
tlers. They located in the village and followed 
trades, and their numl)Or was so great that many are 
not even mentioned, while others are barely referred 
to. 

Beginning with the iiioneers, there was Caleb 
Palmer, of whose first years in New Haven, an ac- 
count has already been given. He was born in Horse 
Neck, Connecticut, in 1TT5, went from there to New 
York, and then to Trumbull county, Ohio, and re- 
moved from there to New Haven, as has been hereto- 
fore stated, in 1811. His first wife was Harriet 
Smith. He had by her, four children : .Maria, (born 
before he settled here, and now dead.) ileigs, (now 
sixty-eight years of age, a i-esident of New Haven, lot 
thirty-nine, section two.) Ruth, (Mrs. Jessie Youngs 
of Tompkins county, Michigan), and Electa 8., (now 
Mrs. C. C. Harding, of New Haven. ) She married, 
fir.st, Jacob Guyselman. Meigs Palmer, married 
Betsey Curtiss. Caleb Palmer's first wife died in 
1818, and he married, several years later, Mrs. .Shel- 
don, the mother of tlie famous Methodist preacher, 
Harry 0. Sheldon. 

Wiio came next after Palmer. Woodstoock and 
Nemcomb, cannot be definitely Slated, and, in fact, 
it is impossible to state precisej; M.n year in which 
the first settlers arrived, for memory errs, and there 
is naught to depend upon in this matter but the re- 
collections of the oldest residents of the township. 
The settlement increased quite fast during the years 
181-t and 1815. During these two years, Josiah Cur- 
tiss, Reuben Skinner, Jas. Maclntyre, David Powers, 
Samuel B. Carpenter, John Barney, Samuel Knapp, 
Martin M. Kellogg, the Inschos, Henry Barney, Royal 
"N. Powers, Chism May, Calvin Hutchinson, (Jeorge 
Beymer, Win. Clark, Jacol) Speeker, Rouse Bly, 
Joseph Dana, John Alliersoii, George Sliircl, Matthew 
Bevard, William Y'ork, Prince Haskell, Stephen Stil- 
well. and many others cast their fortunes witJi tlie 
settlement. 

James Maclntyre and his s(ni by tlie same name, 
with their wives, came from New York State. The 
old gentleman, whose family included several girls. 
took up lot ninety, section one. At tlu^ same time 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



301 



came two sons-in-law, Sanniel Knapp and Daniel Pratt, 
the latter of whom, lot-ated upon lot one hundred and 
four, section one, east of the river. Knapp lived witli 
Maclntyre for a time, and then he and Pratt re- 
moved to Seneca county. Samuel Tooker, a prospec- 
tive son-in-law, came also with tiie Maclntyre family. 
Josiali ("urtiss. a native of Vermont, and his wife, 
Mary Rockwell, made their home on lot fifty-six, sec- 
tion two. Curtiss took as his second wife. Margaret 
DeWitt. David Powers located upon lots sixty-eight 
and sixty-seven, section three — tiie Jesse Snyder farm. 
His brothers. Royal X. and fjemuel. came into the 
county later, — the last named, considerably so. They 
had a sister, who married ilillard FiUmore. C'iiisim 
May came from Georgia, and it is said tliat the prime 
cause of his immigration was the fact that he had bitten 
otf the ear of a man and brother. He died about ten 
or a dozen years after c'oming to Xew Haven, leaving 
a large family, ilartin M. Kellogg was for a short 
time a resident of the place, and probably the first 
wagon maker in it. He removed to Bronson. (the 
iiistory of which township contains more extended 
mention of liim). Samuel B. Carpenter, of New 
York, took up lot forty, section two. He left about 
the year lS"-iO. Prince Haskell, noted as a ineclian- 
ical genius, a iiati\e of Vermont, came in, and re- 
mained a short time, and reftToved to Bronson, wiiere 
he died in 185'^. 

■ Mattliew Bevard, of Muskingum county, settled 
first u])on lot forty, section two, and afterwards re- 
moved to lot sixty-four. It is related of him that be- 
ing with his brother in tlie war of 1812. and the latter 
being taken sick after HulFs surrender, he carried 
him upon his back from Cleveland to Zanesville. 
Bevard went from New- Haven to Missouri where he 
died. His children were: Hiram, William, .Sydney, 
George, Emery. Julia Ann and John. Joseph Dana 
was an early resident who was prominent from tlie fact 
that he was a fine scliohir. and for many years, taught 
a school which afforded excellent advantages to a 
large number of youtii. He at first took up the Mul- 
ford farm, but was unable to pay for it, and after- 
wards resided upon the Henry Trimner farm. He 
removed some time after 1835. to Sandusky countv. 
John Alberson, a brother-in-law of Dana, came in 
company witii him to New Haven, and also lived a 
while upon the ^lulford farm. George Shivel wHo 
arrived about this time, was noted as a great maker 
of shingles. Jacob Speeker, a great hunter and trap- 
per, located upon the edge of the prairie, aiul re- 

■ inained there several years, after which he went to the 
mouth of Pipe creek (near Sandusky) where he died 
((uite recently. William York, a native of Mrginia, 
removed from Fairfield county, Ohio, to New Haven, 
in 1815, and located upon lot one hundred and 
twenty-eight, section one. By his wife, Fannie 
Ettzler, he had several children, three of whom, He- 

''cotor, Ruth and Abrahant came to New Haven. 
Ruth is dead; the otlier two reside in New Haven. 
W illiam York died in 1858, and his wife in 1853. 



Reuben Skinner came to the township in 1814, 
bought land, and made preparations to move his 
family. He took u]) lot one hundred and three and 
a part of one hundred and four in section one, and 
made his home there. In February, 1S15, he brought 
liis family from Knox county, Ohio, where they had 
been for some time residing (he was originally from 
New Jersey), and began life in the new settlement. 
He was rich in the possession of about forty head of 
cattle, the same number of sheep and eight or 
ten horses and colts. His wife's name was Sarah 
Coleman. The pair had eight children: Rebecca, 
James, Joseph, Alfred, John, Ruth, Asel Har- 
rison and Harriet. Father, mother and all of the 
descendants are now dead, Intt John, Ruth and Asel 
Harrison. John lives upon the old homestead. He 
married for his first wife, Emeline Frisbie, and as his 
second, Maria Reubens. Their children are: Harriet 
(deceased), William, Edward and Ann, all residents 
in New Haven. Ruth married St. Clair Beymer, and 
is now living in Iowa. Asel Harrison is in Michigan. 

Benjamin Barney settled in the year 1820: his two 
sons, Henry and John, taking up respectively lots one 
hundred and fifty-one and one hundred and sixty- 
one, both in section one. There was also a third son, 
Benjamin, who was insane. He once wandered into 
the prairie or marsh, was lost and not found until he 
was almost dead. There were several girls in the 
family, among them Julia and Sophia, the latter the 
wife of Luther Coe. and after his death the wife of 
Rouse Bly. The Barneys were from Lucerne county, 
Pennsylvania. They removed to Michigan. George 
Beymer, of Franklin county, settled in 1815. He 
died in 1817, leaving a wife, Christina Beymer, and 
five children: Louisa (Lisle), Fanny (Burns), William, 
Maclntyre and St. Clair. The mother died in 18411. 
George Beymer had the honor of estaljlishing the 
first line of stages in Ohio, running from Wheeling 
to Chillicothe. and received a gratuity from the 
government for doing so. 

Stephen Stilwell settled upon tlie town plat in 
1815. His wife's name was Lydia. She lived until 
quite recently, and, at the time of her death, she was 
in her ninety-ninth year. Selden Graves also located 
in the village about this time, but not long after 
moved to Seneca county. Joseph alid Moses Incho, 
of Knox county, settled, respectively, upon lots fifty- 
one and twenty, in section three, and a brother, 
Robert, settled in Greenfield. Moses removed to 
Ripley about twelve years later. 

In the year 181C, there were ipiite a numl)ei' of 
arrivals. Luther Coe, a brother of the widely-known 
Rev. Alvin Coe, settled on lots one hundred and 
twenty-seven and one hundred and thirty-eight, in 
section one. He married Sophia Barney, and they 
reared a family of six children. Coe died in 1827, in 
Indiana. Ilis widow married Rouse Bly. Ezekie! 
Rooks and William Ellis settled near the marsh (sec- 
tion four) in the same year — Rooks upon lots one 
hundred and forty-eight and one hundred and forty- 



302 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



nine, and Ellis adjoining him upon th'e latter. Ellis 
died in 1824. Isaac Powers came aboixt the same 
time and took up the lot north of Rooks, but removed 
to Michigan with his family as early as 1831. All 
these families were from New York State. Rouse 
Bly, who came in sometime during 181G, took up lots 
one hundred and thirty-seven and one hundred and 
thirty-eight, section one. It was probably about this j 
time that Joseph Darling, of Connecticut, came into | 
the township. He married Sophia Dana, and lived 
in New Haven till his death, which occurred about 
1855. John ^Myers located, not far from the year 
above mentioned, on the town plat, and Benjamin 
West, Gasper and Matthew Smith, John Middleton 
and several others, arrived in the township. Henry 
Granger came in about 1817, and built a tavern. 
Benjamin McFarland came from New York the same 
year, bringing with him his mother. He resided for 
a number of years on the town plat, and is still living 
in the township, aged nearly ninety. He never mar- 
ried. Wm. Clark, who came at this time, or earlier, 
perhaps, took up no land for a permanent homestead, 
but bought various parcels upon speculation. David 
Dow, of New York, came in 1817, bought land of 
Clark, and afterwards went into the shoemaking 
business. He married Louisa Beymer. Medad Wood- 
ruff was another arrival during the same year. He 
was drowned some time after. 

Enos Rose was one of the first who entered the 
settlement in 1818. Elisha Steward, a native of Con- 
necticut, but for some time a resident of Pennsyl- 
vania, took up lot one hundred and twelve, section 
one. He married Mary Rice. Wm. Bunn, of Mary- 
land, came in the same year. A Mr. McEwen arrived 
about the same time, and Bunn married one of his 
daughters. 

Thomas T. Mulford arrived in 1810. His parents 
had lived on Lonu' Island, but Mr. Mulford's last 
place of residence, before coming to Ohio, was in 
Lucerne county, Pennsylvania. He was a single man 
when he came to New Haven, but in 1821 he went to 
Connecticut, (New London county,) and married 
Phoebe Steward. Then returning, he engaged, with 
Mr. Steward, in the tanning business, and in 1827 
bought the faim upon which heat present resides, 
lot eighty-nine, a part of lot eighty-eight, and a part 
of lot eighty, section one. His wife died in 1860. 
The children of this couple were: Lewis, Polly, (.Mrs. 
T. M. Chapman, of New Haven,) p]meline, Almira, 
(wife of Dr. William Smith, of Yan Wert,) Marion, 
(who married Elizabeth Born, of Buffalo, New York,) 
residing upon the old homestead, and Harriet, (wife of 
Dr. Charles Richards, of Joliet. Illinois). Lewis and 
Emeline are dead. 

Enos Ayres settled a mile and a iialf south of the 
village, in 1819, and engaged in cabinet-making. 

After 1820 the settlement increased very slowly for 
a number of years. It had grown with considerable 
rapidity until then, but Judge Wells, the ]irincipal 
owner of the land, in that year raised the jirice to 



about three dollars per acre, and there seemed but 
little inclination among would be settlers to take it 
at that price. 

Judge Ives, of Wallingford, Connecticut, one of the 
ablest men New Haven had among its many able 
citizens, came to the village in 1820, married Polly 
Frisbie, and resided there most of his years. He died 
in 1864. Moses S. Beach came the same year, and at 
a later date brought his family to the then growing 
and active little town. Dr. John B. Johnson came 
also in 1820. He was from Southington, Connecticut. 
He married Roxanna Andrews, settled down in the 
village to follow bis profession, and was doing very 
well with prospect of fine success in the future. He 
died, however, in 1824, leaving a family of four chil- 
dren — .Jane E., Hermie, John B. and Wallace. .Jane 
E, is the wife of William F. Knight, himself an old 
resident of the county. Wallace is in Buffalo, and 
the other two are dead. Richard Frisbie came to the 
township about this time. He married Emma 
Andrews, a sister of Mrs. Johnson. 

Ives Rice, of Wallingford, C'onnccticut, came to 
New Haven in 1821. He married Elizabeth Johnson. 
.J. B. Lewis, of New London, Connecticut, came into 
New Haven in 1822, but i-eturned east and remained 
until the spring of 182.3. He lived upon the town 
plat, and was a tanner, until 18."J3. when he Ijoiight a 
farm — lot eighty-one, section two, and made his 
home there. His first wife was Louisa White, and 
his second, Susan Head. He has three children 
living: (Jscar. (in Illinois,) Leander H., (in Knox 
county. Ohio,) and James S. (at home. Jolin Love- 
land came into the township in June, 1822. He was 
a native of Vermont, but moved into Ohio from 
Pennsylvania. He took up lots thirty-four and 
thirty-three, section two. He was engaged for several 
years in the production of whisky, and distilled pep- 
permint and other essences. He married, in 1824, 
Flora, a daughter of Joseph Dana, and several years 
after her death married Calista Cnrtiss. His children, 
liy both wives, are: John B., (in Fremont,) William 
W., (in Michigan.) Rockwell, (deceased,) Almira 
Jane, (Mrs. Woodworth, New Haven,) Flora A., (in 
New York,) George W., (in Richland county.) and 
Oscar A., on the old homestead. 

The Bivwbakers. from Pennsylvania originally, but 
directly from Mansfield, settled ujion lot nine, section 
two. The old gentleman's name was Andrew, and 
his sons were Andrew, Jacob, and John. Peter and 
John Lang were anions the earlv settlers. Thev 
came from New York, and lived in the village. The 
first named was an odd and original character, who 
had a band in almost every harem-scareni adventure 
that was enacted in his lime. William B. Moore 
was a ]n-ominent citizen, who aVrived in 1819. He 
married Mary Graham, of Greenfield. Dr. Pliilo P. 
Hoy, Ira Towne, John D. Loomis. Jlerrit Clark, 
George Knight, and several others, who took a lead- 
ing part ill the affairs of the village, became residents 
abdtit this time. Ilenrv Mooiv. of New York State, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



303 



also anived in 1819. Christian Cnlp «'ttled about 
tlie year last mentioned in tlic southern [lart of the 
townsliip, lot one hundred and tifty-four, section one. 
He was ori<rinally from Virginia, but had lived in 
Ohio some time before coming to New Haven. He 
married, in Fairfield county. Eleanor Burton. They 
liad eight children, three of whom — Mary (Mrs. E. 
Sherman, of Plymouth). Henry, of Kipley. and 
Jacob, of Plymouth, are living. Mr. Gulp built a saw 
and grist mill upon his property about 1S34. He 
died in 1849, and his wife in 187U. John W. John- 
ston came also in 18"22. or the following year, from 
Pennsylvania. He married Temperance Andrews. 
Their children were Elizabeth (now in Allen county), 
Lucretia (in Iowa), and John W.. who died young. 
Jesse B. Frost, who came in at this time, bought first 
the F. M. Chapman farm, and afterwards went on to 
the Frisljie place. John Fulkerson. wlio became a 
settler about 18'^(>, or possibly several years before, 
was generally accredited with bringing the first rat 
into the township. At least the one which junijied 
from his wagon when his goods were unpacked was 
tiie first ever seen in New Haven. In 1822, Horace 
Hough, who arrived from Connecticut, bought the 
Lemuel Powers farm. Ebeuezer Frisbie, of Walling- 
ford, Connecticut, came during the same year,' and 
after occupying for a short season several pieces of 
ground, took the Maclntyre farm. Jasper M. 
Smalley came in about 1823, and built a distillery. 
During the same year came Bazaliel Rice and his son- 
in-law, Jesse Gaylord, from Connecticut, and the 
former took wp lots one hundred and four and one 
hundred and five in section one. Enoch Conger, the 
I'resbyterian preacher, came from New York; arrived 
in 1824. Henry Steele, a blacksmith, located the 
.same year in the village. William C. Enos, a lawyer, 
came in also in 1824, and lived in the township for 
several years. The fact that he was at one time car- 
ried in an uncomfortable and undignified position 
upon A rail, by a mimljcr of his fellow citizens, may 
be taken Ijy some as an indication that he was not 
popular among the people. He had the satisfaction 
of prosecuting a number of those who had indulged 
in the sport of giving him a ride. Colonel Elam 
Weeks, of New York State, became one of the com- 
munity in 182."). He married a daughter of Horace 
Hough. 

After 182.>, the arrivals Ijccanie more frequent; the 
land was raj)idly taken up by farmers; the village de- 
veloped; the newness of the country was gone; the 
list of the pioneer days passed, and the era of staid, 
sober life, without the privations, the i)leasures, or 
the excitements of former years, was begun. New- 
comers were given a welcoming, but it was not such 
as those arriving before '20 had received — not so 
warmly hospitable or cheering. 

UOfSKIIOLDEKS l.\ 1820. 

In tlie year 1820 there were, as is shown by the 
clerk's co]>y of the trustees report, eighty-six house- 



holders in New Haven township. We give the names 
by school districts: 

District Xo. 1. — Joseph Darling, Jr., Joseph Dana, 
Josiah Curtiss, William Babcock, Isaac Fox, Rufus 

Love, Nicholas Doile, Birge, Matthew Smith, 

John Loveland, Jacob Brewbaker, (Jeorge Livengood, 
Joseph Inscho, Stephen Stilwell, Francis Stilwell, 
John Brewbaker, Joseph Price, Elen Lightner, Zuriel 
W. Harris, John Stobz— 20. 

Dixtrict No. 2. — Caleb Palmer, Matthew Bevard, 
John Falcurson, Bazaliel I. Rice, Arthur Sinclear 
Beymer. Elizabeth May, Wm. Beenier, Lyilia Pratt, 
David Powers, Jesse B. Frost, Benjamin McFarland, 
Leroy Reed, Phebe Hardin, Henry Steele, John My- 
ers, George, Shirel, James B. Lewis, Andrew Forbes, 
Almira Ives, Moses S. Beach, David Dow, James 
Skinner, Jason C. Ames, Richard Johnson, Benj. M. 
Bartow, Sarah Stuffey. Richard Frisliie, Roxanna 
Johnson, Elisha Steward. Elam Weeks, Ebenezer 
Frisbie, Enoch Conger, Jesse Gaylortl, Joseph Skin- 
ner, Reulien Skinner, Horace Hough. Benjamin Bar- 
ney — 3T. 

District No. 3. — William Y'ork, Luther Coe, Rouse 
Bly, .John Barney, Henry Barney, Benj. F. Taylor, 
William Gould, Lemuel Powers, Gilbert, Mar- 
tin M. Kellogg, Joseph Wilson, Hugh Long, Matthew 
ilcKelvey, William C. Enos, William Dixon, Samuel 
Gilchrist, John Shaw, Christian Culp, John Moore, 
Hannah Moore, Villiers Morrell, Ezekiel Rooks, Wil- 
liam Ellis, Hepsabeth Redington, Charles Hills, Al- 
fred Tubbs, Joseph Cain. Eunice Cain. — Linzcy — 29. 

IXITI.VL FACTS. 

The first white child liorn within the limits of 
New Haven townshiii, was Ruth, daughter of Caleb 
and Harriet Palmer. She was born April 29, 1813. 
She married Jesse Youngs, and is still living in Mich- 
igan. Judge Isaac Mills gave her father ten dollars 
to be held in trust for her until she was of age. 

George Beymer was the first i)erson who died in 
New Haven. He settled in the township in 1815, and 
died June 24, 1817, after a long illness, contracted 
while he was in Franklin county, Ohio. A large fam- 
ilv was bereft of a father when he was removed, and 
because of this fact, and also as it was the first time 
that death had invaded the settlement, the occasion 
was one of the intensest sorrow. An old settler, 
sjteaking of the funeral, says that it Avas one of the 
most agonizing experiences that he can recall to mind, 
and one of the most solemn. The women who were 
present gave expression to their grief in the most 
heart-rending manner, wailing and sobbing during 
the whole of the sad service. The sermon was 
preached by tlie Rev. James Mclntyrc. A strange 
sight it must have been to have seen that uncouth, 
earnest man, speaking in his peculiar way of religion, 
to the little group of people who stood by the first 
grave opened in New Haven. 

The first couple married in the township, were 
James Skinner and ll;iiriet Bevmer. Tliev were 



304 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



married in June. 1817, at Reuben Skinner's house, 
by Calelj Palmer. 

The first Masonic funeral in New Haven was that 
of Dr. John B. Johnson, who died in 1824. 

The first school was taught by Sophia Barney, in 

1815. Joseph Dana taught the fir.st singing school, 
about 1820. 

Caleb Palmer's was the first log house. The first 
framed building was a small barn built by Royal N. 
Powers. The first brick liouse was that of J. K. 
Partello. 

Mrs. Joseph Darling, (a daughter of " Priest" Ed- 
wards, of Ripley), taught the first Sunday school 
about the year 1830. upon wliat is, at this writing, 
known as the Henry Trinmer farm. 

The first saw mill was built by William Clark, on 
lot sixty-five, section two, in the year 1816. It was 
afterwards owned by Moses S. Beach. It has long 
since passed away, but the old race can still be 
seen. 

The first grist mill was built by Caleb Palmer, in 

1816, or the year following, upon lot fifty-seven, sec- 
tion two. 

The first Fourth of July celebration of which any 
information can be gleaned, was in 1822. It was held 
upon the square, where a green bower was erected 
over the speaker's stand and dinner tables. Speeclies 
were made, and toasts responded to. Caleb Palmer 
liaving one which caused much merriment. Colonel 
Elam Weeks was marshal of the day, and Cxeorge 
Beymer got up the dinner. There was a large crowd 
present, and in the evening the young people had a 
dance. 

The early settlers went to Truxville, (now called 
Ganges), in Ricliland county, to Jiave their milling 
done. It was quite a formidable undertaking to make 
a trip thei-e and back, and occupied at least two. and 
sometimes three or four days, although the mill was 
but ten or a dozen miles distant. 

The first salt obtained was packed from the mouth 
of the Huron, upon horses, and cost those who bought 
•it about twelve dollars per liarrel. 

The first deed of land in New Haven township was 
made early in 1815. to David and Royal N. Powers. 
It conveyed the land at the center of the township 
upon which the village of New Haven was laid out. 

The first cemetery laid out in the township was the 
one on John Skinner's farm, lot one hundred and 
three, section one. It lies upon a sandy knoll. The 
location is a beautiful one, and the cemetery is, and 
has been, kept in good condition. The earliest death 
recorded upon its many stones was in 1817. 

The township records, which date !)ack to 1815, 
when the first election was hehl, are still in existence, 
and fill a i)onderotis volume. T'he records for the 
first six years were transcribed in 1821 by David 
Powers, then township clerk. 

The first justice of the j)eace. t!aleb Pahncr. elected 
November 24, 1815, served until ls-,'2. when he was 
succeeded by Elisha Stewart. Palmer was also the 



first postmaster in New Haven, and one of the first 
commissioners of Huron county in 1815. 

The first lawyer who located in the township was 
Wm. Clark, Esq., who settled as early as 1815. 

The first chopping in the township, for the pur- 
pose of improvement, was done in 1810, by William 
McKelvey, upon what is now known as the John 
Keiser farm, lot sixty-five, section two. McKelvey 
was one of the pioneers of Greenfield township. 

The first wheat was sown by Caleb Palmer in 1810 
— before he became a settler — upon the ground where 
he afterwards located his home. 

The first orchard was jnit out upon the farm of 
Reuben Skinner. Mr. Skinner and his son took a 
quantity of cranberries, which they picked upon the 
marsh or prarie, to Knox county, and exchanged 
them for one hundred of very small trees. The Skin- 
ners made their settlement in 1814. Some of the 
trees, which were set out soon after this date, are 
still alive and in bearing condition. Tlie orchard is 
now the jDroperty of Jolin Skinner. 

ORGAXIZATIOX OF THE TOWSSHIl'. 

The first election in New Haven township was held 
on the 17th of August, 1815. John Barney was 
chairman: Josiah Curtiss and Stephen D. Palmer, 
judges; Daniel Powers and James Mclntyre, Jr., clerks. 
Following are the names of the officers at that time 
elected: Samuel B. Carpenter, clerk; Robert Inscho, 
John Barney, Martin M. Kellogg, trustees; James 
Mclntyre, Chisim May, overseers of the poor; Samuel 
Knapj), Reuben Skinner, fence viewers: Stephen D. 
Palmer, Henry Barney, supervisors: Calvin Hutchin- 
son, Samuel Knapp, appraisors; Calvin Hutchinson, 
constal:)le; Caleb Palmer, treasurer. 

The officers in service in 1879 are as follows: B. T. 
Dimm, clerk; Theodore Mills, treasurer: Abner Sny- 
der, assessor; James Fitch, A. J. Seydel. Alexander 
Clark, constables; Pliillip Upp, E. Skinner, George 
Strimple, trustees: A. Snyder, George Nichols. Jacob 
Culp, justices of the peace: Jesse Snyder, F. M. Chap- 
man, E. S. Case, Charles Ganung, S. S. Snyder, 
George Nichols, Cyrus King. .James Hatch, members 
of school board. 

SOCIAL AMUSEMENTS. 

New Haven having, in early times, a larger jiojmla- 
tion than any of her sister townships, it followed 
naturally that the people led a more jolly, social life 
than in most other communities. Almost every 
Saturday afternoon was given up to amusement, and 
nearly the whole population was there gathered upon 
the square to indulge in various games, such as ball, 
pitching (juoits, wrestling, running, jumping, etc. 
Many a royal frolic was had at the taverns, and many 
a jovial crowd assembled to engage in some hilarious 
but harmless merry-making. Wild pranks were 
jilayed l)y the young men ui)on each other, and often 
the fun was carried into the solemn ranks of their 
elders. Liquor was used more or less freelv on all oc- 



n 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



305 



elisions, luiil peiliajis, some things were done under 
its exciting iiitiiieiice wiiioh would not, iiave bt'on done 
without it. Tiiosf who renionilicr the "old times" in 
New Ilavfii, liowever substantiate the commonly ac- 
cepted idea that, in spite of the general use of stiniui- 
ants, there was nut an excess of baleful result. On 
one occasion nearly the entire population of the village 
went out in sleds to a locality by the side of the 
prairie, to have a winter picnic, and after having a 
good dinner and a happy time, returned to the village 
with the sled stakes bearing each an empty jug. 
Nearly all had partaken of the contents of these jugs, 
l)ut not a person was unduly or indecently affected by 
it. The weddings and parties were occasions of un- 
bounded enjoyment. There was a lack of formality 
and of the artificial but plenty of honest, homely 
hospitality and good feeling. .\ number of men 
and women would often go in an ox cart to the house 
of a friend wliei'i' they had been in\ited, and there 
meeting many other guests, would enjoy in a genuinely 
socialde way the whole of a long, ijut seemingly short 
evening. Sometimes the accommodations were ap- 
parently insufficient for the number of guests. There 
would, perhaps, be no table large enough to hold the 
substantial supper or dinner that hnd been provided, 
but it was an easy matter to take a door from its 
hinges and lay it upon a couple of liarrels, and the 
ladies and gentlemen of the olden time probably en- 
joyed the various good things, set forth upon this im- 
provised table, as their descendants do the luxuries 
now more elegantly served. Some of t!ie weddings 
were great "social events," and otJiers were noted as 
nnmy. are now-a-days only for their oddity. When 
Elisha Steward was married to Mary Rice, a boister- 
ous, bacchanalian crowd took forcible possession of 
the groom, put him upon a sled, where they had 
placed a keg of whisky and compelled him to drink 
\vliile they drove away and around the country. 

One of the novelties in marriages was that of 
Charles Hooker and Hermie .Johnson Ijy Dr. Ben- 
schooter, justice of the peace. He met tiiem, and the 
following brief conversation ensued: 

"Charlie, do you want to marry Hermie?"' 

"Yes." 

" Hermie, do you want to marry Charlie Hooker? ' 

"I do." 

"Then,'" said the s<|iiire, "I jironounce you, ac- 
cording to the laws of the State, man and wife." 

I)i:.\TH I-KOM " DA.MPS.'' 

Great excitement was caused in 18'.i2 Ijy the death 
in a well of two men named Pace and Hatch. They 
hail dug a well for Henry Harney, and, when all was 
in readiness to begin the work of stoning it up. Hatch 
descended in a tub, and just as he reached the bottom 
he was observed to fall and become apparently insen- 
sible. Pace immediately descended to rescue his 
friend, and he, too, fell and expired. It was not un- 
til then that the bystanders thought of the "damps," 
or noxious gases in the well. They knew, beyond the 

30 



possibility of a doubt, that both men were dead. 
After several hours had ])asscd. their bodies were re- 
covered. Hatch left a wife and several children; Pace 
was a single man, and had, only a short time liefore, 
L-(ime into the township from Pennsylvania. This 
casualty was, we believe, the first that occui-red in 
New Haven. It cast a gloom over the whole com- 
munity. 

DLSTILLEKIES. 

Whisky being an article of common consumption 
and in use, practically, as a legal tender, it followed 
■naturally that the township should not be without 
places for its manufacture. A distillery was Iniilt 
within the present limits of Plymouth village in 16'io 
by Lemuel M. Powers and Martin Kellogg. In 1827 
a number of men who had been engaged in the ex- 
citing, if not dignified act of giving a fellow citizen 
a ride upon the rail, look refuge from the sheriff in 
this distillery, and it was from that time generally 
known as "Fort Defiance." 

John Loveland was engaged in the production of 
ardent spirits at a small distillery near the site of his 
present residence, and as many of the preachers in the 
surrounding country w-ere among his patrons it is 
reasonable to infer that he made a very good article 
of whisky. Several ministers were in the habit of 
drinking at his distillery and of going to it to have 
their bottles filled. ?Ir. Loveland once jiaid his share 
of support to the Rev. Enoch Conger in liipior, giving 
him fifteen gallons from his still. .Jasper W, Smal- 
ley was also engaged in distilling. 

ROfSE ELY AXU THE FffilTIYE SLAVES. 

One of the numerous ramifications (Tf the "Under- 
ground railroad" passed through New Haven. Rouse 
Bly was one of the brave, humane spirits who risked 
all, even life itself, in befriending the poor, fleeing 
slaves, during the troublesome times beginning about 
1840. His house was one of the depots upon the 
road where numy a weary traveler, who only knew he 
was going toward the north star and freedom, stopped 
for rest and refreshment. Dozens of times Rouse 
Bly took men and women through to Norwalk or 
Oberlin from his house in New Haven, lie often 
had ijands of Ijlacks secreted aljout his house or out- 
buildings, and his ingenuity invented some shrewd 
methods of concealment. It is related that on one 
occasion a number of southern slave owners, who had 
lost, some of their human property, stoj)j>e(l at Ely's 
place, jirobably having suspicion that he w-as one of 
the "nigger runner.s," and made a careful searcli of 
the premises, looking, in the course of their examin- 
ation, into the smoke-house-where, unknown to them, 
and hidden by the thick clouds of smoke, the very 
slaves they had lost, crouched, trembling with fear. 

RELKilOrs MATTKIiS — EAiil.V ANT) LATE. 

It is altogether proljaljle that the first sermon 
delivered in the township was by that eccentric, but 
good man. Rev. .lainrs Mii( Intyre. He was the only 



306 



HISTORY OF HUKO^ AM) EIU£ COUNTIES, OHIO. 



son of an early settler, who bore the same given name, 
and came into the euuuty in 1814, from New York 
State, being then a young man. He was without 
other education, theologically, than that which he 
had secured from reading diligently the few books 
that fell into his possession. He was awkward, un- 
couth, illy clad, had a poor voice, was ccmiparatively 
ignorant, but he was iu earnest. The Bible was his 
great study, argument his forte. His style was dry, 
plain, but forcible in reason and convincing. He was 
a Methodist, and the creeds which he combatted most 
persistently, strongly and successfully, were those of 
Galvanism and Universalism. His argumentative 
artillery fired some telling shots into the forts of these 
faiths. He was ueverstrougerthan when doing buttle 
against some advocate of one or the other belief, in 
debate. In his utter disregard of dress and personal 
appearance, Maclntyre bore some resemblance to 
another strange character — '•Johnny Appleseed" — of 
whom an account is given elsewhere in this history. 
The first impression created by the appearance of 
Maclntyre was, invariably, one of surprise. Those, 
however, who were disposed to judge too hastily, from 
his ap|iearance. that he lacked ability, were soon con- 
vinced to the contrary when they heard him speak. 
Early settlers descrilie him as a remarkably tall, gaunt, 
ungainly figure, with thin, peaked face, small, deeii 
set eyes, and sandy hair. He usually appeared at 
the place where a meeting was to be held, attired in 
a tow cloth shirt, often worn in the manner of a frock, 
tow cloth i)antaloons, one tow cloth suspender, with 
a ■'buckeye" hat upon his head, and barefooted. He 
was the last man a stranger would have picked out in 
the little group as the preacher. He would begin 
speaking in a cracked, squeaking voice, and those 
who had never seen him or heard of hini before, would 
imagine that they saw before them some poor, cracked 
and crazed fanatic. Wonder would soon change to 
admiration, as the pioneer preacher jjroceeded with 
the argument of his sermon. He was. although poorly 
educated, naturally smart, energetic and earnest. His 
converts were numerous, and the amount of good he 
accomplished, great. Apropos, of his extreme care- 
lessness in the matter of dress, it is related that once 
upon a time, when Maclntyre and some others had 
sent woolen cloth away to be dyed, that he marked 
his piece with the initials of his name, and when it 
was returned, had it made into a coat, which bore 
conspicuously upon the back tiie lai'ge letters "J. 
M'l." Although the marking could have been easily 
removed, the letters being merely coarse yarn stitched 
upon the cloth, Maclntyre never took them off. and 
tliey were visiljle to the people of Xew Haven until 
the garment was worn out. The preacher could plead 
law as well as religion, it is said, and was frequently 
employed to do so. 

Among the other early preachers who are remem- 
Ijered in Xew Ha\en, were Benajah Boardman, 
Benjamin Wooley and Harry 0. Sheldon, of the 
Metliodist denomination: Kevs. Enoch Conger, W'il- 



-Wolf, and Ludivicus 



liam ilatthews, Alvin Coe, 
Robbins, Presbyterians. Conger was a resident, for 
a time, of Xew Haven. Cue settled in Greenfield, 
and Matthews in Ashland county. 

Presbyterian meetings were held at .John Barney's 
house soon after the period of Rev. Maclntyre's 
Methodist meetings. Tliese meetings were addressed 
by Rev. William Matthews, and it is probable that 
he was the first Presbyterian ministei who preached 
in Xew Haven. The church of this denomination 
was organized, however, h\ Rev. Enoch Conger, who 
united with the presbytery of Huron in IS'^-l, and for 
a time served in Xew Haven, Greenfield and Ply- 
mouth townships. He was installed as pastor. This 
church had only a short existence. Whether it was 
organized earlier or later than the first Methodist class, 
cannot now be determined. Xo records of these 
bodies are in existence, and no authentic information 
can be gleaned iu regard to either of them. 

The historian presents herewith such sketches of 
the churches, alive and defunct, as he has been 
able to glean from records and from interviews with 
old residents. 

M. E. CHIKCH. 

The Methodists had an organization at a very early 
day, l)ut owing to the disappearance of the records 
(if any were ever kept), no facts are obtainable except 
those which relate to the comparatively recent his- 
tory of the church. The kouse of worship was built 
in the season of 1841 and 1842 at Xew Haven village, 
at a cost of about fifteen hundred dollars, and was 
for that time a commodious structure. Rev. 8. JI. 
Allen was the preacher iu charge of the Paris circuit 
at that time. The trustees or building committee 
were John Ganung. William Howard, Jacob Loar, 
Le Roy Reed, and S. R. Parker. The present stew- 
ards of New Haven circuit (having in charge the 
churches at Xew Haven and Plymouth, and one 
other) are the following: F. M. Chapman. .J. L. 
Young. J. K. Southard, John Emmerson, William 
Kirkpatriek, Marvin Seaton, George Weaver, Wil- 
liam Dawson, and Samuel Hook. The class leaders 
of New Haven Methodist Episcopal church ar» F. M. 
Chapman, .1. K. Southard, E. Dickinson: trustees, 
Erastus Dickinson. George Mead, J. L. Young, J. 
K. Southard, and George Hougii. Rev. D. D. T. 
Mattison is at present the jireacher in charge. 

FKEK WILL BAl'TIsT (HIK( H. 

May (I. ly38. a numljer of persons asseml)led at the 
school house near Josiah Curtiss' house, and organ- 
ized themselves into a church bearing the above 
name. The originid nieinl)ers were ten in nuinl)er: 
Josiah Curtiss, Ira Selden. Amasa Blanchard, Elial 
Curtiss, Reul)en R. Curtiss". Ephraim Heller, Jere- 
miah Woodmansie: Julia L. Selden. Ann Heller and 
Calista Loveland. Elder .lohn Wheeler was modera- 
tor of the meeting. Reul)en R. Curtiss was elected 
as the first clerk, ami Josiah Curtiss and Ira Selden 
as deacons. Khal Curtiss. lieeame the first pastoi of 



HISTORY OF IIUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



307 



the church. Meetings were held for a time in the 
school house; hut, in ISW, the ])resent cliurcii edifice 
was hnilt, wliere it now standi, on the southwest cor- 
ner of lot tliirty-tluvo, in section two. at a cost of 
eight hundred dollars. 

The church has experienced many revivals, and 
has had numerous accessions to its membership there- 
from. The first was under the preaching of Kins- 
man R. Davis, and twenty parsons converted l)y his 
preaching joined the flock. Other notable revivals 
were had under the preaching of the Revs. Cyrus 
Courtland, Oscar R:ikcr, .John Chambers, .Tames 
Ashley, Eider Moore, X. R. George, Ezra Ashley and 
others. The present jnistor is Elder Thomas Dimm; 
.Tohn Lovcland, Thos. Clark, deacons; John Ldvc- 
land anl Thos Clark, trustees of the incori)oration; 
.lolm Lovt'hinil, clerk. 

THE HAI'TIST ilirurll 

was at one time a flourishing society, anil had up- 
wards of one hundred and fifty membi'rs. A neat 
cliurch building was erected in 1S41, wiiich the Bap- 
tists still own and allow other denominations to 
use, though having, at the present writing, but a 
small membership, they do not themselves have reg- 
ular services. The church was organized in 1840, at 
Deacon Stowe's house, and its constituent members 
were: Elder .John Kelley, Horace Hough, Horace 
Stowe, \Vm. GamtVig, Seldon Jones, Timothy Aus- 
tin, Wm. Trembly, Georgg H. Sparks, Esther M. 
Kelley, Martha Sparks, Rebecca Skinner, Emily 
Books, Freelove Gardner, Louisa Linsey, Sarah 
Stowe, Freelove Woodwortli, Sarah Ann Trembly, 
Martha llarkness. In 18.58, tlie chnrch having be- 
come defunct, it was re-organized with following 
members : Ezra Stewart, W. R. Partello, W. D. 
Ganung, J. Guyselman, J. -T. Shivel, J. J. Knight, 
Electa Guyselman, Mrs. Wooilworth, S. Knight, 
Polly Ives, Eliza Lisle, Sarah Stewart, Sjphia Partello, 
Ellen Clelaml. and George A. Knight. 

THE rHriUH OF (iOD. 

In 1871, an organization was effected, which, re- 
jecting all other ajipellations, was termed by its mem- 
bers the Chnrch of God, and by outsiders, the W ine- 
breunarian Cliurch. The chnrch was organized by D. 
S. Warner. Joseph Wolf was its first ruling elder, 
and Solomon Kline the teaching elder; J. C. Colwell 
and T. S. Charity were deacons. Tlie present officers 
of the church are: 'SI. A. Artman, ruling, and H. M. 
Linn, teaching elder. The church when organized 
had nearly fifty members, Ijut at the jjresent writing, 
ha.s considerably less than that number. 

THE I'NIVEU.S.VLIST i lllli( II. 

This church was organized December 1.5, 1878, 
with the following members: E. .S. Case, Harriet S. 
Case, Nettie Case, Alinda Gleason, William Graham, 
Sarah Graham, Newell Curtiss, Mary M. Curtiss, I). 
II. Young. Angeline Young, Horsilia J. Young, 



George Strimple, James K. Lowther, L. Courtland 
Heller, Elizabeth Cusack, George Graham, and J. II. 
Lowther. Rev. T. S. Rice is pastor: L. Courtland 
Heller, president; George Strimple, treasurer; E. S. 
Case, Angeline Y^oung and Sarah Graham, trustees. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school taugjit in the township, was by 
Sophia Barney, (Jjatham Coe"s second wife). This 
was as early as 181.5, or the year following. The 
school was held in a small log building, put up by 
Caleb Palmer, upon lot fifty-seven, section two. 

.John N. Sloan taught, a little later, in a log build- 
ing which stood near the present school house on the 
town plat. Among the ]iuiiils were. James. Joseph. 
John. Alfred and Harrison Skinner, and Maclntyre 
and Minerva Beymer. Mi-. Sloan had an assistant, — 
Louisa Beymer. 

Joseph Dana was for many years the teaclier of an 
excellent school at the village. He was a man of fine 
scholarship and had a peculiar ability in, and fond- 
ness for, his jirofession. He labored, however, against 
many disadvantages. One of tliem was the absence 
of the conveniences for writing, which ai'c now 
thought indispensalde. The jmpils had no paper, 
slates or blackboards, n]ion which to exercise their 
chirographic abilities, and traced their '-pothooks"' 
and rude letters in sand strewn upon smooth boards. 

A school house was built quite early in the history 
of the township, which was, for the time, an un- 
usually good one. It was originally Ijut one story 
high, but another was added by the Masonic frater- 
nity. Good schools have been maintained at this 
building, at the village, almost constantly since the 
earliest recollection of the oldest residents, and just 
at present there is one, which under the manageintnt 
of Wn:. F. Dimm. is kept fully up to the high 
standard long ago estal)lished. The distrigt schools 
throughout the township compare favorably with 
those of other jilaces. 

I'HYSICIAXS. 

Unlike most of the early settlements New Haven 
had a resident physician during the first years of its 
existence. Dr. Samuel B Carjicnter began practice 
with Royal N. Powers as a partner, about 1814. The 
jiopulation increased very fast u)) to 18"2o. and they 
enjoyed a lucrative practice. Neither of them, how- 
ever, depended entirely ui)on success in the jtrofessiou 
for a living. Dr. Selden Graves came into the com- 
munity not long after Doctors Carpenter and Powers, 
remained a short time, and then removed to Seneca 
county. Dr. John B. Johnson arrived in 18-^0, and 
continued in practice ijntil his death. A Dr. Brown 
was for a time in jiartnership with him. Dr. Richard 
Morton and Dr. Thomas Johnston were next in order 
of arrival. Dr. Lemuel Powers, a brotlier of Royal 
N., practiced for several years, as did also Dr. Dim- 
mock. Dr. Pliilo P. Hoy was prominent in the 
township for some time, professionally and otherwise. 



308 



HISTORY -OF HUKON AND ERIE- COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Dr. Price followed the profession alone, and also in 
company with Dr. Johnston. At a later day came 
Drs. Buck and Myers, E. Lewis. E. L. Austin, of 
Plymouth; Dr. Cope, Dr. Ormsby, Dr. F. G. Arm- 
strong, Dr. Nathan Buckingham, Dr. Charles Rich- 
ards and Dr. John Krehbiel. 

The present resident physician of Xew Haven is 
Dr. D. W. Vail, of the Allopathic school. He was 
born in Bronson townsliip. graduated at the Western 
Reserve Medical College in Cleveland, and has been 
located here since 18C9. 

NEW HAVEX LODGE XU. -41, I. 0. 0. F. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows effected an 
organization in the township in 1845. The lodge 
above named was instituted on July 2Sth of that year, 
by Thomas Spooner, a special deputy, assisted by 
several other officers. The charter members were: 
Thomas Johnston, Abijah Ives, Sumner P. Webber, 
Jacob W. Cleland, Robert Y. Askin, D. H. Brinker- 
ho£f, J. Graham and William V. B. Moore. Follow- 
ing is a list of the first officers elected and appointed: 
X. G.. Thomas Johnston: V. G., William V. B. 
Moore: Secretary. Sumner P. Webber: Treasurer, 
Abijah Ives; R.S. to N. G., William W. McYitty; 
L. S. to X. G., J. W. Cleland: R. S. to Y. G., Bro. 
Jones; L. S. to Y. G., Bro. Benson; I S. G., Merritt 
Clark: 0. S. G., Ezra Stewart. William V. B. 
Moore resigned as Y. G., and was appointed con- 
ductor. Alonzo Powers was made Y. G. ; Warden, 
Charles E. Bostwick; Chaplain, Dyer F. Webber. 
This lodge had a large membership, and was for many 
3'ears in a very flourishing condition. Many of the 
lodges in neighboring villages were an outgrowth of 
New Haven, among them, Plymouth Lodge of Ply- 
mouth, North Star of Fairfield, Rome, Sharon of 
Shelby, Yenice of Attica, and Centertou of Center- 
ton. Ne*v Haven Lodge began to decline when the 
business interests of the village waned. It never 
lapsed, however, from activity, and though its 
stiength has been severely tried, still has an exist- 
ence and prospects for a perpetual lease of life. Its 
present membership is twenty-seven. The officers are 
as follows: N. G., D. W. Yail; Y. G., A. Snyder; Re- 
cording Secretary. 0. F. Cole; Permanent Secretary, 
F. Layer: Treasurer, L. S. Heller; R. S. to N. G., 
George Strimple: L. S. to N. G., J. L. Miller; R. S. 
to Y. G., Jesse Snyder; L. S. to Y. G., S. L. Abbott; 
Warden, A. H. Smith; Conductor, W. Severance; 
Chaplain, Re\. J. R. Hall: 0. G., J. Williams; I. G., 
C. Kurtz. 

EARLY MAIL CAKIUEK^ — .STAliE ROfTES — ROADS. 

It is probable that a mail w<\,s carried tlirough New 
Haven as early as 1800 or 1810, and as late as 1813, 
by a' man named Facer. His route was from Mans- 
field to the mouth of the Huron river. AiidreAv Brew- 
liaker succeeded Facer as custodian of the mail, and 
made trips over the road, or rather trail, for two 
vears. It is said that diirinL' the whole of that time 



he saw only three or four white persons on the route, 
though Indians were met very fre<iuently. They made 
him no trouble, however, and were never so much a 
cause of fear as were the wolves. Tiie country was 
full of these disagreeable and dangerous animals, and 
it is said by old settlers that Brewbaker seldom dis- 
mounted from his horse, because afraid that he would 
be molested if he did so. He was accustomed to pour 
grain into a basin, shaped hollow, which he had 
chopped in a fallen tree, and sit ni the saddle while 
his horse ate. 

It was some time during Brewbaker"s period of ser- 
vice that a post office was established in the township. 
The first was a box nailed upon a post, and thus lit- 
terally a post office. Joseph Dana was the first post- 
master. His duties were not arduous. People who 
expected mail matter were accustomed to go to the 
box, open it, examine the contents, and, if they found 
any letters addresseil to themselves, to carry them 
home — a system which would hardly answer at the 
present time. Although Darling is generally spoken 
of as the first postmaster, there is no douljt but tiiat 
Caleb Palmer was the first man regularly commis- 
sioned to fill that office. An old receii)t addressed to 
him, and bearing the date May 0. ISIG. and the au- 
tograph of Return J. Meigs, is still in existence. 
Abijah Ives was postmaster at a later day. 

A stage rotxte was laid out thmugh the township, 
north and south, in the year 18W; It was only a' 
short time anterior to this date that the roads had 
become worth}' of the name. They were at first mere 
trails, winding through the woods, Intt the spirit of 
improvement was al)road, and regular roads were laid 
out, the timber cut and travel made less tedious. 

The first petition ever presented to the coinmissidii- 
ers of Huron county was from New Haven township, 
and read as follows: 

HcROX Cof.sTv, August 15, 1815. 
To the Commissioners of said County at their Sei)tember meeting: 

Petitioners, of the inhabitants of New Haven, huniblj- showeth. That 
there is no laid out road in these parts: Thei'efore. trentleiuen. we pray 
you to appoint viewers to layout a i-oad from the south b^. undary of the 
townsliip to the ni'juth i.tf Huron river, begiuuiuK at. or near, the house 
I f John Ba ney, theuoe northward to the center of Xew Haven, thence 
northward to MiddlelieUls or Seth Brown's on the west branch of- the 
Huron river, thence near the bank of the river to Charles Parker's, 
thence north, on the most suilalde ground for a road, to the moiitli of 
Huron river. 

(Signed) James McIsrvRE, Jr., Daniel PRAXr, 

S. D. Parmer, James Tooker, 

John Barxev. Hesrv Barney, 

JosiAH CrRTiss. David Inscho, 

Jxo. McIXTTBE, Sr., C'bisim Mav, 

SAUfEL B. Carpenter, Li'ther C'oe. 
Samiel Kxapp. TiTis Brown, 

David Powers. Martin M. Kellugu. 

William Vork, Calvin Hi'Tcuinsox, 

Martin Bi'rke. 

The second road petitioned for in the county was 
bv Isaac Powers and others, to run from the Great 
Road to the Prairie. This road was also located. 
John Concklin, Beldoii Kellogg and James Melntyre 
Were viewers, and Luther Coe, surveyor. 

Tlie third and ihe seventh roads jietitioned for were 
also asked by residents of Xe« Haven townshi]). 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



309 



NEW HA VEX VILLAGE. 

The village of New Iliiveu was laid out by David 
and Royal X. Powers, upon the 8th of April, 18L5. 
The plat was constructed upon the plan of the town 
plat of N'cw Haveu. Connecticut, and the village was 
as tastefully and conveniently laid out as any in the 
State of Ohio. This was the second town plat laid 
out upon the Fire-lands. The center of the plat, an 
open space, of diamond shape, was just north of the 
township center. Streets were laid out, north, east, 
south and west, from the angles of this open common, 
and these were intersected, at right angles, by otlier 
streets, all at an eijual distance from the center of the 
plat. Alleys were laid out, sub-dividing the blocks. 
There were one hundred and eighteen lots, over sixty 
of which were sold and imin-oved within the first few 
years of the existence of the village. In IS'iO, Xew 
Haven was regarded as a rival, in matters of trade 
and manufacture, of X'orwalk and Mansfield. This 
rivalry was maintained until the completic^n of the 
Sandusky. M insKeld and X'ewark railroad, when, 
fro:ii a co;nbinatioii of causes, it began to decline. 

IKCOKl'OK.VTIOX. 

X'ew Haven village was incorporated in 1838 or '39, 
but it is said that officers were not regularly or prop- 
erly elected until several years later. Wni. V. B. 
Moore was mavor in 1839. Xo trace of anv official 
mention can be discovered before that date. The first 
and second pages of the corporation record are gone. 
and the first date shown is 18-13. Under this date, by 
reference to various entries, we find that the officers 
were at that time as follows: P. R. Hoy, mayor: R. 
L. McEwi-n. recorder (or clerk): J. K. Partello, J. 
C. Towiie, \Vm. Joiui, I). F. Webber, James Gra- 
ham, trustees (members of council). 

The officers during other years are given as taken 
from the record : 

1844 — R. L. McEwen, mayor: D. F. Webber, re- 
corder: William John, Philo R. Hoy, Wm. B. Ames, 
John I). Loomis. Jacob Guyselman. town council. 

184.") — UyiT F. Webber, mayor; Thomas Johnston, 
reoonler: Wm. \". B. Moore. Solomon Place, James 
Graham. Merrit Clark. William McVitty. town 
council. 

184G — Charles E. Bostwick, mayor; I'liomas John- 
ston, recorder; Wm. V. B. Moore, Sumner F. Web- 
ber, William John, .1. K. Partello, John B. .Johnson, 
town council. 

1847 — Henry Buck, mayor; Thomas Johnston, re- 
corder: J. K. Partello. Sumner P. Webber, Phillip 
Green, Francis -M. Chapman, Merrit Clark, town 
council: Cyrus Dow was appointed treasurer; and 
Ambrose S. Mallory, marshal. 

184s — Halph L. Phelps, mayor; R. H. Tiyon, re- 
corder: James Deaner, Francis il. Chapman. Tru- 
man W. Crowel. Elias C. Mc^'itty, Frederick W. 
Clark, town council: Oscar A. Deaner was api)ointed 
treasurer, and George Burns marshal. 



' 1849 — James Deaner, mayor; R. H. Tryon, re- 
corder; Wm. Kelley, Wm. V. B. Moore, Wm. .lohn, 
David Lewis. John J. Vail, town council: O.-car A. 
Deaner was appointed treasurer, and Lucius C. 
Brown, marshal. 

Only one or two elections wore held after the year 
above shown, and the record, •liaving been mutilated, 
it is impossible to ascertain what officers were chosen. 
The corporation went out of existence with the de- 
cline of the village, and no further interest seems to 
have been taken in the matter of town government 
until 1868, when the village was reincorporated. The 
officers then elected were: Jesse Williams, mayor; 
Caleb Palmer, recorder; Joseph .Mills, Harvey ile- 
leck, Alanson Clark, Harrison Skinner, Stephen 
Page, town council; James K. Southard was ap- 
pointed marshal. This was the only election held 
under the new incorporation. 

NEW IIAVEX'.S HEST I).\YS. 

In " old times," no grass grew in the streets of 
X"ew Haven. The mercantile business, in which 
Royal X. Powers was a pioneer, fast increased in mag- 
nitude. Hopkins, Hinnian & Williams soon opened 
a lar^e stock of goods. Ives & Haskins followed. 
Other merchants, engaged in business at X'^ew Haven 
at the same time and afterwards, were T. W. Crowell, 
Benjamin Gosling, James Hannan, T. C. McEwen, 
Sumner Webber, John W. Johnston and Dr. Brown. 

ilartin M. Kellogg built a two-story hewed log 
tavern, in 1810, or the following year, and George 
Bevmer became its first proprietor. Soon after, two 
framed buildings were erected for use as the lodging 
places of the "wayfarei- and the stranger." Royal N. 
Powers, his brother Lemuel, Caleb Palmer. William 
D. ilann. Stowe. Fleming. Barlow, Snow, .lohn 
Lang. Mosher and a Mrs. Henderson, are tiie liest 
remembered inn-keei)ers. 

Manufacturing was starteil at an early day. Shoe 
making was one of the principal industries, and at 
one time there were from forty to fifty journeymen of 
this trade in the little village. In those times, ship- 
ping shoes to Xew Haven would have been regarded 
in the same light as sending coals to Xewcastle. A 
Mr. .\ndrews emitarked in the tanning business, and 
was soon bought out l)y Steward and Mulford. The 
business was prosperous. Other trades were estab- 
lished, and tlu'ir followers fiourished. An iron 
foundry was established l;y Towne and Loomis, and 
a building erected in 183"-J. It was afterward l)ouglu 
out by John Skinner, and became, successively, the 
property of a Mr. Frost and of William John. Bost-. 
wick's fanning mill and valve factory, at a later day, 
added largely to the business of the village. Beside 
extensive manufacturing interests, there w'ere cabinet 
shops, a steam mill, an ashery. run upon a large 
scale, etc. The priii(i[>al l)usiness of the place, 
however, was the inereiuitile. There were at one time 
five dry goods stores, and it was not an uncommon 
thins for the largest of them to have .sales amounting 



310 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



to five hundred dollars in a single day. The groceries 
and other places of business, had their proportion of 
receipts, and were coining money. 

New Haven village was on the direct thoroughfare 
from the south to the lake, and the merchants had 
not only a good liome trade, but received the liberal 
patronage of the hundreds of teamsters who drove 
through with loads of produce from Mansfield and 
otlier points in the vicinity. Goods were, in those 
days, hauled by teams from Baltimore and Philadel- 
phia to the lake ports north of New Haven, and the 
teamsters upon their hack trip gave the preference to 
this village, over all otliers, as a place to purchase 
those articles they needed for jjersonal use, and 
goodsf or people living along their line of travel 
south. 

These teamsters were men of considerable character 
and ability. They transacted their affairs in as busi- 
ness-like a way as does the captain of a vessel, or the 
officer of a freight line, taking bills of lading, etc. 
They drove six-horse teams in front of iheir immense 
wagons, called "land schooners," and were thus able 
to transport heavy loads of produce and merchandise. 
Sometimes the roads for several miles would be filled 
witli these turncnits, presenting the appearance of an 
immense procession or caravan. Many a time the 
diamond, or square common, in the center of the plat, 
was so filled with these teams, and those of farmers 
in the vicinity, who came in to trade, that it was 
impossible, well-nigh, for a pedestrian to cross from 
one side to the other. 

Early in the history of New Haven, wlien there 
were few banks in the country, when money was 
scarce, and the skins of animals, beeswax, and salts 
or ashes, were the principal articles of traffic, David 
Powers, Royal N. Powers and .Martin M. Kellogg, 
established a banking house and issued notes, the 
lowest denomination of which, were valued at twenty- 
five cents. These notes were put into circulation, 
but after a short time they were not receivable 
at par. and finally they were taken in exchange for 
goods by Royal X. Powers, when he opened a store. 

THE DECLINE. 

New Haven's j)rosperity Ijegan at an early day, in- 
creased rapidly and ceased suddenly. Fortune is 
fickle with communities as well as men. She smiled 
tipon this one in its infancy; withdrew lier favor and 
put tlie past and present conditions of the village 
into a forciljle and saddening contrast. The San- 
dusky and Newark railroad wAti. built in the years 
184:$ and 1844. Xew Haven lay directly in the way 
of the proposed road, ami it* people were called upon 
to aid tiie enterprise to tlie extent of a few tiiousand 
dollars. The amount asked for would probably have 
been subscribed, had it not been for the counsel of 
Judge Ives. He regarded it as impossible to build 
the road by any other route than through the village, 
and advi-;ed against extending anv financial assistance 



to the railroad company. The tavern men, too, 
fought the proposition to have the road come 
through the village, thinking that their business 
would be damaged, when the teaming was superseded 
by the iron-horse. The managers of the company 
became angered at the coolness shown by the New 
Haven people, and instead of running the road 
straight through from Sandusky, south, as they could 
have done most easily and cheaply, made a curve to 
the westward and, leaving New Haven and Greenfield 
center in the lurch, entered the village of Plymouth, 
then a smaller place than New Haven, much to its 
future advantage. 

Even after this discrimination against them, 
the people of New Haven might have secured a 
greater benefit from the i-ailroad than did Ply- 
month, had they been able to look a little way 
into the future. The track was but a short distance 
west of the village, and had warehouses been l)uilt 
there, New Haven would, doubtless, have led Ply- 
mouth to-day, for she had the advantage of prestige 
and of business already established, and the village 
would have grown towavd the railroad. In these 
days, however, a railroad was thought to be of no ad- 
vantage to a town or village unless it ran through its 
principal street. Warehouses were built upon the 
village plat, and a track laid upon spiles, was run up 
to them from the main line, cars were run over them 
a few times, and then the track and the warehouses 
wei'e abandoned, and then Ijegan the decline that has 
left the village only a shabby vestige of its former 
superiority; 

The decay of villages, as well as the deteriora- 
tion of men. is always a melancholy sight. New 
Haven, to-day, has many deserted, dreary, weather- 
stained and wiudowless houses, which silently attest 
that "better days" have been. Many houses were 
moved away, and are now answering the purpose 
of farm out-buildings, some were torn down and 
others burned. Only a few of the old edifices re- 
main in use at the village. 

New Haven has, however,- retained the school and 
the church, while losing so large an amount of busi- 
ness, and her people are of the class who, while they 
deplore the loss of activity which the place has ex- 
perienced, have social, moral and religious resources, 
perhaps in a larger degree than in more bustling 
comnnmities, and make the best of what remains. 

Frederick Layer is postmaster, and was com- 
missioned in 1874. There are three stores ; that 
of Theodore Mills and Frederick Layer being the 
largest. L. S. Heller and Thomas J. Ousack divide 
the balance of tlie business, in the grocery line. The 
harness maker is A. J. Seydel; blacksmitiis, Orrin T. 
Cole. T. S. Charity, J. K. Partello; wagon makers, 

Kurtz it Cole ; pumps are manufactured by 

Smith. There are no other mecluinieal industries in 
the village, except a saw mill built many years ago by 
S. K. Ruth and M. Kieser. and which has been run, 
since 1862. by L Pennington. 








[V(RS.|VIARIAH RICHARDS. 



R.Q.RICHARDS. 




Residence or R.&. RICHARDS, Chicago JuNC7lON,f^uRON Co, 0. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



311 



PLYMOUTH VILLAGE. 

I'lynioiitli, then called Pari.s. wa.s laid out in 1825, 
at the junction of latitude forty-one and Deal's niili- 
t-iry road, by Al)rani Trux, Jonn Barney and Lemuel 
Powers. * It consisted of forty-one in-lots, and lay 
partly in New Haven township and partly in Plymouth 
townshiji. (Richland county). The village had a 
rapid growth. All of the original forty-one lots were 
sold within two years' time, and several additions 
were made to the town plat. The first frame building 
in the village was erected by William C'rall, and the 
second was built by three young men from Pittslmrgh, 
by the name of Wilson. Tiie third frame was erected 
and inclosed by Sylvester Kellogg, but was sold to, 
and finished by Matthew McKelvey, who moved into 
it tlie first stock of goods opened in the place. 
When the plat was laid out it included sixteen log 
cabins, occupied \>y Abram Trux, Patrick Lynch, 

Benjamin Woolly. Young, Euos Rose, Abner 

Harkness. A. I). W. Bodley, Harlow Bai'ney, John 
Barney. Henry Barney, Christian Culp, Hugii Long, 
B. F. Taylor. \V. C. Enos and Lemuel Powers. 

Lemuel Powers was the first physician in tlu- vil- 
lage; W. C. Enos. the lirst lawyer: Mr. Curtiss, the 
first taylor: W. B. Moore and John Skinner, the first 
shoe makers; Hugh Long, the first tanner; Patrick 
Lynch, the first lilacksmith : Robert Morfoot, the 
first bricklayer and plasterer; A. U. W. Bodle\% the 
first wheelwright; and Anthony McLaughlin the first 
conjier. 

.V saw and grist mill was built by Abram Trux, 
soon after the village was laid out. 

The first tavern was built by James Drennan. 
Two others were established soon after this one, by 
Jacob Heller and a Mr. Lindsey. Two distilleries 
were started — -one Ijy Lemuel Powers and the other 
by M. McKelvey. The latter was ol)liged to discon- 
tinue his business because of an injury which he re- 
ceiveil, and the former, Ijeing converted to the total 
abstinence view, changed his distillery into a hat fac- 
toi-y, which he conducted successfully for manv 
years. 

Among tlie oldest settlers of Plymouth village are. 
Robert Morfoot. W. W. Drennan. B. B. Tayloi- and 
B. F. Day. B. Taylor came in, in tlie year 1821. 
Drennan, in the year 1825; he was from Pennsylvania, 
orignally, and married Hannah Brinkerhoff, of 
Owasco, New York. Morfoot came from TrumliuU 
county. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Heller. 
B. F. Day arrived in 1830. Another old settler was 
Andy McLaughlin; his wife, Rlioda, is still living in 
the village, — Mrs. Marshall. f 

TIIK VII.LAUE I.VCUKI'OKATED. 

About the year 18.34, the village of Plymoutii was 
incorpofated, but as the records previous to the year 

" For the facts here given, in relation to the early history of Plymouth 
village, the historian is largely indebted to W. W. Drennan. E-ici 

t Other early settlers are mentioned in the history of the to» rishiji, 
which includes half of the village. 



1835, are not in existelice, the early officers cannot be 
given. The first mayor was prol>ably A. D. W. Bod- 
ley, and the clerk, at tiic same time, Rol)ert Morfoot. 
We give the officers elected in 1878, as a matter which 
will sometime l)e of interest. They are : Mayor, 
Jacol) Culp; clerk, J. C. Beekman: members of coun- 
cil, W. B. Cuykeiidall, Wm. .McClinchy, H. M. Par- 
ker, Phillip Upp. J. N. Fleming. L. B. Gunsaullus; su- 
pervisor, Alexander Clark: treasurer. Daniel Wyandt; 
marshall. V. A. Beelmau. 

When it was proposed to change the name of Paris 
to that now in use, it was opposed by some, because 
"Plymouth was a damned Yankee name," '• a cursed 
Puritan name," etc. But the name was adopted, 
nevertheless, and with it much of the principle which 
is always associated in imagination with the word. 
The village took an early stand upon the temperance 
question, and for many years was avoided by a cer- 
tain class, because it was "fanatical upon the drinking 
question." Robert Morfoot raised the first building 
in Plymouth, that went up without the aid of whisky. 

EARLY SCHOOLS. 

In the same year it was laid out, the people of 
Paris, built a small house, which, according to the 
terms of the subscrii)tion, was to be u.sed for school 
and religious puri)oses. All denominations were en- 
titled to its occupancy. Aaron B. Howe was the 
first teacher, and is said to have had an excellent 
school, which was so well appreciated that many came 
from a distance of from two to three miles to attend 
it. A Mr. Brown succeeiled Howe as pedagogue. 

-Mr. McKelvey, in 1830, erected a small building 
and established a seminary for young ladies. He pro- 
cured competent teachers, and the schot>l l)ecame 
quite po})ular and useful. The young ladies of the 
surrounding country, very generally took advantage 
of the opportunity offered them of acquiring an edu- 
cation at this seminary. An additional school house 
was built in 1832, and thi.s, with "the old red school 
house." as the one first built was called, subserved 
the needs of the village until 1851, when the union 
school house was ereeteil. This building, it is said, 
gave the children of Plymouth better accommodations 
than were at that time affijrded in any of the villages 
of Huron or Richland counties. This was replaced 
with the present structure in 1875. 

PI.VMUITU I'lMLH S( IIDOI.--. 

The superintendents who have had charge of the 
schools since their organization as union schools — 
April 6, 184'j,— have been as follows: In 1850. C. L. 
Royce was chosen as the first superintendent, and 
contiiiiiedas surli until August 4, 1853, when Solonion 
SpaukUng was elected as his successor. J. Markham 
was elected June 22, 1854; J. B. Getmaii. .(line (i. 
1857; Allen Armstrong. March 4. 18i;4: J. .Markliam. 
re-elected Se[iteml?er 5, 1805; W. A. Gunsaullus, 
elected August 0, LSOC: Richard Parsons. July 24. 
l«;i, and C. \V. liutler. tiie present superinteiuK'iit, 



312 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



July 6, 1875. On September 1.3, 1875, the schools 
were opened in the new building, six rooms being 
occupied, and an enrollment of three hundred and 
fifty pupils. There are six teachers employed, be;>ide 
the superintendent. The system of instruction fol- 
lowed is similar to that of the most approved schools, 
very simple, yet practical, the main object being, — 
first — to give the pupils a good, common business ed.- 
iTcation. There is not a rigid adherence to the plan 
of any particular text book, the work being provided 
by the superintendent each month. The course of 
study consists of thirteen years ; after eight years are 
spent in the study of the common branches, there 
remain five years for the completion of the higher 
studies of the course. The schools are in excellent 
grade, there being two grades, of one year each, in each 
I'oom, except in the high school, which has three 
grades. Since the re-organization of the schools and 
adoption of a course of study, in 1875, there has been 
one class of six graduated — in June, 1877. Hereafter 
there will be a class each year. A concise rei^ort of the 
schools has been issued each year, since 1S75, showing 
the condition of the schools at the end of the partic- 
ular year. 

The schools are in a thriving condition. The corps 
of teachers, at the present time, stands as follows: 
Superintendent, C. W. Butler ; high sciiool, Mrs. 0. 
W. Butler; A grammar, iliss Kate Tubbs; B gram- 
mar. Miss Xora Reed ; A primary, Miss Stella 
Billstein; B primary. Miss Sarah Tucker; C primary, 
Miss Mary Gulp. 

Board of Education: S. Bloom, president; Solomon 
Spear, secretary; Wells Rogers, treasurer; Josiah 
Wyandt, George Hoffman and A. F. Plank. 

SCHOOL BUILDING. 

At a meeting of che Board of Education, March 4, 
1874, it was decided to submit to the voters the pro- 
priety of building a new school house. The vote was 
taken, April 14, and resulted by a large majority in 
its favor. The building is a brick structure, three 
stories high, and a basement. There are, at the 
present time, six regular school' rooms, a recitation 
room and a superintendent's office in use. The rooms 
are all well furnished, lighted, heated and ventilated; 
halls wide and roomy, and the building, as a whole, 
one of the finest in t*lie State. Its cost was about 
twenty-five thousand dollars. 

I>EMUST1IEXF.AN LITEItAKV SOCIETY. 

TIlis society was organizeil in the fall of 1875, in 
connection witii the high school. It enrolls about 
one hundred and fifty members, counting both present 
and absent members. Its efforts have been attended 
with a marked degree of success. Its hall is well 
furnished. Since its organization, the society has 
purchased an organ, chandeliers* books, and a com- 
plete set of Zell's Encyclopedias. It is regarded with 
much'pride by the patrons of the school. 



FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PLYMOUTH. 

The First Presbyterian church, of Plymouth, was 
organized by Rev. William Matthews, February 32, 
1819, and consisted of the following named members, 
there being forty-one in all — twenty males, and twen- 
ty-one females : Mr. and Mrs. Levi Bodley, Mr. and 
Mrs. Abram Van Houten, Mr. and Mrs. George Mack, 
Mr. and Mrs. John Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. William 
Vanfleet, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. 
Joseph Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. David Bodley, Mr. and 
Mrs. Andrew Dewit, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Bodley, Mr. 
and Mrs. Jacob Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. William Gut- 
tery, Mr. and ^Mrs. Henry Bodley, ^Ir. and Mrs. James 
Davis, Mr. and Mrs. George Garret, John Conklin, 
William Bodley, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gunsaullus, Levi 
Gunsaullns, Abram I. Brevier, Sophia Bodly, Hannah 
Bodley, Dinah Bodley, Jane Bodley and Mary Morrow. 

Nearly all of the above named persons came to 
Ohio from the State of New York. The following 
named person* were the first elders of the church — 
ordained as such July 10, 1819: Mr. Levi Bodley, 
.John Conklin, Abran Van Houten and David Gun- 
saullus. 

As first organized, the church was under the care 
of the Rieliland presliytery, but in August, 18.38, it 
withdrew from that body and united with the presby- 
tery of Huron. It continued to hold this relation 
until Sejitember 10, 187<J, at which time it returned 
to its first love, uniting with the presbytery of 
Wooster, which embraces in its territory the greater 
part of what was once known as the Richland presby- 
tery. This relation the ciuirch still holds. The first 
church edifice was a log building, erected in 1824 or 
'25. It stood about a mile and a half south of the 
present village of Plymouth. 

In 1825, fourteen members, two of them being 
elders in the church, withdrew, and formed -the 
Associate Reformed church, which has since cea.sed to 
exist. 

Worship was continued in the log "meeting house" 
until about 183G, at which time the church began 
to hold its services in the brick school house, situated 
w'ithin the present village of Plymouth, and now 
occupied as a dwelling house. In 1839 the present 
church edifice was begun, and finished in the fall 
of 1840. It was remodeled in 1870, and is now a 
very convenient and comfortable building. 

In 1853, twenty-two members witlidrew, and formed 
the Congregational church of Plymouth. The organ- 
ization of the Associate Reformedchureh, in 1823, fora 
short time seriously retarded the growth of the church. 
The same is true in regard to the oi-ganization of the 
Congregational church. But for the most part, 
during its sixty years of existence as a church, it has 
been greatly prospered. It has enjoyed a number of 
very interesting revivals, one of especial interest in 
1866, which resulted in the addition of over fifty 
persons to the church. Another during the winter 
just closed, of oqual interest: up to the present date, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



313 



toity-one have united with tiie church, aiul more will 

follow ^i001i. 

Tliefollouing is a list of ministers who have served 
tiie chtiroh since its organization, with their time of 
service, in cases where it could be ascertained. The 
dates, possibly, may not be exact: Rev. Wni. Mat- 
tliews, from 1811) to IS'i-i: Rev. Robert Lee, 1823; 
Rev. E. Conger, from IS'^-l to 1827; Rev. Jacob 
Wolf, eighteen months; Kev. E. P. Salmon, for only 
three montiis; Rev. James Roliinson, two years; Rev. 
Daniel Higgins. four moutiis: Rev. E. Conger, from 
1830 to 18-48; Rev. Jonatluui Cochran, twenty-two 
months; Rev. William Dempsey, from 1S.">0 to 18.51: 
Rev. William Bridgeman, two years; Rex. .1. M. 
Hayes, from 18.53 to 185tj; Rev. J. B. Fowler, from 
18.57 to 1862; Rev. J. S. Edwards, one year; Rev. 
T. J. Keep, six months; Rev. John D. McCord, from 
180.5 to 1808; Rev. J. K. Kost, from 1808 to 1873; 
Rev. E. W. Childs, one year; Rev. J. H. Jones, from 
1874 to 1878. The Rev. C. E. Barnes, serves the 
church at present, having commenced labor with the 
charge in July. 1878. The jiresent otHcers are as 
follows: Elders, Caleb Brevier, Charles Conklin, 
James Reed, A. Bodine, J. H. Packer. Dr. T. S. 
Seeley; trustees, Thomas Willett, T. S. Seeley, A. H. 
Hutchinson. The church has a membership of one 
hundred and tifty-one persons, and has no debt. 

THE LITHEKAN CHURCH 

was organized in the year 1840. Its original mem- 
bers were : S. H. Trangor, Felix Fenner, Jacob 
Harmon, John Gross, David Ganoung, Charles W. 
Powers, Simon Turner, Felix T. Fenner, A. T. 
Hills. G. A. Hills, A. Denison, Jacob Plank, Peter 
Miller, William Miller, Jacob .Miller, Elizabeth 
Fenner, Matilda Fenner, Caroline Light, Maza Light, 
Mrs. J. Miller. The first officers were: Deacons, C. 
W. Powers, David Ganoung; elders, S. H. Trangor, 
Feli.x Fenner. The pastors of the church have been, 
P. P. Lane, Erastus Eastman, .T. Cronse, G. H. 
Peters, D. Summors, J. Selmser, J. 0. Hough, M. 
T. Willhelm, S. F. Breckrenridge, J. H. Slough, G. 
W. Miller, (the last being in charge at the jiresent 
writing). The church was built in 1843, at a cost of 
one thousand and six hundred dollars, and has been 
ini])ri)ved and rejiaired several times since. .\n addi- 
ti(jn was made in 1800, at a cost of three hundred 
dollars, and two years later the auditorium was' 
frescoed at a cost of five hundred dollars. The mem- 
bership of the church is fully two hundred. Present 
otticers: Elders, S. II. Trangor, Samuel Fenner, J. 
Brinkcrhoof; deacons, Tobias Trangor, C. Fenner, 

THE METHODIST El'ISCOI'AL CHUItCH 

of Plymouth, came into being at an early day, but 
not until sometime after an organization had been 
effected at New Haven. The first house of worship 
was erected about the year 1831, and answered the 
needs of the congregation nntil 1867, when a fine 
brick structure was raised, at a cost of about eight 

40 



thousand dollars. S. R. Parker donated a one and a, 
half village lotSj and another was purchased by the 
society. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is, at the present 
writing, in charge. The officers are as follows: 
Trustees, S. R. Parker, Jr., AmosUpp, B. Ruunells, 
J. W. Bell, S. S. Iloltz. G. M. Eidt, John Emmer- 
son; class leaders, Joseph Beachan, Amos Upp, G. 
M. Eidt, David W. Slocum; stewards, John Emmer- 
son, William Kirkpatrick, Marvin Seaton. The 
church has a membership of about ninety persons. 

PI.Y.MorTH ISAI'TIsr curucH 

was organized at the Ltitheran meeting house in 
1846, the members then subscribing being: Thomas 
Bodley, Ephriam Robbins, Harley Thair, James 
Doolittle, Lnman Knai)p, William Enderby, Joshua 
Rutman, Barbara Rutman, Susan Petit, Sarah 
Rutmau, Sarah Euderl)y, Betsey Uutman, Eliza Rob- 
bins, Emily Robbins, Prudence Case, Louisa Case, 
Ann Knapp, and Susan Inkes. This church has at 
present no organization. 

THE f'OXGKEHATIOXAL 

is another of the now inactive churches in Plymouth. 
It was an outgriwvth of the Presbyterian church, and 
was organized in 1851 with twenty membei's. Rev. 
E. P. Salmon being its first minister. A house of 
worship was built in 18.53. 

ROMAN I'ATHOIJC. 

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic, was organized in 
1872, by Rev. Father M. Pitts. A neat frame church 
building was erected the same year. Those who were 
active in starting the movement, which resulted in 
its establishment, and who have since been theiiromi- 
nent supporters of the church, were: Joseph Mitlen- 
buler, Wentzcl Waller and Jacob Stracker. 

SOCIETIES. 
I'LYMOUTH AfiRHLLTlRAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized .luue 1.5, 18.5.5. with tlie 
following corps of officers : President, John Bodine; 
vice presidents, Messer Barker and Levi B. Sharer; 
treasurer, R. McDonough ; secretary, D..R. Locke 
(Nasljy). In 1870, the organization was madea jouit 
stock comp my. It has thirteen acres of laud, located 
in the northwest part of Plymouth. The gronndsare 
nicely laid out, und the com|>any holds, annually, 
fairs which are regarded as among the most interest- 
ing in this part of the country. The present officers 
areas follows ; President, J. K. Brant; vice president, 
Joseph Conley; treasurer, A. B. Gilson, with S. W. 
Thomas and Wesley Robinson as assistants; secretary, 
J, Frank Bcelman; ;rcneral superintendent. Philiji 
Upp. 

IIURUX EXCAMPME.VT, XO. 30, I. (). n. F. 

Early in the history of Odd Fellowship there was 
iiLStituted an encampment, called Huron Encamp- 



314 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND EIJIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



meiit, Xo. 36, located at Xew Haven, and dividing 
the jurisdiction between Xorwalk, on the north, and 
llausfield, on the south. For many years the 
organization flourished, but finally, by reason of its 
funds becoming low, and because of dissensions among 
the members, it became feeble. It was removed to 
Plymouth, with the hope that it might there have a 
more vigorous life, but its misfortunes followed, and 
about the year 18.5(3 its chaiter was surrendered by 
W. W. Dreunan, J. W. McLaughlin and William 
Knott, who were the principal officers at that time. 
The charter was returned upon the petition of J. M. 
Beelman, William Davis, C. Eschbaugh, John Wetz, 
John E. Hunter, H. B. Silliman, John H. Ferguson, 
F. Portman and J. W. McLaughlin, and the encamp- 
ment was re-instituted, July 1, 1875. The following 
officers were at that time elected : C. P., H. Beelman: 
H. P., C. Eschbaugh: S. W., J. M. Beelman; J. W.. 
John Ferguson; scribe, J. M. Lazier; treasurer, F. 
Portman. Present officers : C. P., J. M. Lazier; H. 
P., G. Gilbert: S. W., John Metz; J. W., F. Port- 
man; scribe, G. Miller; treasurer, H. B. Silliman. 
Xight of meeting — first and third Wednesday of each 
month. 

PLYMOUTH LODOE, XO. 93, I.'o. O. F., 

was instituted by Thomas Spooner, G. M., August 
25,1847. The first officers were: X. G., Robert 
McDonough; Y. G., E. 0. Pier; recording secretary, 
A. Powers; permanent secretary, J. W. Beekmau; 
treasurer. Walter Burns. The lodge was in good con- 
dition until 1804, when the charter was surrendered. 
It was returned in 1871 by John A. Lee, Deputy G. 
M., and the lodge was again organized, with the fol- 
lowing charter members : Daniel Bremer, Christian 
Eschbaugii, John Metz, Jacob Buck, T. Portner, J. 
W. McLaughlin. The officers elected were as follows: 
X^. G., C. Eschbaugh: Y. G., John Metz; recording 
secretary, D. Brenner; permanent secretary, J. W. 
McLaughlin: treasurer. Jacob Buck. The officers in 
position March 1, 1870, are: X. G., John Metz: Y. 
G., John Snyder: recording secretary, William Jones; 
permanent secretary, J. W. McLaughlin: treasurer, 
William McClinchy. Xight of meeting, Friday of 
eacli week. 

RICHLAXD LODGE NO. 201, F. AND A. M. 

The charter for this lodge was granted October 19, 
1851. The original members were: James Drennan, 
Erastus S. Spencer, Rouse Bly. H. L. Kirtland, B. F. 
Day, Marshal Webb, Messer Barker, Samuel Buch- 
anan, John Weldon. First officers:. W. M , James 
Drennan; S. W., Erastus S. Spencer: J. W., Rou.se 
Bly. The hall and charter of tliis lodge were destroved 
by tire in May, 1871, and the charter was rei.ssued 
October 19tli of the same year. The i)resent officers 
of the lodge are: W. M.,"j. W. Webb; S. W., G. 
Burgoyne: J. W., Solomon Spear: Treasurer, G. W. 
Hoffman; Secretary, J. W. McLauglilin: S. D,, T. J, 
Woblier: J. I)., Jacob Gulp: Stewards. Jacob Beel- 



man and C. W. BuUer: Tyler, \\'illiam McClinchy, 
Stated communication on Monday evening on or next 
2)receding full moon in each month. 

PLYMOTTH CHAPTER XO. 118, R. A. M. 

The charter was granted for Plymouth Chapter 
October 10, 1869. Charter members: 0. W. Williams, 
D. B. King, P. L. Brink, Wells Rogers, H. Graham, 
J. G. Street, Solomon Spear, J. K. Kost, J. T. Barr, 
J. W. McLaughlin, J. W. Webb, T. L. Barr, B. F. 
Day. The first officers were: H. P., 0. W. Williams; 
King, J. W. McLaughlin: Scribe, H. Graham. Fol- 
lowing are the present officers of the organization: H. 
P., J. W. Webb: E. K., J. K. Smith: E. S., L. S. 
Heller; C. 0. H., P. S. Brink; P. S., G. Burgoyne; 
R. A. C, J. C. Fenner;G. M. 3rd Y,, J. G. Street; 
G. M. 2nd Y.. William McClinchy; G, M. 1st 
v., W. H. Bullock: Treasurer, Wells Rogers; Secre- 
tary, Solomon Spear; Chaplaiii, J, W. McLaughlin; 
Stewards, W. H. Burke and L. D. Yinson; Guard, J. 
W. McLauglilin. Stated communications on Friday 
evening, on or next preceding full moon. 

PLYMOL'TH LODliE X'O. 70, K. OF U. 

The charter members of this body were: J. W. Mc- 
Laughlin, A. Hershiser, H. B. Silliman, H. Saviers, 
C. Eshbaugh, S. R. Bloom, S. S. Smith, C. Waite, J. 
H. Ferguson, J. X. Beelman, 0. Tyson, J. Westfall. 
They organized January 28, 1875, by the election of 
the following officers: P. D., J. W. McLaughlin; D., 
H. B. Silliman: Y. D., A. R. Her-shiser: A.^D., S. S. 
Smith; Guide, J. W. Beelman; Reporter, J. H, Fer- 
guson; Financial Reporter, C. Eshbaugh; Treasurer, 
H. Saviers; Sentinel, S. R. Bloom. Following are 
the officers of 1879: P. D., D, H. Seller; D., M. B. 
Beelman: Y. D., S. R. Bloom; A. D,, C. W. Butler; 
Guide, C. A. Beelman; Chaplain, J, G. Rhodes: Re- 
porter, Solomon Spear; Financial Reporter, .1. A. 
Beelman: Treasurer, J. M. Lazier: Guardian. J. F. 
Beelman; Sentinel, G. Gebert. 

THE PLYMOrTH GIRLS" LITERARY SOCIETY 

was organized November 12, 18i'3. The members 
were thirteen girls, from twelve to thirteen years of 
age, their object being to {irocure a library for their 
own use, Tiie first officers were : Ida Getniau. pres- 
ident; Arte McDonough, vice president ; May Gulp, 
secretary; Celia Schouberg. assistant secretary: Rena 
Billstein, treasurer. Meetings were held each week. 
The first efiEort to raise funds was a fancy fair held 
December 17. 1873. The net profits of this fair were 
forty-five dollars, with whith a book-case and a few 
bjoks were purchased, By means of socials, festivals, 
etc, the numljer of volumes has been increased to six 
hundred. The present officers are: Loii Strong, 
president; Rena Billstein. vice ])resident: ilay Cul]>. 
secretary; Jennie Gulp, treasurer. The society has 
now a pleasant room, over the First National liauk, 
and tin- lilirary is open to all. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



315 



.M A N r F A C T r R E S . 

Tlie village hits always been a progrer^sive one. To- 
day it iiOiJsesses aci|nireil advaiUages. unexcelled by 
those of any [ilace of it* size. It has tine schools, 
nourishing churches, a well ordered pnpulation to 
support them, varied manufacturing interests, and a 
live class of business men. Following are the most 
important of the manufacturing establishments: 

MARIiI.E WORKS. 

The first marble works in Plymouth were estab- 
lished in 1850, by B. Vinson, who did business in an 
extensive way, operating in Bucyrus, Norwalk, and 
other towns, as well as Plymouth, up to the time of his 
death, in 1ST4, when his son, L. D. Vinson, took charge 
of the industry. Afterwards, it came into the posses- 
sion of H. S. Vinson, who at present conducts it. He 
has b )th a theoretical and practical knowledge of 
marble working, and has made many improvements in 
this branch of manufacture, introducing, among other 
things, a new, and superior polish, and a system of 
monument models, to be supplied to dealers, and by 
which they can take orders for work. Many handsome 
specimens of Mr. Mnson"s work are to be seen in the 
towns of northern Ohio. 

THE XOVELTY WORKS. 

This establishment, known also by the name of 
"Northern Ohio Bracket Works,"' occupies the upper 
portion of the foundry building, near the B. & 0. R. 
R. station. It was started in 1871, by Beelman and 
Bros., and is now managed by B. F. Beelman & 
Bro., who have composed the firm for the jiast three 
years. The articles manufactured are brackets, mirror 
frames, etc., and they are sold largely to dealers 
throughout the United States. 

TJIE PLVMOUTII MACHIN'E WOKKS. 

The firm conducting this manufacture, H. J. 
Kroenke and J. S. Farr, took possession, in 187*), 
of their present building, near the B. & 0. R. R. 
station, erected in 1809 l)y a joint stock company, for 
a handle factory, and has since then done an active 
business in the production of j)ortable ami stationary 
engin(;s, saw mills, road scrapers, lifting jacks and 
miscellaneous machinery. 

WAGON' AXI) CAUKIAiiF: MAKIXli, 

Among the oldest followers of this branch of man- 
ufacturing is S. R. Parker, who began in Plymouth 
in 18-57. The business is now conducted by his son. S. 
Parker. Other firms in the same trade are Webb, 
Hnrgoync & Co., and Lynch & Clark. 

CORX PLANTER MAXUFACTURERS. 

Two establishments are engaged in the manufacture 
of corn planters. S. S. Smith began in 18G4. and A. 
.Medsker & Co. in 1876. 



MISCELLAKEOUS. 



Cal)inet making is carried on by John Beelman and 
the firm of Kaylor & Sweet. The planing mills are 
operated by Andrew Clark and James Tubbs. J. N. 
Slater is engaged in the manufacture of harness. 
Milling is carried on by Ross Cuvkendall and Henry 
Wolf. 

I!AXKIX«. 

The First National Bank of Plymouth was estab- 
lished December l.i, 1871, with a capital of fifty 
thousand dollars. The following gentlemen composed 
the board of directors: H.. C. Breckenridge, John 
DeViney, D, W. Slocum. L. L. Kill)urn. S. M. Rob- 
inson. William Cuykcndall. Moses Billstein. H. C. 
Breckenridge was chosen president, John DeViney. 
vice jiresident, and F. 15. Tucker, cashier. The com- 
pany's present organization is as follows: President, 
J. Bi-inkerhoff; vice president, S. M. Robinson; cash- 
ier, W. B. Cuykendall; board of directm-s, J. Brink- 
erhoff, S. M. Robinson, M. Billstein, D. W. Slocum, 
D. Wyandt, H. P. Stentz. Phillip Upp. 

PROFES-IOXS. 

The law is represented by W. W. Drennan, Esq,, 
John W. Bell. Esij., and F. Dow Gunsaullus, ESq. 
The physicians in practice are Doctors R, Bevier, W. 
H. Sykes, J. A. Tucker, James M. Facklcr, Samuel 
Holtz, T. S. Seeley, (dentist). 

BUSINESS HOUSES, 1879. 

Hotels.— National House, George Connell ; Daniels House, George M. 
Daniels. 

Dry Goods -F. \V. Kirtland & Co , D. B King & Co., Kilburn & Co., 
W. O. Hutchinson & Co.. H. M. Parker. 

Groceries.— D. & J. Wyamit, J. O. Brewbaker, J. G. Streit, Q. M. 
Eidt. 

Dri-os— E. L. Austin. Long & Lobb, John B. Oilman, T J Webber. 

Boots and Shoes.— George Hanick, J. H. McCormick, Wells Rogers. 

Hardw.\re. — A. Upp, H. C. Gallup, (tin and sheet iron), G J. 
Rhodes, L. W. LaDow. 

Ehgs. Poultry, Butter, etc.— Jacob Gulp, James K. Smith, Shujie &. 
Dubois. 

Harness. —Schaeffer A' McKean, Seller cSt McClinchy. 

Clothing. —Spear & Shield, William Miller. 

Photographs. —Joseph Forward. 

Millinery >ND Fancy CiooDs. -C. .L Poncefor. 

Books, Stationery, etc.— M. Webber. 

LiYERV. — Corr T. Smith, Smith Lotland. 

,1 ewelry.— George W. Hoffman. 

Me-at Markets.— Bachracli Bros., A. Knappenberg, Adam Mayers, 
Chnstian Ericso n. 

The present postmaster of Plymouth is Myron Web- 
ber who was commissioned .March 13, 18IJ9. 

The first cemetery in the village was where the Lu- 
theran church stands. The present cemetery, which 
is naturally one of the most beautiful in the country, 
was jHirchascd and laid out, in lS74r. by the (ireenlawn 
Cemetery Association. 

CHICA(J0 JUNCTION. 

This village of phenominally sudden development, 
owes its existence to the railroads. It was formed in 
the spring of 187.5, at the junction of the western, or 
Chicago division of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad 
with the Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark road, as it 



310 



HISTORY OF liUKOK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



was then called, which is now operated also by the 
Baltimore and Ohio company. It was thought by 
many that a city would soon grow here in the woods, 
and in fact there was much to induce such opinion. 
Tiie railroad company erected extensive repair shops 
and a round-house, employed a large number of men, 
and projected other works, which, had they been 
accomplished, would have rendered necessary the 
employment of muny more. William Watson, a 
farmer who had considerable land at the Junction, 
laid out nine acres, iu forty-three lots, and they were 
quickly sold at from one hundred to fis'e hundred dol- 
lars per quarter acre. John Miller, L. Kontz, T. F. 
Frazier, and Mr. Hampshire, also laid out village lots 
which, like Mr. Watson's, were eagerly taken up at 
fancy prices by people who flocked iu from all direc- 
tions expecting to realize a fortune. The village thus 
formed had a rapid growth for a year and a half, but 
then the railroad industries diminished in importance 
and things came to a stand still. There has been no 
increase in population or business since, but instead a 
falling off. Houses that once brought a large rent 
now, (March, ISTO), stand unoccupied; the railroad 
company give employment to a comparatively small 
number of men, and as there are no manufacturing 
establishments to maintain the business activity of the 
village, it has settled into a condition of dullness, in 
strange contrast to its former brief bustle and buoy- 
ancy. The people, however, are still hopeful, and 
believe that when the railroad is finished through to 
Pittsburgh that there will result an improvement in 
the condition of Chicago Junction, which will rival 
its most palmy days. 

The people of the place, as soon as it had com- 
menced to grow, built a school house and a church, 
the former at a cost of abotit one thousand dollars. 
The church is of the denomination known as 

THE CHLRCH OF THE USITED BRETHEREN. 

It was started in 1876 with seven or eight members 
and now has eighty or ninety. The first minister was 
the Rev. W. A. Keesey. He preached in the congre- 
gation for three j'ears, when his place was filled by 
John W. Aumiller, the present incumbent. The 
house of worship was budt iu the summer of 1876, at 
a cost of about thirty-six hundred dollars. W. S. 
Snyder, W. A. Keesey, Russell Raynolds, Phillip 
Faulkner and Richard G. Richards, were the trustees. 
The first class leader was Daniel Cain, and the first 
steward L. D. Sweetland. The present class leaders 
are Charles Coulthard and Daniel Cain, and the stew^- 
ards. Avis RichardFand AliceTiurge. * ' 

I'KOFESSIOXS, BUSINESS HOUSES .VN'D TRADES. 

The postmaster at Chicago Junction is W. B. 
Keefer, who was commissioned January ~3, 1875. 

The physicians are A. R. Kaufnnin, D. II. Young. 
Jr., and R. N. Raynolds. 

Samuel Bowleby put up the first iniildiiig in the vil- 
lage, mill h;iil the first store ;iiid hotel in the vilhige. 



Besides the raildroad eating house, there is now one 
good hotel, the Junction House, of which William 
Oelim is proprietor. 

Following are the business firms and individuals 
engaged in the trades in 1879. 

Groceries.— A. M. Fry, W. S. Beelman, E. M. Nichols, Allen Silcox, 
Miss H. M . Jeesup. 
Dry Goods.— King & Warner. 
Dri'GS— E. A. Sykes, Elias Mason 
HARDwiRE.— John Trego. 
MiLi.isERV.— Mrs. Flickinger and Mrs Snow. 
Boots and Shoes.— M. .J. Bell, William Lenamacher. 
Tailoring.— S. Snyder. 

Meat Markets —Kellogg & Auway, Lang & Orushaber. 
Bakery and Restal-rant — Mrs. R. F. Officer. 
Livery. — A. J. Crawford, Charles Stotts. 
Blacksmiths —M. K. Trembly, F. Hemrich. 



Biographical Sketches, 



THOMAS TILLIXGHAST MULFORD 

was Ijorn in Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, 
May 30, 171)8. He is the third, in a family of four, 
the cliildren of Nathan and Polly Tillinghast Mulford, 
who were natives of Long Island. They married 
there, and eventually removed to Pennsylvania, as 
above stated, where they passed the remainder of their 
days. 

The education of the gentleman who is the subject 
of this sketch, was acquired at the common school, 
which, in the new and sparsely settled locality where 
the family resided afforded Init meager facilities. The 
opportunities were, however, fully utilized and a fair 
education obtained. 

In the fall of 1810, Mr. Mulford, in company with 
four young men of his immediate neighborhood, came 
on foot to Ohio, The journey was an arduous one, 
but in due time it came to an end. The Mecca of 
their pilgrimage was reached. Soon after arriving in 
New Haven township, Mr. Mulford and Elisha Stew- 
ard purcliased a tannery in what is now New Haven 
village, and this business Mr. Mulford prosecuted for 
some sixteen years. 

In the fall of 18"-i0, Mr. Mulford visited Connecti- 
cut, where, in Lym3 township, New London county, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Phebe, daughter of 
Elisha and Mary Calkins Steward, March 25, 18-21, 
and in a few days subsequent returned to Oliio. The 
children of this marriage are: Lewis, who was born 
June 13, 1832, deceased; Polly, who was born Oeto- 
Ijer 1.5, 1824. She married George Moore, who died, 
and she became the wife of Francis Chapman, now 
living in New Haven township; has six children. 
Emeline. who was born January 19, 1828, and died in 
infancy; Almira, who was born March 33, 1830. She 
married Dr. William Smith, and now resides in Van 
Wert county, Ohio; her children, living, are seven. 
Marion, who was born March 19, 1833. He married 
Elizabeth Born, of Buffalo. New York, and now re- 
.sides on Ihoold home^teail; have three children ■ Har- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



317 



I'iet, who was bom March 19, 1835, ami married Dr. 
Chark'S Richards, now residing at Joliet. Illinois. 

In al)(^ut 1827, Mr. Miilford imrchased one luiudred 
and nine acres of land, in lots number eijrhty-eight 
and eighty-nine, in the first section of New Haven 
towiishiii, upon which lie located when he retired 
from the tanning Inisiness, and upon which lie still 
resides, in the full eiijoymeut of those inijirovemeuts 
and comforts he has wrought a lifetime to consummate. 
He is now the possessor of one hundred and eigiity- 
two acres of land. Mrs. Mulford died September 1, 
18fi0. 

Politically, Mr. ilulford has liceu a life-long member 
of the democratic party. In his townsiii))hehas held 
numerous offices, among which is the resi)oiisible one 
of trustee, an office he has held many years. His 
elegant iiouse. a fine view of wliich appears in this 
Yolunie, was erecteil in IS^fJ, anil cost some three 
tliousaud dollars. 



JOHX SKIXXER 



was Ijorn February 'ii. ISn.i, in the State of New 
Jersey, and is the fifth ehiM of Reuben and Sarah 
Coleman Skinner. When John was one year and a 
half old his pai'ents removed with their family to 
Wheeling, now West Virginia. Here they lived some 
two vears, and removed to Knox couiitv. Ohio, loca- 
ting near the village of Fredericktown. They lived 
here until 1815, in Februury of which year they came 
to Huron county and made a permanent settlement 
in New Haven township, purchasing some one hun- 
dred and forty acres in lots one hundred and three 
and that part of one hundred and four west of the 
river, in the first section. This was then an entire 
wilderness. A log house was soon constructed near 
the site now occupied by the residence of the subject 
of this sketch, a fine view of which appears in this 
volume. U|)on this place the parents passed the re- 
mainder of their days, the mother dying March 4-, 
1841: the father died April 22, ISGl. 

John, of whom these lines are written, was edu- 
cated at common school. He has been twice married: 
lie married Emeline, daughter of Ebeiiezer and Deb- 
orah Frisbee, of New Haven townshij), in 1832. and, 
soon after, purchased a small piece of land in the 
fourth section, with the intention of adding to it as 
opportunity or necessity demanded. The death of his 
wife, which occurred in 1835, frustrated his plans, 
and he sold his lands, and, with a brother, went into 
the business of mercliandising at New Haven. .Soon 
Ijecoiniug dissatisfied with this avocation, he aban- 
doned it, and assumed charge of the old farm. This 
he still occupies. He was marrieil to his present 
companion on May 4, 183G. One child was born of 
the first wife: Emeline, who married Eayer 0. Stiles, 
and located in the State of New Jersey, where she 
died. The children l)y present wife are: Ambrose, 
who died in infanev: William II. II.. who i> iiiiiiiar- 



ried and lives at home; Harriet, who married John 
Blanchard, is now deceased: Edward R.. who married 
Ellen Woodworth. and lives in New Haven township; 
Annie M., who married Ualpli C. Snyder, and resides 
in New Haven township: and an infant son, who died 
unnamed. 

Some thirty-five years since, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner 
became members of the Methodist E])iscopal Church, 
of New Haven, and Mrs. Skinner still continues a 
member. Mr. Skinner has ever been an honest, uji- 
right citizen, of the unjn-etending kind. Ijut has been 
selected by the inhabitants of New Haven township 
for some of its most important offices. 

Mr. Skinner, on attaining his majority, wheeled 
' into line with the old whig party, and. on the forma- 
tion of the republican party, became a member of it, 
and is to-day a staunch supporter of its jiriiiciples. 
During the Rebellion he was so outspoken in favor of 
the old flag, that he was singled out for assassination 
by the reljel society known as Knights of the Golden 
Circle, then having an organization in New Haven 
townsliii). 



RICHARD G. RICHARDS. 

Prominent among the citizens of New Haven town- 
ship is the gentleman whose name ajjpears at the head 
of this sketch. He was born December 18, 1819. in 
Newport, Herkimer county. New York, and is the 
fifth of a family of fourteen, the children of Richard 
and Nancy Newton Richards. His education was ac- 
quired in the district school of his birthplace. At 
the age of eighteen he went to Joliet. Illinois, where 
he engaged in farming, an occupation in which he has 
since acquired the handsome competency he now en- 
joys. After a sojourn of less than two years in Joliet 
he returned to his native place. Here he remained 
until October, 1839, when he came to Ohio and pur- 
chased, on February G, 1840, the farm of ninety-nine 
acres, a portion of which he still occupies. Some 
eighty-four acres of this land is platted, and com- 
prises nearly the entire portion of the village of Chi- 
cago Junction lying southwest of the Baltirnore and 
Ohio railroad. This farm, when fij-st located by Mr. 
Richards, was entirely unimproved, and heavily tim- 
bered, but by hard work has been brought to a profit- 
able state of cultivation. February 22, 1842, Mr. 
Richards was united in marriage to Miss Mariaii, 
daughter of James and Eunice Felton, who came 
from Wayne county. New York (where the daughter 
was born February 15, 1S2(I). locating in Norwich 
towii.»hip, immediately, south of Havana village, in 
1831. The children of this marriage are: Two in- 
fants who died soon after birth: Ethelberi. who died 
in infancy: Avis, who lives at home; John H., who 
married Emma Fry, he died July 9, 1875: Charles, 
who married Mrs. Eniina Richards, and now resides 
ill Will county, Illinois: Frank, now fitting for the 
legal [n'ofessioii al the Theological University, Eving- 



318 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



ston, Illinois, and Aaron, who resides with Charles 
in Illinois. 

Mrs. Richards deceased Ma\' 4. 1874, of apoplexy. 
Some twenty-two years since Mr. and Mrs. Richards 
became christians, and united witli the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Richmond townshiji, with which 
Mrs. Richards continued a faithful and consistent 
member until her death, and Mr. Richards until June, 
1878, when, for convenience in attending worship, he 
withdrew by letter and united with the United Breth- 
ren Church at Chicago .Junction, toward the erection 
of whose church edifice he aided materially. 

In politics Mr. Richards was first an old line wliig 
and afterward a republican, one of the staunch and 
unwavering kind. 

Richard Richards, grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch, was one of several brothers, natives of 
Wales, England. He married there and reared three 
sons and one daughter. He came to the United 
States immediately subsequent to the close of the war 
of the Revolution, and settled not far from Utiea, 
New York, where he remained during his life. The 
children were: David, who died while crossing the 
ocean and was buried at sea; Richard, the father of 
the present Richard G., who came to Ohio in June, 
18.39, locating in New Haven township, where he died 
in December, 18-42; his wife died in July, 1844; John, 
who married Sally Tanner, and died in New York, 
December 18, 1869, and Gwyn, who married Jolm 
Jones, and died in Newport, New York. 



JOHN LOVELAND. 



Prominent among the early settlers in New Haven 
township, is John Loveland. He was born in Nor- 
wich, Windsor county, Vermont, July 39, 1798. The 
youngest of thirteen children. His jiarents were 
Joseph and Mercy Bigelow Loveland, who were both 
natives of Connecticut; were married in that State in 
1772, and removed to Vermont four years later, where 
they passed the remainder of their days. The father 
died in 1813 and the mother in 1834. 

John Loveland was educated in the common school 
of his native place, and tlie winter of 181.5 he went 
to Pennsylvania and lived with an older brother until 
attaining his majority. During the winter of 1821-23. 
became to Ohio, and, on June 39th, arrived in New 
Haven township, and for about two years lived in 
what is now Plymouth village. .lanuary 34, 1824, he 
purchased a distillery, and mill connected with it, 
located on Huron river, on the corner of lot thirty- 
three, in the second section, in New Haven township. 
On May 34th, of the same year, he was married to 
Flora, daughter of Josejih and Elsa Dana, of New 
Haven township. She died July G, 1831, leaving two 
children, John B., who married Martha Watts and 
lives in Fremont, and William W.. wlio married Susan 
Scott and lives in Van Buren, Michigan. Mr. Love- 
laiul was marric<la second tinu' on November 3, 1831, 



to Calista, daughter of Josiah and Polly Curtis, of 
New Haven. The children of this marriage are: 
George W., who married Delila Parker and , lives in 
Plymouth township, Richland county; Mary E., who 
married Augustus Calvin (deceased); Elizabeth C, 
who married Jesse Snyder (deceased); La Fayette, 
who married Mary Cook (deceased); Rockwell R. , 
who married Roxy Knight (deceased); Almira J., 
who married Edwin Woodworth, now living in New 
Haven township; Oscar A., who married Hattie Mal- 
lory and lives on the old homestead, and Flora A., 
who married Henry Loveland and resides in the State 
of New York. 

After prosecuting the bu iness of distillmg ardent 
spirits for some years, the avocation became odious 
and was abandoned. Mr. Loveland ne.xt built a saw 
mill, which he operated some time. In the mean- 
time, he had purchased a farm of a hundred acres, 
in lot thirty-four, in the second section, and, upoji 
discontinuing the milling business, he began farming, 
and in this he has been eminently successful. He 
now owns one hundred and eighty-nine acres of land. 
Mr. and Mrs. Loveland are life-long and worthy mem- 
bers of the Baptist Ciiurch. Politically, he is a rigid 
adherent to the sterling principles of the republican 
party. 



WILLIAM MOTSON, 

son of George and Elizabeth Motson, was born in 
Boston, England, February, 13, 1837. His father 
died when he was eight years of age, and his mother 
in 1862. He married Mary Cooper, of Burn, Eng- 
land, who was born in February, 1837, and in 1853 
emigrated to the United States. He worked at ditch- 
• ing and under-draining in New Jersey, for three 
years, when he came to Huron county, Ohio, and 
purchased twenty acres on lot number twenty-four in 
the third section of New Haven township, building his 
log cabin near the location of his present frame house. 
This was the first building erected on what is now 
the town plat of Chicago Junction, and Mr. Motson 
is properly regarded as the founder of that enterpris- j: 
ing village, having struck the first blow there for them 
purpose of improvement. He added to his iarst pur- 
chase of twenty acres, at various times, until he ob- 
tained one hundred acres, on the east side of the 
railroad, forty acres of which he laid off into village 
lots, when the rpxestion of a town was no longer a 
matter of speculation. He bought, at a more recent 
date, si.xty-one and a half acres on the west side of the 
railroad, which lies in the township of Richmond, 
and has platted four acres of this. He has paid for 
his land, wiiich he has purchased at different times, 
from twelve to one hundred and twenty-five dollars 
per acre, and has sold a large number of lots, the 
price of which has ranged from fifty to five hundred 
dollars. While Mr. Motson has been greatly Ijene- 
fitted, financially, through the circumstance of an 



I 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



319 



active railroad village having grown up where he was 
the first to locate, yet his success and prosperit}- are 
largely attributable to his own industry and prudence. 
He began here without a dollar, and before a village 
was thought of he had his laud paid for. Mr. Motson 
still follows farming, although a eousiderable of his 
time is occupied in looking after the interests of his 



village real estate. He possesses the confidence and 

respect of his fellow citizens as to his capacity and 
character, as attested in the fact of his election at 
various times to township offices, having served as 
supervisor of highways for a period of ten years. 
Mr. and Mrs. Motsou iiave never been blessed with 
children. 



RIPLEY. 



Ripley is township number one in range twenty- 
two. It is bounded upon the south by Richland 
county, east by Greenwich township, north by Fair- 
field, and west by New Haven. The township is 
generally level or gently rolling, and the soil is a fine, 
rich clay loam which originally was covered with a 
very heavy growth of 'timber, and now returns 
bounteous harvests to the farmer. The township is 
generally regarded as one of the most valuable, agri- 
culturally, in the county. Xo streams of importance 
flow through, or rise within its bounds. 

IXDI.VXS. 

The great abundance of maple trees made this part 
of the county a favorite camping place for the Indians. 
They were accustomed to come regularly in the spring 
and make maple sugar. Fur a number of years after 
the whites came, the red men carried on this harmless 
and not excessively lal)orious occupation, the nearest 
approach to anything like industry that tliey ever 
undertook. Some of their bark sap troughs were 
found in the woods as late as 1830. The Indians also 
hunted here, but their principal object "in visiting 
what is now Ripley township was to make maple 
sugar. There were other and better hunting grounds 
farther east, and their tribes often passed through 
upon a trail which led to the Black River country, 
wiiere game was more abundant. The game consisted 
of deer and occasional bear, and the various smaller 
animals common to the northern part of Ohio and 
tlie entire west. There were wolves, too, and "shack 
hogs" — both great annoyances to the first settlers. 
Tiie remains of tiieir lialjitations found by the early 
settlers, and the dams still existing, indicated that 
l)eavcrs wei'e quite numerous. Xo remai'kalile stories 
are told of experience with the Indians or advontuj-e 
with wiltl animals. 

OKKUN'AL OWXEKS. 

For an explanation uf the following table the read- 
er is R'ferred to the history of Wakeman township: 



KIPLEY, TUWX NUMBER OXE, IN THE TWENTY- 
SECOVD RANfJE. 



Original Grantees 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 
Am' t Loss. Classified by. 



Jonathan Sturges T48 3 
Jonathan Lewis 931 U 



Am't Classed 
d. 



d. \ £ a. 

8 Jonathan Sturges 748 3 
7 I Lathrop Lewis 596 4 



Footing of Classification No. 1, BlMi 



Classification No. a. Section 2. 



Original Grantees. Am't Loss. 

£ s. d. 
Elizabeth Thorp 401 6 1 
Jos . Sturges' heirs. ■3.')9 15 3 

David Jennings, 3d 255 :i 5 



John Wasson 
Stephen Jennings, 
Grace Spalding 
Elipnalet Thorp 
Elizabeth Sturges 
Marv Gardner 
Titus Hurlbutt 



161 
195 
90 
401 
150 
12:1 
19S1 



5 
5 
4 
6 


1« 
:) 



Classified by. 


Am 


( Classed. 






£ 


«. 


d 


Lewis B 


Sturges 


265 


15 


7 


" 




70 


6 


2 






65 


12 


n 


" 


*' 


80 


7 


fi 


" 


" 


174 


15 


11 


" 


" 


161 


5 


10 


" 


" 


97 


12 


su. 


" 


" 


22 


II 


1 


*' 


" 


l.-)5 


10 


6 


" 




150 








Isaac Bronson 


30 


5 






" 


90 


4 


3H 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,344 
Classification No. 3. Sections. 



Original Grantees. 




Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


.^111 


7 Cla-Hsed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Peter Burr 


383 


9 


1 


Peter Burr 


382 


9 


1 


Mt.>ses Jeiuiings 


59'J 


12 


9 


Moses Jennings 


599 


12 


9 


Samuel Beers 


96 


8 


5 


David Osborne 


48 


4 


f" 


David <.>sliorne 


21 


9 





" .. 


21 


9 


Wm. Abigail Burr 


58 


17 


9 


Sainuel Wakeman 


19 


12 


7 


Win. Abigail BuiT. 


Jr .W 


2 


6 




50 


o 


6 


.\lep Kent 


185 





7 


John Wozord 


185 





7 


John Di^brow 


1) 


14 







15 


14 





James Bennitt 


26 


3 





4t t> 


26 


3 





Joseph Benuitt 


56 


0' 


7 


Joseph Bennitt 


56 





7 


Elias Bennitt 


19 


15 


4 




19 


15 


4 


Joseph Crossnian 
Stephen Jennings 


5 


12 


2 


" " 


5 


12 


2 


195 


5 


3 


Jabez I'errys heirs 


14 


11 


■i\4 



Footing of Classiflcatiou No. 3 t;i..'M) 
Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Rev. Hezekh Ripley 


368 


19 


2 


Rev. Hezekh Riple.x 


.368 


19 


3 


Thomas .Staples 


!M7 


4 


7 


Aaron Turney 


347 


4 


7 


Esther Lord 


7 


4 









4 





Jonathan Lewis 


921 


11 


7 


Lathr<>p Lewis 
Caleb Bruster 


18 


3 


3 








, ^ 


307 


» 


10 


Sturges Lewis 
Stephi-n Turney 


52 


11 


'.J 


" 


36 


a 


7 


88 


5 


4 


Aai-on Turney 


.50 


8 


» 


Sturges Lewis 


63 


11 


2 


Lathrop Lewis 


26 


5 


7 


Lathrop Lewis 


37 


5 


2 




^ 


5 


3 


Andrew Jennings 


210 








• • .. 


2H) 








.-\bigail .lemiiugs 


49 


in 


I 


" '■ 


49 


16 


1 


Shubael (iorham 


4 


15 





Sluibael Gorhani 


4 


15 





Mary I'eiifleld 


i:i9 


It 


1 


Jome Knapp 





16 






Footing of Clossifloation No. 4, £1,.344 



320 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



EARLY SETTLERS. 

There was a settlement in tlie southwest jiart of 
Ripley township, in 1820. Seth Foster, a man by 
the name of Decker, and another by the name of 
Jaralman, and a son of the latter, lived there in the 
year mentioned, according to the statement of T. T. 
Mulford, of New Haven. Foster and Decker, who 
were from New York State, returned there after a 
short residence in the new country. Jaralman died, 
and his son moved avtay. Nothing is known in Ripley 
of those few men, who were its transitory pioneers. 
The first permanent settlement was made by the fam- 
ilies of Moses Inscho, D. Broomback, and James 
Dickson, in 1825, and the following year. Broomback 
took up lot thirteen, in section four. He did not 
remain long in the township. Dickson settled upon 
lotf ten, near Broomback, but not long after moved 
into the eastern part of the township. 

The Inschos, Moses and his wife, Jane, came into 
Ripley from New Haven township, whither they had 
emigrated from Knox county, Ohio, and settled on 
lot sixteen, in the fourth section. Several years later 
the whole family went to Illinois, where the father 
died in 183 T. The descendants of Moses and .Jane 
Inscho were: Harriet, (deceased,) John, (in Wiscon- 
sin.) Charity, (Mrs. ilyram Crawford, now in New 
Haven,) Thomas, Tracy, (deceased.) Jane, ,' deceased,) 
E. H., resident upon the old place, and David, (de- 
ceased.) 

■Abraham Stotts, of Virginia, came into the town- 
ship in the fall of 1825, and purchased land in lot 
twelve, section three. John Stotts, his son, came in 
the spring of 182C, and located on lot eleven, in the 
same section. Another son of Abraham Stotts, 
William, came a little later, and still another, Isaac 
Stotts, arrived a number of years later, and located 
in section two, lot twenty-one. John and Eve Stotts 
(Winter) reared a large family, of whom A. D., a 
prominent citizen of the township, was the eldest. 
The other members of the family are Isaac, (in Indi- 
ana,) Elizabeth, (Mrs. M. Keiser, in the same State,) 
Sarah, (Mrs. M. Mills, New Haven,) Martin K., (in 
Ripley,) Daniel, (deceased,) Catharine, (Mrs. W. T. 
Place, in Michigan,) and tieorge, in Ripley. By his 
second and tiiird wives, John Stotts had two children 
— Mary Ann and Dessie, the former of whom is in 
Michigan, and the latter in Fairfield. The descend- 
ants of Isaac and Jane Stotts are: Mary M., (Mrs. W. 
Starkey, in Kipley,) Betsey (Mrs. M. Day), Eliza, 
(Mrs. S. Howard, Hipley,) Abraham, (who died under 
age), James and \'ilauda. Jacob Stotts and his wife, 
Matilda, also came to the township at an early day, 
from Guernsey county, and he has one son, Reuben, 
living here now upc^n the old homestead, lot six, 
section two. William Stotts was killed in the woods, 
a few years after his settlement, by the fall of a 
burning tree or stub. 

Simeon Howard and his wife, Mary Wineburner, 
came from Pease, Belmont county, Ohio, in 1826, 



and settled on the northern line of the township. 
Their cliildren were : Stephen, who married Eliza, 
daughter of Isaac Stotts, now resident in Ripley, 
William, Abby (Mrs. C. Crowell), Mary (Mrs. I. 
Case), and Anna (Mrs. Noecker), all three of Ripley. 
Philij) Wineburner, a brother of Simeon Howard's 
wife, came about the same time, but did not take up 
any land. 

Samuel Case and Aaron Service came into the town- 
ship at an early day — some time previous to 1827. 
They all settled in section four. Samuel Case mar- 
ried in Ripley his third wife, Margaret Doyle. He 
had, by his three wives, eighteen children, six by 
each, eleven of whom are now living, Reuben, Rans- 
ford, and Sydney are in New York State; Samuel n 
Michigan, .James and Western in this township, Ira 
in Greenwich, engaged in the milling business; 
Stephen L. in Henry county, Ohio, Lucy (Young) 
and Eliza (Howard) in this township, and Polly in 
the West. Of Stephen Case's descendants, five are 
living, viz.: Reuben, in Indiana; Nathan, in Michi- 
gan; Ethan, in New Haven township, where he is 
proprietor of a grist mill; Israel in Ripley, and Sarah 
(Mrs. E. H. Inscho), also resides in this township. 

Rev. Joseph Edwards, a native of Connecticut, who 
had been for two years a resident of Greenfield, came 
into Ripley in 1828, and bought a tract of land which 
consisted of about nine hundred acres. His home 
was upon lot twenty-eight in the first section, where 
he remained until his death. He was a presbyterian 
minister of the old school, a man of large abilit}-, and 
led an active life and one full of benefit to the com- 
munitv in which he dwelt. His descendants were: 
Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Darling), in Missouri; Sarah W. 
(Mrs. J. Brown), Oberlin; Harriet (Mrs. J. Russ), 
in Illinois; Francis H. (Mrs. Hubbard^, deceased; the 
Rev. .Josei)h S. Edwards, deceased, and Cynthia J. 
(Mrs. George Paine), of Ripley. 

Daniel G. Barker, a son of Ephraim F. Barker, of 
Greenwich, who had settled there in 1818, came to Rip- 
ley in 1828, and settled upon a farm in lot nine in sec- 
tion two, wliich he had bought four years previous. He 
married Eliza Baker. The children of this pair are: 
Uri W., deceased; Laura P. (Mrs. J. H. Donaldson), 
of Ripley: Charles R., also in the township, and Amos 
T., deceased. Daniel G. Barker is still living upon 
the farm upon which he settled over fifty years ago. 

By this time there had come into the township, be- 
sides those already mentioned, James and Conrad 
Lutts, Lazarus Evans. William Tanner. Michael 
Artman. James Smith, Thomas Walling, Benjamin 
Holliday, Ephraim Powers, and Dudley Scott. The 
Lutts brothers settled upon lots five and ten in sec- 
tion two, and remained in the townshij) only a few 
years. J. Smith and Ilolliday were s(puitters from 
Belmont county, Ohio, and did not own any land. 
The latter lived for many years, however, opposite the 
home of A. D. Stotts. Lazarus Evans had iiis resi- 
dence upon lot six in section tliree. Ephraim Pow- 
ers settled upon lot twenty-three, section two; William 



HISTORY OF nUKOxN AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



321 



Taniu'i- iiiioii lot twenty-two, and Thomas Walling, 
his ni'pliew, upon lot twenty-four. Tlu'se three were 
from New York State. 

DeacoPi Timothy Austin, a man uf tiuo ciiaracter, 
and for a number of years one of Ripley's most lion- 
ored residents, came from Hampshire county. Massa- 
chusetts, in 1830, and bought a large tract nf land — 
about one thousand acres — north of Delphi and lying 
along the new State road. It was his intention to 
found an Austin settlement, but Viy one of those seem- 
ingly unaccountaljle reversals of fortune, he failed in 
his project. And now not one of tiie family remains 
in the township, and even the bones of those wiio 
were Intried where tlie old Deacon owned so large'an 
estate have been removed. Timothy Austin's wife 
was Rebecca Harris. Their children were: Horace 
S., Dexter, ^linerva. all three deceased; Homer J., in 
Kansas: Addison A., in "Wisconsin; Edward L. , in 
Plymoutii: Martha (Stanley), in Illinois; Mary, Sarah, 
Dwight and Frances, all deceased; and Eliza (Eaton), 
in Missouri. 

.John Bare and his sons, David, Thomas ami .Tohn, 
of Niagara county. New \"ork, came to Ripley in 
1832. The fatiier and David took up lot eighteen in 
section two, Tiiomas located on lot seven, and .Jolin 
upon lots twelve and seventeen: John Bare, Jr., 
married Amy Stout and they reared a family of fifteen 
children — ten boys and five girls — all of whom are 
living. The eldest, Cornelia, (Mrs. R. Morehead) is 
in Crestline: David, in California; Hermon, in Ripley; 
Jane, in Michigan; .Jonathan, at Greenwich Station; 
Wellington, in Ripley; Marietta (Mrs. J. S. White), 
in Ripley; Henry, in Michigan; Ira, in Ripley; James, 
upon the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and In- 
dianapolis railroad; Corvis ilinor, county clerk of 
Hillsdale county, Michigan; Dwight Mortimer, in 
Ripley; Josephine (Hildebrand), in Miciiigan, and 
Jessie at home. 

The Fowlers — Dennis, Harvey and Caleb — came 
also in 1833. They all located in the second section: 
Dennis and Caleb npon_ lot thii'teen and Harvey ujion 
twenty. 

Walter Paine and his wife, Mary (Ink), of Tom})- 
kins county. New York, came in in 1833, and made 
tiiL-mselves a home upon lot one section two. Tiiese 
parents, both of whom are dead, had a large family of 
children, as follows: .Maria (Mrs. Hmkley); of Bron- 
son; -Vlmira, (.Mrs. J. Slates); Ira, who married 
Lydia M. Knowlton, and resides in Ripley; George, 
deceased; F. C, a farmer at Delphi, who married 
Mary A. Jennings; Cyrus, Edwin and Warren, all 
three deceased; and William C, in Clinton, Illinois. 

Sanford Sisson, his wife and a family of twelve 
children, eight boys and four girls, moved into Rij)ley 
from Wayne county, New York, in 1833, and settled 
upon the .Michael .\rtmau place. Fatiier and mother 
and seven of the children are now dead. Several of 
the descendants live in Michigan, one in Indiana, and 
bnt one, L. P. Sisson, of Greenwich township, re- 
mains in Hur<in cnuiity. 

41 



During the years 1832-3-4 the settlement grew 
more rajjidly. It had then become evident that the 
township would be well populated, and the fine soil, 
good ciiaracter and reputation of the inhabitants, and 
other favorable conditions, were inducements to emi- 
grants to locate here. Deacon Isaac S. Ketcham 
came from Manlius, New Y'ork, and took up lot fif- 
teen in section one. Alonzo Slocum and Andrew 
Campbell, of the same jjlace, located respectively up- 
on lots sixteen and one in the above designated sec- 
tion. Lewis IngersoU came about this time. Chris- 
tdpiier Stimple, of New Jersey, took up a small farm 
and afterwards exchanged for the one ujion whicii he 
St present resides. Francis Rogers, the veteran mail 
carrier, came in 1832. 

David Maynard and wife and their sons. D. F. , 
Derauzel Z., Thomas. Ira and John had all arrived 
before 183.5, — the first having come in 1831. 

Among those who arrived a number of years later 
were Jesse Hopkins, John C. White, Timothy Ste- 
vens, now of Fairfield, the Parrotts and J. R. Knight, 
a resident of the county since 182-1, and of whom full 
particulars are given in the history of Bronson. 

Jonathan H. Sterling came into Ripley in 1837 and 
located upon the town line in the northeast corner. 
He lived there three years and then removed to Bron- 
son township and located at Olena, where he has since 
resided. He was from Wilton, Connecticut. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. 

The township was organized as scon as there were 
a sufficient number of voters. April 2, 1827, the 
first township election was IvAd. The electors who, 
upon that day, exercised their rights of franchise, 
were: Abraham Stotts, James Dickson, Aaron Ser- 
vice, Samuel Case, Daniel Broomback, James L. 
Lutts, Michael Artman, Moses Inscho, Simeon How- 
ard, .James Smith, .John Stotts, William Stotts, Laza- 
rus Evans and Conrad Lutts. The judges were 
Aaron Service, Michael Artman, Abraham Stotts, and 
the clerks, Samuel Case and Benjamin B. Holliday. 
The fourteen votes cast elected tiie following officers: 
Clerk, Samuel Case; trustees, Michael Artman, Abra- 
ham Stotts, Aaron Service; treasurer, Daniel Broom- 
back; fence viewers, James Dickson, .James Smith; 
constables, Lazarus Evans, James Dickson; poor mas- 
ters, James Lutts, .John Stotts; supervisors of high- 
ways, Moses Inscho, Wm. Stotts, Conrad Lutts. 

The first justice of the iieace, Simeon Howard, was 
elected August -i, 1827. He did not serve in tlie 
office, and accordingly, upon November 12th. of the 
same year, another election was held, and Benjamin B. 
Holiday was chosen to fill his place. He remained in 
the office several years, and dischraged its duties very 
satisfactorily. The present township officers are as 
follows: Clerk, J. S. White; treasurer, James R. 
Knight; trustees, IS. E. Peck, J. C. Boardnian, Frank 
Watts; constables, Alfred Xooker, William Robinson; 
justices of tlie peace. .1. .1. Carney, J. P. Iloufsinier; 
board of education. William P. \obie. Frank 



32-2 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Watts, Thos. Pettit, W'm. Lewis, C. W. Hale, Enos 
L. Marsh, David Trusell, Geo. Ellis. Isaac Atyeo, 
Arthur Stevens. 

SAilE. 

The township was named after the Rev. Hezekiah 
Riplej', of Connecticut, who was one of the "Suffer- 
ers." and who located land in the third section. 

THE FIR.ST TEMPEKAXCE SOCIETY 

was formed in 1831, or the following year, and con- 
sisted of the family of the Rev. Joseph Edwards. A 
short, terse constitution was drawn up and signed by 
Joseph Edwards, Clarissa Edwards, Elizabeth Af 
Darling, Sarah W. Edwards, Harriet Edwards, 
Frances H. Edwards, Joseph S. and Cynthia J. Ed- 
wards. Soon after a larger society of which nearly 
all the families in the township became members, 
was formed. It was a direct outgrowth of the Ed- 
wards' family society. The township has alwavs had 
an enviable character as a temperance communitv. 
and during most of the years of its existence no places 
for the sale of liquor have had an existence within its 
limits. 

OTHER ITEMS. 

Henry Broomback was the first child born in the 
township. He now lives in Plymouth. 

The first framed house was built by Deacon 
Timothy Austin, one mile north of Delphi, in 1834, 
or the following year, and the first brick house was 
that of John Stotts, which stands upon lot eleven, 
section three. 

The first orchard was planted by Aaron Service. 

The first tavern was Iniilt by D. E. Merrill at the 
center, about 1835. It was a lose buildins. 

The first mill was built aI)out the year 1828, south- 
west of Delphi, upon a small creek, in which there 
was usually insufficient water to turn the wheel. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The Rev. Joseph Edwards was the first ordained 
minister who preached in the township. He preaclied 
in 1827, to the first audience gatiiercd for religious 
instruction, and consisting of twenty persons, repre- 
sentatives of seven families. This meeting was held 
at the house of Abraham Stotts. 

Beside the Congregational and Methodist Churches 
still in existence, there have been formed in Ripley, 
churches of the Presbyterian, Cliristian, Disciples, 
Baptist, Wesleyan, Methodist and United Brethren 
denominations. Nearly all had an ephemeral life. 
The Presbyterian Church was organized at Rev. 
Josejih Edwards" house in 1830. The sermon on that 
occasicjii was preached by Rev. E. P. Salmon from tlie 
text : 

" Fear not little ftock. for it is your Fathers good plea-sure to give ye 
the Kingdom." 

Thiscliureh liad <|uite a nourishing life for a luiin- 
ber of years, but began to decline, and about twenty 



years from the time of its formation, was supplanted 
by the Free Congregational Church. 

THE GREAT REVIVAL. 

Early in 1836, there were several conversions. 
Three small churches were in existence at this time, 
and meetings were held with more or less regularity 
at the houses of their members and at the log school 
house; but there had been, up to this time, no gen- 
eral religious awakening — no movement that could 
properly be designated a revival. 

F. C. Paine, who was at that time, to use his own 
language, "a wicked, vain and almost thoughtless 
boy", while some forty miles from home, and alone 
upon the highway, was led, by God's spirit, to both 
see and feel himself a lost sinner."' Having reformed 
his way, sought and found the comfort of Christian 
religion, he was anximis that others (especially his 
fellow youth) should walk in the way he had chosen. 
He exhorted and entreated them to serve God. 
Prayer meetings were held at different places on Sun- 
day and other days of the week, and a general interest 
on the suljject of religion was created. The meet- 
ings were continued through the summer and autumn, 
and, when the first month of winter had come, the 
impression prevailed that extra meyns should be re- 
sorted to and an organized effort made for the propa- 
gation of Gospel truth. But when, where and by 
whom, did not appear an easy matter to decide upon. 
Finally it was decided to hold a two days" prayer 
meeting. The time was fixed and the place selected. 
The meeting was held at the school house east of Ed- 
wards' corners, upon the knoll overlooking the swamp. 
The dimensions of the building were eighteen by 
twenty feet. Foreign help was called. A .messenger 
was sent to Fairfield, where "there were giants 
(morally) in those days."" 

On one Saturday in February, a clear, warm, beau- 
tiful day, the people assembled. Ere long, a groui> 
of men were seen coming from the north — from Fair- 
field. As they drew near they were recognized as 
Father Owen, Elisha Savage, William C. Huestis 
(afterwards a minister of the Methodist Churcli, 
Nurth Ohio Conference). Harrison Wakenian and 
Alvin Allen, all strong, earnest men, accustiniicd to 
the work which was to engage them here. 

Father Owen led the first meeting, and before the 
people dispersed to attend tlieir home duties, all felt 
that a good beginning had lieen made. Elisha Savage 
had charge of the evening meeting, and various oth- 
ers took part. All of the services were marked witli 
deep solemnity. Mr. Huestis made a powerful exlior- 
tatiou. and, when he closed, sighs and sobs were 
heard from every jiart of the house. 

Sunday morning dawned clear and pleasant, and long 
before the hour of service, groups of people could be 
seen coming from all directions to the ))lace of meet- 
ing. Some were from the immediate vicinity and 
came on foot, others came on horseback from a greater 
distance, and maiiv with ox-teams. The seats were 



II 




'^.- 




fARS.A.D.SioiTS. 




i £Y, HURON COUNTY, OHIO- 



•"^ ~'iyj:i: ,:• ', T . -■ .'■>. c t v avtrii .y^i,! ,- 



c-j« . '-.< fi -.'n-ti.viii-c.'Liir'i ;■ 



HISTOKY OF IIUHOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



3-rs 



all taken; every avuilahle liit of standing room within 
the house was occnpiccl ;iiiil a crowil stood at the door. 
Ill the evening more were present than in the morn- 
ing. The door was taken from its hinges and the 
sash from tlie low windows, that those who were uii- 
aMe to obtain entrance might hear. Kev. H. G. 
Dubois was present, and took ciiarge of the meeting. 
His theme was " redemi)tion," and ''he spoke," says 
Mr. Paine, " as only H. G. Dubois could speak under 
such circumstances and to such .m audience." At 
first a death-like stillness |)crviided the room. I)ut as 
he proceeded it was broken by sighs and groans and 
prayers. " God be merciful to me, a sinner," fell 
from li]is unused to supplication. Notice was given 
that school would be discontinued and more meetings 
held. The service was concluded and a meeting a[>- 
])ointed for the next day, but the audience ilid not 
disperse for an hour. Nearly all seemc(l reluctant to 
leave. 

The Monday meetings caused an increase in zeal, 
and those who had labored in the cause were reward- 
ed by seeing many results of their work. A large 
number of young people were converted, among them 
(Jeorge Paine, afterwards • a local preacher in the 
Methodist church. The day closed with rejoicing on 
every side. Many were led to take an interest in the 
services who seldom, if ever, had attended meetings 
before. Among them was one who had said that "he 
preferred his gun and the woods to any of their Meth- 
dist pow-wows." He came to one of the meetings; 
went away in a thoughtful mood; returned the next 
day. and before the meeting was over he was found 
on his knees, unconscious of all that was passing 
around him. The meeting closed and he remained. 
A few tarried with him and jirayed. While the hymn 
"AlasI and diil my Saviour bleed,*' was sung, the ner- 
vous system of the hale, strong man gave away; he 
was overpowered and lay as one dead. j)rostrate upon 
the door. The news spread that Austin Taft was 
converted, and had the effect of increasing the al- 
ready widespread interest in the revival. The attend- 
ance increased. People came from Greenwich. Fitch- 
ville, Fairfield, New Haven, Plymouth, and Blooming- 
Grove. The meeting was divided and subdivided, 
some g^'ing north a mile and a half to a house on the 
farm of D. G. Parker, and others gathering at private 
houses in different parts of the township. 

One evening meeting was remarkable for the num- 
ber of the conversions. The excitement seemed to 
reach its culminating point. The young converts 
were zealous and enthusiastic; idd professors caught 
their spirit. Among them was the Rev. .Joseph Ed- 
wards, or, as he was more commonly known, •■Priest'' 
Edwards, a Presbyterian minister of the old school. 
He was severely opposed to anythiug like excitement 
in religious gatherings, but on this occasion seemed 
to have become so thoroughly infected with the pop- 
ular feeling as to forget his theory and practice. lie 
praised Hod in a loud voice, shouted hallelujah, 
dapped his hands, and llnally fell from his seat to the 



floor. Many others were affected in the same manner. 
L. D. Seymour (since the Rev. L. D. Seymour of 
the North Ohio conference) was. by birthright, a mem- 
ber of the society of Friends. He had lapsed from 
the teachings of his fatliers and had broken away 
from all restraint, so far as religion and morals were 
concerned. He was proud, profligate and profane. 
He went to the meeting to make sport, soon became 
deeply interested, and began in a course of thought 
which speedily led to his comiilete conversion. John 
Bare, still a resident of Ripley, was another of the 
converts of this meeting. The tavern keeper was 
persuaded to cease selling liipior, and the family altar 
took the place of the bar in his house. The whole 
country for miles around, was thoroughly aroused by 
the wonderful revival, and after it was over its fame 
spread farther and farther, and in places at a consider- 
able distance religious teachers engaged themselves in 
similar movements. 'J'he meetings were discontinued 
on the eleventh day. Over one hundred persons, j'oung 
and old, had been converted. Most of them joined 
the infant churches of the new settlement. Some of 
the converts were from the neighboring townships, 
and they carried home a religious enthusiasm which 
caused good results in their communities. This mem- 
orable revival, interesting alike from the secular and 
religious point of view, was commemorated thirty- 
three and a third years after by a reunion held in 
Ripley. Only eleven of the one hundred persons con- 
verted were present. A few had fallen from the faith, 
others had removed to distant parts of the country, 
some had died still in the enjoyment of the religion 
they had first found at the meetings in the winter of 
1837. The majority were still members either of the 
church militant l)elow or of the church triumphant 
above. 

THE COXCiREGATIOXAL ( HlRiII 

was originally known by the name of the Free Con- 
gregational Church, and was an outgrowth of the 
Presbyterian Church. It was founded upon the prin- 
ciple that slavery was wrong, and that it was a part 
of the duty of the church of God to discountenance 
it and work for its suppression. The church was 
organized on the 18th day of June, 1851, and, in the 
main, owed its existence to the Rev. Amos Dresser, 
of Oberlin, who afterward became very popularly 
known through the whipping he received at the hands 
of a number of chivalric southern gentlemen, because 
of his anti-slavery opinions. When the question of 
slavery was forever decided, the church drojiped the 
distinguishing jiortion of its title and retained only 
that by which it is known to-(hiy — the Congregational 
Church of Ripley. The original members of this 
church were: Harvey Hubl]ard, Henry E. Brown, 
Sarah Hall. Francis II. Hiiiiliard, Sarah W. Brown, 
Joel II;ill, Mmiv Hall. Justice Brown and Clarissa 
Edwards. Rev. Joseph Edwards gave a piece of land 
for a church lot and cemetery, and a house of worship 
was built upon it in 1853, at an expense of one thou- 



324 



HISTORY OF HUKON AKD EKIE L'OUKTIES, OHIO. 



sand dollars. Three hundred dollars were furnished 
by the New England Congregational Union, and the 
balance was raised by subscription. The church is, 
at present, in a very prospt'rous condition, and has a 
membership of over sixty persons. The pastor is 
Eev. A. H. Leonard; deacons, John Carney, J. H. 
Donaldson, J. C. White; Sunday school superinten- 
dent, .John Carney; assistant, Enos L. Marsh; secre- 
tary, Louie Carney. The church trustees are: A. 
Hostler, D. S. Bell, E. L. Marsh; clerk, John Carney; 
treasurer, Ambrose Frayer. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first MetJiodist class in the township was or- 
ganized at General Barker's house some time during 
the year 18.35. Rev. James Wheeler officiated. The 
class remained in existence for some time, but no re- 
cord has been kept, from which tlie names of the 
constituent members or other matters of interest can 
be obtained. The present Methodist Episcopal 
Church was organized November 14, 1862, the service 
upon that occasion being conducted by the Eev. L. S. 
Johnson, then of Plymouth. The original members 
were F. C. Paine, Mary A. Paine, Sarah Truxell, 
her son. Homer Truxell, and daughter Mary Truxell, 
Hannah Long, George Bobbins, Olive Jane Robbins, 
her daughter Kate Robbins, Atwater Hough and 
Mary Hough. F. C. Paine was the first class leader. 
William Robinson succeeded him two years after the 
organization of tlie church. The pastors of the 
church down to, and including the present, are as 
follows: L. S. Johnson, three years: J. T. Kellum, 
one year; A. K. Owen, three years; H. G. Du Bois, one 
year: C. C. Ball, one year; George MacKillipps, one 
year; John McNab, one year; John McKeen, one 
year; J. F. Brant, one year; C. J. Russell, one year; 
P. F. Graliam, one year. The whole number of per- 
sons connected with tlie church since its organization 
has been one hundred and fifty, and the present 
membership is one hundred and twenty. The trus- 
tees are: S. E. Peck, M. K. Stotts, J. C. Boardman, 
Atwater Hough and J. C. McLaughlin; stewards, J. 
C. Boardman and E. H. Inscho; class leaders, E. H. 
Inscho, Joseph Gleason and John Hale. 

SABBATH SCHOOL CNION. 

Tlie Sabliatli school union of IJipley township, 
auxiliary to the county union, was organized Feb- 
ruary (i, 18T5, since whicii time, meetings have been 
held (|uarterly for the consideration of modes of Sun- 
day school work. F. C. Paine was the first president 
wof the society, L. S. Gil)sou, secretary. The present 
officers are : S. E. Peck, president; J. J. Carney, 
vice-president ; A. Frayer, treasurer ; Mrs. Belle 
Gates, secretary. The union is, and has been, one of 
the strongest, most activi' and most useful in the 
county. 

EAIiLY SCHOOLS. 

Mrs. Harriet Russ, formerly Miss Harriet Edwards, 
daughter of the Rev. Josejih Edwards, then living in 



Greenfield, taught the first school held in the town- 
ship, in the year 1827, for the sum of fifty cents pei- 
week, ])aid not in money, but labor at clearing land. 
This school was in the southwestern .section of the 
township. The first school meeting was held also in 
1827. A school house was erected in 1832, near the 
northeastern corner of the township, princpally 
throng]) the eiforts of Daniel G. Barker. Sallie 
Fowler was the first teacher at this school. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first practitioner of medicine known in the 
township, was Dr. Moses Saunders, of Peru. He, 
for a number of years, had the whole of what little 
practice tiiere was in the settlement. Afterwards, 
Dr. Wni. M. Ladd, of Fitchville, and Dr. Morton, of 
Greenwich, practiced in the township. The only res- 
ident physician of any note, in Ripley, was Dr. Cyrus 
Paine. Avho began here in 1833 and continued in 
practice for al.iout five years, giving very general sat- 
isfaction. 

DELPHI. 

Delphi was once quite an active little village, and 
its future looked roseate enough to satisfy nearly all 
that it would one day be a thriving place. It had 
two or three taverns or hotels, in its most prosperous 
days, and several well-stocked stores. The railroads, 
however, developed other places at the exjiense of 
Delphi, and for the past score of years or more, its 
interests have waned. It has, at present, two stores, 
kept by "Uncle William" Roliinson and George E. 
Miller, a wagon and Idacksmith shop, kept by James 
Irwin, and another by Charles Harrison. The first 
store in Ripley township was opened here by Uvat 
Close. 

ROADS. 

For a number of years after the first settlement was 
made there was but one road in the township upon 
which travel was possible. This was the one running 
east and west through the center. The timber had 
been chopped along the line, but the road was unim- 
proved, and it was only with difficulty that vehicles 
could lie moved over it. The road cut through tlie 
township for Harrison's army to jmss thiougli, was 
orown over with bushes and small timlier. and it was 
allowed to remain in this condition for some time 
after the settlement was commenced. ^lany of the 
early settlers cut their way into the township through 
the primeval forest. 

POSTAL MATTEUS. 

There was a mail route through Ripley before the 
township was settled, upon which a man went once a 
week, between Mansfield and Norwalk. The first 
eastern mail was carried from Now TInven througli 
Ripley, Greenwich, Rugglesaiid Sullivan. For a few 
vears the settlers were obliged to go to the older 
settled townships for their mail: l>ut aliout 183U a 



w 




HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



3-.'5 



post office was established at tlie locality now known 
us Edwards' Corners, and the Rev. Josejih Edwards 
was made postmaster. When Delphi heoun to be a 
phice of trade, the post office was removed there, and 
designated as Ripley ville — the name by which it has 
ever since been known. There is another post office 
in the township, npon the Cleveland, Columbus, Cin- 
cinnati and Indianapolis railroad, named Carson. 

MAX r F.\< TV RI N'(t IXTERKSTS. 

The water power of the townshiii lieing insignifi- 
cant, there have never been auv very successful flour- 
ing or saw mills run by this power, and for the same 
and other reasons no branch of manufacturing has 
ever been extensively carried on. There are now two 
saw mills in the towushij) — one at Delpjii, at i)resent 
owned by David Truxell and John Howard, built in 
18»>ii, and one in the northern part of the township, 
upon lot twenty-one, section three, owned, for the 
past three years, by Robert Maynard. These, and a 
small manufactory of drain tiles, owned liy Huljliard 
Hoak and located at Delphi, are the only manufactur- 
ing interests that Ripley possesses. 

STOCK KAISIX(J. 

A far more important line of business in this town- 
shi[) is tlie raising of blooded stock by a number of 
enterprising men. tSo extensively has tliis Ijranch of 
the farmer's calling been carried on that it has made 
Ripley famous, wherever in our State an interest is 
taken in the improvement of cattle, sheeii and horses, 
particularly the former classes of animals. 

S. W. Thomas is deserving of the credit, in all 
probability, of owning the finest flock of siieep in 
Ohio. Mr. Thomas, a native of New York State, 
"came to Rijiley in 1854, and about ten years later 
began the business of raising. He selected from the 
flocks of the following gentlemen in Addison county, 
Vermont: Messrs. C. D. Lane, C. \V. Mason, W. H. 
Cook, Tyler, Stickney & Son. E. G. Farnliani, S. .J. 
Nurtiirnp & Sou. F. & L. E. iloore, Rockwell & San- 
ford, Hall >.t Iluldrii. .1. A. Wright. II. .lones, George 
W. Paine, C. P. Cnnie. .Mr>. C. W. Haywaid and H. 
M. Perry (the Culling Hock) and a few others. These 
purchases wore followed up in the years 18').') and 
1866, also in 1871, 1877, 1878 and 187'.). tiie oljject 
constantly aimed at being the improvement of tlie 
flock througii the introduction of the best blooded 
stock procurable. In purchasing, Mr. Thomas has 
spared no pain.s to secure the best sheep in the coun- 
try, often paying as liigh as one hundred dollars per 
head, and in one instance one hundred and fifty for 
ewes. Tlie rams used in the flock have cost from 
three to twenty-tive iiundred dollars a piece. The 
flock, at this writing, consists of something over two 
hundred and forty siieep. Of these, some of the 
ewes shear a.s heavy as seventeen, eighteen, nineteen 
and even twenty pounds of wool, and tlie rams from 
twenty-four to tweiity-eigiit pounds a piece. .Mr. 
Thomas' sales of sheep, during 1878 and the first two 



or three months of 1879, have amounted to upwards 
of four thousand dollars. Although giving most of 
his attention to sheep raising, Mr. Thomas has a very 
good herd of short horns (Durhams). He coinnienced 
breeding cattle in 1874. 

A man who makes more of a specialty of cattle 
breeding is W. P. Noljle. formerly of Richland coun- 
ty, but for the past fifteen years a resident of Ripley. 
He has a farm of two hundred and fifty acres in the 
south part of Rii)ley, upon which are to be seen some 
of the best specimens of thoroughbred Durham -jattle 
that the country can produce. He has also quite a 
herd in Morrow county. Mr. Noljle also raises some 
fine wooled sheej) of the Spanish Merino variety. 
There are several other farmers in the township who 
have some remarkably fine thoroughbred cattle, 
among wliom .1. S. White is |)articularly deserving of 
mention. 

Sol Lottand. the veteniu breeder and trainer of 
running horses, is also a resident, and has been for 
over thirty years, of Ripley. He has upon his farm 
about thirty-five head of valual)le horses. 

PATKOXS OF mSHAXIlKY. 

Ripleyville Grange, No. 7t>7. was organized March 
16, 1874, with sixteen members. Following are the 
first officers elected: S. E. Peck, master; D. S. Wash- 
burn, overseer; William Baker, lecturer; Stephen Case, 
steward; B. L. Alverson, assistant steward: J. M. 
Maynard, chaplain: 0. G. Hall, secretary; E. Bene- 
dict, treasurer: •). Sattison. gate keeper: ilrs. M. A. 
Hall, Ceres: Mrs. H. E. Maynard, Poniuna: Mrs. 
Sarah Washburn. Flora: Mrs. S. E. Peck, stewardess. 
The grange has now a membership of forty-five 
persons. Following are tlie ladies and gentlemen in 
office in 1879: Ira Paine, master: James R. Knight, 
overseer; G. L. Childs, lecturer; Roliert Watts, stew- 
ard; John Howard, assistant steward; Mrs. Mary 
Childs, chaplain; David Lyon, treasurer: Mrs. A. D. 
Stotts, secretary; David Truxell, gate keeper; Mrs. 
Ira Paine, Ceres; Robert Watts, Pomona; Mrs. S. 
Washburn, Flora; Mrs. Juliii Howard, stewardess. 



Biographical Sketches. 



F. C. PAINE. 

The subject of this sketch disclaims the possession 
of any qualities that entitle liim to tlie meiitiim that 
his friends believe should br UKidc of iiim. He says 
that tiie most that can l)e claimed for iiim. is that he 
is one of that nunil)er whose ett'ort and aim. tiuis far 
througii life, have been to make tlie world better for 
his having lieen in it. 

F. C. Paine was born Noveiul)er 'i:?, 181'.). at En- 
fieUl, Tompkins county. New York. In tiie spring 



326 



HISTOKY OF HUKO>; A^'D ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



of 1833, he removed, with his father's family, to 
Ripley, Huron oountv. Ohio, which county has ever 
since been the place of his residence. Ripley was then 
an almost unbroken forest. All of the educational 
advantages afforded in the township, were small 
schools held in two rude log huts. The following 
winter after his arrival, with Cobb's spelling book, 
the English reader, Kirkham's grammar and Dabol's 
arithmetic under his arm, he sought to avail himself 
of the advantages offered by these small schools. 
The teacher informed him that he was not hired to 
give instruction in grammar, but would do all he 
could for his new pupil, in arithmetic. Before night 
the teacher found a limit to his ability in this branch 
of education, the bridge which it was impossible to 
pass being one of the hardest sums in simple division. 
At night young Paine graduated, and, after that, 
studied at home under the direction of his father, 
taking as his school hours, the evening time, when he 
lay in front of the fire-place and conned his books 
over by the ruddy blaze of a huge log fire. This was 
because his days were occupied in chopping. 

In the fall of 1836, he commenced teaching, his first 
school being at Couatnt's corners, near where the 
village of Greenwich station is now located. He 
taught seventy-two days, and received, therefor, 
thirty dollars. 

In the spring of 1857, he made a profession of re- 
ligion and joined the Methodist Episcopal chui'ch.* 
Two years later, he was licensed to preach. In the 
fall of 1843, he was received into (what was then 
known as) the ilichigan conference, and was stationed 
at Toledo. After several months, his health failed 
him, and with the advice of several physicians, he 
abandoned, very reluctantly, the idea of making the 
ministry of the Gospel, his calling through life. 

October 12, 1843, he married Miss Marv A. Jen- 
nings, of Fairfield township, formerly of Fairfield, 
Connecticut. They had no children, but what was 
their misfortune may have been much to the benefit 
of many with whom they have met in life. Whether 
their love and kindness liave been the more freely be- 
stowed upon others, because cliildren of their own 
have not claimed it, cannot be known, but certain it 
is that they have been kind and careful in providing 
for the poor and those in distress. 

Mr. Paine, though a farmer, is a lover of the beau- 
tiful, and one who is ever finding the beautiful in the 
simple and wonderful things that lie around him in 
his every day life. He lias preaciied occasionally but 
most of his efforts have been in the interests of the 
Sunday school cause. Througji his efforts, to a great 
extent, was formed the Huron County Sunday School 
Union. Several churches have grown out of Sunday 
schools organized by him. He has acted in the capac- 
ity of Sunday scliool superintendent for forty years. 

The term "radical" is i)roperly applied to Jlr. Paine. 
Policy has never made him act contrary to his convic- 

* See religious history of Ripley— "The Great Revival." 



tion of duty. Early in life he embraced anti-slavery 
sentiments and fearlessly defended them. He was 
waylaid by some of his neighbors, one dark night, 
near Edward's corners, and treated to a sliower of 
eggs, for having publicly expressed his opinion on that 
subject. " The nigger man," was the term frecpiently 
applied to him. His first vote was cast for James 6. 
Birney, an ex-slaveholder. After the formation of 
the republican party he affiliated publicly with that 
organization, and all through the dark davs of the 
Rebellion he stood firm for the Union, and with influ- 
ence and means advocated the cause of the north. 
Since the organization of the prohibition party his 
sympathies and efforts have been naturally with that 
body. Though now in his fifty-fourth year he has 
never purchased a glass of anything that would intox- 
icate. His firm conviction is, that to a great extent 
the church is res2')onsible for the prevalence of intem- 
perance throughout the nation. His motto is ''prohi- 
bition," and, as he says, for this he faithfully works and 
prays, fully believing in the good time coming, and in 
the fulfillment of the master's promise: "That every 
plant not planted Vjy his Heavenly Fathers' hand 
shall be rooted up." 



A. D. STOTTS. 



Illustrative of the success that attends honest, 
manly, well-directed endeavor, industry and the con- 
scientious adherence to duty, is the life of the subject 
of this sketch, A. D. Stotts, of Ripley township. His 
grandfather, Abram, and father, John Stotts, natives 
of Maryland, but for some time resident in Belmont 
county, Ohio, came to Xew Haven in 1824, and in the 
year 1820, moved into Ripley where there were not 
more than half a dozen families of pioneers. John 
Stotts had married Eve Winter, of Virginia, and A. 
D. Stotts -was the first born nf this family of nine 
children. He was one year old wlion his parents 
removed to Huron county. He grew u)> in Ripley, 
following the hard routine of farm life from the time 
he was old enough to drive a iiorse, and under his 
father's care and direction, early became accustomed 
to the active habit of life which he has ever since 
followed. When twenty-one years of age, he "was his 
own man," and as a start in life, his father offered 
him his choice between two hundred and fifty dollars 
in cash and a piece of land uncleared, which consisted 
of fifty acres, with the condition, however, that if he 
chose the latter, he should give in return two years' 
labor. He took the land, and after his agreement 
with his fatiier was fulfilled, began the labor of pre- 
paring it for fai'in purposes, which in time he accom- 
plished to his satisfaction. He turned all of the avails 
that he could siiare from this small farm into tiie pur- 
chase of various small parcels of land adjoining his 
first possession, and finally tlin.iugh thrift, and by 



J 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



327 



many slow but successful steps, accumulated the large 
property of wliich he is now owner. 

The old house which is shown in illustration, Mr. 
Stotts built when he was twunty-seven years old, 
and it answered tlie needs of himself and family up 
to 18fiT. when hcorocted the spacious and elegant brick 
residence which has since l)een his home. The brick 
house, south of his residence, (which appears in the 
plate) was the house of his father. Upon his death, 
the subject of this sketch, bought out tiie other heirs 
and thus came into possession of the old homestead. 

Mr. Stotts was married October, •■J3, 1850, to Mary- 
ette, daughter of John and Susan Boughton.of Fitch- 
ville township, wlio is still the partner of his joj^saud 
sorrows. Their children are: Flora A. (Mrs. Hop- 
kins), of Ripley; Dellie E. (Mrs. F. A. Hilton), of 
Coldwater. Michigan: Clarence Eugene and Elmer 
A., the two last named at home. 

Mr. Stotts IS one of those men to whom tlie trite 
term, "self-made," is appropriately applied. He had 
only the most narrowly limited advantages for an 
early education, there being no school of any kind in 
the township until after he was twelve years of age, 
and his father l)eing unable to give him any instruc- 
tion, even in the rudimentary branches. Though 
lacking these advantages in youth, he supplied them 
as best he could in later life, and has attained much 
of that most valuable education of all, which comes 
from ol)serv;ition. ex])erience, and general reading of 



books — and men. Whatever he has attained has been 
by his own unaided efforts. Beside achieving an 
independence, so far as pecuniary iiosirion is con- 
cerned, he has made for himself a character and rep- 
utation that place him in the highest regard of the 
people who know him l)est. The feeling of confidence 
in his judgment and probity is attested by the fact 
that he has not only lieen called upon to serve, in 
otlices of trust, in the township in whieh he resides, but 
has been chosen to fill an important place in the civil 
list of the county. He was elected county commis- 
sioner in 1875. and re-elected in 1878 for a term of 
three years. 

Politically. Mr. Stotts was a Democrat until the 
formation of the Republican party, since whieh time 
he has been an unswerving supporter of the cause 
which that organization esjioused. 

He has long been a member of the Baptist church, 
and his Christianity is of that type which is a credit 
alike to its j)rofessor and to the faith. 

Mr. Stotts has now lived in Ripley longer than any 
other resident ; has been prominently identifie<l with 
its interests, and is looked upon as one of its solidly 
worthy citizens, a man who has worked hard and 
lived well, in the best significance of the term, 
and who is appreciated for his earnestness, sincerity 
and honesty. 

His father, John Stotts, died May 16, 1863, and 
his mothei'iu March, 1850. 



FITCHVILLE. 



FiTCHViLLE. known originally as town number two, 
range twenty-one, is situated in the southeast quarter 
of Huron county, and is bounded upon the north by 
Hartland, east by New London, south by Greenwich, 
and west by Fairfield. The surface is rolling and the 
drainage good. The soil is clay with a plentiful ad- 
mixture of sand and gravel, which predominate upon 
the ridges. It was originally heavily timbered with 
oak. walnut, hickory, maple, black and white ash, 
beech, basswood, elm and other varieties of trees. 
The Vermillion river, which heads at two little lakes 
near Savannah, in Ashland county, enters the town- 
ship near the southeast corner, flows near the center, 
and then northward and on through Hartland, 
Clarksfield, Wakeman, and Erie county to the lake. 

ORIGINAL OWNERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader is 
referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

Classification No. 1, Section 1 . 
Original Grantees. Ain't Loss. Classified by. 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Peter CjTphus 
Daviil Bush 
Jeremiah Chapman 
Marv Peck 
Reuben Rundal 
Daniel Pahner 
Abraham Close 

Joseph Close 
Timothy Finch 
Samviel Palmer 
Benjamin Husted 
John Loudon 
William Lee 
John 5Iead. Jr 
Rachel :Marshall 
Daniel Marshall 
William Waters 
Israel Knapp, Jr 
Jeremiah Mead 
Timothy Lockwood 
Peter Brown 
Silas Betts 
Hannah Fitch's h"rs 
Thomas Fitehs h'rs 
Ehenezer Fitch 
Minilwell Hitchcock 
Thomas Hitchcock 
Jonathan Connery 
Zaccheus Mead 
Deborah Close 
Nathaniel Finch 
James Barnes 
William Rundal 
Hannah Rundal 
Anna Rundal 



£ 

23 

159 

3 

8 
44 
35 
17 

144 
GO 

77 



d. 

11 
11 



William Knapp 

Hrs of David Bush 159 

William Knapp 



54 

10 

23 

11 

4 

18 

10 

5 

317 

141 

415 

2 

18 

m 

63 

a 

12 

37 
51 

Ml 
45 
4 



19 


15 

8 

4 



10 

10 

16 

5 

1 

12 

15 

18 

4 

5 

4 

3 
10 




34 



Am 


( Classed 


S 


s. d. 


19 





159 


5 11 


3 


12 11 


S 


8 5 


44 


2 


•35 


19 2 





1 



10 


6 

11 

3 

lOH 

I 

I 



Jabez Fitch .S: Wil- 
liam Knapp 



William Knapp 



17 
144 
60 



- 54 

10 
22 
11 

4 
18 
10 

5 

217 

15 

44 

o 

IS 
33 
63 
9 
12 

Nathaniel Finch 27 

H'rs of Jas. Barnes 51 
Hrs of Wm. Run ;al SI 
, ■■ 36 

John Mackay, Jr. 2 



Frederick Betts 
John St. John 



Thomas Hitchcock 



Heirs 

Zaccheus 



Mead 




15 




10 
10 
16 
5 
1 

12 
15 
18 
4 
5 
4 
2 
9 
10 




10 



11 

3 

lOH 

1 
7 
1 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1,344 



Classification No. 2, Section 2. 
Oriyinnl drantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



AmH classed. 



£ 
182 
257 

195 



Israel Wood 

Odle Close 

Samuel Sevmour 

Rev. Jot'n Murdock 79 

Drake Seyni' ur l'i3 

Nehemiaji Brown 94 



Deborah Brush 31 5 1 

Roger Sontherland 10 13 3 

Maiv Town 4 10 

Joannn Reynolds 13 3 

William Marshall 14 10 11 



d. 

11 
3 
3 
4 



David Wood, Jr. 
Gideon Close 
Samuel Seymour 
Rev. J. Miu'dock 
Drake Seymour 
Benj. Briish. Nehe- 
mialiA: Ma]. Brown 

Benjamin Brush 



£ 


s. 


d 


182 





11 


357 


10 


3 


195 


15 


3 


79 


14 


4 


123 


19 


5 



Rev. William Seward 35 8 

Anna Rundal 4 15 

Timothy Rundal 7 11 

Charles Knapp 1! 2 

Jt.lin Hobby 146 4 

Isaac Howe 83 19 

Jonah Mend '24 12 

Reuben Holmes 32 10 

Elisha Belcher 39 1 



Benj. Brush. Nehe- 
niiah & Maj. Brown 
John Mackay, Jr. 



John Hobby 
Isaac Howe 
J onah Mead 
Samuel Sevmour 
Elisha Belcher 



10 
146 
83 
24 
5 
39 



16 



16 
8 
3 

11 
1 
4 

19 

12 

1 



3 


11 


11 
8 
3 
9 








Original Grantees. 


An 


't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Josiah Thatcher 


400 


6 


5 


Ann Hays 


57 


3 


S^ 










Dan'l Thatcher's h'rs 7 


'2 


IIH 


Peter Quintard 


101 








Peter Quintard 


134 








Benjamin Betts 


'^ 


11 


11 


Hezekiah Whitlock 


■ 2 





8« 


Bevley Arnold 


12 


8 





.. .. 


5 


6 





Abigail Weeks 


3 


10 





4. •. 


3 


10 





Josiah Thatcher 


400 


6 


5 


Committee 


30 


15 


m 


Daniel McAuley 


248 


7 





" " 


248 


7 





Aulev McAuley 


.30 


19 


3 


(. i. 


30 


19 


3 


Thos. Fitch's heirs 


415 


3 





" '* 


11 


17 


1 


Rover Soutlierland 


10 


12 


2 


" " 


4 


10 


11 


Henry Studwell 


85 


17 


6 


4. 44 


77 


3 


Uii 


Jonathan and Am- 








- 








brose Rej'nolds 


18 


1 


7 


44 44 


5 


17 


B 


Rufus Avery 


132 


18 


4 


44 44 


82 


6 


m 


David .\ustin, Esq. 


276 


17 





14 44 


•276 


17 





Abiah Allen 


13 


13 


7 


44 44 


3 


14 


11 


William Lyon 


9i 


o 


5 


44 44 


92 


2 


5 


Charles Sa"bin 


29 


5 


6 


44 44 


29 


5 


6 


William Ward 


•M 


11 


7 


44 44 


22 


11 


7 


John Cottin 


1 


7 





44 44 


8 


7 





Zacheriah Candy 


7 


19 


2 


44 44 


7 


19 


2 


Silas Hotchkiss 


3 


1 





44 44 


3 


1 





William Trowbridge 


12 


19 


6 


44 44 


12 


19 


6 


Silas Kimberly 


193 


16 





_ 


193 


16 






Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,345 8 



m 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. Ani't Loss. 

S s. d. 

William Blake 3 1 3 

Jacob Conkling 63 1 3 

Eben Knapp 147 17 6 

John Mead 162 9 9 

Sarah Mead 71 5 4 

Susannah Reynolds 18 16 4 

Lydia Fitch 19 19 10 

Thos. Fitch's heirs 415 3 

Hannah Fitch's h'rs 141 2 7 

Ephraim Burr 95 17 10 



Classified by. 
Jabez Fitch 



Awi'i Classed, 



Footing of Classification No. 2. £1,344 7 



Andrew Sturges 
William Bush 
Isaac Bush 
Charity Banks 
Samuel Bush 
.'ames Brundage 
James Ciuiningham 
Peter Cyphus 
Hannah Rundal 
Samuel ,Ask 
Obadiah Banks 
Jol, n Bush 
Samuel Banks 
Royer Biown 
Nevil Conklin 
Odle Close, admin'r 
Odle Close, Jr. 
Horse Neck Church 
Joseiih Chamber 
Daniel Carter 
Thomas Davis 
Daniei Darson 
James Fen-is 
Timoth.v Fei'ris 
Solomon Finney 
Ann Gregg 
Reuben Holmes 
Isaac Hi'lmes 
Closes Husted, Jr. 
Meeting House 
J'n'th'n Hubbard, Jr. 
Nathaniel Hobby 
Thomas .lohnson 
James .lohnson 
.lonah Knajjp ■ 
Nathaniel Knapp 
Eimice Knapp 
John Knapp 
Ezekiel Knapp 
Widow Kinch 
Enos Lockwood 
Caleb Lyon 
Joseph Lockwood 
Hannah Lockwood 
Amos Lyon 
James Lyon 



49 
15 
25 
9 
4 
8 
19 
42 
16 
17 
43 
32 
63 
'1 

20 
31 
12 
41 

8 
44 
15 
14 
3i 
25 

8 
13 

9 
30 
29 
19 
58 



18 
6 

10 
4 

13 
1 


13 

'l8 
17 
10 
15 
13 
19 
3 



n 

10 
5 
4 
13 
10 
6 
12 
10 
10 


9 

15 
10 
13 
8 
13 
3 

10 
15 

9 
19 

4 





6 

8 

4 







4H 

8 

9 

1^ 

im 

3 
10 
11 











3 





1 

o 

10 
3 




1 




3 



Jabez Fitch ,& Wil- 
liam Knapp 

WiUiam Knapp 



£ 
3 

63 
M7 

18 
71 
18 
19 
14 
5 



d. 



1 
4 
4 
10 



Hannah Rundal 
Committee 



95 


17 


10 


13 


18 





41 


6 


9 


4 


10 





8 


4 


6 


13 


13 


8 


:30 


1 


4 


12 








3 


5 





8 


18 


5 


6 


7 


m 


41 


17 


8 


10 


10 


9 


o 


15 


IH 


47 


13 


lOM 


2 


19 


3 


30 


12 


4 


15 


7 


11 


25 


2 





4 


15 


10 


4 


10 





8 


5 





10 


13 


10 


27 


7 


5 


6 


8 


2 


17 


6 






26 

15 
63 

O 

20 
1 
13 
41 
4 
44 
15 
14 
23 
14 



17 
15 
19 
11 



4 
15 
10 




14 


15 

5 
13 

8 
13 

3 

9 
10 



10 
3 


11 


1 






11 

4 

3 

4 
6% 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,344 7 
THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

Fitchvilk' was first settled in the summer of 181T. 
Peter Mead, Abraham Mead and Amos Reynolds were 
the pioneers. They made their beginning upon the 

(328) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



329 



east line of tlie township, upon the farms now occu- 
pied by tlie willow of Peter Mead and bv.Iohn (iolden, 
Peter Mead taking uj) lot tliirteen and Amos Rey- 
nolds lot fourteen, both in j^eetion one. The Meads 
came to Ohio from CaJ-mel, Putnam county. New 
York, but were originally from Connecticut, and 
Reynolds was from Westchester county. They were 
obliged to cut a road into the townsliip. Immediately 
upon their arrival they prepared the ground for a crop 
of corn, and then built log cabins for the accommo- 
dation of their families, who, while they were plant- 
ing had had no shelter but that of the wagons. 
Aliraham Mead, after clearing several acres of land, 
became dissatisfied with his location, and wishing to 
get as near the center of the township as possible, he 
measured it off, each way, by the use of a rope and 
pocket-compass, and took jiossession of the land lying 
near the center, and upon which the little village of 
Clinton was afterward built. Here he resided about 
twelve years, when he sold out and removed to Nor- 
walk where he died in 18.51, aged seventy-six years. 
His wife's name was Deborah Barker. Tliey had six 
sons: Alsou, William, Sanford, Madison. Joel, and 
David: and three daughters: Mary, Samantlia, and 
Arvilla. one of whom mai'ried John Bell, now of Rip- 
ley. All of the sons are dead but David, who resides 
in Fairfield. Peter Mead died in Fitehville, in 18.5-1. 
He was twice married, and reared a large family of 
children, of whom the living are: Norman, Edward 
B., Fanny (Mrs. G. Jackson, of Ottawa county), An- 
geline, (Mrs. Eaton, in ^lichigan), and J. F. , who 
lives upon the old homestead in Fitehville. Those 
deceased are: Newberry, Varney P., Cyrus, Zaccheus, 
and Mary. 

The Palmers came in 1818. They were from Fair- 
field county, Connecticut. Rundel, Alvah, Seeley 
and Linus came first, in the spring, and Samuel 
Palmer came in the tall, bringing with him Rundel's 
wife and four children: Isaac, Samuel, Mary and 
Marcus; and two of his sisters: Adelia and Hannah. 
Twenty-five persons bearing the name of Palmer came 
during the year 1818. 

.Seeley settled upon lot three in section one, where 
he now resides, and married Nancy Post, by whom 
he had a large family of children: Delia (Mrs. C. 
Curtiss of Norwalk), William (in Fairfield), Augusta 
(Mrs. D. Doran), Beccher (who is in the South), 
Donnison (in New London), Buidette (at home), 
Julia (Mrs. D. Curtiss, dead). Lucy (Mrs. Hem- 
enway of New London), Eliza (at home), and 
Nancy (Mrs. Sayer in Missouri). Linus Palmer 
married Jemima Rowland. Rundel Palmer suf- 
fered a very sad loss in the death of his little five 
year old son, Marcus, in 1823. The boy, who lived 
at the home of his uncle, Samuel Palmer, was sent 
upon an errand, and upon his way back, met an older 
brother, who was going out shooting. He followed 
him, and a very violent storm, of hail and sleet, aris- 
ing, he became separated from his brother, lost his way 
and perished from the cold. The Palmers, becom- 

42 



ing alarmed at the child's absence, went out to search 
for him, and aroused their neighbors, who joined 
them, but they were unalile, after long tramping 
through tile woods, to discover him, and knowing 
that if he had not found his way to some place of 
shelter, he must he dead, they returned to their homes. 
The next day the lifeless bodv of the boy was found. 
Besides the children of Rundel Palmer and wife above 
named, there were born after their arrival, Nathan, 
David and Alvah. Samuel Palmer settled upon lot 
two in section one, cleared u)i his farm, and experi- 
enced his full share of the hardship and privation of a. 
pioneer's life. He married, in 1832, Eliza 0. Curtiss, 
from Connecticut, who died about two years later. 
He took for his second wife, in 184-1, Anna Ly'on, 
who was the partner of his joys and trials until 1876, 
when death removed her. Samuel Palmer',-:- children 
were: Prestou, Marcus and Samuel. Tlie last named 
died when young, the second son died in 1870, and 
the oldest, now the only one, is living at the old 
homestead. Abijah Palmer settled upon lot six, sec- 
tion two. He came also in 1818, and was from Ca- 
yuga county, county New Y'ork. His w'ife's name was 
Clariuda Reynolds. Their children were : Rol)ert, 
Nathaniel, David,' (all three dead,) Tamia, Caroline, 
Ann (Mrs. Ebenezer Osljorne), Maria, Ruth (Mrs. 
William Burras), Phebc and Hiram. Alvah Palmer 
died in 1827. Rundel Palmer settled upon lot thirty- 
three, section four. He died in 1876. William 
Palmer located north of the center, in 1827, bringing 
his wife and four children. The Palmers were noted 
abolitionists. 

In 1819, Gilbert Martin, Wni. W. Watrous and 
Charles Lyon arrived. The first named of these three 
brought with him, from Green county, Ncav York, 
his family, and they made their home upon lot twenty- 
four, section four. Martin died about ten years later. 
Lyon was from Cayuga county, Xew York. His 
family consisted of his wife. Deborah, and nine chil- 
dren. Others were born later. The names of those 
living are: Levi, Daniel, Charles and Abigail. Wat- 
rous married a Miss Strong, and reared a large family. 
Their home was upon lot ten, section four. Mr. 
Watrous came from iladison county. New York, to 
Ridgefield township, in 1818, and from there to Fiteh- 
ville. J. N. and Ileni-y Pickard arrived al)out this 
time, from Cayuga county. New York, and located 
upon lot nine, section two. .loseph removed west 
about 1840, and Henry also left the township. Absa- 
lom H. Coleman came in 1820, from Cayuga county. 
New York, and located upon lot four, section two. 
He brought with him a large family of daughters, 
nearly all of whom were nuirried not long after, and 
it is to bo presumed that some of them did not make 
'•good matches," for their father used to remark that 
'•the devil had been owing him a grudge for a long 
time, and had finally jiaid him off in sons-in-law." 

The Curtiss's made their trip to Oiiio in a novel 
way. The plan was proposed by Jotham W. Curtiss, 
the father of Hiram \., Joseph C, Lyman. Jotham 



330 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and Arthur. The project was to come by boat, and 
the family set about making one in the spring of 1820, 
at Paris. Oneida county, New York. When com- 
pleted, this boat was mounted upon wheels and hauled 
to Wood creek, a distance of fifteen miles. From 
thence it was worked down stream to Oneida lake, 
where the passengei's and crew went on board. The 
party consisted of Jotham W. C'urtiss, his son Hiram 
A., with his wife and one child, about a year old, 
Joseph C. Curtiss and three young men. whose point 
of destination was Geauga county. The boat was 
•plentifully laden with provisions, and the trip proved 
a very i)leasant one. It was made by carrying the 
boat around the rapids in the Oswego river, and 
around the falls and rapids of Niagara. It was less 
fatiguing, but not less dangerous, than the land trip 
would have lieeu. After stopping at the mouth of 
Grand river to allow the three men to disembark, the 
boat ran into the mouth of the Huron. After Hiram 
A. C'urtiss and family had landed, the boat was sailed 
to Detroit and back to Sandusky City, where it was 
sold, and ultimately went into the hands of the United 
States revenue collector, by whom it was used. 

Jotham W. Curtiss bought land jn Fitchville, and 
intended to settle here, but he returned east, and died 
in Madison county. New York. His son. Hiram A., 
and wife, Catharine (Xesel), located in Fichville, upon 
lots twenty-five and twenty-six, section two. Jotham 
went west, and died there. He was for a long time 
unheard of, but was met in the Rocky mountains by 
the exploring party of which John C. Fremont was 
the head, and is spoken of in that officers report. 
Joseph C. Curtiss bought land in Fitchville — lots 
twentv-four and twenty-eight, section two — at an 
carlv dav, but located in Norwalk, where he remained 
until ISd'i. when he became a merchant in Fitchville, 
and took up his residence in the village. He is now- 
dead. He married Lucina Ward, of New \*ork State. 
Lyman married Harriet Heil. Arthur W. took up 
lot ein'hteen, in section three, but went west about 
twenty years ago. He married Lucia Russell. There 
were three daughters in this family : Rhoda. (Mrs. 
Calvin Parker,) Arvilla, (ilrs. L. Knopp.) and So- 
phronia, (Mrs. Chauncey Crane). All three are dead, 
as are also all of the brothers, except Arthur. The 
descendants of Hiram A. Curtiss and wife are: 
Jotham, Eliza (Mrs. R. Knowlton,) Susan (Mrs. C. 
Maiz,) all dead; Hiram A. (living in Iowa). Henry, 
(in AVisconsin), Lucina, (Mrs. Johnson, in Richland 
county), Frank (Mrs. Smith, in Kansas), and a 
daughter, Amelia (in Fairfield), by Mr. Curtiss' 
second wife — Mary Carpenter. Joseph C. Curtiss' 
descendants are: Mary Jane and J. C, both dead; 
S. W., living in Fitchville, and carrying on business 
at his father's old store; Lyman, deceased; Dwight 
A. (in Toledo), and Jane (in New Y'ork State), a 
daughter by Mr. Curtiss' second wife, Mrs. Allen. 

Joseph Washburne and his wife Sally (Tomkins), 
came from Ulster county. New York, in IS^^'O. and 
located upon the land which is included in the south- 



west part of Clinton incorporation. Mr. Washburne 
died in 18.53, and his widow is still living. Their 
children were: Adelia, (Mrs. J. Phillii)s) in Illinois: 
Nancy (Mrs. E. Baker), in Kansas: James, in Mich- 
igan: Sarah Jane (Mrs. Dr. Skellinger), of New Lon- 
don: and Elijah, living upon the farm adjoining the 
old honiesteail. Two brothers of Mr. Washburne's. 
Walter and Robert, came into the county sometime 
after his arrival. 

Daniel and Austin Ward came from New York 
State in 18'-i(i. or the following year. The first 
named settled upon lot seven, in section four, and re 
mained in the township but a few years. Austin 
Ward took up lot seventeen in section three, and he 
and his wife. Zetta Green, reared a large family of 
children. He was noted for his liberality to the poor. 
Instances are related of his refusal to sell hay or 
grain, when a good price was offered, because he 
thought that some poor familes would be in need of 
the same and pnable to procure elsewliere. 

John and Lewis Barnes settled in 182ii or '51, re- 
spectively upon lots seventeen and twenty-one in sec- 
tion one. They were from Vermont. John died in 
Ruggles. He had a family of nine children, of whom 
three — Mrs. Ruth Reynolds, James and Cyrus are 
living in Fitchville. Lewis also had a large family- 
Nelson and Hiram are living in the township, and 
Seymore and Sarah (Mrs. G. Mead i are in Greenwich. 
Their fatlier died in 1858. 

Henry Hickok, who located upon lot nine, section 
four, was the first lilacksmith in the townshi}). He 
came from New Y'ork State, in 18"22. He died about 
1830, leaving quite a family, of whom William and 
Phebe (Mrs. B. Sherwood) are resident in the township. 

Henry Morgan came into the township in 1824, 
from Sunkerfield, New York, and his wife, Phebe, is 
still living. Morgan took up lot thirty-five in section 
three, lived there five or six years, and then bought a 
new farm, upon which he soon after died. Ebenezer 
Green, of Cayuga county, New York, came in the 
same year as Mt)rgan, and settled upon lot thirty-five, 
section three. Allen Johnson, of Greene county, the 
same State, came in and located upon lot thirty-seven, 
section three, bringing with him, his wife and a large 
family of children, all of whom were sick the first 
season. Four or five years after his arrival. Johnson 
went to Peru township, but returned to Fitchville, 
and died in the township, some years later. 

Joseph Barker arrived in Fitchville in 1824, after 
stopping two years in Geauga county and a short 
time in Sandusky City. He was originally from C<:«n- 
nectieut. but removed to Ohio from New York. 
His wife was Charlotte Hadley. TJie jiair had a 
large family of children, of whom six are now living, 
viz : Nelson, in Ripley : Joseph, Laura (Mrs. I. 
Wliite). and Sarah (Mrs. Bush), in Michigan; Julia 
Ann (Mrs. H. Arnert), in Fitchville: and Eliza (Mrs. 
E. Knopp), in Fairfield. The Barker family settled 
upon lot twenty-seven in section four. A brotiier of 
Joseph Barker — James — came about the same time. 



1 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



331 



Jabez Denton and wife, of York State, and for- 
merly from Connecticut, settled in IS'^io, upon lot 
seven, section two. The father and mother both 
died in the township, and their five children moved 
awa}'. Ashbel G. Post arrived in 1825, and settled 
u|ion lot thirty-two. section tinve. He married 
Tamia Palmer. He removed from Fitchville to Ber- 
lin, and from there to Norwalk, where he now re- 
sides. Jlr. Post's father came into the township a 
little earlier than himself, but did not live long. 

Ebenezer Osborne came in. in 18"-3."), and took up lots 
twenty-eight and twenty-nine, section three. He 
came by the way of the Eric canal, which was just 
then opened. From Buffalo, the party of which Mv. 
(.tsborne was one, and which also include<l the Allen 
Johnson family and Miss Nancy Post — a half sister of 
Mrs. Johnson — who afterward married Seeley Palmer, 
traveled up the lake shore to Ashtabula, and from 
there came to Fitchville, by the way of Eldridge. 
-Mr. Osborne married, in 1S-^(J, Ann, daughter of 
Abijah Palmer. They had three children: Albert, 
.Mary and Ebenezer. Mary is dead, and the sons are 
living west. Ebenezer Osborne was a native of Wind- 
ham. Greene county, New York. 

Joseph C. Washburne. a sou of Joseph and I'hileua 
Washburne, of Greenwich, and a niitive of Allen 
county. New York, moved into the extreme northeast 
corner of the township in \62>>. His father had here 
bought about seven hundred acres of land, and it was 
a portion of this tract that Joseph C. took as his farm. 
He nuirried Debbie Ann Sntton, by whom he has 
three children: George, living with his father upon 
the homestead, Jane Ann (Mrs. H. Hooper), and 
Marietta, (Mrs. C. Berry, of New London). 

Abel F. Eaton and his wife, Sylvia, who is still 
living, also came in from Greenwich township, in 
1826, and two brothers of Mr. Eaton, Isaac and 
William, came in a little later. Isaac took up lot 
twenty-three, section four. Abel F. settled upon lot 
forty-three, section three, cleared up his farm, built a 
log house, and afterward a frame dwelling. He died 
in 18T3. The children of Abel and Sylvia Eaton 
were six in number. The two who are living are: 
Eli D.. in Michigan, and Mary .Tanc (Mrs. Rathburn). 
iu Fitchville. 

Amos Green and his wife, Esther, of Cayuga 
county, New York, came in, in 1820, and settled 
upon lot fifteen, section one, but afterward removed 
to lot eleven, section two. Their children were: 
ZtilniDU. Louisa, Daniel, Lewis G., Almira (Mrs. 
Barnes), Julia Ann and Cyrus C, the last named of 
whom is the only one living. Zalmon, married 
Rachel Weeks; Lewis, .Vmy Fancher. and Cyrus C., 
.\bigail Tower. 

Mr. Cyrus (rreen says, tiiat in 182(j, when he came to 
the township, forty families were residents. There 
were icvt'n in section one; thirteen in .section two; eight 
in section three, and twelve in section four. Of tiiis 
number those of whom we have not already spoken. 



are diaries Pierce, Francis Keyes, J. McKinley, David 

Bennett, David Sherwood, Higgins, Azial 

Stevens, Tid, Samuel Woodruff, Reuben Tower 

and John Pratt. The years of their arrival cannot 
be definitely stated, but their location is correctly 
given. Most of them remained but a short time in the 
townshij). Charles Pierce came from (Jrcen county. 
New York, and died about ten years after his arrival. 
He cleared up a farm in lot nine, section one. Fraricis 
Keyes settled ujion lot twenty and twenty-two, sec- 
1 tion two, and J. McKinley upon lot twenty-eight in 
the same section. They both joined the Mormons. 
David Bennett and David Sherwood settled re- 
spectively upon lots forty-five ami forty-two in section 
two. Reuben Tower located upon lot twenty, section 
three, but went west at an early day: Higgins was 
upon lot forty in section two, and Tid upon lot twenty- 
seven in section four, .\ziel Stevens who li.ved for a 
few years on lot lln-ee iu section two, and i)artially 
cleared up a farm there was another Mormon recruit. 
Samuel Woodruff, of Pennsylvania, was for a few 
years a resident of the townshi[), and owned a fai'in 
in lot one, section four. John Pratt lived upon the 
southeast corner of lot twenty in section three, but 
moved west about ten years after his arrival in Fitch- 
ville. 

Tile family of MattheU- Laiiglilin eaine in in 1818, 
from near Marietta, and .settled upon lot twenty-three, 
section three. Mattiiewand Nancy Laughlin had ten 
children, of whom nine are living. Following are 
their names and places of residence: Mart ha. lane and 
David, in Nebraska; Lydia Rosannah (Mrs. R. W. 
Beckwith, of Fitchville); John S., also in Fitchville; 
Thomas J., in Nebraska; Matthew Elver, the Fitch- 
ville physician; Nancy M. and Rosabella, also iu 
Fitchville, and Mary R. , in Nebaaska. 

Among those who came in at a later day were the 
Hauxhurst's, Joseph Stiidwell and R. C. Johnson. 
Studwell came in 1835, from Cayuga county, New 
York, bringing his wife and two children. He still 
lives in Fitchville. R. C. Johnson came in the same 
year, from New York State, (with his father William, 
who died in 18f!7), and his mother, and originally lo- 
cated in Hartland township, from whence he moved 
to Fitchville. Samson Ilauxhurst and his wife, Su- 
san, came in 1835. from Ulster county, New York. 
and located ui)on lot twenty-seven, section four. Of 
their children, I'hilip lives in Fitchville; Elenora 
(Lolland), in Nclu'aska: Martha (ilrs. J. S]u-ague), 
in Hartland; Mary Jane, in Nel)raska. and .Minerva 
(Mickey), in Fitchville: Sarah is dead. 

Warren IJeynolds, his wife and four children, came 
from Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 1832, and set- 
'tled in the second section, upon the farm where Sam- 
uel Eliston now lives. .Mrs. Keynolds died in 1837, 
and Mr. Reynolds married, a year later, Ruth Barnes, 
of Fitchville. My his first wife he had six cliildren, 
only one of whom is now alive, (T. M., who nuirried 
Melissa Sholes, and who, since 1853. has been a' resi- 
dent of llarl land lowiiship. 



332 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Owing to the fact that most of the original owners 
of the township put up the price of their hinds too 
high, the township did not fill up fast with settlers, 
until after 1830. Emigrants, who could get as good 
lands in Sandusky and Seneca counties, or in Michi- 
gan, as thei-e was in Fiteliville, and that, too, at from 
eight to ten shillings per acre less, very naturally 
passed on further west to begin, the pioneer life. The 
land owners, finally, seeing that they had been work- 
ing against their own interests, reduced tlieir price, 
and from 1830 to 1834, settlers could buy at almost 
their own terms. In tlie year first named, the town- 
ship had a population of three hundred and thirty- 
seven souls, and after that time the population rose 
quite rapidly, until after 1842 or 1843, when it 
decreased. 

ORGAXIZATIOS. 

In early times, Hartlaud, Fiteliville and Greenwich, 
^vere grouped together, or attaclied for civil and judi- 
cial purposes. Hartlaud was detached about 1830, 
and connected with Clarksfield. Fitchville was de- 
tached, in 1828, from Greenwich and organized as a 
separate township. The records being lost, it is 
impossible to give a complete list of the officers 
elected. Rundel Palmer was the first justice of the 
peace, and Samuel Palmer, clerk. 

Those holding township offices in 1879 are: E. 
Palmer, clerk; C. C. Green, treasurer; B. Filkins, 
assessor; J. L. Laughlin, James Barnes, J. E. Chan- 
dler, trustees; C. C. Green, J. F. Townsend, justices 
of the peace; John Abbott, S. M. Knowlton, con- 
stables. 

FIRST EVESTS. 

The first white child born in the township was 
Varney P., son of Peter and Alice Mead. 

The first death was that of Deborah, wife of Abra- 
ham Mead, She died July 23, 1823. Another of 
this family, Mary Mead, died in November of the 
same year, aged seventeen. 

Robert Golden and Rosannah Washburn, a sister 
of Joseph Washburn, were the first couple married. 

The Meads built the first log house, and Ludovicus 
Robbins the first framed dwelling. The latter was 
about the year 1827, upon lot seventeen, section three. 

The first orchard was planted upon the farm where 
Samuel Palmer now lives, by his brother Alvah, the 
trees being grown from seed. 

MURDER OR SIIGIIJE. 

Along in the years 1829 or 1830 it became notorious 
through tlie settlement that there was quite an inti- 
macy existing between one Towne, who lived just, 
over the line in Ne^v London, and the wife of a man 
by the name of Jlorris, who had settled about two 
and a quarter miles east of the river, on the center 
road. It was not generally believed, though, that 
there was anything criminal in their relations. One 
morning a startling discovery was made, A young 
girl, who had gone out to drive some cows throuffh 



the woods, passing near Morris' house, saw through 
the window the body of a man suspended from the 
ceiling. She fled, in terror, and gave the alarm. The 
nearest neighbors went to the house, and found Mor- 
ris a ghastly corpse. The body was cold; life was 
gone. The skeiu of yarn with which he had been 
hung was cut, the body taken down, Mrs. Morris was 
found (at Towne's liou.se), and preparations were 
made for the funeral, tlie neighbors mourning that 
their friend had committed the terrible act of self- 
destruction. Sometime after the burial, the notion 
was developed that possibly Morns was not a suicide, 
but the victim of a murder. The remains were taken 
from the grave, an examination made, and the phy- 
sicians gave it as their opinion that death had ensued 
from sufEocation, and not from strangulation. The 
theory was that Towne, w-ho was a large and very 
powerful man, had gone to the house, overi)owered 
Morris, or perhaps found him asleep, smothered him 
with the bed clothing, and then suspended the liody 
in such a manner as to convey the idea that the de- 
ceased had committed suicide. Towne was arrested, 
tried and convicted: got a new trial and escaped upon 
some legal technicality. Upon regaining his freedom 
he left the country and has never since been seen or 
heard of. Mrs. Morris also disappeared. This affair 
created intense excitement in Fitchville, and in the 
neighboring townships, and it w'as long before it 
ceased to be a topic of common conversation and spec- 
ulation. There were very few, ho^yeyer, who did not 
feel sure that ilorris was murdered. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The people of Fitchville sought early to establish 
in their midst the institutions of religion and educa- 
tion to which they had been accustomed to in their 
eastern homes. There is, perhaps, not another exam- 
ple in the county of such an early establishment of a 
church after settlement. The pioneers entered the 
wilderness in 1817, and in the summer of 1819 the 
first church was organized — 

THE C0X(IRE(;ATI0XAL. 

The prime movers were two missionaries. Rev. 
John Seward and Rev. Josej)h Treat, sent out by the 
Connecticut missionary society. When the church 
was formed it had seven members: Rundel Palmer, 
Robert Palmer, Delia Palmer, ilary Mead, Clarinda 
Palmer. Tamia Palmer and Del;orah Mead. A revival 
occurred in 1821, and many, who at that time expe- 
rienced religion, became connected witii the church. 
Rev. Alvin Coe. the celebrated Indian missionary, (of 
whom much is said in the history of Greenfield town- 
ship) was the first pastor. Those who occupied the 
position after him were: A. II. Betts, L, B, Sullivan, 
James McMaster, Ludovicus Robbins, John Beach, 
Samuel Dunton, Wm. Taylor, W. W. St. John, U. T. 
Chamberlain, Dr. Marcus Palmer, Henry Cobij, 
J. Saxby, Wni. Westervelt, M. Waldo, J. M. Van 
Waggoner, Wni. Bridgemaii, Messrs. Findley and 



J 



HISTOKV OF IIUKUN AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



333 



Wright. Will. Johnson, 0. Burgess, J. C. Thompson 
and Wm. Westtrvt-lt (a second engagement). Ruudel 
Pahner was, for many years, one of the .strong pilhirs 
of the chureli, and fre(|iU'ntly served in the capacity 
of minister. Meetings were held until about 1830 in 
private houses, but in that year a small church was 
ereeted. north of the present village. About 1842 
or 1843, a small house of worship was built in the 
village, which obtained the name of "'Gosiiel Shanty." 

THE PRF.SBVTERIAX 

element organized a church, which remained active 
for several years, but. finally, about 1846, as it became 
weak, the church edifice which had been built by this 
denomination, was sold to the C'ongregationalists, by 
whom it is used at the present time. The church has 
now a membership of about seventy persons. The 
l)resent pastor is the Rev. G. W. Wells, and the fol- 
lowing are the officers: C. C. Crittenden, James 
Barnes. Leander Mead, deacons: M. E. Mead, clerk; 
M. E. Mead, treasurer: James Barnes, L. Hibberd, 
C. B. Russell, trustees. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 

A Methodist class was formed in IS'i'i, by Dennis 
Goddin, circuit preacher, at T. B. White's house. 
William W. Watrous, of Fitchville, was the leading 
spirit in the movement which resulted in this organi- 
zation, and Thomas B. White and wife, from Green- 
wich, were among its strongest supporters. The 
preachers, most prominent in the early meetings were 
the Rev. James Mclntyre and the Rev. Mr. Pettit. 
The denomination had at one time over a hundred 
members in the township, in four classes. The 
present church edifice, built over thirty-five years 
ago, is a commodious structure, kept ii. good repair, 
and located u])on the Norwalk road, in Clinton village. 
The pastor of the church is Rev. A. H. V. Boothe, 
and the following are the officers: P. Hauxhurst, Her- 
liert Mickey, stewards; P. Hauxhurst, John Abbott, 
class leaders; Herbert Mickev, William A. Knapp, 
Hauxhurst, James Bootiie, and John Ablwtt, trus- 
tees. 

THE BAPTIST CIIURCU 

was received into fellowship by the council, in 1838, 
August 10th. Following are the first, meniljers: F. 
P. Hall, Henry Barnhart, Sally Baruhart, Hiram 
Barnum, Isaac B. Barnum, Betsey Barniun, Wil- 
liam Johnson, ilelinda .Johnson, Abigail Barber, 
Betsey Royce, Joel Blakeinan, Lydia Watkins. The 
first person baptized was Huldah Foote. Elder F. P. 
Hall was tiie first pastor of the church, and Hiram 
Barnum the first deacon. The church edifice was 
liuilt in 1843, or the following year, and is still in use. 
i:^lder Hall, the first pastor, is at present again in 
charge of the church. The officers are: R. W. Beck- 
with, deacon; R. Laughlin, clerk; Mrs. L. R. Heck- 
with, treasurer; R. W. Beckwith, Robert Anderson, 
Ralph C. Johnson, trustees. 



All of these three churches are located in the village 
of Clinton. There is another in the township — the 
North Congregational, — situated upon lot thirty- 
seven, section two, near the northeast corner of the 
township, in which vicinity most of its uieml)ers 
reside. It was organized in 1852, as an evangelical 
church, with eleven members, but was made a Con- 
gregational church some years later. Elder Dimni, 
of New Haven, was the first pastor. The church 
building was erected in 18.56, at a cost of about nine 
hundred dollars. The church had once as many as 
sixty members, but now has not more than a third of 
that number. The pulpit is at present supplied by 
Rev. G. W. Wells, of the F^itchville Congregational 
church. The deacons are: William Lee and William 
Chase. 

Beside the Presljyterian organization, alluded to 
above, the only church that has been formed in 
Fitchville, and which is not now in existence, was 
the Free Will Baptist. 

The first Sunday school in the township was held 
by Allen Johnson, at his house, in 182.5, the pupils 
being Edward and Benjamin Green, Barnard Jdhnson, 
Louisa Johnson and Sarah Palmer. Mr. .Joiinson's 
assistants were Ebenezer Osborne and Zetta Green. 

EARLY Sf'HOOL. 

The first school in the township was taught in a 
little log building, a short distance south of the 
center. The building served the double purpose of 
school house and place of worship for many years. 
Samuel Palmer taught the first school here in the vcar 
1824, his pupils being from the families of Rundel 
and Abijah Palmer, Charles Lyon, Abraham Mead, 
Gilbert Martin and Joseph Washburne. 

The township has at present the usual district 
schools, and there is at C'linton a union sdhool. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician who settled in the township, 
was Dr. William M. Ladd who arrived in the spring 
of 1822, and made his homeut the cabin of Abraham 
Mead. He soon achieved quite a reputation for al)ility 
in his profession, and had a ride which extended over 
half a dozen or more townships. He was a man of 
fine constitution and well (jualified mentally as well 
as physically to lead the life of a pioneer man of 
medicine. He passed through many hardships, sel- 
dom slept undisturbed througli a wiiole night, made 
long rides in all kinds of weather and overall kinds uf 
roads or trails. When the Cleveland ami Cdluniluis 
Railroad was comi)letcd, he removed to New Lomlnii 
where he died in 18.53. 

Dr. S. W. Baker came to Fitchville before Dr. 
Ladd's departure, and went into partnership with liini. 
Dr. Timothy Gibson who began practice about 1840, 
remained until 18.56, and was very successful. Ho 
removed to Norwalk. Dr. D. D. Vaiirccton who 
came later, had also an extensive practice. He/vas 
followed bv Doctors Charles Clianil)erlain. Kester, 



334 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



now of New London; Gregg, G. W. Nobles and 
others who remained for short periods. The last 
named was a partner for a time of Dr. M. E. Langh- 
len, the present senior physician of Fitchville. Dr. 
Laughlen came into the township when a bo\', with 
his parents; attended the Cleveland and Cincinnati 
colleges, and began practice here in 1850. In part- 
nership with Dr. Gibson, Dr. Nobles and others, and 
alone he has had an experience of nearly thirty years 
of professional duty. He belongs to tlie Electic 
school. Dr. J. F. Wickham, of the same school, 
came to the township in 1878. 

CLIXTON IXCORPORATION. 

Clinton village was laid out in 183"3, tipon the land 
of AbraJiam Mead, -Joseph Washburne, Rundel 
Palmer, Dr. Ladd and Nathan Palmer, and a few 
years later — the time can not be definitely stated be- 
cause of the loss of the records — the village was in- 
corporated by act of the legislature, and officers reg- 
ularly elected. The first mayor was Rundel Palmer. 
Owing to the lack of interest and to the deterioration 
of the village, the corporation government was allowed 
to lapse once or twice, but has been most of the time in 
effect, and is at present. The officers elected in 1878 
were: Philo Pierce, mayor; H. S. Green, treasurer; 
W. A. Smith, recorder; S. W. Curtiss, John Hickok, 
H. Palmer, C. B. Laniplin, M. E. Lamplin, Frank 
Jones, council; Sherman Kiiowltoii, marshal. 

HOTELS. 

The first tavern built in the township, was the 
Clinton Honse, which was named after the incorpo- 
rated village of Clinton. It was built in 1833. by 
Hiram A. Curtiss. It was a frame building, of fair 
size, two stories in iieiglit. This was, for a number 
of years, the only place for the entertainment of the 
wayfarer and the stranger, and was well [Kitronix.rd. 
After Curtiss, Hiram Odell was. for a time, the land- 
lord of this house, and he gave place to Union Wiiite 
and his brother Daniel. 

A few years after the building of the Clinton House, 
probably in 1837 or '38, Union and Daniel White, 
erected the large liotel since known as tlie ^lansiou 
House. 

Tlie Fountain House was built liy Rundel Palmer 
for a dwelling house, but was converted into a hotel 
and conducted as such l)y bis sons Isaac and Natiian 
for five years. 

J. C. Curtis built the next iiotel. the present resi- 
dence of his son, S. \V. Curtis, and was its proprietor 
for a niimljer of years. Tiiis house was' known as 
Washington Hall. 

All of these buildings are still standing, but not 
one of them is in use as a liotel. During the best 
days of the village three of them were open for the 
convenience of travelers. 

There is at present a comfortabk' and cheery, but 
uni)retentious, hotel in Fitchville, which bears the 



old name Washington Hall, and of which E, Mitchell 
is "mine host." Mr. Mitchell, an old gentleman, 
who w-ell knows what a traveler likes, from many years 
of journeying upon the road, and also from extensive 
experience as landlord, came to Fitchville in 1850: 
was host at the Mansion and the Fountain Hotels for 
a number of years, and since 1860 has been cheering 
the coming and speeding the parting guest at his 
present stand. 

BUSINESS HOUSES, £.\RLY AXI) LATE. 

In the fall of 1830, Union White came into the 
township, erected a small building, and ojiened a 
Store, which was the first in the township. His stock 
was -from the store of Buckingham & Sturgis of Nor- 
walk, who had an interest in the business. In the 
spring of 183"2, their interest was purchased by J. C. 
Curtiss, and the firm name became White & Curtiss. 
The first purchase of goods by this firm was in New 
York, and they were transported by the Hudson river. 
New Y'ork and Erie eanal, and Lake Erie, to Huron, 
from which point they were Jnxuled in wagons to 
Fitchville, at an expense of from three to four or five 
shillings per hundred weight. From New York City 
to Huron tlie transportation cost from one dollar and 
fifty cents to two dollars per hundred. The goods 
bought were of the kinds for which it was known 
there would be a ready market, such as staple groce- 
ries, and the commonest kinds of calico, sheeting, etc. 
Brown sheeting was sold at from twenty to twenty- 
five cents per yard; calico from two to four shillings, 
and satinet from six to four shillings. Iron was eight 
cents per pound; nails from nine to twelve cents; tea 
from ten to fourteen shillings; pepper, four shillings; 
coffee, two; loaf sugar from two to two and sixjience, 
and whisky from four to five shillings per gallon. 
There being but little money in circulation these ar- 
ticles were very generally paid for in deer, coon and 
muskrat skins and black salts, which were made from 
ashes by almost every family. Messrs. White & Curtiss 
bought these salts in large cpuintities, and manufac- 
tured them into pearlash, which they sent to the east- 
ern market. In 1835 the firm dissolved partnership, 
and each memljer built a good commodious store, and 
began business alone. They both continued in busi- 
ness for many years, from time to time enlarging 
their stocks as ])atronage increased. Both were ener- 
getic, go-a-liead men, and they made Fitchville ihe 
lirincipal trading jxtint in the southeastern jiart of 
the courity. Since the establishment of these stores, 
both during their continuance and after their propri- 
etors had gone out of business, many men have been 
engaged in mercantile enterprises in Fitchville, and in 
the most prosparous days of the village there were as 
many as five dry goods and grocery stores, all doing a 
good, paying business. Among those who have been 
longest and most prominently . identified with the 
business of the place were. Hall & Roberts, B. S. 
Mitchell, R. Fox. D. White, Reynolds & Beckwith, 
and E. K. Lvon. 






)V1RS. PHILIP pWXHURST^ 



PHILIP HAWXHURST. 




RLSIOtNCE OF PHILIP HAWXHURST, riTCHVILLE.flURON Co.O 



UISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



335 



There are at present three good stores — those of C. 
C. Green & Sou, S. W. Curtiss & Sou, and L. Lyons. 

GKIST VXD SAW MILLS. 

The first mill, of which any information is given, 
was a very primitive one, which was in existence in 
18"^5, and was the property of J. N. Pickard. It was 
ii simple bin ingeniously constructed substitute for 
the grinding apparatus in common use at that time 
in older settlements. Instead of the nether mill stone 
of proverbial hardness, there was a large and solid 
oak stump, so hollowed out on top as to contain a half 
bushel or more of corn. Suspended over this from a 
spring pole there was a heavy wooden pestle with 
which the miller, by main strength, crushed the corn 
that his few neighbors brought him to be converted 
into coarse meal. Whenever one of the old settlers 
became too fastidious to live upon cracked corn, lie 
had to go a considerable distance to obtain finer meal 
or flour. They often went to the Cold Creek mill, 
and others at an equally great distance. 

In 1S3S. however, the people were supplied with 
good flour and other mill products at home. L)uring 
that year a large mill was Iniilt upon the Vermillion 
rivi'r near the center by Stephen Pomeroy and Reuben 
Fox. at an expense of nearly ten thousand dollars, 
and for a number of years these men made flour for 
the eastern market as well as for home consumption, 
and had the reputation of manufacturing an excellent 
article. They did a large business, but their enter- 
jjrise was not a very profitaljle one, because of the 
constant outlay necessary to repair and keep in good 
condition the dam and race, which were frequently 
injured by floods. This mill passed into the hands of 
Belden Scott, then became the property of Ira Scott, 
after that of Strong & Graves, and was bouglit from 
them by II. F. Palmer, who in turn sold it to Mr. 
Stevens. The present proprietor is H. F. Crow, 
who rents the mill to Ford & Summerton, who 
o])erate it. 

A .saw mill was built as early as 1830 by the Palm- 
ers — William, Rundel and Samuel — near the center, 
and a few years later Seeley, Lyon and Amos built 
one upon the river about two miles north of the cen- 
ter. Large quantities of lumber were turned out by 
these two mills for from five to seven dollars per 
thousand feet. Both of these mills were abandoned 
many years ago. The only saw mill in the township 
at present is one a few rods south of the center of 
Clinton village, which was built in 18.5ij by R. S. 
Miles, its present owner. It was operated successive- 
ly by Schuyler Marsiiall, D. D. Wood and P. Palmer. 
The power is steam. 

PRESENT M.VXIF.VCTIKIXG. 

Besides the flouring and saw mills above spoken of, 
the manufacturing interests of Fitchville are unim- 
portant. The people look back with regret to the 
time when, besides the mills, there was an establisli- 
ment for carding wool and dressing cloth, an exten- 



sive tannery, and some other industrial concerns. 
The town now has a cabinet making shop, run by 
John Abbott, a, wagon shop, l)y Henry Freeman, the 
ashery, built by .J. C. Curtiss and now owned by 
Daniel Sheldon, and a cheese factory — last, but not 
least. This is the property of E. L. Tucker. The 
building, which stands by the side of the flouring 
mill, was built by him in ISiiT. The factory was in 
operation two years, and then work was suspended 
for five years. In 187.5, the manufacture of cheese 
and liutter was again commenced, and since then has 
been successfully carried on. Four hundred and 
fifty to five hundred cows are milked for this factory 
during each season, lasting from the first of April to 
the first of December, and about one hundred tliou- 
sand pounds of cheese is manufactured each vear. 
Besides this, about twenty thousand pounds of butter 
is made annually. The products of the factory are 
principally sold in Cincinnati. 

CEMETERIES. 

The principal cemetery of Fitchville. which occu- 
pies the summit and slope of a gently rising hill, upon 
the Norwalk road, in the north part of Clinton 
incorporation, was laid out about 1826, or the follow- 
ing year. Alvali Palmer, who died in IS'i'i, was the 
first person buried there, and Louisa Green the second. 
The land was owned by Abraham Mead, and was 
bought by the township. This burial place, where 
rest many of those pioneers and early settlers of 
Fitchville who have passed over to the "silent ma- 
jority," includes about three acres of land. Anothe,i- 
cemetery, first used as a private burial place, is 
upon the McKillip farm — lot thirty-seven, section 
three. It was deeded to the townshi]i by Austin 
Ward. One of the earliest buruds was in lot nilu^ 
section two, where there is now a small burvinsr 
groiind. Dr. Pickard's remains were interred there 
about the year 1825. 

Before the present cemetery upon the Norwalk road 
was set apart for use, a number of burials were made in 
a little inclosureat the junction of the Norwalk road 
with the north and south road, in what afterwards 
became Clinton. When the village had commenced 
to grow, the remains interred here were removed to 
the larger cemetery then established. 

POSTAL MATTERS. 

Before the people of Fitchville had a post office of 
their own. they were obliged to go to Norwalk for 
their mail matter. About the year 1828 the first i)ost 
office was established in the township, and Rundel 
Palmer commissioned as postmaster. He kejit the 
office in his dwelling house. The present postmaster 
is S. W. Curtiss. A post office was established at tJie 
north settlement, upon tiie Norwalk road, about the 
3'ear 1837, and maintained for a few years. Henry 
Morgan was postmaster. The first uniil that was 
carried through Fitchville was from some i)oint east 
to Tiffin. 



336 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



ROADS — STAGE LINE. 

A number of the first settlers made their homes 
upon the line of the north and south center road, and 
this was the first route of travel upon which any la- 
bor was bestowed in the township. The next was 
the road running east and west through the center. 
The road from Wooster to Norwalk was laid out in 
1826, but there was scarcely any improvement made 
upon it until 1832, and it was by no means easy of 
travel. The route most traveled by the early resi- 
dents of Fitchville, when they wished to go to Nor- 
walk or beyoud, was a trail wliich led from Abijah 
Palmer's, in a northwesterly direction, to a point 
about a mile west of Olena, and thence westerly to 
the old State road, which passes through the center 
of Fairfield and Bronson townships. When the Nor- 
walk and Wooster road was improved, it was done by 
the labor of persons who made the lowest bids for the 
jobs, and they were paid from a fund made up by a 
large number of personal subscriptions. About sis 
hundred doUai'S were raised, and nearly the whole of 
that amount was expended upon that part of the 
highway lying between Norwalk and Fitchville. 
Samuel Palmer cut the timber upon about three miles 
of this road. The road became the principal thor- 
oughfare for the people of Richland, Holmes, and 
portions of Wayne and Knox counties to carry their 
produce over to Huron and other points, where there 
was a market for it. 

The enterprise of running a line of stages through 
from Wooster to Norwalk was undertaken at this 
time by Union White, J. C. Curtiss, and an Ashland 
man. They commenced by running a two-horse 
hack each way twice a week, but afterwards a four- 
horse stage coach was put on the route by a man 
named Myers, to whom was also given a contract for 
carrying the mail. In 1834, and for many years 
after, the ])eople had the satisfaction of seeing this 
heavy stage, often well loaded with passengers, dash 
swiftly or wallow slowly, as the case might lie, through 
the settlement. 

FITCHVILLE (iRAXUE, XO. .350, 

was organized February 9, 1874, with thirty-nine 
charter members. Following is a list of the first 
oflficers: Phillip Ilawxhurst, master; Preston Palmer, 
overseer; U. B. Tiioraas. lecturer; Hialmer GriflJin, 
steward; S. W. Curtiss, assistant steward: Charles 
Kiml)or]y, chaplain; R. C. .Tohnson, treasurer; E. E. 



Lyon, secretary; S. B. Palmer, gate keeper; Mrs. P. 
Hawxhurst, Ceres; Mrs. Charles Kimberley, Pomona; 
Mrs. U. B. Thomas, Flora. 



Biographical Sketches, 



SAMSON AND PHILIP HAWXHURST. 

were from New York State, and the son was born 
there in 18*29. Samson Hawxhurst came to Ohio in 
1834, and purchased land upon which, a year later, 
when he removed his family, he made his home. He 
first lived in a log house which he built himself, and 
although he had been a carpenter by trade, he easily 
became accustomed to the life of a pioneer farmer 
when he came to Fitchville, and ever since has fol- 
lowed that occupation. He is still living at the age 
of seventy-four years, an honored denizen of Fitch- 
ville township. 

Philip Hawxhurst married in 1854, the 4th of 
May, his first wife, Julia A., daughter of Martin Den- 
man, and four children were the offspring of this 
union, of whom only one is living, Bell M., who was 
born blind, and now at the age of nineteen years, in 
spite of her great affliction and disadvantage, is still 
cheerful and happy, and enjoys the benefits of a finely 
cultivated mind. The mother of this child died 
September 11, 1867, and in 1870— June 7th— Mr. 
Hawxhurst took as his second wife, the widow of G. 
Webster, nee Mary Weekes, daughter of Joseph 
Weekes. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hawxhurst with 
a view of their residence are to be seen upon another 
page of this work. 

Mr. Hawxhurst is living at present, in a new house 
upon the old farm purchased by his fatlier in 1833, 
and is one of the leading men of his neighborhood, 
taking a prominent part in the affairs of tlie township 
and in church and society. He joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1855, and has since been one of 
its most active as well as consistent members, and has 
for a number of years held the office of steward. 

He is a republican in politics, and during tiie war, 
was in the hundred days' service, serving as a 
sergeant. 



GREENWICH 



PHYSICAL FEATIRES AND SOIL. 

Gkeexwh H township, known originally as town 
number one, range twenty-one, is bonnded upon the 
north by Fitchville; east by Ruggles, Ashland 
county; south by Ashland and Richland counties; 
and west by Ripley. Its surface is low and quite 
level for the most part, though, in some places, it is 
slightly uneven. The principal streams are the east 
and west branches of the Vermillion river. The for- 
mer flows through the northeast corner of the town- 
siiip: the latter, formed by the union of the two 
streams, enters upon the south line, and thence flows 
north into Ripley. It again enters the township near 
the intersection of the east and west center and the 
Riplev town line road, and from thence flows north- 
erly and diagonally across the third section, and, re- 
ceiving the added volume of water from a number of 
small streams that drain a large portion of the town- 
ship, becomes, by the time it reaches the north line, 
a water-course of considerable size. The soil is a rich 
clay loam, very valuable to the agriculturist. There 
is no wjiste land in the township, as the low places 
are easily drained. 

OKiaiXAL OWXERS. 

For an explanation of the following table the reader 
is referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

CREEXWn H, TOWX XIMBEK OXE, RAXfJE TWEXTY- 
OXE. 

Classification No. 1, Sectio.v i. 



orifjinal Grantees. Am't Loss. 



CUtssified by. AuCt classed. 



Titus Mead 
Andrew Mead 
Benjamin Hol)by 
Josepl) Ferris 
Ebenezer Hobby 
Bezaleel Brown 



£ 
36 

n 

39 

ti" 



Tliomas Hobby 60 

John Mead Wi 



s. 
5 


13 


11 

15 

19 
9 



Jeremiah Mead. Jr. 02 15 
John .\ddington 10 

Peter .Mead. Es.|. 138 19 



Peter Mead. Jr. 
Walter Butler 
Hannah Hays 
David Hallock 
Abraham Knapp 
Justus .Sacket 
Deliverance Mead 

Mathew ^^lead 
Deliverance and 
Jared Mead 

Stephen Palmer 
Joseph Hobby. Jr. 
Ezekiel Lock-wood 
Sani'l Rundel 
NathI Kavnolds 
Silas Mea<l 



43 



41 
■i 
I 

i 

333 

39 



4 



13 

15 

I) 

in 




lu 

9 
13 

6 
15 

8 



Titus Mead 
Andrew Mead 



Ebenezer Hobb.v 
Levi, Nathaniel and 

Bezaleel Brown ti7 
Jaliez M. and Heze- 

kiali Hobbv 69 

Aniv. Molh-; Eliza- 
beth Allen, Willie 
X .Mehitable Seth 136 
Jerimiali Mead, Jr. 93 
John -iddington 10 
Peter and Zachariah 



M. Mead 
Peter ,^lead 



i:lS 

41 

3 

1 



.Itistus Sacket 333 

Ko'.'t, Eph , Jabez 

and Zen«i8 
Richard Mead 61 

Jared. Robert, Eph., 

.Jabez and Zenos S'X) 
Richard Mead 3 



5 


13 


11 



15 



19 
4 

13 
15 
» 

ii; 

13 



10 

10 



d. 
2 


5 

11 



Silas Mead, Jr. 
Abner 



and 








4 
10 



Footing of ClassiflcatioD No. I, t;i,.3+l 



Classification' No. 3, Section '. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't L 


iSS. 


Classified by. 


Am 


tela 


«<ed. 




£ 


«. 


d 




£ 


a 


d. 


Isaac Anderson 


44 


10 


OH 


Isaac Auderson 


44 


10 


OH 


Mary Austin 


3 


3 




Uriah Field 


3 


3 


t 


John luinn 


15 










15 








Uriah Field 


313 


15 


1 


U .1 


212 


15 


1 


Joshua Franklin 


36 


10 


1 


.1 It 


2(i 


16 


1 


Joseph Ferris 


7 








• 1 tl 


7 








Jabez Holmes 




5 





■• tt 




5 





Reuben holmes 


33 


10 


3 


" " 


li 


14 


7 


Ebenezer Howe 


13 


18 


4 


(1 tt 


3 


13 


4 


Mills Hobby 


6 








" " 


6 








Hannah Lockwood 


29 


4 


10 


tt tt 


11 


4 


7 


Martin McDonald 


4 


10 





" •' 


4 


10 





Hannah Mead 


.1 


15 





tl tl 


3 








Charles Mead 




4 


10 


" *■ 




4 


10 


Daniel Ogden 


lis 


15 


3 


t> It 


50 


16 


10 


Joseph Palmer 


100 


9 


11 


tt It 


100 


9 


n 


Saralt Parsons 


5 


16 


4 


tt tl 


5 


16 


4 


Xathl Kaynolds, Jr 


. 10 


10 


4 




7 


7 


8 


Oliver Sherwood 


10 










10 








Jesse Sullen 


6 


8 


9 




6 


8 


9 


Jeremiah and John W. 














Pcilmer 


9 


9 


3 


• > .t 


4 


10 





William Town 


3 


3 





II -i 


1 


19 


1 


Oliver Tomkins 


7" 


14 





.1 11 


7 


14 


6 


John Weeks 


9 


14 


5 


(I .1 


4 


10 





John Clapp, Jr. 


139 


.7 


3 


Allen, William and 
















John Clapp 


159 


3 


3 


Thomas Clapp 
Fr.mcis Nash 


:i33 


1" 


7 


Thomas Clapp 


3.« 


17 


7 


618 


7 


5 


Daniel Purdy 


333 


3 


7 


Haunan Rilch 


9 








John Maokey, Jr. 


9 








Charles Knapp 


11 


2 


9 




1 


1 


6 


Eliphalet Mead, Jr. 


95 


16 


6 


" ** 




13 


lOH 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,-344 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original &}-antees. Am't Loss. 



Classified by. Am't Classed. 



Jonas Mead 
Sibbel Mead 
Peter Husted 
Ebenezer Holmes 
Elizabeth .Mead 
Ebenezei- Howe 
Nehemiah Mead 
Thomas Seym ur 
John Betts 
Johiel Mead 
Eliphalet Mead 
Johiel and Eliphalet 

Mead 
Benjamin Mead 
Jabez Sherwood 
(lilbert Lyon 
Charles Brundage 
Job Iceland 
Elizabeih Ingersoll 



£ 
30 
SO 
8i; 

9 
13 
13 
,55 
65 
303 

5 



85 

111 

47 

16 

3 

68 



Nathaniellngeisoll 59 

.-Vnna IngersoU 14 

Stephen Davis 113 

Hannah Close 3S 

Heth Peck 9 

James Lyon 58 

Ezekiel Lockwood 9 

James Lyon, Jr. 7 

Cobb Lj-on, Jr, 39 

Reuben Merritt 35 

Nathaniel Mead 3rd 18 
Hannah Mead 

Ebenezer Mead 5 

Eliphalet Mead 95 



4 

13 
8 
6 
14 
13 
6 
16 
16 
13 




5 
3 
17 
19 
4 
14 
16 
15 
14 
15 
II 
13 
13 
10 



3 
15 
18 
10 



d 
1 

11 
8 
9 
4 

6 

10 

8 



Noah i Jonas Mead 



Johiel Mead, Jr. 
Calvin Mead 
Johiel Mead 



£ 
30 
86 
86 
9 
13 

n 

41 

65 

303 

5 



85 
111 
Benjamin Sherwood 47 



Gilbert Lyon 
Uriah Field 

David Husted 



James Peck 
Committee 



16 
3 



1 
112 

38 
9 

46 
.3 

31) 
14 
18 



3 
17 
19 

4 
14 
16 

7 
14 
15 • 



o 

10 
10 

7 
10 

3 
15 
15 



d. 
I 


11 
8 
» 

4 



10 





5 

5 

5 

4 

1 

4 

7 

2 

6 
11 
11 

lOH 
s 


9 

5 

4 

OH 



Footing of Classitlcation No. 3, £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



ijriginal (grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Clitxsi 


fied by. 




Am't Classed 




£ 


s. 


d. 








£ 


». 


d. 


Nehemiah Mead 


.5.5 


6 


..> 


Noah 


* Jonas Mead 


13 


14 


10 


Wm. Johnson 


3 


17 


.3 






" 


3 


17 


8 


Rev. Isaac Lewis 


5 


1 


4 


" 




•• 


5 


1 


4 


(iould John Selleck 


13 


IS 





" 




'• 


a 


10 





Hannali Lockwootl 


39 


4 


10 


• * 




o 


3 








Shubael Rundel 


9 


13 


6 






'* 


5 


19 





Timothy Ferris 


16 


10 


(1 


" 




•' 


10 


1 


10 


Puck Ferriss 


6 


10 


1) 


Noah 


A Jonas 


Mead, 
















also 


I Bronson 


4 








Sarah Hoyt 


3 


18 





Xoah 


« Jonas Mead 


3 


18 





Thomas studwell 


•J 


r, 


1 








2 


6 


4 


.\bagail .Mead 


6 














4 


12 





.lerusha Mead 


7 














5 


u 


2 


Anna Ingersoll 


14 


15 


r, 








13 


8 


4 


John Mead 


163 


9 


9 








18 


1 


1 


Sanuiel Ask 


11 


18 


3 








5 


11 


U 



(337) 



338 



HISTORY OF IIUROX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 





£ 


«. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


James Br&wn 


15 


5 


5 


Noah 4 Jonas Mead 
also Sam'l Middle 
















brook 


7 








Joseph Chambers 


9 








Noah & Jonas Mead 


4 


4 


2 


Wilham Hubhart 


lb 


S 


3 


It 11 (1 


16 


a 


3 


Abigail Rundel 
Deiiham Palmer 


3 


a 





11 i( 11 


3 


2 





o 


6 


8 


11 11 11 


2 


6 


8 


Ebenezei- Wh-elplej 


1 


8 


8 


11 11 1. 


1 


8 


8 


Daniel Darrow 


19 


4 


4 


Eph. , Jabez & Zenos 
Mead 
















8 


10 


6 


Joseph Hobby, Jr. 


31 


9 







13 


6 


10 


Ezekiel Knapp 


2.5 


7 


5 


11 II li 


10 


17 


9 


Joseph Lockwood 


30 


19 


G 


11 .1 II 


13 


2 


2 


Reuben Merritt 


25 


7 


9 


11 11 11 


10 


17 


9 


El)enezer Mead 


5 


18 


4 


11 11 II 


3 


3 





Natli'I Raynolds 


47 


15 


6 


11 11 .1 


8 


15 


5 


Josejjh Sackett 


13 


12 


6 


11 11 K 


6 


7 





John Town 


13 


4 


11 


11 11 11 


7 








Ezra Miirshall 


36 


1 


9 


11 1 It 


.Tti 


1 


9 


Abraham Mead 


17 


19 


5 


Rob't, Eph., Jabez 
















and Zenos Mead 


17 


19 


5 


Francis Wilmot 


6 








1. 1 


6 








Deliverance Mead 


39 





3 


1. .1 


:38 


1 


4 


John Gregg 


•313 


8 




Richard, Rob't, Eph 
raim. ,Jabez and 
















Zenos Mead 


213 


8 


7 


Isaac Holmes, Jr. 


93 


16 


11 


■' ' " 


95 


16 


11 


Amos Mead. Dr. 


ISO 


4 


8 


Richard Mead 


ISU 


4 


8 


Daniel and Joshua 
















Smith 


218 


12 


6 


Jared Mead & Nath'l 
















Hibbert 


218 


!2 


6 


Daniel Smith 


76 


3 


4 


Jared Mead 


76 


3 


4 


Jared Mead 


68 









68 





7 


Josnua Smith 


149 


7 


4 


Nath'l Hibbert 


149 


7 


4 


Nath'l Hibbert 


3 


2 


6 




3 


2 


6 


Jonathan & Ambrose 














Reynolds 


18 


1 


" 


" 


4 


2 


9 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,.344 



BEFORE THE WHITE MAX. 



Greenwich was, undoubtedly, at an early day, 
covered with a heavy forest, in which the oak and 
other hard timber trees predominated, as the remains 
of fallen monarchs of the woods indicated to the first 
settlers, though back as far as anythino; is known of 
the countv. most of the trees were beeches, maide and 
other varieties of soft woods. Although the forest 
abounded in game, the Indians, it is supposed, did 
not come here with the intention of following the hunt, 
but the locality was a favorite one for maple sugar 
making, and they freipiently pursued this calling, the 
nearest approach to anything like an active, industrial 
occupation that ever received their attention. The 
Indians had temporary camping places in various 
parts of what is now Greenwich, where they resorted 
iu the spring and remained until the flow of sap, in 
the sugar maples, had ceased. They made troughs 
to receive the sap from the bark of beech trees, and 
evaporated it in small kettles, most of the labor be- 
ing performed by the squaws. Farther east, in -the 
Black river vicinity, were the favorite hunting 
grounds of the red-men who liclonged to the great 
tribe, a portion of which made its headquarters 
around Upper Sandusky. They journej'ed every year 
to these hunting grounds, and the paths they trod 
were still visible, only a few years since, in the 
northern part of this township. As they always fol- 
lowed the same trail, and invariably passed in single 
file, a depression of the earth was caused, which was 
very easily noticeable. Strange is it that we look at 
the time when the first settlers came into the forest 
as so long ago, and here we have — or had until very 
recently — the foot path of a race of beings who have 
been literally crowded from their old haunts into a 
wilder west, and who have well nigh passed out of 
existence as a people. 



The Indians who had enjoyed the wildness and the 
loneliness of the great stretch of country where they 
had freedom to go and come as they pleased, to hunt 
and fish, where they could roam unseen by the white 
man, and without fear that' their forest was to be in- 
vaded Ijy him — holding sole possession of the forest, — 
led in their way a happy, healthful existence. And 
who can say that when the time came, and in accord- 
ance with the working of a great destiny, which has 
carried civilization from ocean to ocean, they did not 
feel a more intense pain in abandoning their domain, 
the scenes with which they were familiar, than their 
stoicism, allowed them to show, or than they have 
generally been accredited with by the people who 
have seen so much and know so little of them. They 
yielded, however, without bad feeling, and abided 
strictly by the ti-eaty. The pioneers of the white race 
had many things to fear, many things to contend 
with, but the enmity of the Indian was not one of 
them. They committed no depredations, and though 
they were often among the settlers during the first 
few years of their residence in the new country, not a 
single instance is narrated of any unpleasant feeling 
between the races, or of any evil deeds being commit- 
ted by the red men. 

BEARS, WOLVES, AND DEEK. 

In the early days of the settlement game of all 
kinds was abundant. Deer were so numerous that 
they were frequently seen in droves of from a score 
to fifty. A good hunter like David W. Briggs would 
kill as many as eight or ten a day when lucky, and iu 
the season would bring down three or four hundred. 
Briggs kept the settlers pretty well supplied with 
venison, and it was not an uncommon thi(ig for him 
to have half a dozen or more frozen carcasses hanging 
outside of his house at once. He was hired by Mr. 
Beach, a pioneer of Ruggles, one time to do a day's 
shooting. Beach having a number of men at work for 
him and nothing in the house for them to eat. Briggs 
was to report for duty at Beach's house before break- 
fast, and to have two dollars for his day's huntiilg. 
He arrived there as he had agreed to, and told his 
employer that he had killed two deer on the way over, 
giving directions for finding the carcasses in the 
woods. Beach told him he might call it a day's work 
and quit, which he did, thus earning two dollars be- 
fore breakfast, by doing what any sportsman would 
travel a hundred miles to do now-a-days. 

As late as 1853, when John il. Carl came into tiie 
township, deer were so numerous that he was able, on 
some occasions, to kill two, or even three, in a day, 
Briggs at this time had given up hunting because, as 
he said, "'game hail grown so scarce." Beside deer, 
there were all the varieties of small game common to 
a new country. Wolves were a great source of an- 
noyance. They committed numerous depredations, 
some of thcni quite boldly. The first was at John 
Banks". He was keeping l^achelor's hall in a small 
log cabin, and a jiack of wolves killed a cow and a 



^■.<^UJL ^ ^^JELtJj l! ^l^._fJ^<]JLM 







A, 
-I 



;;^,S 




H.G.Washburn. 




H/(RS.[^.G.W4SHBURN. 







I^Nfi^ 









^>*?^^«K3^*^i^ti*^>^^?«^ 



mM 



Residence of HENRY G. WASH 




A^-^ 










WALTER WASHBUf^N. 




REENWiCH.flURON CO.,0 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



339 



calf, only a few rods awaj'. Banks heard them, but 
being a rather timid man, allowed them to continne 
tlieir wicked work undisturljed. In the morning it 
was found that tiiey had eaten the larger part of both 
animals. The wolves attacked sheep more often than 
any other kind of stock, though there were many in- 
stances of their killing small pigs, or shoats, and 
calves. "Dead fall" and steel trajis were set for 
them and (piite a number were caught. It is said, 
and generally believed, that one wolf, called "'Old 
Cxrum." from tlie peculiai'di'ep. heavy tone of his howl- 
ing, which the early settlers conld always recognize, 
led most of the fatal forays against the sheep flocks. 
Andrew Brewbaker, u famous hunter of New Haven, 
killed a very old wolf once in Ripley township which 
he said was '' Old Grum."" It was a notable fact that 
after the demise of that wolf the depredations upon 
the farmers' flocks ceased altogether. Bears were not 
numerous; only once in awhile was one killed. Briggs 
probably brought down tiie first that ever fell before 
a hunter's rifle in the township. He was on his way 
to Henry Carpenter's house, and had arrived at a 
junction in the trails where he expected to meet Ben- 
jamin Kniffin. Not seeing him as he had anticipated 
he sat down upon a log and began eating hickory nuts, 
with which the ground was covered. Presently he 
saw a good-sized bear eating hickory nuts, too, and 
leveling his gun, cracked bruin's skull witii a well 
directed ball. A very large bear was killed by Henry 
Washburne. He was in the woods one day, not very 
far from his house, when his attention was avei'ted by 
the noise made by an old sow and her litter of pigs. 
Presentlv he saw the sow coming through tlie weeds 
and low brush, evidently very niucii seareil. In close 
pursuit was the cause of her terror, a huge bear, which 
when he caught sight of Washburne stood, for a mo- 
ment, erect upon its hind feet perfectly still. Wash- 
burn raised his gun and fired, the shot taking effect 
in the bear's throat, and causing a wound from which 
the blood spurted twenty feet high, sprinkling the 
green leaves overhead with crimson. Some hunting 
doirs that had been on the animal's trail came up and 
made a ferocious attack upon the bear, but wounded 
as he was the huge Ijrute dealt terrific blows with his 
paws, and nearly killed one of them before his own 
life blood had flown. 

A curious instance of a bear's ability to carry olf a 
heavy load is cited by John B. Barker, who, though 
not an eye witness, had credible information of the 
occurrence. Varney Pearce, one day, hearing a jiig 
S((ueal, and suspecting mischief, ran and alarmed 
Ephriiini Barker, th-e pig's owner, and David W. 
l'>riggs. They set out for the place whore the hogs 
were accustomed to lie in the woods, ani^, sure enough, 
une was missing. They followed in the direction 
from whence the s<piealing came, and soon came in 
-ight of the cause. A huge bear had one of the 
shotes, weighing seventy or eighty pounds, in his 
arms, and was walking away with his live capture just 
as a man would. .\t times Bruin needed rest. Then 



he would lay the pig upon the ground and hold it 
securely with his fore paws, for a few seconds. When 
ready to move again, he would hug the porker to his 
breast, and trudge on. The men watched these 
maneuvers for some time, followed the bear foi- half 
a mile, and then Briggs, securing a good chance, shot 
him. The pig was alive, but so injured by its captor's 
claws that Mr. Barker was obliged to kill it. 

SEVERITY OF LIFE. 

The trials of those men and women who turned 
their backs upon the places of their nativity, and 
sought to hew them otit homes in the wilderness, 
cannot be fully appreciated at the present day. Many 
of them had but little to begin with. Those who had 
much were scarcely better off, for the comforts and 
conveniences of life were not procurable. The early 
settlers, of whom we shall treat presently, after suc- 
ceeding, through almost infinite 'rouble, in clearing 
a few acres of ground and raising a small crop of 
wheat or other grain, were far from being in a condi- 
tion to defy want. They had still to procure articles 
which were equally necessary. If the weather had 
been dry for some time, they were obliged to go to 
Cold creek to have their grain ground, and the trip 
there and back, about seventy-five miles, occupied 
eight or ten days. Two yoke of oxen were required. 
The price of carrying a bushel of wheat was fifty 
cents. Money, it was almost impossible to get in 
sums sufficient to pay taxes, or buy those few articles 
which are indispensable to the family or indiviilual. 
Daniel Fancher relates that he worked three years, 
and did not receive, daring that time, three shillings 
in money, but took grain, flour, meat, and other 
articles, which, in the early days of the settlement. 
Were regarded almost as a legal tender. Henry Wash- 
burne once took a large load of wheat to Sandusky, 
consuming a week in making the round trip, and 
exciianged it for one barrel of salt, six milk pans, two 
pounds of tea, and the cloth for two shirts. With 
these few articles, which would seem but poorly to 
pay for the grain, and the lime spent in getting to 
the market, he returned, feeling very well satisfied. 
He had done fully as well in his barter as others were 
able to do. Many of the settlers really suffered for 
the want of those things which a few shillings would 
have boug! t. Luxuries were unthought of. The un- 
ceasing and hard grind of daily labor was necessary to 
accomplish the task that lay before the pioneers — the 
maintenance of life and the development of the new 
country, which they so subdued as to make a rich 
inheritance for their children. And yet, witli all their 
hard lai>or, with the severe simjjlicity of their lives, 
with hardships and |iiivations unnumbered and unre- 
corded, the lives sjient in tlie fullillment of duty were 
m ide up more largely of pleasure tiian of pain, were 
fuller of joy than sorrow, and as they drew to a close, 
there was the profound satisfaction in every honest, 
toiling pioneer's heart, of having accomplished a great 
and tangible good. 



340 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR DESCEXDANTS. 

The first settler in Greenwich was Heury Carpen- 
ter, who came from Ulster county, New York, in 
1817, and located upon lot twent\'-two, in section two. 
He died in the fall of the following yeai-. from over 
exertion at a house raising, leaving a wife and four 
children. His widow married Abraham Mead, of 
Fitchville, and died in 182.5. Of his four children, 
Heury is dead, Sarah (Mrs. B. Huick), is in Norwalk, 
Adua. the first child born in the township, is in Iowa, 
and David in Missouri. 

Varney Pearce, Esbon Husted and Cyrus Mead, 
arrived in the early spring of 1818. They were sin- 
gle nien. and kept bachelor's hall. Pearce, who was 
from Massachusetts, settled upon lot twenty-five, sec- 
tion one, but afterward removed to the third section, 
where he took up a place upon wiiich he lived until his 
death in 18-33. He was the first justice of the peace, 
and held that office as long as he lived. He married 
Mary Ruseo, and the pair had several children, none 
of whom are now living in the township or vicinity. 
Cyrus Mead had a large tract of land, south of the 
center. He sold out his location to the Clark's, from 
Florence, but they were unable to pay for it, and he 
returned from the east, whither he had gone upon 
selling, took back the land and lived upon it until 
1853, when he died. Husted was not a permanent 
settler. 

The second family that moved into Greenwich was 
that of Eidiraim F. Barker, of Cayuga county. New 
York. He came in March, 1818, bringing with him 
his wife, Hannah, and eight children (one was born in 
Greenwich). Barker settled upon lot twenty nine, in 
section three, upon the north line of the township, 
and after a number of years' residence there, removed 
to lot seven, in the same section, where J. S. Berry now 
lives, upon the center road, north of the village. His 
children were: Alzina (Mrs. D. W. Briggs). now liv- 
ing in the township: Daniel G., in Ripley; James and 
David, both dead; Abiah Anthony, for many years a 
noted scout and pilot of the plains: John B., now 
residing in Greenwich: Sallie (Potter), deceased; Mary 
Ann (Hess), deceased: and Samautha (Chamberlain), 
in Sullivan, Ashland county. The wife of Mr. Bar- 
ker died in 1819. He married a second wife, Eliza- 
beth Artman. and, two years after lier death, took as 
his third wife Betsey Hasey, wlium ho also outlived. 
Ephraim F. Barker died in 180U, and his remains]were 
interred by the side of his three wives in tlie Fitch- 
ville cemetery. 

D. W. Briggs came in the fall of 1818, from Wash- 
ington county, New York, (he was a native of Mas- 
sachusetts), and made himself a liome upon lot thirty- 
six, in section tliree. He married Alzina. eldest 
daughter of Ephraim F. Baiker, who is still living. 
Briggs died in 1801. He had thirteen children, nine 
of whom are living as follows: George. Daniel and 
Jacob, in tlie west; Maria (Mrs. J. Woodward), in 
Hancock county: Sarah (Mrs. J. Haynes), in Green- 



wich; Bathena (Mrs. C. Platner), in Hancock county; 
Zoa (Mrs. M. Kaliar). in Jlichigan; Mary (Mrs. A. 
Warner), in Richland county, and Caroline (Evans), 
in Greenwich. 

Upton and Town Clark arrived in tlie township in 
1818. and made, during the following few years, some 
improvements ujioii a place, south of the center, 
bought of Cyrus Mead. They removed to Florence 
townsliiji in 1823. 

John Mead brought his family from Greenwich, 
Connecticut, in 1819. and located upon lot thirty- 
eight, section one. where he owned four hundred acres 
of land. He only lived a short time. His children, 
John, Brush, Edward and Ann. are living. 

In the spring of 1820, Benjamin Rusco and John 
Banks, of Cayuga county. New York, emigrated to 
the township. Rusco bought the Briggs location. 
He has no descendants living in the township. Banks 
located south of the center, went east and married a 
cousin of Rusco's. and after her death removed from 
the township. 

Thaddeus Fancher and his wife Sally (Mead) came 
from Ulster county, New York, in 1820, their son, 
Daniel G., having arrived the year before. They lo- 
cated upon lot twenty-one, .section one. and Daniel 
G. upon lot four in the same section. The children 
of Thaddeus S. Funcher were: Mary (Mrs. Conrad 
Lutts), deceased; Mead, also deceased; Daniel G., 
Thaddeus S., living in Ruggles; Eliza (widow of 
Hiram Townsend), living in Cleveland; William, in 
Michigan; Amy (Green), deceased: Sally (Mrs. Gar- 
rett Meadi, in Greenwich, and ^latthew, deceased. 
Daniel G. Fancher married Polly Mitchell, and raised 
a family of children, of whom all but iloses are liv- 
ing. They are Lovana, Sally, Belinda. Emily, and 
Jane. His second wife was Hannah Mitchell — no 
relation to the first. 

Henry WashViurne came to Greenwich in 1819. and 
settled upon lands which his father, Joseph Wasli- 
burne. had selected two or three years before — lot 
twenty-six, section two. He was from Ulster county, 
New York. He died in 1849. and his wife, Mary 
(Craft), in 1826. Their children were: Philena (Mrs. 
R. GrifRn), deceased: C, A, Washburne, who resides 
at the center of section number two of Greenwich 
township, where he has a large farm; Henry C, in 
New London, and Mary (Jlrs. William Sutton), upon 
the old Washburne homestead. Henry Washburne 
was, at the time of his death, the largest land-owner 
in Greenwich. His father, Joseph Washburne, who 
first visited the township in 1816 or 181T, to purchase 
and locate lands, came out in 1821 to remain perma-' 
nently. and at the same time came all the rest of his 
family — his wfe, Philena (Carpenter), and their 
children. Benjamin. Joseph C James, William, and 
Pliebe. Benjamin (now deceased), who had married, 
in the east, Huldah Birdsall, settled upon lot twenty- 
nine, section two. Joseph C. married Debbie Ann 
Sutton, and removed in 1826 to Fitcliville. James, 
whose wife was Maiv Birdsall, settled in New Loii 



UlbTOUV OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



341 



don. William married Bet.sey ilorrell and remained 
upon the old farm with his parent.s until 1838, when 
he died. Phebe. deceased, married Alanson Sutton. 
Joseph Washburne died in 1800. at the age of ninety, 
and his wife. Philena, in 183'.i. 

Abel F. Eaton, who came also in lS"-iO, and located 
near the northeast corner of the township, removed 
to Fitchville in 18"20. His house was burned a year 
or so before that date. 

Jeremiah Rusco came to Greenwich in 1821. when 
his brother Benjamin, who had previously made a 
settlement and then gone east, returned. He and 
his brother bought, at one dollar and twenty-five 
cents per acre, nine hundred and thirty acres of 
land, which was about eijually divided between the 
tiiird and fourth sections. Several years later, the 
brothers induced their father and mother, and all 
the rest of their family, to come to this township and 
make it their home. None of the original 'pioneers 
of this family are left. Two sons of Jeremiah Rusco. 
are living, however, one of them. Gilbert L. , on a 
portion of the old estate, lot sixteen, section three, 
and another, Benjamin, in Nebraska. 

Solomon Doud and Hiram Doud came from Ca- 
yuga county. New York, to Greenwich, in 1821. and 
the last named returned, soon after, to his native 
State, and remained there. Solomon Doud brought 
his family out the following year, and after living 
for a time at the center, bought a farm in section 
three, where he remained until his death, in 1849. 
His family consisted of his wife, Polly, Laura (who 
afterward married B. Rusco and who is now dead), 
Nancy (Mrs. D. G. Barker, in Greenwich), Samuel 
(now a respected citizen of New London), John (de- 
ceased), and Mary Ann (Mrs. Freeman, now a resi- 
dent of Kansas). 

Mordccai W. Jenuey. of New Bedford, Massachu- 
setts, originally, but for sometime a resident of Cayuga 
county. Ne\y York, arrived in 1818, and took up lot 
twenty in section four. His brother, Obadiah, came 
siiortly after, and remained in the township a short 
lime, and then removed to Norwalk. John Jenney 
rame in several years later — about 1823 — and settled 
upon lot forty-two, section one. 

Hiram Townsend, of Massachusetts, settled, orig- 
inally, in New Haven, but removed from there to this 
townsiiip in the summer of 1819. He took uj) the 
farm — lot six, section three — u]wua portion of which 
the village of Greeuwicli station has lately been built, 
and resided there until 1871, when he died. He 
married Eliza Fancher, who is still living at this 
writing. His children, still living, are as follows : 
Hiram, at Black river: Oscar, in Cleveland, who was 
jat one time president of the C, C, C. & I. Railroad, 
and now of the Tuscarawas Valley Railroad; Horace, 
a lawyer, in Memphis; Mary (Mrs. J. Bradner), and 
Sarah (Mrs. B. Coutant;, both in Cleveland. 

James Mitchell, of New York, arrived in 1821, 
with his wife and family. He located upon lot four- 
teen in section four. He died iu 1844, at the age of 



seventy-two years, and his wife in 1863, at the age of 
eighty-four. Their oldest daughter, Betsey, mar- 
ried a Mr. Higgins, and removed to Florence, thence 
to Vermont. The only descendants of Jas. Mitchell, 
who remain, of a large family, are: Hezekiaii and 
William, at Peru; Moses, iu Michigan, and Betsey, 
above spoken of. One of the daughters, Amanda, 
married a certain wolf in sheep's clothing, a clerical 
fraud, named Ralph, was cruelly deserted by him, 
and died. 

During the years 1820-21. the settlement was in- 
creased by the arrival of Joshu.i Banks, T. B. White 
and Robert 0. Saulsbury, Eleazer L. Saulsbury and 
a few others. Those named were all from Cayuga 
county. New York. Banks settled south of the cen- 
ter: White, upon lot twenty-eight, section three, and 
Saulsbury (Robert 0.). upon lot six, .section two. 
Eleazer L. Saulslniry remained Ijut a short time. 
His only descendant, remaining in the township, is a 
daughter, — Almira — the wife of E. Gifford. White 
carried on, for many years, his trade, that of making 
chairs and spinning-wheels. Robert 0. Saulsliury 
was a cooper, by trade, and made the first barrels in 
the township. He sold out and left in 1833. 

Benjamin Knitlin, one of the most prominent of 
the early settlers, came to the township first iu 1818, 
from Cayuga county. New York, and made a small 
beginning upon the town line where JJ. B. Thomas 
now lives. He soon returned east, and -remained 
there until 1820, when he again came to Greenwich. 
He married in Cayuga county. New York, Bloomey 
Caroline Hobby, and iu 1824, he brought his wife to his 
new home. At the same time came his parents, James 
and Sarah Kniffin, and the remainder of the family 
one brother and four sisters. James Knitlin purchased 
eight hundred acres of land lying west of the center, 
and north of the east and west center road, and this 
property was divided among his children, most of it 
being still in possession of some of their descendants. 
Beside Benjamin Kniffin, the children of James and 
Sarah were: Daniel, Plieljo, Charity, Debbie and 
Amy. Daniel married a daughter of Josiah Rusco, 
reared a family of seven children, and after his wife's 
death, removed to Iowa. He died in 1878. Only 
one of his descendants, Daniel, is in (ireenwich. 
Phebe (deceased) married a man named Sutherland, 
and removed to Ruggles. Cli-.irity (also deceased) 
married C. Brady who was accidentally shot in 1824, 
and for her second husband, married Daniel Osljorne. 
Debbie (Smith) lives in Buffalo, and Amy (Carver) 
in Ashland county, Benjamin Kniffin remained all 
of his life in this township. He was a very active 
man, carried on a great many enterprises of different 
natures, served as justice of the peace for three terms, 
and otherwise took a part in the public affairs of the 
community. He died in 1877, having survived his 
wife four years. Their children were: Louis Hobby, 
Benjamin F., Hannah Maria, Charles B.. and Janus 
E, and Sarah F., twins. Louis Hobby and Charles 
B. are farmers in this township; Benjamin F. is in 



342 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Williams county: Hannah Maria and James E. are 
dead, and Sarah F. {Mr.<. H. M. Krytser) is a resident 
of Greenwicli. 

Charies Brady who married Charity Kniffin; came 
from Westchester county, New York, in 1823, to 
Scipio, Cayuga county, where he remained until 1824, 
■when he came on to Greenwich with the Kniftius. and 
located upon a poi'tion of this land. In December of 
the same year, Brady was instantly killed by the dis- 
charge of liis gun whileon his way with his brother- 
in-law, Benjamin Kniftin, to Washburne's mill. The 
gun lay upon the load, and in pulling it to\yards him, 
he struck the trigger, and the discharge took effect in 
his side. 

Ezra Smith, who came to the township in 1824, 
brought in the first stock of goods, and had a store 
for a short time near Washburne's. He removed to 
Macksville. He also had an ashery. Rufus Sheldon 
located upon lot forty-six, section one, in the same 
year. He was from Scipio, New Y^ork. Joshua Frost 
came at the same time and settled near the east line 
of the township, in section two. 

Brundage Knapp, wlio came in the year 1825, and 
located u))on lot twenty-four, section three, removed, 
in 183(3. to Bronson, and went from there to Fair- 
field. He lived to be over ninety-four years of age. 

Among the early residents of the town was John 
Paul, or, as he was commonly called, "Old Paul," 
the son of a Hungarian nobleman, who, having left 
home at an early day, had followed tiie life of a roam- 
ing adventurer, and fought as a soldier of fortune in 
several of the armies of Europe, finally being sent a 
prisoner' by the British to Canada, from whence he 
came to this county. He died about 1830, a very old 
man. 

Willis R. Smith came to Greenwich in 1824, from 
Sciopio, Cayuga county, yiew York, Ijringing his wife, 
Ann Underhill, and five small children in a Pennsyl- 
vania wagon to Butfalo, where they embarked in a 
schooner for Sandusky. Tiiis family settled upon lot 
two, section three, where four of the descendants of 
Willis R. Smith now reside, viz: Daniel, Amelia, 
Sarah and Annie. Another son, William, married 
Asnath Ruseo, and is now living in Greenwich, on 
lot twenty-two, section four. The two oldest chd- 
dren, Alfred and Phebe, are dead. Mary, who mar- 
ried J. E. (iolden, lives in Ripley. Willis R. Smith 
died the third month, 11, 1871. He was, during his 
long residence in the township, one of its staunch, 
true men, respected hy all. His wife died second 
month, 24, 1874. Hcith wnv natives .if Westchester 
county. New York. 

Alauson and Aranson Sutton, of Cayuga county, 
New York, came in 1824. Tlie former settled upon 
lot thirty-nine in section one, and the latter upon lot 
si.'fteen, section four. Alauson married, for his first 
wife, Phebe, a daughtei of Joseph Washburne, and 
for his second, Ann Parker. They have four child- 
ren living, all in Greenwicli: Mary (Mrs. J. Dills), 
Emma, (Jrant and Josie. Aranson Sutton married 



Emeline Brady. Both are dead. Their children living 
are: Charles A., who resides upon the place his father 
settled ; Charity (Townsend), in Cleveland ; Mary 
(Nobles), in Fitchville: Sarah (Reynolds), in Seneca 
county, Ohio; and Louisa (Fancher), in Greenwich. 

Cyrus G. Mead came into the township in 1825, 
bringing with him from White Plains, New Y'ork, 
Shadrach H. Reed, then seventeen years of age. In 
time Reed bought of .Mead lot twenty-seven in his 
tract of land, and in 1831 he married Sadie Rusco, 
who died twenty years later. Mr. Reed is still living 
and his family consists of Dr. D. H. Reed, of Fair- 
field; Mrs. A. E. Griffin, of Bellefontaine; and H. E. 
Reed of Greenwich. Charles E. Reed died in 1854, 
and A. S. in 1847. 

Richard Marshall arrived in 1827, or the following 
year, from Medina county. He was a brother-in-law 
of Dr. Morton. He is now dead. Four of his chil- 
dren, Richard, Morton, Margaret (Mrs. AYilliams), 
and Frances Ann, live in the township. Benjamin 
Belding came about the same time as Marshall, from 
Westchester county. New Y^ork. He located upon 
lot thirty-three in section two. He died in New 
London, whither he moved when the C, C, C. & I. 
R. R. was constructed. He had a large family, luit 
none of them remain in the township. 

Walter Wasburne, (a nephew of Joseph,) cann into 
Fitchville in 1833, and lived there until his death, in 
186(3. He had a large family, of whom one son, 
Henry G. came into the county, in 1830. He first 
located in Fitchville, but shortly afterward came into 
Greenwich, and took up and cleared the farm where 
he now resides — lot eleven, section three. He mar- 
ried Ann Maria Yau Benschooten. of Berlin, township, 
by whom he had three children, who are still living — 
D. S., now in Riple , Alice E. (Gaskins), in ;\Iaine, 
and Jay, in Fitchville. 

The GifEords came into the township at different 
dates, ranging from 1829 to 1865, though Edward, 
who came during the last mentioned year, had settled 
in Ripley in 1837. He married Almira, a daughter 
of Eleazer L. Saulslmry, and is at pi'csent living about 
a mile and a half south of Greenwich station. Joseph 
Gifford (deceased) came in 182'J, and his brother, 
Humphrey, arrived in 1831. They settled upon lot 
forty-eight, in section one. The former married 
Silva Jenney, and the latter her sister, Jane. Abram 
Gifford came in 1832, and Micajah in 1843. 

William Carl came from Greenwich, Fairfield 
county, Connecticut, in 1830, by the lake route from 
Buffalo to Sandusky, which so many of the emigrat- 
ing families of this period chose. He brought with 
him his wife, Martha, and seven children: Mary Jane 
(now Mrs. R. Griffin), Daniel II., John M., Xathan, » 
Rhoda Ann (S. S. Hawkins), Elvira (B. H. Fowler), 
in Ripley, and William, who resides where his father 
settled — lot four, section four. All of these descend- 
ants are living in, or near, Greenwich, excei)t Rhoda 
Ann, who died in 1SG7. Two daughters were born 
after the Carls emigrated to this townshii>. Emma 



■ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



343 



Tiid Sarah, who are now in Wood county, Ohio. 
Williaiu Carl dieil in 1804, at the age of eighty year.s, 
and his wife March 25, 1879, aged eighty-six. 

Luther Mead came in 1830, and settled upon lot 
thirty-one, section three^and that his father had 
bought many _years before. Marcus E., William. 
Leander and Annie are iiis children, and live in the 
township. Joseph died in 18.50. 

Amos Mead and his wife. Catharine, came from 
Dutchess county, New York, in 1831, and settled upon 
lot five, in section one. Garrett V. ilead, his son, is 
still living where he settled, lot six, in the same 
section. He married Sallie Fancher, by whom he had 
eight children, five of whom are living, viz.: Daniel, 
in Kansas: Hiram, in Ilartland townshi}): Aaron, in 
Kansas; Moses B., in Berea. and Eliza Jane (Fish), 
in Monroe ville. 

S. P. Haviland and his wife, Lovina, and two sons, 
came to Greenwich in 1831, from Putnam county. 
New Y'ork, and took up land in lot twenty-six, section 
two. Mr. Haviland afterwards bought lot twenty, 
section four, at the center, where he now resides. 
His children are: Samuel, in Toledo; William. B., 
postmaster at Greenwich station; Alfred S., in Kan- 
sas, and Nelson il., in Toledo. 

Lorenzo and Samantha Barritt, of Mendon. Monroe 
county, New Y'ork, settled upon lot thirty, section 
one. in 1832. Mr. Barritt was a prominent man in the 
militia, and held commissions as lieutenant and cap- 
tain. He died m 1878. Ilis children were Zelotes 
E., who lives in Greenwich; Synthia C. (Mrs. P. 
Welch), of Ripley: ilary L. (Mrs. N. Smith), in this 
township: Clarissa and Walter, both deceased. 

Abijah and Abiagail Griffin arrived in 1833, from 
Hunter, Greene county. New York, bringing with 
them four children. Mr. Griffin purchased, of Robert 
0. Saulsbury, lot ten, in section two, and there made 
his home. His children, who came with him to Ohio, 
were: Piiebe (Mrs. Williamson), of Norwalk, mother 
of Hon. J. A. Williamson; Tamer (Mrs. J. Kings- 
l)ury), who died in 18.54: Robert B. and Riley, in 
Greenwicii. An elder brother, Ezekiel, moved in, in 
the spring of 182G, and lived in the township until 
liis death in 1871. 

Dr. Henry Reynolds arrived in 183G, from Catta- 
raugus county, New Y''ork. He has five children liv- 
ing: Russell, a physician, at Chicago Junction; 
Lavilla (Mrs. J. Sutton), in this township; Hannah 
(York), in Ruggles: Cornelia (Ilurlburt), and Robert 
IL, a physician, at Greenwich station. William, a 
Min who died, was a physician. The family, f(n' 
several generations, has seemed to have a peculiar 
bent for the study of medicine. 

Moses M. and Abigail Burgess, of Greene county, 
New Y'ork. and their daughter, Aljigail Ann, came 
to this township in 1838, and made themselves a home 
upon a farm in the Mead tract, purchased of Na- 
tlianiel' Brown. All these are now living in tlie 
township. Aliigail married a Watson. Of the chil- 
dren born in rlie township, Emory I. is living in tiiis 



township. Egbert N. was a volunteer in the uiuon 
army, and died in the service. 

John Ellis and wife arrived in 1838, from Onon- 
daga county. New Y''ork, and his brother, Wm. B. 
Ellis, came three years later. The first named had 
married Rachel Rickart. and tiie latter her sister 
Esther. They have large farms in the southwest cor- 
ner of the township. John Ellis' children are: Sid- 
ney IL, in Ripley; Therza B.. John R. and Martin, 
in this township; Clara Leone and Palina, in Ripley, 
and Sarah, in Richland county. Wm. B. Ellis' chil- 
dren are: George W., Eliza Ann. Irwin. Lilly and 
Emma. M. A. Hall and his wife, Mary Ann (Robin- 
son), came from Steuben county, in 1840, and took 
up a piece of land — lot two. section four, — where they 
now reside, then owned by the Rev. Josepli Edwards, 
of Ripley. Gideon B. Coutant came to the township 
in 1843, and his brotiier. at a later date. Adam and 
Barbara Brenneman. and their son, John, came in 
1844, from Richland county, where they had removed 
ten years previous from Lancaster county. Pennsyl- 
vania. They located upon lot six. section four; John 
married Barbara Rickart, ami lives upon the farm 
where he first settled with the old folks. They are 
both dead. 

A large and prominent family who became resi- 
dents in the township, at a much later day. was that 
of George Thomas, of Otsego county. New Y'ork. 
Uri B. came in 184(j. the other later. George H. is 
in Fairfield; S. W., in Ripley; Washington L. and 
Adaline (Hills), in Michigan; Andrew J., in Bronson, 



and Benda L. iuHarthmd. 
killed in the armv. 



One son, Walter W., was 



ORU.VXIZATIOX. 

Greeenwich was attached, in 1815, to New Haven, 
or was within the jurisdiction of that township (for 
civil j)ur])oses). In 1819. Greenwich. Fitchville and 
Hartland were united, and an election was held in 
that year, at the house of Thomas B. White, for the 
purpose of choosing officers for the territory included 
within the three. Hartla'nd was detached in 1820, 
and in 1823, Greenwich was separated from Fitchville 
and (n'ganized as a separate township, the first election 
being held at Thomas B. White's house, and the fol- 
lowing officers elected: Jeremiah Rusco. Henry Wash- 
burne. trustees; David W. Briggs, clerk ; \'arney 
Pearce, justice of the peace: Ephraim F. Barker, 
constable. 

The township received its name from the town of 
Greenwich, Connecticut. 

Following are the officers of 1878: 0. Travis, 
H. Horr, Willis Sisson, trustees; H. Travis, treas- 
urer: William B. Haviland, clerk; H. M. Krytser, 
J. B. Smith, justices of the peace; James Sutloii, 
Frank E. Hopkins, constables. 

FIRST FACTS. 

Ailna Carpenter, son of Henry Carpenter, was the 
first white child Ijorii in the township. He is now 



344 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



living in Iowa. Samantha Barker was probably the 
second, a child of Upton Clark, third, and C. A. 
Washburne the fourth. 

Henry Carpenter, father of the first born, was the 
first person who died in the townsliip. His death, 
caused by over exertion, occurred in November, 1818. 
He was buried in a coffin constructed of hewed black 
walnut planks. Hannah Barker died from child 
birth. May 23, 1819, and she was the second person 
whose demise the little band of pioneers wei-e called 
to mourn. The coffin, in whicii her remains were 
buried, was made from the boards of a wagon-box, 
which were rudely stained with logwood. 

The first marriage in the township, was that of 
David W. Briggs and Alzina, daughter of E. F. and 
Hannah Barker. They were made one by Squire 
Rundel Talmer, of Fitchville, in August, 1819. 
Briggs died in 1861. His is widow still living, and 
in Greenwich. 

The first log cabin was biiilt in 1817, near the 
northeast corner of the township. Henry Carpenter 
built the first permanent residence, a log house, a 
little later in the same year. The first frame house 
was built by Joseph Washburne, in 1827, on lot twenty- 
seven, section two, and the first brick house was 
erected at the center, by Cyrus G. Mead. 

The first tavern was built at the center by Benja- 
min Kniffin, who also had a store there. The store 
opened by Ezra Smith, near Joseph Washburne's, in 
the northeast corner of the township, in the year 
1824. was the first. He sold goods there for four 
years, and then removed to Peru (Macksville). where 
he followed the business for twelve years more, when 
he died. 

Manv of tlie orchards in the township and vicinity 
were planted with trees that were grown from the seed 
sown by Alzina Barker (Mrs. Briggs), upon the Car- 
penter place, in 1818. All of the seeds were selected 
from greening apples, but not a single apple borne by 
any of the trees raised from those seeds has produced 
an apple having any resemblance to the fruit from 
which they sprung. Ephraim Barker and Varney 
Pearce brouglit trees from Xorwalk in 1819, and 
it was from one of these that the first apples were 
picked that rip3ned in tiie township. ilordecai 
Jenuey, at a later period, started a nursery upon 
his land, and supplied from it many farmers witli 
fruit trees. 

The first huihiing that was raised without the use 
of whisixy was a log barn, put up by Willis Smith. 
Those who assisted in the work were told upon the 
start that contrary to custom no licpior would lie 
given out. but they took hold willingly, worked hard 
and were furnished with a substantial diiiiu-r ami 
supper by Mrs. Smith. A fine field of grain owned 
by Mr. Smith b3cam3 ready for the sickle when he 
was bedridden with rheumatism, ami he was obliged 
to depend upon his neighbors to save the crop from 
going to waste. It seemed for several days as if the 
saving of the harvest could iidt he accomplished 



unless Mr. Smith sacrificed his principles and fur- 
nished the men whisky; but he adhered to the line of 
what he considered conscientiously his duty, and 
finally, one bright morning, the neighbors were seen 
at work gathering the fully ripened grain, and soon it 
was safely stored away. 

The first mill was built by Joseph Washburne, in 
1823, near where the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati 
and Indianapolis railroad crosses the Vermillion river, 
in the northeast corner of the township. It was both 
a saw and grist mill. The iron parts Mr. Washburne 
brought from the east, and the stones he had roughly 
chiseled from "hard heads"' found near by. They 
ground slowly but not exceeding fine. No other grist 
mill was built in the township until a very recent date. 
The Ruscos built the second saw mill in 1827, upon 
the west branch of the Vermillion, near what is now 
known as the diagonal or angling road. Both of 
these mills were destroyed many years ago. The 
Rusco mill was burned. 

The first Fourth of Julv celebration was crotteu 
up by Ephraim Barker, Solomon Doud, and others, 
and held at the center, in 1823. Nearly all of the 
people in the township, and many from the neighbor- 
ing settlements were present. Briggs, the famous 
hunter, siijiiilied the venison for the dinner, and 
Ephraim Barker cooked it. Speeches were made, not 
unlike the Fourth of July oratorical pyrotechnics of 
more recent times, and the celebration proved a very 
agreeable affair. 

KELI(4I0i:S MATTERS. 

For a number of years after the first settlers came 
into Greenwich, there was no regularly ordained 
minister living in the township, and when there was 
preaching, it was by some of the ministers from 
neighboring townsliips. Religious meetings were 
held freipiently, and preachers of all denominations 
had assurance when they came here that they would 
be met by audiences of large size (for these times) and 
gladly listened to. The townshiiJ has, at the present 
day, a large element of Quaker population, and many 
of its earliest pioneers were of this people. The first 
Quakers, or Friends, as they call themselves, came to 
Greenwich in 1818, just eighteen years after the first 
Friends' settlement in Ohio. They organized the first 
society for the purpose of religions worship — one 
which has been strongly sustained through all of its 
more than sixty years' existence, and which is to-day 
in a most healthful and flourishing condition. 

THE KKIENDS' Cliriii'll 

was orgaiiizt'd in 1823. The first meeting was hold 
at Joseph Washburne's house. The society then 
consisted of Josej)!! Washburne and his three sons: 
Benjainiii. Henry and .lanu's, R. and. J. L. Frost, Henry 
Carpenter ami John Jeiiney. After a year or so, the 
place of meeting was changed to Henry Washburne's 
house, and then to James Kiiiffin's, where the Friends 
met for sevei'al years, or until thev had built a log 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



345 



church iii>oii a lot given for tlie purpose, hv James 
Knirtin. Tliis lot was the one still owned by the 
society, ami is located about one hundred and tweutj' 
rods east of the center. The log church which was 
built ill 1834, gave place in 1845, to a comniodions 
and comfortable, but plain, frame structure, which is 
the present place of worship of a society, numbering 
about two iiundied souls. The society holds meet- 
ings every Sabbath and Fifth day. The present 
ministers of the church are: Rachel Washburne, Al- 
fred Bartlett. Prudence D. Hathaway and George 
Bartlett. Joseph Coutant, Humphrey (iitford. James 
Bartlett, Daniel Smith, Phebe Ann Bartlett, Phebe 
Coutant, Loviua Haviland, Sarah Giflord and Phebe 
Healy, elders. Joseph Coutant, Daniel Smith and 
Thomas Eddy, trustees. 

THE METHODIST PEXOMIX ATION 

li;is two organized churches in the township, one in 
the southeast cpiarter and one at Greenwich station. 
The Methodists of Greenwich had, with their brethren 
of Fitchville, a class organization at an early day. It 
was effected at a meeting held at T. B. White's 
house. The oldest organization now in existence in 
the township is what is known as the Nineveh Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, the majority of whose mem- 
bers live in section one, in the southeast part of the 
township. It was organized in 183<J, by the Rev. 
.John Quigley, circuit preacher, and was constituted 
by the following meml^ers: Asel Mead and wife, 
Henry Lyon and wife, and Mrs. John Hess, at whose 
house the church was organized. Samuel Doud and 
wife, and G. V. Mead and wife, were received into 
membership at an early date after the establishment 
of the church. Preaching was had at Mrs. Hess' 
iiouse for a number of years, then at Daniel Bloomer's 
and Samuel Doud's. and, after that, in the log and 
framed school houses in the vicinity until 1858, when 
the church building now in use was erected, at a cost 
of about one thousand two hundred dollars. The 
trustees at this time were Isaac Smith, David Sutlitf, 
Aranson Sutton, M. M. Burgess, James Sutton, 
Daniel G. Fancher and Samuel Doud. 

The Rev. John Quigley was the first pastor of the 
church. John K. Brown was the first class leader, 
lie was succeeded by Daniel Bloomer, Franklin Sizer 
and M. M. Burgess, under whose management a great 
revival occurred in 1857, by which the church grew 
from a membership of less than a score to over ninety.. 
The church was then divided into four classes. It 
lias now a membership of about one hundred persons. 
The class leaders are Samuel G. Watson, David Sut. 
liff, John Strimple, Daniel Shou)i; Emory J. Burgess, 
David Sutlitf, stewards: Samuel (J. Watson, William 
Striniiile, Sliadrach H. Reed, Daniel Slioup, David 
Sutlilf, Joiin Strimple, Z. B. Coutant, trustees. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Greenwich 
"•lation was organized in 1809 by Rev. A. K. Owen, 
who, during the winter of that year, held a protract- 
ed meeting at the school house ojiposite the present 

44 



church edifice. The North Greenw^ich class, organ- 
ized in 180ti by the Rev. John Kellam, was consoli- 
dated with the Greenwich Station organization, and 
soon after the Edward's. corners (Ripley) class, organ- 
ized in 1837, came into the union. After a strong 
organization had thus been effected, steps were taken 
toward building, with the result, that in the summer 
of 1871 the present church edifice was comjileted and 
dedicated. The cost was about 84,500. The pastors 
of the church since the close of McKean's charge 
have been Revs. H. G. Dubois, George McKillip. C. 
C. Ball, John McNabb, J. F. Brant. C. R. Russel 
and P. F. Graham, the present incumbent, who also 
preaches at the Universalist Church. The present 
officers of the church are as follows: N. Carl, 0. S. 
Griffin, Alice Nickerson, James McMillen, J. F. 
Welch, class leaders; F. B. Nickerson, M. A. Hall, 
0. S. Griffin, stewards: B. H. Fowler, Sunday school 
superintendent; N. D. Welch. L. P. Sisson, B. II. 
Fowler, John Jenney, Z. E. Barrett. E. McCullow, 
trustees. 

No denoiniiiations other than the Friends and the 
Methodists have church organizations in the town- 
ship. Other churches have existed for short [leriods. 

SCHOOLS. 

Tiie first school was taught by .Tames Nixon, who. 
with his father, Robert Nixon, was obliged to leave 
Ireland at the time of the Irish revolution, and 
chose America as the country in which to begin life 
anew, and drifted, by some chance, to this locality. 
The school was held in an abandoned log hou.se. one 
mile south of the center, in the winter of 18:!J0-31. 
Aljout 1825, a school house was built at the center, 
and Tracy Case was the first teacher who occupied it. 
The second school house was built by James Mitchell's 
residence, near the center of section four. Willis R. 
Smith, assisted by his wife, gave instruction in writing 
to a number of young men i some of them married), 
in the winter of 1824-25. About a dozen men at- 
tended this school. It was held evenings, in Mr. 
Smith's hou.se, which he fitted up for the purpose, 
with writing desks made of slabs, which were fastened 
to the wall as sloping shelves. Some of these, then, 
young men have l)ecome well ofl'. All of them have 
owned farms in the township and been successful in 
life. 

The township has nine regular school tlistricis and 
one special district, the village of Greenwich station, 
which was incoi'iiorated as a special school district in 
1877. Graded schools were established in the village 
in that j'ear. The board of education, then elected, 
consisted of Oscar Travis, E. J. McCullow. R. II. 
Reynolds, John R. Judsoii and Hyatt Travis. The 
first superintendent was W. C. Kincel. He was suc- 
ceeded by the jiresent incumbent, J. L. Young. 
The number of youth, of school age, in the sjieciiil 
district, in 1877. was one hundred and seventy; it is 
now over two hundred and ten, and the average daily 
attendance is one hundred and thirtv-four. 



346 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSIOX. 

Dr. Richard Morton was the first resident jDhysician 
in the townsliip, and came in about the year 1835, at 
first practicing in partnership with Dr. ]Moses C. 
Sanders, of Peru, who was quite popular among the 
men of his time in Greenwich. Dr. Campbell, of Fair- 
field, had some practice in (xreenwich at an early day, 
and so also had Dr. Wm. McLadd, of Fitchville, and 
Dr. Johns, of New Haven. There was for a short 
time in the settlement a physician by the name of 
George W. Sampson, who made his home with Ben- 
jamin Washburne. Lovana Mitchell, who came into 
the township with her husband, James Mitchell, in 
1821, before there were any physicians there, was very 
useful in the capacity of midwife, and deserves the 
gratitude and kindly recollection of tlie community. 
She often traveled alone and afoot at night, by the 
light of a torch, utterly regardless of the weather, and 
her fearlessness and power of physical endurance were 
only equalled by her professional skill. It is said 
that she never lost but one patient. She died in 
1863, in her eighty-fourth year. 

Among the physicians who practiced in the town- 
ship for short periods were Dr. Wm. Rice, who was a 
partner of Dr. Morton, and Dr. Andrews, of Ruggles. 
Dr. G. Hutchins and Dr. Owen were also among: 
those who might be termed transient residents. Dr. 
Henry Reynolds, of New Tork State, began practice 
in 1836, and has practiced constantly in the township 
and surrounding country since, until within three or 
four years. Dr. S. R. Haviland, who came in 1831, 
has also practiced most of the time since his settle- 
ment. 

The physicians now resident in Greenwich are Drs. 
Amos Ewing, R. H. Reynolds and D. W. Rumbaugh. 
Dr. Ewing, of the allopathic school, who has been in 
practice in the village since 1868, is a graduate of the 
Cleveland Medical College; Dr. Reynolds, a son of 
Dr. Henry Reynolds, is a graduate of the Eclectic 
School of Cincinnati, and has been in practice since 
1871. Dr. Rumbaugh came in the latter part of 1878. 
He is of the allopathic school, and received his medi- 
cal education in the St. Louis and Cleveland colleges. 

SOCIETIES. 

THE GREENWICH FAIR ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized in April, 1875, when 
a meeting was held at which it was moved and adopted 
that an association should be formed for the purpose 
of holding a union fair, in the township, sometime 
in June of that year. The organization was ijerfected 
bv the election of the following officers: M. B. 
Thomas, president; L. P. Sisson, vice president; W. 
A. Hossler, secretary; John S. Berry, treasurer; J. 
W. Beach, (Ruggles). II. C. Washlmrne, (New Lon- 
don), William P. Noble, (Ripley), William A. Knapp, 
(Fitchville), George H. Thomas, (Fairfield), William 
Sutton, S. McCullow-, H. J. Gifford, A. H. Leonard, 



(Greenwich), and John Stouer, (of Butler township, 
Richland county), directors. Grounds were leased of 
the land and building association upon which the fair 
association erected suitable buildings, and here fairs 
have been regularly held every season since the incep- 
tion of the plan. These fairs have annually been 
held in the spring or early summer, and the exhibi- 
tions, especially in the stock department, have been 
of a character which justly entitles the association to 
much credit. The officers elected in 1878, are as fol- 
lows: B. H. Fowler, president: L. P. Sisson, vice 
president; W. A. Hossler, secretary; John S. Berry, 
treasurer: W. J. Beach. W. Hannah, D. D. Wash- 
burne. H. Horr, William A. Knapp. directors. 

HURON GRANGE. NO. 186. 

The Patrons of Husbandry effected an organization 
under the above name, October 30, 1873, the charter 
members being: Frank Salisbury, C. A. Washburne 
and wife; H. Griffin and wife; D. D. Washburne 
and wife: H. J. Gifford and wife, William Sut- 
ton, Miss 0. Wickoff, Miss Martha Salisbury, E. 
Culbertsou. Preston Palmer, W. J. Washburne and 
wife. J. A. Fiost and wife. A. Jennings, J. Strim- 
ple and wife, and Miss L. Frost. The first officers 
elected were: J. A. Frost, master; H. J. Gifford, over- 
seer; J. Striin]>le. secretary; Frank Salisbury, trea- 
surer; D. D. Washl)urne. lecturer; A. D. Jenney, 
chaplain; H. Griffin, steward; H. Griffin, assistant 
steward; W. J. Washburne. gate keeper; Carrie Wic- 
koff, lady assistant steward; Martha Salisbury, Flora; 
Mrs. H. J. Gifford, Ceres; Margaret Washburne, Po- 
mona. Following are the present officers; J. A. 
Frost, master; H. Horr, overseer; H. E. Reed, lec- 
tui'er J. Stri pie, chaplain; W. H. Si.sson,' secretary; 
H. D. St. John, steward; J. R. Ellis, gate keeper; 
Mrs. H. Horr, lady assistant steward; Mrs. W. H. 
Sisson, Pomona; Mrs. G. W, Ellis. Flora; Mrs. C. A. 
Sutton, Ceres; C. H. Horr, treasurer. Number of 
members, forty-eight. 

LAND AND BUILDING A.SSOCIATION. 

This organization, which has operated most power- 
fully and favorably in the interests of Greenwicli, 
particularly the village, was incorporated by speciul 
act of the legislature in 1873, and the company was 
organized with a capital stock of thirteen thousand. 
The incorporators were: L. P. Lisson. L^. B. Thomas, 
Lorenzo Barrett, A. Ewing, J. li Smith. W. A. Hos- 
sler, W. T. Smith and S. W. Thomas. TIr' tirst 
officers elected were the following, who, by the way, 
still remain in their several places: U. B. Thomas, 
l)resident; J. B. Smith, secretary; J. W. Richar(ls')ii, 
treasurer. Tlie object of the association was the en- 
couragement of local business interests and the devel- 
opement of the village. With this end in view, the 
association purchased the Townsond farm of one 
hundred and twenty acres, adjacent to the village, 
and laid olT forty acres of it in town lots. These 



-^ 






6^ /^OAV 



^^. 'MJ/^d-^a.i/, 




Residence of JOHN V CARL, GR£ENWiCH,/<uf?ON Co,0. 





DAVID SUTLIFF. 



I^RS. DAVID SUTLIFF. 




Residence or DAVID SUTLIFF, Greenwich. jiuROH Co,0. 



il 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



347 



lots, or a great proportion of them, were quickly dis- 
posed of. at re;tsoiialily remunerative figures, to good 
parties, and upon tliem were built the comfortable 
and beautiful homes which now form the new village 
upon the northwest side of the C. C, C. & I.. R. R. 
The first building was erected in 1874. The village 
of Greenwich had. in tfiat year, a population of but 
seventy souls, and now has upwards of five hundred 
and fifty — an increase which is directly attributable 
to the stimulating effect of the land company's enter- 
prise. The full title of this organization, under 
which it was incorporated, was the Greenwich land 
company and building association, but this name im- 
plied more than was covered by the scope of the com- 
pany's intention. It was not designed that the com- 
pany should be a building association, but sim]>ly a 
land compuny. and it lias only given eneimragement 
to building enterprises by the loan of its otluTwise 
unemployed capital. 

GREEXWIf tt LODGE, XO. OiO, I. O. O. F. 

This lodge was instituted July G, IStO, with the 
following charter members: J. M. Mayuard, William 
Jackson, L. M. Palmer, Eugene Pennington, M. A. 
Palmer, J. A. Frost. James Skain, G. T. Cupit, T. 
C. Adams, C. R. Barljcr and A. S. Gilson. The fol- 
lowing officers were elected for the first term: William 
Jackson, N. G. : L. M. Palmer. V. G. ; T. C. Adams, 
R. S.; J. A. Frost, P. S.; M. B. Lee, treasurer. The 
present officers are as follows: M. B. Lee, X. G. : X. 
0. (h-iphy, V. G. ; E. S. Pennington. R. S.; H. N. 
King, P. S. ; L. M. Palmer, treasurer. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are, including private burial lots, at least 
twenty places for the burial of the dead in the town- 
ship. The first ground set apart for a cemetery was 
in hit twenty-four, section four, in land owned by H. 
G. ilead. Varney Pearce, acting as his agent, allowed 
the establishment of a cemetery at this location iiltout 
the year 1824; but when Mead came to the township 
sometime after he denied the privilege. At a later 
date .Joseph Washburne granted a piece of ground 
near his home in the northeast part of the township. 
James Knirtin donated the land now included in the 
Friends' cemetery. The only burial place of which 
the township has control is in a piece of land near the 
center of lot twenty-two, first section, now owned by 
'SI. il. Burgess, but in the possession bf Thaddeus 
Fancher at the time it was set apart ff)r the i)urpose 
of a cemetery. 

POSTAL MATTERS. 

The first mail was carried through the township in 
1829, and for three years thereafter, by Robert Inscho, 
of New Haven. He went once a week between New 
Haven village and iledina county, upon horseback. 
The first post office was established at the center, and 



Benjamin Kniffin was the first man who held the 
commission of postmaster. He was succeeded by 
Rufus Sheldon. About the time that the Cleveland, 
Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad was 
constructed, a post office was established at the station 
and, in fact, was kept in the railroad building for 
some time, Hiram Townsend being postmaster. He 
was succeeded by John Barnes, in whose charge and 
that of George Stedwell, the office remained nearly 
all the time until William B. Haviland, the present 
postmaster, was commissioned. 

ROADS. 

But little was done in road-making in this township, 
which now has from fifty-five to sixty miles of road- 
way, until 1820. The north and south center road 
was the first laid out. The line was established in 
1820 but only a small portion of it had been chopped 
and cleared half a dozen years later. The east and 
west center road was the second one laid out. It was 
surveyed and opened through the county. What is 
known as the "angling road" was ordered to be laid 
out in answer to the petition of Ephraim Barker and 
others in 1828 or 1829. 

VILLAGE OF GREENWICH STATION. 

Greenwich Station is the only village in the town- 
ship. It is located upon the Cleveland, Columbus, 
Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad, about one mile 
from the west town line, and upo^n the east and west 
center road. It would undoiiljtedly have become a- 
large village by this time had it not been for the pe- 
culiar repugnance that the principal land owner, Hi- 
ram Townsend, had toward any improvement which 
would have stimulated growth. The village has had 
almost its entire growth si"nce 1874, and has in that 
time increased from a small cluster of houses to a 
village of about five hundred population. As it is 
surrounded by a rich country and has within its limits 
the elements of enterprise, it is probable that it will 
achieve in the near future quite an importance as a 
trading place and become a good sized borough. 
Greenwich Station was incorporated in February, 
1879. It has at present three hotels. The Seydel 
House, the first one built in the place, is the principal 
one, and now kept by Samuel Seydel, who has been 
its landlord for two years, and a resident in the neigh- 
borhood all his life. The Thomjison House is kept 
by T. Thompson, and the Union House, kept by An- 
drew Thompson. Richard Culver erected a ware- 
house and elevator at the station, which is at i)rescnt 
and has been for the past twelve years, managed 
by .Tohn W. Iiichardson, who does a large business in 
handling grain. Greenwich is also one of the leading 
places for the shipment of cattle on the Cleveland, 
Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis railroad, and 
large numbers are handled here every year. Follow- 
ing are the firms and individuals enjiaged in mcican. 



348 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



tile business and the trades at this writing— April, 
1879: 

Dry Goods. Groceries and Country Prodi-ce.— W. A. Hossler. 

Dry Goods Alone.— J. S. Arnold. 

Drugs.— Dr. A. W. Burtch. 

Groceries.— F. B. Nickerson, also dealer in drugs. 

Hardware, Stoves, &c. — Mile B. Lee. 

Boots, Shoes AND Clothing. —J. B. Healy. 

Confectionery and Cigars— E. J. Howell. 

Harness. — William Wells. 

Fresh and Salted Meats— W. A. Ball. 

Furniture.- John Hines. 

Millinery.— Miss Adams, Mrs. J. Hines. Mrs. Sherbane. 

Blacksmithing.— A. Evrett, Aranson Kiiiffin, George Abbott. 

Wagon Making.— H. Ferry, H. Brown 

. THE MAXIFACTIRIXG INTERESTS 

of the township are slight. The principal flouring 
mill is located in the village, and was built in 187'i, 
by Ira Case, being the first in the township since the 
old Washburne mill. He sold it to John Kincel, and 
he to David Harvey, who is the present owner, though 
Mr. Ca.^e is still in charge, as practical miller. There 
is a small flouring mill in the southeast part of the 
townsliip, in what is known as Xinevah. There are 
three saw mills. One is owned by David Harvey, 
and is run in connection with his grist mill. The 
other two are both, also, located in the village, and 
are owned respectively bj' Banks & Kuiflin and Jacob 
Helmkee. 



Biographical Sketches. 



HENRY G. WASHBURN 

is one of that class of men whose biography is a type 
of the history of the community in which he has lived, 
and an illustration of the sturdy, thorough-going 
manner of life that the early settlers led — a man who 
has attained to his present position of honor and in- 
dependence through his own liard labor, and a con- 
scientious following of the highest dictates of moral- 
ity. He began life with two great elements of suc- 
cess — a good naijie and the willingness to work. 
These, and the happy, healthful condition of mind 
which naturally attends the otlior qualities, were his 
only advantages. 

In order that he should be properly represented, 
we shall follow the genealogy of the family from the 
first known down to the present representatives. The 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, James 
Wasliburn, of Westchester county. New York, was 
l)oni in 1TC6, and removed to Ulster county in ISU.5. 
His- wife, Judah Griffin, was born in 1767. Their 
children with the dates of their birth were as follows: 
Walter, 1790; Phebe, 1791; Jo.seph, 1791; Hannah, 
1796; Robert, 1798; Henry, 1800; Betsey, 1804; Eo- 
sannah, 1806; Sally Ann, 1808. All of these children, 
e.Kcept Henry who died at the age of four year.s, grew 
up to be men and women. Only two arc now living: 



Rosannah (Mrs. Robert Golden), resident in New 
London township, and Sally Ann (Mrs. M. Denman). 
of Springfield, Ohio. Walter Washburn, the father 
of Henry G. , removed with his parents to Greenfield, 
Ulster county. New York, when at an early age, and 
in November. 1809, took in marriage Nellie Van Ben- 
schooten. The offspring of this union were: Julia 
Ann, born, 1811. (now Mrs. D. Carpenter in Miss- 
ouri): Henry G., born, 1813: Louisa R. (Mrs. C. Ben- 
jamin, of Sandusky), 1810; John (now in ifissouri). 
1819: Hannah Jane (deceased), 1822, and Maria, 
18-.J4. Walter Washburn's wife died in 182.5. at the 
age of forty-three years, and her remains were liuried 
in the Wawasink (Ulster county) Iturying grounds. 
Walter Washburn married Mrs. Polly Van Ben. 
schooten, ner Hendrickson, as his second wife. 
Their children were: Charlana, born 18.31: Rosannali. 
18.33; Josepii Nelson, 183.5: Harriet Helen, 1838; Gil- 
bert Eugene, 1840; Mary Elizabeth, 1844; Judah 
Ann, 1847, and Susan Emeline, 185<i. Walter Wash- 
burn came to Ohio in 1833, bringing his wife and 
seven children and his mother. The journey was by 
the water route, and was pleasant, Imt without marked 
event. The family arrived at Huron some time in 
May. and immediately went to Fitch ville where Mr. 
Washburn's brother, Joseph, had settled in the year 
18'20. Mr. Washburn spent upon his farm in that 
township the rest of his days, dying May 21, 1865, at 
the age of .seventy-five years, loved and respected by 
all. He was a quiet, unassuming man who took no 
part in politicr* or public affairs, though he ever had 
an interest in the accomplishment of those results 
best for the community and the world at large. He 
was a man of refined and rigid morals, but though of 
religious nature and feeling, was at no time connected 
with any church. His preference was for the Quaker 
Church, or Society of Friends, and his life was prac- 
tically conformed to their faith. 

Henry G. Washburn came to Fitchville in 183o, 
three years before his father, and remained there two 
years, working for his L'ncle Joseph, at all kinds of 
labor that the early settlers found to perform. It 
was here that he grew into the habits of industry and 
energetic action, which he has ever since retained, 
and which have made him the successful farmer and 
cjood citizen that he is. He worked hard, spent 
nothing, and the result was, that he was able, with 
his two years" earnings, to pay for a hundred acres 
of land, where he now lives, upon the Ripley township 
line. That purchase was the beginning in the accu- 
mulation of a large property. The land first jmr- 
chased at a cost of two dollars per acre, was the 
nucleus of a large farm, and the humble beginning 
made there, led to a most prosperous life. The 
voung man, after securing this one hundred acres of 
land ijy two 3'ears hard work, spent several more in 
preparing it for cultivation. He cleared away the 
heavy timber, got the ground into good condition for 
bearing crops, and built the log house, to whicli, 
several years later, he brought his bride. He mar- 



I 




w 



o 






o 




HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



349 



ried, in 184:2, Ann Maria, daughter of Daniel and 
Rebecca Van Benscliootcu, of Berlin township, Erie 
county, who is still his helpmate. Four children 
have been born to this pair, viz: D. S., born April 8, 
1843, now a prominent resident of Ripley township; 
8.' Minerva, born March 13, 1845, who died at the 
age of nineteen years; Alice E., born December 14, 
1849, now; and Jay, a resident, at present, of Fitch- 
ville, born April 14, 18.i3. 

D. S. Washburn married, January 24, 18(J7, Sarah 
J. Macomber. They have three cliildren, viz: Anna 
Maud, born September 24, 1868; Earnest Linton, 
born August 1, 1870; aud Inez, August, 1, 1871. 

Alice E. Washburn married, July 10, 1878, W. E. 
Gaskin. 

Jay Wasliburu married, June 20, 1873, Mary E. 
Brady. They have one child, Howard W., born 
August 11, 1874. 

Henry G. Washburn is known as one of the substan- 
tial men and most worthy citizens of Greenwich, and 
is universally respected for the sterling qualities he 
jjossesses. He is known to be the friend of all good 
works, and while being of a too retiring nature to 
take active part in public matters, has a lively in- 
terest in all matters pertaining to the interests of the 
people, either locally or in a general way, and is un- 
usually well informed upon all current issues. He 
lias always been a hard worker — one of that class 
which seems to have been especially adapted to the 
stern, severe task of reclaiming the wilderness and 
bringing it into the prosperous condition of the 
Western Reserve of to-day. Moral example, as well 
as material labor, has contributed to the creation of 
the present prosperity aud social well being of oUr 
comparatively new northern Ohio settlements, and 
througii this means, as through the other, Mr. Wash- 
burn has brought to bear, as one among many, his 
^proportion of influence aud force. 



WILLIAM REXSOX ELLIS. 

a son of Clark and Thursa Ellis, was born in Pompey, 

Onondaga county, New York, October 7, 1819. He 

made a brief visit to Huron county, for the first time, 

[in 1840, t)ut returned to New York aud remained 

[there until the following season, when he removed to 

[Greenwich township, where he has since resided. lie 

t had but tw(j hundred and sixty dollars, money that 

] he had earned, and yet he succeeded, after being in 

the township two years, in accumulating enough 

money, in addition to what he l)rought with liiin, to 

I purchase fifty-five acres of land. He cleared and 

(.^Eenced about thirty acres, and l)uilt upon it a log 

house. Having thus provided himself with a home, 

he was ready for a wife, and he procured one in the 

person of Mrs. Esther Rickard, who was born in 

Trumbull county, Ohio. The date of their marriag 

n 



was April 17, 1843. There have been born to them 
seven children, viz. : George Washington, Ijorn Decem- 
ber 14, 1843; Eliza x\nn, July 10, 1845; Julia' Aresta, 
May 3, 1847,— died ^lareh 20, 1807; Irvin Henry, 
September 30, 1852; Ira Benson, April 1, 1856; Lillie, 
September 18, 1858; Emma Adelaide, June 23, 1865, 
The three sons and oldest daughter are married, and 
live near the old homestead. Mr. Ellis has bought 
from four to five hundred acres of land, and now man- 
ages about two hundred, having given the remainder 
to his children. His present residence was built in 
1856. 

In 2)o!itics Mi\ Ellis is. and has always, been a 
democrat. He cast his first vote for Martin Van 
Buren, and has ever since taken an active interest in 
the affairs of the country, aud, though he has never 
sought or held office, believes it to be the duty of 
every citizen to exercise his right of suffrage, aud to 
do so intelligently. He has alwas Ijeen a hard-work- 
ing, industrious man, and his success has been due to 
no cause but his own efforts and judicious economy. 



JOHN ELLIS, 



a son of the same parents as William Benson Ellis, 
was born in Onondaga county. New York, August 
18, 1816, and after he was twelve years of age worked 
out by the month, at three dollars per mouth, until 
he was nineteen, when he commenced to learn the 
carpenter trade. He afterward followed this calling 
until 1830, when he removed to Ohio, and .settled in 
Greenwich township, upon a farm of fifty acres, which 
he had purchased the year before, in partnership with 
his brother George, of his uncle Ellis, at tiie rate of 
five dollars per acre. The same laud is now in pos- 
session of his son, Sidney H. 

Mr. Ellis was married about two years after com- 
ing into Ohio, to Miss Racliel, daughfer of Henry 
Rickert, born in TrumljuU county, Ohio, aud of 
this union, eight children were born — four boys and 
four girls, of whom seven are still living, and all 
resident within a radius of three miles from the old 
homestead. The names of these descendants are: S. 
II., T. B., J. R.. Martin, C. L., Liua and S. C. 
Hiram died when four years, eleven mouths and 
fifteen days old. 

Mr. John Ellis has been long and fav(M-ably known 
in Greenwich, has held various offices of trust, and 
has carried on extensively and successfully the busi- 
ness of farming. To his little farm of fifty acres, he 
has added from time to time, through the avails of 
hard labor and judicious management, enough to 
make the total acreage of his land over five iiuudred 
and fifty acres. This large proi>erty, which his 
industry and enterprise iiave ac<|uired, lie has divided 
among his children, except two hundred acres, which 



350 



HISTOEY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



he manages and keeps in good shape, at the age of 
sixty-three. 

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, and a Aiew of their 
old home, appear upon another page of this history, 
as a deserved memorial of two most estimable persons. 



JOSEPH SUTTON. 



.Josejih Sutton, the father of the gentleman whose 
name appears at the head of this sketch, was born 
July 8, 1790, in Westchester county, New York, and 
emigrated with his parents to Seneca county when 
quite a young boy. He married, November 17, 1811, 
Gabbrina Gillispie, who was born in Tompkins county, 
October 20, 1790. She died November 13, 1827. 
They had nine children, Joseph being the sixth in 
order of birth. He was born in 1821, upon the 7th 
of April: and moved with his father to Jackson 
county, Michigan, in 1832. Joseph Sutton, Sr.,died 
there m 1836, and young Joseph, with two brothers 
and one sister, came to Ohio. They arrived in Green- 
wich township July 19, 1836. Joseph lived one year 
with his uncle, Henry Sutton, and worked upon his 
farm by the month. He continued working for 
wages, and for various pei'sons. for seven years. He 



was economical as well as industrious, and in ISiS he 
had become able to purchase, and pay for, one hun- 
dred and eiglity acres of land. Later, by a continu- 
ance of the same thrifty habits that gave him his 
favorable start, he added enough to his ])ossession to 
make him the owner of over three hundred acres of 
land. His principal occupation has always been farm- 
ing, and he is regarded as one of the most enterpris- 
ing of his class in Greenwich. He has, for fourteen 
years, been assessor of personal property, and has 
held other oflBces of trust. He was captain of a com- 
pany of colored soldiers, in the one hundred and 
sixty-sixth regiment, Ohio infantry, and also of a 
company of home guards. 

The family with which Mr. Sutton connected him- 
self, by marriage, was that of Neser Sutherland, one 
of the early settlers of Euggles township, who was 
born in Westchester county, New York, August 14, 
1786, and who died December 29, 1848. His wife's 
Dame was Phebe. She was born October 11, 1789, 
and died October 23, 1854. Amy, one of the seven 
children of this couple, born July 3, 1834, was mar- 
ried to Joseph Sutton October 30, 1845, and is still 
living with him. They have four children, three sons 
and one daughter, viz: Ambrose Guy, Hattie G., 
William Neser and John J., all of whom, except the 
eldest, located in Kansas, are living with their father 
and mother. 




Mr. Joseph Sutton. 




Mrs. Joseph Sutton. 



1 



FAIRFIELD. 



NoxE, save those who cau look back in their own 
[lives to the days when they made a settlement in the 
[forest of a new country, can have anytliing like an 
adeciuate appreciation of the toilf^ome laljor, privation, 
I danger and last, but not least, the deep sense of isola- 
tion that the pioneers of tlie AYesteru Keserve ex- 
Iperienced. There was a great deal to be done, and 
[very little to do it with. Food was scarce, and some- 
Itimes it was ditficult to obtain a sufficient amount to 
I alleviate hunger. It is said that some of the early 
I settlers followed the cows around, and selected leaves 
and plants that tliey ate, for greens, knowing tJiat the 
[instinct of the animals would lead them to avoid any 
I thing of a poisonous nature. The pioneers of Fair- 
Ifield were obliged to make a five days' trip to Cold 
Creek, ilargaretta township, to get their milling 
! done. There was but little money in the country, 
[and but little to buy even had money been plenty. 
[Nearly all manufactured implements brought a very 
[high price, and the settlers often managed to do the 
[work of clearing and tilling the soil, with the tools 
[which their descendants would not think of using. 
[Notwithstanding the hard life they led, the severe 
I toil that was necessary to procure even the commonest 
Lcouvenieuces of existence the pioneers were happy 
Itipon their frugal fare, and healthful, — physically and 
morally. They passed minor difficulties without 
[noticing them, and met and overcame the more for- 
imidable ones bravely. The first few pioneers lent 
'willing aid to those who came after them, and thus 
I the severity of the settlers' experience was moderated 
[by degrees until the community had attained a fair 
[growth, and the advantages of civilization had been 
[secured. 

OKKtIXAL OWNERS. 

For an exi)hination nf the following table the reader 
I is referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

TOWX NIMBEK TWO, I .V THE TWEXTY-8E(0\1) KAN(iE. 
Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Ch-ifjinal Granteea. An 


tL 


OSS. 


Classified hij. 


Am 


t Classed. 


i- 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. d 


David Allen 176 


9 


8 


David Allen 


471! 


<J 8 


Jemima (i')lil (i 


a 







6 


2 


George Allen 2.31 


3 


11 


George Allen 


2.31 


3 11 


John Tiiniey 526 


12 


o 


Ephraim Penfleld 


526 


12 2 


Isaac Tui-ney 20 


3 


5 




20 


3 5 


WiU'w Mary Penfleld 1.39 


14 


1 


" " 


83 


15 10 



Footing of Classification No. 1. £l,a44 
Classification No. 2, Section 2 



ifriginal Grantees. 


Ain't Loss. 


CUusifled by. Am 


t Classed 




£ ». d. 


£ 


s. d 


Samuel Burr 


•Wl 3 10 


EbenezerJessup.Jr. 481 


3 10 


John Sme'lle5' 


768 10 4 


Jos. Smedley 176 
John Noyes I'l 


2 


Niithaii Bennett 


15 2 


2 


Jabez Disbrow 


5 9 6 


" " 5 


9 6 


Setb Meeker 


22 5 8 


22 


5 8 





£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Joseph CJuun 


4 


8 


8 


John McLean 


1 


18 


8 


Daniel Hickok 


6 


4 


3 




3 


4 


3 


Benjamin Hiekok 


9 


14 


4 




5 


4 


4 


Alexander Seward 


5 


17 


4 


(, 11 


1 


17 


4 


Preserve Woixl 


8 


9 


4 


" " 




9 


4 


Judith Tavlor 


1 


8 





tt •• 


1 


8 





Bethiah Judd 


1 


9 





" " 


1 


9 





Moses Knap]) 


4 


6 


8 


I. i> 


4 


6 


8 


Hannah Lockwood 


2 


13 


8 


" ti 


2 


13 


8 


John McLean 


528 


7 


1 


t. t, 


36 


2 





John Allen 


545 


12 


6 


I, tt 


15 


12 


8 


Thaddeus Benedict. 


.349 


7 


# 


Alexander McLean 


126 


14 





Abial Phillips 


6 


11 


4 




6 


11 


4 


Nathan Tavlor, Jr. 


4 





8 




4 





8 


Samuel W.. '.id 


1 


5 


4 




1 


6 


4 


Hannah W.iod 


4 


11 


4 




4 


11 


4 


John McLean 


52.H 


7 


1 




.50 


10 


3 


David Wood 


ans 


14 







a; 





8 


Thomas Taylor 


32 


5 


4 


David Minor 


2 


I 


5 


Samuel Smedley 


415 


19 





Samuel Smedley 




10 





John McLean 


5-i8 


7 


1 


Committee 


49 


9 


1 


Olary Bascum 


22 


12 







22 


12 





Rev. Noah Whitman 


28 


3 





tt tt 


28 


3 





Hannah Andrews 


15 


8 







C 








Jones Benedict 


1 


in 





tt tt 


1 


10 





Comfort Wildman 


11 


14 


2 




11 


14 


2 


Rob-rt Bened'Ct 


2 


9 


4 




2 


n 


4 


Benjamin Curtiss 


4 


7 


4 


t. It 


4 


7 


4 


Joseph Bebee 


12 


10 


8 


tt 4* 


12 


10 


8 


Daniel Merritt 


36 


6 


9 


tt tt 


28 


14 


2 


Jerusha Mead 


7 








t. tf 


1 


19 


10 


Nathaniel Merrit 


4C 


13 


4 


tt tt 


46 


13 


4 


Joseph Jlead 


39 


15 


3 


tt tt 


39 


15 


3 


Sbadrach Mead 


42 








>. It 


21 


15 


6 


Abigail Mead 


6 








It ft 


1 


8 





EnosMead 


12 


12 


5 


" •' 


6 


15 


8 


Jotham Mead 


2ti 


10 


6 


11 tt 


21 


16 


11 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1.344 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 
Orighud Grantees. Am't Loss. Classified by. 



Am't CUissed. 



Thaddeus Burr 



£ 
1,373 



18 



d. 
1 



Gersham Burr 



£ 
1,344 



d. 




Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,:}44 
Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


An 


7 Loss. 


Classi.fied by. 


Am't Classed, 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Thaddeus Burr 


1.373 


IS 


1 


Gersham Burr 


29 


U 


1 


An.lrew Elliott 


549 


11 


6 


A. Eliott's heirs 


549 


11 


6 


Preeilla Burr 


282 


s 





Prei.nlla Burr 


282 


8 





Gersham Burr 


300 


10 


4 


Gersham Burr 


150 


5 


2 


Ann Dimon 


317 


IS 


4 


Ebenezer Durian 


317 


18 


4 


Nathan Bulkley 


11 


14 


<l 


Daxid Judson 


11 


14 





Shadrach Mead 


42 


11 





Committee 


2 


18 


8 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,344 7 
THE FIRST SETTLER A WOMAX. 

The first clearing in the township was made by a 
widow woman, of foreign birth, named Sample, and 
tlieboysin her family of nine children — Tohn, Martha, 
Betsey, James, William, Anna, .Samuel, Nancy and 
David. They came from Newark, Licking county, 
Ohio, in the \'ear 1810, and settled on lot thirty-six, 
in the third section. The widow was a woman of 
very remarkable aljility, and of strong constitution. 
The family was very poor, and Mrs. Sample and iier 
boys and girls were compelled t(i live in a manner 
which many i)eople would consider impossible. It is 
related, upon the best of authority, that the l)oys 
went bare-footed all of one winter, while they were 
chopping timl)er and extending the clearing in which 
their rude cabin stood. Tiiey heated large ciiips by 
the fire, and carrying them to the place wliere they 
were intending to fell a tree, stood upon tiiem until 

(351) 



352 



HISTOEY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



they grew cold, and then heated them again and 
again, until their day's work was done. Day after 
day thev labored under this disadvantage, which less 
hardy people would regard as insurmountable. The 
mother of these boys was their equal, if not superior, 
in energy and spirit, and 'was ingenious as well. She 
out-reaped a man in the grain field in 1817, and 
clothed her family in cloth which she wove from the 
silk of wild nettles, ilrs. Sample married Jacob Rush, 
who died soon after. Her daughter Martha, niarried 
Amos Harkness. The mother removed to the west, 
and lived to be nearly a hundred years old. 

Jane Harkness, one of the children of Amos and 
Martha (Sam]i]e), married John Parrott, of Ripley. 
She is the only one of the descendants of the Sample 
family in the vicinity. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Jacob Rush came in the year ISIG, or early in 
1817, and settled upon lot thirty-three, in section 
three. He married tlie widow Sample. Rush was a 
native of Pennsylvania. 

Eliphalet W. Day and his wife. Abigail Moffitt, 
came in the spring of 1817, and took up land in lots 
two and eleven, section three. They were from 
Cayuga county. New York. A brother, Asa Day, 
came at the same time, but soon returned to New 
York State. The children who came with them were 
Lovila (who married a man by the name of Shippey, 
and is now dead), Laura (Mrs. Samuel B. Turner, 
also dead), Joel (in Wisconsin), Hosea (in Missouri), 
Isaac (in New Haven township), and Abigail (Mrs. 
C. C. Parsons, of Hartland). Those born after re- 
moval to Fairfield were John M. (dead), W. H. H. 
(in Indiana), Wilson (in Hartland), and B. T., who 
resides upon the old homestead. Eliphalet W. Day 
was a blacksmith by trade, and the first in the town- 
ship. He had a large share in the work of improving 
the township and advancing the interests of its peo- 
ple. He died in 1840, having survived iiis wife twelve 
years. 

Amos Harkness, of Pennsylvania, settled, in 1817, 
upon lot fourteen, section three. 

Spencer Baker and bis wife, Betsey Foote, came 
from Onoiidaga county New York, in 1819, being 
twenty-three days ujjon the road. They had seven 
children, two of whom died when ipiite young. 
Those who arrived at age were Lydia, Luriiitha, 
Loro, Liicinda and Lewis. They took up land on 
lot twenty-three, section tinve. William Baker, a 
brother, came at the same time; bringing his wife, 
Leah Davis. He settled on lot one. seeticm three, in 
the northwest corner of the township. They had no 
children. Five other brothers came within the next 
few years — Samson, George, Sylvester, Jefferson J. and 
Abija'i. .letfersdu had married Samaiitha Adams. 
He locateil ujxmi lot ten. section three. George's 
wife was Maria Motlltt. He took laud in lot twelve, 
section three, Samson in lot tliirty-scvfu. and Aliijah 
in lot thirtv-eiaht, same section. 



Philliji Moffitt, a native of Connecticut, but for 
several years a resident of Onondaga county, came in 
early in 1819, with his wife, Hannah Baker, taking 
up land in lot fourteen, section three. After living 
in Fairfield fifteen years, they removed to Crawford 
county. 

Aaron Smith moved to Fairfield in 1820, boaaht 
Spencer Baker's farm, in lot twenty-three, section 
three, and lived there for thirty-five years. He died 
in 1855, and his wife in 1851. A daughter, the wife 
of Frederick Parrott, lives upon the old homestead. 

Havilah Smith, a cousin of the above, of Cayuga 
county, New York, came with his wife, Sally Hai-- 
wood, in 1822, and settled on lot twenty-two, section 
three. After making some improvements under great 
disadvantages, he sold out to Reuben M. Cherry, for 
one hundred dollars, and removed to the eastern part 
of the township where he bought land of Joseph 
Crawford. He cleared up this farm, and sold it to 
Israel P. Weeks, and then bought a little north of the | 
center of the township, upon the old State road, lot f 
thirty-one and a part of lot thirty. Beginning with 
nothing he became eventiially one of the richest 
farmers in the township. His children who arrived 
at age, were: Josepli, Walter, Harriet, Lucy and 
Matilda. 

John Cherry and Permelia Adams, his wife, of Sem- 
pronius. New York, came into Fairfield in 1821. 
They moved with an ox team, brought a drove of a 
dozen or more cows, a number of sheep, etc. They , 
located on lot thirty-five, in section three. Mr. Cherry 
was one of the hardest workers among the pioneers. 
He had four children whose names were: Phebe Mi- 
nerva, John, William Adams, and Einnui Cemantha. 
Two brothers of John Cherry, William a,ud Reuben. 
M., the former born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, 
and the latter in Cayuga county. New York, be- 
came residents of Fairfield so(jn after the arrival of 
John. 

Reuben M., and his wife, Berilla Snow, came in 
1823, and bought out Havilah Smith, on lot twenty- 
two, section three. They had four children: Eunice 
(afterward Mrs. C. Tayton, of Wood county, Ohio); 
Udolpha (Mrs. T. F. Hildreth, of Sandusky); Lu- 
cinda (Mrs. J. Mitchell) and Eugene. Mr. Cherry 
died in 185G, and his widow is still living, at this 
writing. 

William Cherry and wife, Hannah Foote. canui into 
the township in June, 1825, and settled on lots twenty- 
seven and twenty-eight, section three. Their children 
were: Adaline (Mrs. Homer Austin); Milton, and 
Byron. Mr. Cherry died in 1859. Before coming 
to Ohio, William Cherry spent some time in teaching 
scliool.andatone time had as a pupil ]\[illard Fillmore, 
afterwards. President of the UnitedStates. Ijater in 
life he cerresponded with Mr. Fillmore, and once en- 
tertained him at his house in Fairfield. 

Jeiviniah Kingsbury and his wife. Ellen Penficld, 
of (Onondaga county, New York, settled in 1S21, 
upon lot sixteen, section three. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



353 



Eleazer Jones and his wife, Muri;i Keitli, settled in 
tlie same year, or the one following, upon lot thirty- 
four. 

The CrawfcirUs — .Joiui, Josi'iiii ;iiul James, caiiR' in 
about this time, but did not remain long. 

Samuel Foote, of Cayuga county. New York, came 
to Fairtield in February, 1810, in company with 
Spencer Baker and Philip Moffitt. He returned to 
New York State, and brought his family to the home 
he had provided for them, in 1822. He took up lot 
nine, section three. The family consisted of eight 
children: Delia, Franklin, Ilevceilia, Maria, Henry, 
Itamus, Alma and Lyndon. 

Hosea Shippy, of Sempronius, New York, was one 
of the early settlers, but did not long remain in the 
township. A man by the name of Irwin came in, 
and lived for a short time at Hoyfs Corners. 

Hansom B. Ellsworth, a native of Vermont, and his 
wife, Eliza Prentiss, of Onondaga county, New York, 
came to Fairfield in 1821, settling on lot thirty-three, 
section three. Mr. Ellsworth soon sold out, and re- 
moved to Peru where he is living at this writing. 

Col. William Greenfield was one of the most prom- 
inent of the early comers, and one of the most enter- 
|)rising. He arrived in .June, 1822, with his wife, 

Cole, of Onondaga county. New York, and took 

up land in lots three, four and five, section four. He 
did much to improve the condition of the community, 
and was unsparing in efforts to advance the interests 
I if the township. He died about 18.50. 

About tlie same time that Ellsworth and Greenfield 
became residents of the township, several others 
entered the settlement. John Dimmitt, a native of 
Virginia, settled upon lot twenty-six in section three. 
He was married to Angelina Hinkley. Clark Berry 
and his brother, Spencer, of Onondaga county, New 
Y'ork, arrived in 1823, and the former settled upon 
lot twenty-six, section two. His children were: John 
S., in Greenwich; Jefferson, Danford W., and Clark 
Wheaton, dead; Chauncey, in New London, and 
Celia {Mrs. N. K. Carpenter), in Michigan. Silas 
Adams, the grandfather of Clark Bsrry, and his wife, 
Sally Wheaton, came a year or so later, and located 
upon lot sixteen in section three. Their children 
were: Sally, Betsey, Prudence, Millie and Samantha 
(Mrs. J. Baker): all are dead, but the last named. 

(iardner Eldridge and his wife. Charity Bentley, 
came from S«mpronius, Cayuga county. New York, 
in 1822, and located ujjon lot twenty-one, in section 
three, (ieorge, a brother of (Jardner, came at the 
same time. 

Benjamin Lee, of Niles, Cayuga county. New York, 
bought land — lot four, section three — in 1822, and 
in the following year moved his family into Fairfield. 
His wife's maiden name was Mary Warner Smith. 
They raised a large family. 

In 1824 (piite a number of settlers arrived. Philo 
B. Scott and Henry W. Brown, of New York State, 
located upon adjoining lots — thirty-six and thirty- 
seven, in section two. Jacob Iluick. uf Pennsylvani; , 

45 



took uji lot two, in the same section. Nathaniel 
Burdick and his wife, Sally Doud, took u|) their 
residence upon lot five, in section three. Peter Adams 
and Ills wife, Esther M(n-ey, were from Cayuga county, 
New York. They took up lot twenty-one, section 
three. A man, rejoicing in the highly-colored name 
of Wright Blue, took up lot seven, in section four, 
and after remaining five or six j'ears, went further 
west. 

Asa and Orson Carpenter, of New '^'ork State, 
arrived in 1825, and the former purchased land in lot 
thirty-two, section two. John Carpenter also came 
in at an early day. 

During the year 1826, the settlement was largely 
increased. Elijah Price, of Cayuga county, New 
York, took up lot seventeen, section two. Samuel 
Pentield, of Connecticut, came during this year, 
and brought with him three sisters. lie was the 
first wagon-maker in the township. Nathan Tread- 
well, also of Connecticut, came in tlie same year, 
and married a sister of Samuel Pen field soon after. 
He settled uikhi lot twenty-two, in section one. 
Isaac De Witt, of Onondaga county. New Y^ork, took 
up lot thirty-seven, in section four. His Ijrothers 
came at the same time, but soon moved away. 

Walter Hoyt and Alvin Whitten arrived in 1827. 
Both were from Cayuga county, New York. The 
first mentioned bought about five hundred acres of 
land in the Whiting tract, northwest corner of the 
fourth section. He married Caroline Benson, before 
coming to Fairfield, and she dying, in 1838, he took 
as his second wife lietsey Cole, of Cayuga county. 
His children, by both wives, were: Ichabod, Elma, 
Mercy, Bradley, Alma and Charles. Alvin Whitten 
married, in 1832, Leah Snow. They had four chil- 
dren: Corodon, Berrilla, Emma, and another, who 
died yonng. Mr. Whitten was seriously hurt by the 
discharge of a gun on the ith of July, 1839. 

Selden Jones, a New Y'^ork man, came about this 
time, but moved into Ripley after a short residence 
in the township. 

Walter Branch arrived in 1.S2S. lie was born in 
Delaware county, New Y'ork,and had lived in various 
localities in that State. When he eame into Fairfield 
he purchased lots forty and forty-one, in section three. 
He represented Huron county in the legislature in 
the session of 1838-'.), and was the first postmaster in 
Fairfield. He was married in 1831 to Mary, daughter 
of Abijah Benson, then of New York State, afterward 
a resident of Fairfield. She was the mother of six 
children — Walter, Vine, Prudence, Augustus, Mary 
and Louisa. The first three died yonng. Mrs. 
Branch died in 1843, and Captain Branch (he ob- 
tained the title in the war of 1812 (married Philo 
Dexter, by whom he had several children. 

Henry Randall came to Fairfield ])revious to 1827. 
He was killed at a barn raising in 1828. Henry W. 
Brown came about this time, and located east of the 
center. 

Till' rapid increase in the size of the settlement be- 



354 



HISTORY OF HURON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



gan about 1830. Christopher Irwin came from Vir- 
ginia, and settled upon lot thirty, section three. He 
married a sister of Elijah Price. Eliah Price and his 
brother, William, came soon after. They were from 
Cayuga county. New York. Elijali settled upon lot 
thirteen, .section two, and his brother soon removed 
to Clyde. Chauncey Tuttle, of Onondaga county. 
New York, settled upon lot sixteen, section four. 
Timothy West, of Cayuga county, and his sons, 
George R., William and Sexton D., came into the 
county early in 1831. and took up their residence 
upon lot twenty-one, section four. EV)enezer Foote. 
tlie fatiier of Samuel Footc, came and Ijrought liis 
family in 1S32. His wife's name was Lydia Gage, 
and his cliildren were: Betsey, Daniel, Ramus, Abi- 
gail, Rhoda, Sylvia, Marcus and Luke, twins. Alma, 
Electjx (afterwards Mrs. S. Adams), Verona (Mrs D. 
Johnson) and Ebenezer. Sherwood Wakemau, of 
Tompkins county, settled upon lot seventeen, section 
one. His father, Jolm, and three other sons, Wm. 
H., Bradley and Eli, came with him at the same time. 
Benjamin Hildretli, from the same county, settled 
u])on lot fourteen also, in section one. H. L. Moul- 
ton, a native of Connecticut, but for some time a 
resident of New York, took up lot tliree, section four. 
David Johnson came at the same time as the Foote 
family, and settled upon lot twenty-two, section four. 
His wife, at that time, was Sylvia Foote. He after- 
ward married Verona. Johnson was from Cayuga 
county. Joseph K. Owen and his wife, Elizabeth, of 
Orange county, New York, took up lot thirteen, sec- 
tion one, in 1834. Walter Holmes settled upon lots 
eighteen and nineteen, in section four. James Hop- 
kins and his wife, Sarah Jane Owen, of Tonii)kins 
cotinty, New York, took uj3 lots seventeen and twenty, 
section four. Elisha Savage came in at the same 
time. Tlie Rev. Wm. C. Hnestis and his wife, Han- 
nah Owen, of Perry, Wyoming county. New York, 
came during the same year. Their land was in lots 
twenty-one and eight, section one. J. W. is now in 
Fairfield, and another son, William, in Indiana. 
Reuben Burras and his father-in-law, Peleg Standish, 
came at this time. Wm. Bowen, of Cayuga county, 
brought in a large family, and took up his residence 
upon lots twenty-two and twenty-three, section four. 
Isaac Godfrey, of Onondaga county, bought some 
property of Colonel Greenfield, at Steam Corners. 
Solomon and Margaret Davis and a son, James, set- 
tled at the center. They were from Onondaga county. 
L. D. Allen, Esq., of Ulysses, Tompkins county, 
New York, came during this year. He married ilar- 
garet, daughter of John DeBow. He has been justice 
of the peace for twenty-seven years; has held the office 
of township clerk, and was sheriff of Huron county in 
1804. Thomas Place came from the same county as 
Squire Allen. He located upon lot thirty-nine, sec- 
tion four. His son, T. AV., now lives in the town- 
ship. John Barnes settled during this year. Israel 
P. Weeks, also of Tompkins county, settled in 1835, 
111)011 lot thirty-seven, section two. E. D. Tanner 



took lot nine, section one. A. C. Taylor, of the same 
county in New York, came during the same 3'ear as 
the above, to North Fairfield. George Silliman, of 
Connecticut, came in 183G. A. E. Smith, came in 
the same year from New York State, and bought the 
Jones farm. John DeBow, of Seneca county, came 
in the spring of 1836, but soon after moved to Indi- 
ana, where he died. Hawley S. Belden came in the 
same year from Ontario county. New York. Abijah 
Benson, of Onondaga county, New York, came in 
1833. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and held 
a captain's commission. 

Among those wlio came in at a later period, we 
mention William and Hannah Parrott and their son, 
Frederick Parrott, natives of England, who took up 
the farm in lots twenty- four and twenty-five, section 
three. Lyman Peck, of Herkimer county, who took 
up lots forty-two and forty-tliree, section two, and 
Davis Miller, who came in the same year from Wash- 
ington county. New York. Peck married Merilda 
Mead, a daughter of David Mead. Clinton McKel- 
logg Came in 1844. 

HEAR KILLING EXTRAORDIXAKY. 

When the settlement was new, bears, deer, wolves 
and other animals were found in great abundance. 
The bears made hunting something more than a dil- 
htduti amusement; the deer afforded food for the 
table and clothing for the hunters; the wolves were 
simply an annoyance, and tlie minor animals lent 
variety to the sport of hunting and to the larders of 
the pioneers' houses. Several bears were killed in 
the township. We narrate one instance, as it is 
soinewjiat novel one, and although seemingly outside 
of the realm of probability, if not of possibility, is 
vouched for by those whose word is above suspicion of 
unreliability. George Eldridge. while passing through 
the woods, one day, in the northern part of the town- 
ship, where the Jenning's farm now is, saw, at a 
little distance, a full grown bear standing upon the 
.trunk of a large fallen tree. He raised his rifle, took 
a steady aim and fired. The bear fell down behind 
the tree, and Eldridge, not knowing whether he had 
killed him or not, reloaded his gun. He had no balls 
and so put in a beech slug. He had no sooner got 
his gun in readiness for use, then he saw the head of 
bruin raised above the tree trunk. He fired, and the 
animal dropped from sight. The hunter prudently 
loaded a second time and as quickly as possible, for 
in those days no man felt safe when in the w'oods un- 
less provided for any emergency. After ramming 
the second beech slug home, he waited a few seconds, 
and was rewarded with a third shot, which, like tlie 
former ones, apparently took effect. Again the licar 
fell from the log. Reloading the ritle, Eldridge went 
cautiously forward to see whether the tiiree siiots 
fired had quite ended (lie animal's life, and on reach- 
ing the tree trunk and looking over it, was surprised 
to find three dead bears instead of one. He had sup- 
posed, all of the time, that there was but one bear in 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



355 



the vicinity, that the first ami second shots imd only 
sliglitly wounded liim, and that he had eacli time, 
after recovering his surprise', again claniered upon 
the tree to reconnoiter the enemy. The trio consisted 
of a slie bear and two cubs, more than half grown. 
Tlie old bear weighed four hundrrd pun mils, and 
her flesh furnished food for several families. This 
bear killing episode was commonly looked upon as 
something reflecting great credit upon Mr. Eldridge. 
He was a good marksman, but probably liis success 
in this instance depended as much upon "good luck," 
or the kindness of fate, as upon his ability. Killing 
three bears in a period of time measured by about as 
many minutes, and with only three shots, two of 
them with bits of wood in tiie place of leaden ball, 
is a feat not often, if ever, equaled. The adventure 
became, and was for a long time, the subject of much 
wonder throughout the neighborhood. 

A MURDER TRIAL. 

About the year 1825, there was great excitement in 
the community caused by the wide-s])read suspicion 
that a murder had been committed. A certain peri- 
jiatetic philosopher named •'Tug" Carpenter, who 
went from house to house through the settlement, 
making and mending shoes, was missing. Search 
was made, Init he could not be found. He had been 
making his home at the house of Wright Blue. Thus 
far he could be traced, and no further. There were 
some who believed that he had been foully dealt with 
by Blue, and it was not long before the suspicion 
grew stronger, as evil thoughts when cherished always 
will. Finally Wright Blue was arrested and tried be- 
fore Eleazer Jones for murner. The exciti^nent gf 
the trial, however, was destined to be brought to a 
speedy and pleasantly melo-dramatic close. While 
the inquiry was progressing, "Tug," the innocent 
cause of considerable anxiety, walked into the midst 
of the little assemblage. Blue burst into tears upon 
this sudden and complete clearing away of the dark 
,cloud that had hung over him, but soon regained 
composure and received the kindly congratulations of 
his friends upon the happy ending of what had 
threatened to be a very serious affair. 

FOURTH OF .lULY, 1823. 

On the Fourth of July, 1822, about four hundred 
people from Xorwalk, Greenfield, M(jnroe, Fitchville, 
.\'ew Haven, Bronson and other townships, joined 
with the residents of Fairfield in a very enjovable 
ri'lelu-ation. A liberty pole one iiundred and five feet 
b)ng was raised, and the assemblage was addressed in 
patriotic style by Dr. M. C. Saunders. The dinner 
was cooked :n a huge caldron kettle by Captain 
I'hillip Moffitt. It consisted of venison, jjotatoes and 
some other articles in small rpumtities stewed up to- 
gether. Whortleberries, which grew in abundance, 
was furnished for desert. Many life-long acipiain- 
tances and friendshi|)s were made between the pio- 
neers, who gathered upon this occsision from nearly 



all parts of the county. Since then there have been 
laryer and more ambitious celebrations in Fairfield, 
but never one more enjoyable. The meeting was 
held upon Elijilialet W. Day's farm. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The child first born in the township was John, son 
of Eliphalet W. and Abigail Day. He was born in 
April, 1810. The first child born who lived to be 
twenty-one years of ag«, was W. II. II., a son of the 
same parents. lie was born in 1820. 

The first death was that of a child of Benjamin 
Barker, in May, 182.3. There were five other deaths 
durmg the same year — Eleanor Eldridge, John Day 
(the first born), another child from the same family, 
a child of John and Permelia Cherry, and one of 
Samuel and Eliza Foote. 

The first marriage was that of Amos llarkness to 
Maltha Sam})le, in 1817. The first couple married 
by Squire Ellsworth, the first justice of the peace, 
was Oliver Shippey and Hannah Bentley, in 1823. 

The first law suit between Fairfield parties was 
caused by the fact that Gardner Eldridge left some 
syrup exposed in his sap bush, and that a certain ox, 
the property of Amos llarkness, loving it not w'isely 
but too well, drank thereof to excess and died. The 
case was settled by the defendant agreeing to chop 
for the plaintiff four acres of timber. Eldridge being 
in poor health, the witnesses I'elieved him from his 
task and did the chopping themselves to the plain- 
tiff's satisfaction. 

The first log cabin was built by the Samples upon 
lot thirty-six in section three. The first frame build- 
ing was erected by Aaron Smith. It is still in use as 
a corn-house upon the farm of Frederick Parrott, 
who lives, by the way, in a house built in 1830, and 
in which his wife was born. The first framed barn 
and house was built by Spencer Baker, about 1826. 
The first brick houses were those of Havilah Smith 
and L. T. Benson. 

The first tavern was built about 1835, and is still 
standing, a part of the Fairfield House. The first 
landlord was Otis Thornton. 

The first chopping was made where Frederick Par- 
rott's house stands. 

ORfiANIZATIOX. 

Fairfield township was named after Fairfield, Con- 
necticut. It was detatched from Bronson. and or- 
ganized in 1823, the election being held at a school 
house in the third section, and the following voters 
taking part in the choice of officers: 1, Philip Motfitt; 
2, William Baker; 3, George Baker; 4, Nathan Baker; 
5, Spencer Baker; C, William Samj>le; 7, Isaac De 
Witt; 8, Aaron Smith; 9. John Crawford: 10, Joseph 
Crawford; 11, Ransom B. Ellsworth: 12, Henry W. 
Brown; 13, Philo B. Scott: U, Eliphalet W. Day; 
15, Amos llarkness; 10, John Samjjle; K, Ira Bron- 
son; 18, John De Witt: lit, Jacob Rush: 20, Eleazer 
Jones; 21, Gardner Eldridge; 22, John Cherry. 



356 



HISTOEY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Eliiihalet W. Day was clerk of the election. Ran- 
som B. Ellsworth was elected justice of the peace; 
Philip Moffitt, Speucer Baker and Ransom B. Ells- 
worth, trustees; Eleazer Jones, clerk; Speucer Baker, 
constable. 

The township otticers elected in 1878, are as fol- 
lows: Wilbur Huson, clerk; Leonard Carpenter, P. 
L. Mitchell, T. W. Place, trustees; J. G. Oates, 
assessor; David Johnson, treasurer; L. D. Allen, J. G. 
Oates, justices of the peace; M. A. Tattle, John 
Snyder. Jr., constables; B. T. Day, Edgar Burrows, 
Samuel L. Harvey, J. Q. Woodworth. Isaiah Cline, 
C. JIcKellogg, H. H. McKibben, W. R. Smith. Em- 
met Hinkley, school board. 

PHYSICIAL FE.\Tl-RES. 

The surface of the township is quite level, except 
in the northwest portion whei-e there are ridges and 
curiously formed hills. The soil throughout is rich, 
and there is no waste land. The whole township was 
originally covered with an unusually heavy growth of 
timber — maple, beech, whitewood and black walnut, 
the last two varieties being found in great quantity. 
Black walnut Tvas so common that it was used in 
large quantity for fence rails by the earliest settlers. 
Many of these old rails have since been worked up 
into furniture and house finishing material. The 
principal stream in the township is a tributary of the 
Huron river, and flows westward through sections 
one and four, thence northward through section three 
into Bronson. Fords creek runs through the south- 
west corner of the township, and emjities into the 
Huron river in Greenfield township. There is a 
sandstone formation underlying the whole township, 
and it occasionally crojis out in such a manner as to 
be availaljle for use. There are stone quarries in the 
first, second and third sections, but none of them are 
worked upon an extensive scale. 

Upon the farm of Clark Berry there is a salt well. 
Some of the early settlers took water from a spring 
at this place, and boiled it down, securing a small 
quanity of salt. The Grovers afterward bored a well 
here, but lost their drill in tlie hole, and abandoned 
the enterprise. 

R0AD8. 

The center road, north and south, was, as originally 
cut through the forest, the Harrison road. It was 
made by tlie General's troops, and subsequently was 
straightened and improved. In 1825, when the new 
State road was laid out eleven miles through Fairfield 
and portions of Ripley and Bronson, the residents of 
this township gave material assistance to the enter- 
prise. Benjamin Lee, Jonathan Kingsbury, R. M. 
Cherry, William Cherry, Silas Adams, Eleazer Jones, 
Samson Baker, William Greenfield, Clark Berry and 
Samuel Foote, gave their services. The road cost one 
hundred dollars per mile. The west, or ridge road. 
was laid out at an early day. 



CHURCHES. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHL'RCII. 

The earliest religious organization in Fairfield was 
a Methodist class, formed in 18'i'Z. It had less than 
half a dozen members. From this small beginning 
has grown, by a steady but slow advancement, a 
strong church, numbering, in 1879, one hundred and 
and five members. At one time every professor of 
religion in the town was a member of this church. 
Its old members were untiring in their exertions to 
increase the strength of the society, and those whom 
they brought into the church, maintained the same 
high standard of zealous activity. A house of worship 
was built, which cost one thousand six hundred 
dollars. Many revivals have been had, and the 
Christian spirit of the church has never been suffered 
to abate. The present organization is as follows : 
Rev. E. J. V. Boothe, Rev. H. B. Palmer, Rev. J. T. 
Kellam, superannuated, ministers; Theodore Bough- 
ton, J. H. Curtiss, C. H. Chapman, Amos Curtiss, 
J. W. Felton and Hiram Tooker, class leaders; C. H. 
Chapman, Theodore Boughton and W. II. Pinckney, 
stewards; M. M. Hester, recording steward ; A. C. 
Taylor, Oliver Ganung. Jonathan Heustis, E. R. 
Cherry, C. H. Chapman, Theodore Boughton, J. H. 
Curtiss, trustees: 0. L. Calvin, Sunday school super- 
intendent. The house of worship of this society was 
built in 1844. 

THE BAPTIST CUlKclI 

was organized January 1, 1832. Upon that day tiiere 
assembled at Samuel Foote's, the following persons, ■ 
wjio became the constituent members of the church: 
Henry Terry, Jacob Hicks, Frederick Hicks, William 
Baker, Selden Jones, George T. Foote, Eben Guthrie, 
Samuel Foote. Epanetus Starr, Jeremiah Kingsbury, 
Sally Kingsbury, Roxanna Terry. Lois Hoyt. Rebecca 
Jones, Eliza Hicks, Rachel Hicks, Elizabeth Sum- 
merlain, Cemantha Baker, Sally Berdick, Eliza Foote, 
Huldah Starr, Avis Beam, Leali Baker, Esther Foote . 
and Mrs. Lovell — twenty-five in all. Soon after its 
organization, the church was divided, a number of its 
members living in Bronson, and desiring to form a 
church of their own in that township. A conference 
was also formed at New Haven, which withdrew 
some from the Fairfield church. Notwithstanding 
these adverse circumstances, the church, after an ex- 
istence of twenty-five years, had a membershiji of two 
hundred and forty persons. Al)out 1860, the church 
began to decline and sufferred the loss of many mem- 
bers A good church edifice was built upon a valualile 
lot, and kept in excellent repair. The church has 
always been characterized for its liberality and has 
prol)al)ly sjjent more money for its own expenses and 
for charity, than any other in the town. It has now, 
one hundred and seventv-six members. Its ])astor is 
Rev. T. J. Siegfried. B. H. Hinkley, R. Wliisney, 
deacons; Miss Hattie Brown, Sunday school super- . 
intendent; A. D. Stotts, P. L. Mitchell, R. McDon- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



357 



aid, E. Taylor, E. Price, trustees ; R. Whitney, 
clerk: C. Taylor, assistant; P. L. Mitchell, treasurer. 
The present church oditicc was huilt in 1S39 and 
1840. 

CONGREGATIOXAI. ( IirKCH. 

Tliis church was organized Fcljruary 23. 1841. by 
Rev. E. P. Salmon. A meeting was held at Abijah 
Benson's, upon that day, and the following persons, 
in attendance, were the original members of the 
church: Abijah Benson, Freelove Benson, Jonathan 
Fossenden, Clarissa Fcssenden and Phebe W. West. 
Others were received soon after the organization, and 
tiie cliurch had a vigorous growth. A church was 
erected in 184'J, or the following ye»r. The church 
has now seventy-five resident members. Rev. J. G. 
Aikman is pastor. Following are the officers of the 
church and society: A. ' E. Smith, William Tilton, 
deacons; T. W. Place, church clerk: .1. G. Gates, 
society clerk; William Tilton, Charles H. Kinilierly, 
T. W. Place, J.. S. .Jennings, L, Conger, trustees; 
C. Giiodrich, superintendent of Sunday school. 

THE DISrll^LE ( Hl'UCH 

was organized ilay 'io. 1854, Elder Henry Dixon 
ofticiatiiig. It started into Ijeing with twenty-eight 
members, and after aji existance of nearly twenty-five 
years has a membership of one huncked and twenty- 
-i-'ven. Rev. Henry I>ixon was the first pastor. The 
-uciety erected a brick church in North Fairfield in 
1857, the cost of which, including the furniture and 
lot, was about two thousand five hundred dollars. 
The present pastor is the Rev. H. X. Allen: D. H. 
Reed, Isaiaii Cline. elders; George Cline, Thos. Leak, 
\V. II. .Johnston, Chai-les Rose, P, C. Parker, dea- 
cons: Edward Hopkins, clerk: P. C. Parker, treasu- 
rer; D. H. Reed, Wm. H. Johnston, Jacob Ganung. 
Isaiah Cline, trustees; George Seidel, Sunday sciiool 
superintendent. 

SECOXD ADVEXT CHURCH. 

Tlie fiiuj' churches hitherto spoken of are all in the 
vilhige of North Fairfield. The Second Advent 
Church is a mile and a quarter east of the center 
and a little distance north of the east and west center 
road, upon lot thirty-seven, section two. Most of its 
members live in that portion of the township, though 
some are in adjoining towns. This church was or- 
ganized in June, 1855. Tiie constituent members of 
tlie Church of Christ in Fairfield and vicinity were 
W. II. Wakcman, Esther Wakeman, Chauncey Tut- 
tlc and wife, James Davis and wife, William Godden 
anil Lucinda Godden, Joseph Barker and wife, Ste- 
phen Treadwell and Catharine Treadwell, twelve in all, 
Tlie first minister of this church was Rev. .John M. 
Judson. Elder G. W. Stetson next had charge, and 
he was followed by H. C. Smith, Luther ('. Kerr and 
E. F. Sergisson. The church edifice was built in 
18G7, when the church formed itself into a body cor- 
porate with power to hold jiroperty. Tiiu building 



cost about nine hundred dollars. Following are the 
present officers of the church: L. Peck, Wm. Che- 
ney, deacons; Wm. Cheney. Joini Harvey, Thonuis 
Hinkley, trustees; David Harvey, treasurer; John 
Harvey, clerk; L. Peck, T. Hinkley, Byron Cherry, 
business committee. 

SCHOOLS. 

It is probable that .Jonas Leonard, a native of 
Connecticut, who had settled in Bronson, taught the 
first school in Fairfield, about 1824. The school 
house was in the northwest (juarter, or third section. 
The townshi)) is now well provided with district 
schools, and the union schools of North Fairfield 
afford higiier instruction to those who desire it. 
These schools were organized February 21, 1849, the 
board of education then elected consisting of George 
Silliman, S. W. Edwards, L. D. Allen, N. Burch, 
Walter Branch and Jacob Ganung. The main school 
building was built in the year 1851, and cost, with 
the lot upon which it stands, twelve hundred dollars. 
Several years later, two wings were added, which 
largely inci'eased the capacity of the building. The 
whole property is now valued at about three thousand 
dollars. The first superintendent, under the present 
system, was P. Mead Benham. Tlie other principals 
of the school have been: D. R. Whitcomb, Mrs. Lucy 
Oldfield, Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, John Judson, A. 
Williams, L. S. Thompson. W. Hayhurst, H. W. 
Owen, Delilaii Palmer. William Griffith, J. II. Packer, 
William Griffith and J. A. Cobban. E. W. Coit, 
the })resent incumbent, was placed in authority in 
1877. His assistants at the present time are iliss 
Hattie Brown ami Miss Flora Faircliild, teachers, 
resj)ectively. of the primary and intermediate depart- 
ments. The primary school has aliout fifty pupils; 
the intermediate forty-five, and tiie high school forty. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician who practiced in Fairfield was 
Dr. Moses Saunders, of Peru. The first resident 
physician was Dr. J. N. Campbell. He was a regu- 
larly and thoroughly educated medical man. He 
came to the township in 1832, was received as a partner 
by Dr. Saunders, and opened an office at the center. 
The country was at that time a wilderness for miles 
each way. A year later the doctor removed to Green- 
field's corners (North Fairfield). He continued in the 
practice of his jn'ofcssion with great success. The 
partnership existing between Dr. Saunders and him- 
self was dissolved in 1834, and in the same year he 
erected an office building which he occupied until 
1837, when it was burned. The doctor had. during 
his long practice, many office students, who received 
.great benefit from his excellent education and exam- 
ple. He was married in 1835 to Miss Levanthia W. 
Suiiili. and sometime after her decease married Jane 
Smith (no relation to his first wife). His children 
w,tMv D. N., Annabel, Josei)h Read and Oscar Kent. 
The eldest (D. N. ) now lives upon a farm of over 



358 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



a hundred acres, in lot twenty-three, section two. 
Dr. Campbell, after a long, useful and blameless life, 
died July 23, 1868. 

Following Dr. C'amiibeli, came Doctors .James La 
Dow, AljraJiam Bronson, Park Leonard, K. R. Fuller, 
Edward Webb, Mulford Skinner, Jacob W. Long and 
others, who had a more or less long residence and 
practice in the township. None of them are now in 
practice in Fairfield. The resident physicians are Dr. 

D. H. Reed and Dr. D. M. Keith. Dr. Keith is of 
the Eclectic school. He came from Peru in 1853. 
Dr. Reed belongs to the Homeopathic scliool, and has 
been in Fairfield since 1853. He began practice in 
1854. He was born in Greenwich. Both of these 
physicians have an extensive practice. 

FAIRFIELD LODGE NO. 261, F. AND A. M., 

was organized October 23, 1854, and tlie following 
were the first officers elected: 11. W. Owen, W. M. ; 
Elisha Seymour, S. W. ; William C. Huestis, J. W.; 
S. S Smith, S. D.; N. W. Thayer, J. D.; H. E. 
Stevens, tyler. The lodge has been in a prosperous 
condition ever since its organization, and now has a 
list of fifty members in good standing. Following is 
a list of the officers in service in 1879: Jonathan W. 
Huestis, W. M.; Alexander C. Taylor, S. W. ; B. T. 
Day, J. W. ; AVilber Huson, treasurer; J. D. McCord, 
secretary; 0. L. Colvin, S. D. ; William H. Smith, .J. 
D. ; J. McCord, tyler. 

NORTH FAIRFIELD GRANGE NO. 806. 

The Xorth Fairfield Grange P. of H. was organized 
April 7, 1874, witli the following charter members: 
C. P. Irwin, D. F. Irwin, James Woodworth, Frank 
Wright, George Hinman, J. W. Cook. A. L. Sim- 
mons, Clarence Conover, S. Wakeinan, A. R. Wright, 
J. A. Cherry, E. Hoyt, J. Hinkley, E. Hinkley, P. 
L. Mitchell, E. B. Mitchell, 0. Ganung, L. Adams, 
T. W. Place, Mrs. X. D. Irwin, Mrs. N. Cook, Mrs. 
A. L. Simmons, ilrs. M. Conover, Mrs. S. S. Wood- 
worth, Mrs. S. Wi'.keman, Mrs. E. A. Wright, Mrs. 
J. E. Wright, Mrs. P. Cherry, Mrs. E. Hoyt, Mrs. 

E. Hinkley, Mrs. L. C. Mitchell. Mrs. H. Ganung, 
Mrs. L. Adams. Jlrs. R. M. Place, Mrs. E. B. 
Mitchell, Mrs. E. Hinkley. The following officers 
were elected: P. L. Mitchell, worthy master; J. A. 
Cherry, overseer: C. P. Irwin, lecturer; Lyndon 
Adams, steward; Frank Irwin, assistant steward; 
Frank Wriglit, chaplain; Sherwood Wakeman, secre- 
tary; Elmon Iloyt, treasurer; James Woodworth, gate- 
keeper: Mrs. J. Cook, Ceres; Mrs. M. Conover, 
Pomona; Mrs. E. B. Mitchell, Flora; Mrs. A. R. 
Wright, lady assistant steward. Tlie Grange con- 
ducted a co-operative store in Xdrth Fairfield for 
about one year from April 1, 1877. 

MANL'FACTUKINti IT ERNESTS. 

Fairfield iias some (pute extensive manufacturing 
Interests, but the most prosperous days of the towu 
were long ago. Inipc)rtant enterprises were projected. 



Some never advanced to completion; others were 
realized. 

Ebenezer Foote, Sampson Baker and Dr. Campbell, 
built, in 1834, a steam saw mill. This was the begin- 
ning of the manufacturing interest at what is now 
the village of Xorth Fairfield, then named "Steam 
Corners," and later "Steamburg." In the period be- 
tween 1847 and 1850, there were six steam powers at 
Xorth Fairfield, and five dry goods stores. Besides 
Foote's steam mill, there was a wool carding estab- 
lishment, the property of Xelson and William Tur- 
ner; a grist mill, run by Whitten and Rowland; an oil 
mill, started by George Silliman; an iron foundry, the 
property of A. J. and E. Wakeman, and a machine 
shop, owned by R. Seymour. 

THE OLD CHAIR FACTORY. 

Messrs. Ruggles, Kirtland & Burr bought out, in 
1850, the cabinet making interest of Xelson and Wil- 
liam F. Turner, and began, upon a large scale, the 
manufacture of chairs. The bnsines's proved a re. 
munerative one for the men engaged in it, and a very 
valuable aid to the advancement of the general busi- 
ness of the place. The firm employed as many as 
fiftv men during the time of its most successful busi- 
ness, and never less than twenty-five or thirty. It 
was a severe blow to the village, as well as the com- 
pany, when, in the winter of 1856-7, the factory was 
destroyed by fire. The loss sustaineil by Messrs. 
Ruggles, Kirtland & Burr was so large that they were 
unaljle to resume business upon the ample scale they 
had before conducted it, and so, in a single night, 
North Fairfield lost forever its most valuable manu- 
facturing estaljlishment, and one which, had it re- 
mained, might, very probably, have become the nucleus 
around which other extensive works would have clus- 
tered in time. 

NORTH FAIRFIELD PLOW AND IRON WORKS. 

At present the principal manufactory of the village, 
and one of the leading ones in the county, is "The 
North Fairfield Plow and Iron Works. " The building 
wa? erected in 1847, by J. A. and E. Wakeman, and 
as then constrncted consisted of an upright brick, 
two stories high in front, and three in the rear; sixty- 
five by twent3'-eight feet in size, with a one-story 
moulding room, fifty by forty feet in dimeasious. 
The Messrs. Wakeman manufactured stoves, plows, 
and did general foundry, work, carrying on, for two 
years, a heavy business. The works were then closed 
and remained idle until 1855, when they were pur- 
chased by Mr. N. Burch, of Eaton, Madison county, 
New York, who at once commenced the manufacture 
of stoves from new and then beautiful jiatterns. He 
saw that the country was in need of better plows than 
were then being put upon the market, and made ar- 
rangements to manufacture the Curtiss Iron Beam 
Plow. The plow department was, for a number of 
years, conducted by Mr. Robert Park, who rented a. 
part of the foundry building and bought castings ofj 



4 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



359 



Mr. Burch. This was the first introduction of the 
Ciirtiss plow in Ohio. About 186'2, Mr. Piirksuld his 
inturt'st in the plow business to Mr. Burch, who soon 
after enlarged the Iniilding by putting uj) an addition 
two stories high, besides basement, and in size 
twenty-four by forty-two feet. From this date, the 
manufacture of plows has constituted the i)rineipal busi- 
ness, the manufacture of stoves being almost entirely 
abandoned. The Curtiss plow was manufactured 
until 1873, when Mr. Burch invented and patented 
a new one, upon which he l>estowed his own name. 
It combines the best qualities of iron and modern 
lieam plows, and has been manufactured in large 
(|uantity to fill the demand. N. Burch sold out in 
lbiT.5, to his sou, Charles A. Burch, and removed to 
Toledo, where he embarked in the same business. 
Tiie son having grown up in the plow business, was 
well qualified to keep up the reputation which the 
plows of the Fairfield foundry had gained, and he 
• has done so. He continued the business alone until 
the summer of 1878, when heassociated with himself, 
as partners. I). W. Slocum and S. J. Stevens, under 
tiie firm name of C. A. Burch & Company. The 
new firm went to work at once to make arrangements 
for increasing their business. They put up a sub- 
stantial brick addition to the building and made ex- 
tensive repairs throughout, put in new machinery in 
the place of the old and considerable in addition. 
They have increased their facilities for manufactur- 
ing so largely that they have, at the present writing, 
ability to make twenty-five plows per day. 

SAW .VXD GKIST MILLS. 

The first saw mill in the township was the property 
of Philip Moffatt and was located on the west road, 
and built about the year 1828. The first grist mill 
was that of Reuben Draper and John Mitchell, and 
was located at Stcamburg (North Fairfield). At pres- 
ent there are Init two saw mills in the township: that 
of Isaac D. Small & Son. about one hundred rods 
north of the village center, and another owned by 
Hanvill & Taylor, a mile north. With the former 
there is also a grist mill. The I. D. Small mill was 
built about 1855 by Elisha Seymour. 

CHEESE FACTOKIES. 

The (inly regular cheese factory in tiie township is 
iiwned l)y B. II. Terrill, by wiiom it was started in 
1877. This factory uses the milk of about one hun- 
ilred and fifty cows, and Mr. Terrill turns out a "full 
iream ■' cheese for which he finds a good home de- 
mand. The principal market is Norwalk, and the 
villages of the county and vicinity. The factory is 
located upon the townshij) line, north of North Fair- 
field. 

I\. M. Hopkins has a dairy factory upon iiis farm 
in lot thirty, section two, where he makes both cheese 
and butter. The dairy was started in 1870. 

Weber Pinkney and Oliver (ianung have a similar 



dairy upon lot thirty-eight, section three, which they 
started in the spring of 1878. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Frederick Parrott has a maciiineshop, near his res- 
idence, on lot twenty-foift-. section three, where he 
has carried on business for a number of years. 

A turning establishment and chair factory in North 
Fairfield is owned by Hantill & Allen. 

David II. Piatt has been in the carriage making 
business since 1838. Others engaged in the same in- 
dustry are .T. H. Curtiss, William Harris and .John 
Madden. 

NORTH FAIRFIELD VILLAGE. 

The first store in the township was opened at the 
center in thej'ear 1831. by Ezra Smith, of Macksville, 
but soon after several enterprising men made efforts 
to .establish a village at what was then known as 
Greenfield's corners. Tiiey were so far successful as 
to create all that now exists in North Fairfield, and 
in fact much more, for the village was at one time 
a flourishing business center, and had bright prospects 
of future prosperity. William Greenfield, Samson 
Baker, Walter Branch and Samuel Foote were largely 
instrumental in securing the location of various indus- 
tries at this place. Horace S. Moulton opened the 
first store at Greenfield's corners, in 1S33. Union 
White, of Fitchville, Woodworth and Holmes, Clark 
Sexton, A. R. Eastman, and a mr.n by the name of 
West, began at an early day. D. S. Stevens opened a 
dry goods store in 1838. Manufactories were estab- 
lished, and the village developed for a few years at a 
rate, which, had it been long continued, would have 
produced a little city. A newspaper. The Fairfirld 
Gazette, was establisiied. and had. fur a time, a fair 
patronage. The first copy was issued April '-23, 185'!. 
by Robert McCune. Afterwards the paper was under 
the charge of J. Ralph Robinson, and still later of 0. 
B. Chapman. He moved it to Bellevue. The causes 
of Fairfield's failure to become all that its residents 
fontUy hoped, were numerous. Chief among them 
was the building of railroads all around the village, 
at a distance of ten or a dozen miles, and the failure 
of the pro.)ected Clinton extension, which was (upon 
paper) a link in a long chain extending from New 
York to the great west. Over seventy thousand dol- 
lars of Fairfield money went out of existence with this 
bubble. The Milan canal was another failure. The 
largest manufactory in the little village — the chair 
factory — and the steam mill, built at an early day. 
vanished in fire — ended in smoke. Other evils assisted 
in thwarting the plans of the would-be founders of a 
city, and slowly, but surely, the last hope of nniking 
North Fairfield a large and live business town passed 
away. -Ml that was left the peopU' was liie reasou- 
alile certainty that the village would always Ije, what 
it now is, a jieaceful and |)leasant home, in which 
there will never be an excess of bustle and din and 



360 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



sordid strife, but always well being, good manners 
and better morals. 

North Fairfield village contains four of the five 
ehurclies which have come into existence in the town- 
ship, and most of the manufactories. 

Following is a. list of tha business houses in North 
Fairfield, in 1879: 

Tin asd Hardware— B. F. Roberts. 

Groceries.— David Johnson. 

Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes, etc.— C. Rowley. 

Boots a>'D Shoes. — I. B. Rice. 

Drugs.— C. H. Chapman. 

Groceries.— D. S. Stevens. 

PRODfCE, Groceries and Clothinc— W. S. Felton 

Groceries and Dry Goods —E. Hoyt & Co. 

Hardware, Tin, etc.— Reed Bros (A. P., A. L. and C. S.) 

Groceries.— L. Carr. 

Shoes.— O. L. Colvin. 

Livery.— A. P. Reed. 

U.vdertaking.— W. H. Johnson. 

Dentist.— Dutton Jones. 

Hotel.— Fairfield House, A. H. Stringham, proprietor. 

Blacksmiths —H Woodworth, Richard Price, and William Fullman_ 

Cooper.— J. T. Parker. 

JIeat Markets.— Odell Bros., J. W'ood, Burton & Mott. 

POST OFFICE. 

Walter Branch was the first postmaster. He was 
commissioned January 1, 1829. He held the office 
four years, and then resigned in favor of Horace L. 
Moulton. The other postmasters, down to and in- 
cluding the present occupant of the office, are as fol- 
lows: Z. B. Stilson, Horace L. Moulton (reappointed), 
David Johnson, Thomas Smith, D. L. Stevens, Frank 
Evans, Moses Tompkins, Dwight Kellogg and Isaac 
Harrington. 

CEMETERIES. 

The first cemetery laid out was the one in lot eleven, 
section three, ttpon the ridge road, near the northeast 
corner of the township. The first settlers located in 
this vicinity, and the little piece of gronnd was set 
apart for burial purposes at an early day. There is 
another cemetery upon the same road — lot one, sec- 
tion four; one on the Bronson town line road — lot si.x, 
section three; and one in North Fairfield village, just 
east of the corners. This is under the charge of the 
township. 



Biographical Sketches. 



WILLI.VM B.\KER. 

I'rominent among tlie pioneers of Fairfield was 
William Baker, son of Abijah and Mary Baker, of 
Rhode Island. He was born May 10, 1797, and re- 
moved with liis parents to Onondaga county, New 
York, when a lail. Here he grew up and received a 
good, common education. Wlien twenty-one years 
of age he marrieil Leah, daughter of Solomon and 
Margaret Davis, wlio was born in Orange county, 



September 22, 1797, and was, therefore, his junior by 
four months and twelve days. This marriage occurred 
upon the 12th of February, 1818, and, in the follow- 
ing year the young couple removed to Ohio and com- 
menced almost empty-handed the struggle for the 
formation of a comfortable home in the wilderness. 
At that time there were but five families in the town- 
ship; not a single road was laid out, and scarcely an 
acre of land was cleared. Upon one side there v/ere 
dangers, difficulties, disadvantages, upon the other 
two brave people to meet them, empty-handed to be 
sure, but full of strength, anticipation and laudable 
ambition. The days were full of toil; they brought 
many privations, few positive pleasures, yet they 
rounded into years of happiness to be looked back 
upon tenderly and lovingly, when poverty had changed 
to identy, and the wild forest that they cut their way 
through with difficulty when they made their settle- 
ment had been cleared away to make place for hun- 
dreds of happy, thriftv homes. 

William Baker and his wife bore the brunt in the 
battle, and they both lived to realize the condition 
that they labored to bring about and witness the 
changes and improvements that they, perhaps, but 
vaguely anticipated. The wife is still living upon the 
old farm which became the home of these pioneers 
two years after their arrival. The husband did not 
pass away until 1859. His long career of useful ac- 
tivity closed upon the 11th of February in that year, 
over half a century from the time of his arrival. 
During his more than fifty years' residence in the 
community he was looked upon as a man of solid 
wortii and strict integrity. His religious faith was 
that of the Disciples, and he was a staunch supporter 
of the church. He iield aloof from public affairs, 
not from lack of interest, but rather because of retir- 
ing nature, and his life was ijuiet, but active and in- 
dustrious to its close. 



ISAAC DE WITT 



is a representative of the second generation of the 
pioneers. He is the son of John and Betsey Do Witt, 
and was born in Fairfield in the year 1833. His 
mother's maiden name was Sample, and she was a 
daughter of the first woman who became a resident 
of the township. The subject of this sketch began 
life with but few of the advantages that the people 
even of a new country possess, but good habits, in- 
dustry and thrift, won for him the race in which 
many have failed who have had less to contend with. 
He has all of his life been a resident of his native 
township, and is, to-day, one of its representative! 
farmers. Isaac He Witt married Mrs. Abigail Morse,] 
by whom he has had five children, all of whom are! 
now living. Their names are: William Augustus,! 
Jennie Alinira, Isaac Ellsworth. Duane F.dwiu audi 
Harry Elmer. 





/\4RS L£OH D.Baker. 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



361 



CLINTON McKELLOGG 

was born October 8, 1827, in Jefferson eounty. New 
York, and came to Peru, Huron county, Ohio, 1844, 
witli an uncle. At this time lie was an orphan, and 
he lived with his uncle a short time when_ he went 
away to work on a farm hy the month. At the age 
of twenty-one he had saved one hundred dollars from 
his wages, having no other iiatrimony. He married 
November 14, 1850, Eveline Mead. Mrs. ilcKellogg 
was born April 2.3, 18;n, in Bronson, Ohio, daughter 
of Alson Mead, and granddaughter of Abraham 
Mead, one of the pioneer settlers of Huron county. 

He came to this county with his family, consisting 
of his wife and ten children, at a very early period. 
They passed through great and almost unendurable 
vicissitudes, tiie children all attaining mature age. 
Alson Jlead, during these years of severe labor and 
great hardships, contracted an illness which left him 
a cripple. 

He married and located in Bronson, working at 
shoe-making for a number of years, till he became 
possessed of means to purchase a farm. He lived 
there until his death, which occurred January 6, 1865. 
He left seven children and a fine property. Mrs. 
McKellogg is a life member of tiie American Bible 
Society. 

Mr. McKellogg worked different farms on shares 
until he was able to purchase one of his own, buy- 
ing a small farm in Fitchvillo, and exchanging that 
for one in the eastern part of Fairfield, and finally 



selling that and buying the one he now occupies, 
which is situated one mile south of the center of 
Fairfield. 

The original farm had sixty-four acres, and the 
rest has been added at five several times. Tiie only 
son of this family, Frank E. McKellogg, is a student 
at Oberlin college. His parents intend to remove to 
Oberlin this present year, to afford him the benefit of 
a home while pursuing the remainder of his college 
course, and also to give their only dartghter, Ida. the 
best educational advantages possible. 

Mr. McKellogg is one of the prominent citizens of 
Fairfield. He is a representative self-made man. hav- 
ing raised himself from poverty to affluence. Ener- 
getic and determined, he is always found at the head 
of all enterprises in which he is engaged. He and his 
wife are active members of the Congregational Church, 
and their large and elegantly furnished house is opened 
to many social entertainments. 

Mr. McKellogg has for some time owned the great- 
est amount of farm stock of any one individual in 
Fairfield. He is a shrewd dealer, a close buyer, and 
a successful operator in this line of business. His 
fine farm of two hundred and forty acres is well sit- 
uated for this business. It is watered by a beautiful 
stream, which affords living water for his herds of 
animals all the year. Besides the church and Sab- 
bath school, Mr. McKellogg interests himself in the 
common schools and the judicial interests of his im- 
mediate district and the countrv surrounding. 



46 



NEW LONDON; 



In presenting to the public a history of the town- 
ship of New London we regard as proper to preface 
oiir work by a list of the 

OKIGINAL OWNERS. 

For an explanation of the following table the read- 
er is referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

TOWS^ NUMBER TWO, RAN(;E TWENTY. 
Classification No. 1, Section I. 



Original Grantees. 


An 


•( Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 






£ 


s. 


('. 


Robert Kennedy 


350 








Nathaniel Richards 


2.55 


3 


1 


Temperance Moore 


'il 


3 









24 


3 





Timothy Durfey 


■20 


14 









80 


14 


u 


Thomas Hopkins 


198 


IT 


9 






198 


17 


9 


Lydia Latimore 


27 


8 


6 






27 


8 


6 


Jolin Morris 


29 


16 









29 


16 





Laurauoe Martin 


55 


18 


6 






55 


IS 


6 


Walter Welch 


59 


19 









59 


19 


1 


Henrv Deshoe 


POO 





2 


Ester Cleveland 


322 


12 


10 


Guy Richards 4 Son 811 


8 





Samuel Mather. Jr. 


256 


18 


10 


Isaac C'liamplain 


143 


3 


8 


Syh 


ester Mather 


94 


15 


5 



Footing of Classifieatiou No. 1, £1,^44 



Classification No. 2, Section 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Lc 


ss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


( Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




S 


s. 


d. 


Mary Hurlburt 


218 


13 



6H 


Nathaniel Ledyard 


212 


13 





Roger Gilson 


8S4 


18 


".'. 


1.S4 


8 


6^ 


James Angell 


169 


2 


8 




169 


2 


2 


Nathan Bailey 


20 


3 


101^ 


i. 


20 


3 


10^ 


Samuel Coit 


19 


8 


6 


.> u 


19 


8 


6 


Elizabeth Bcebe 


16 


6 





11 (. 


16 


6 





B'nj. iCal'bLedy'rd 


800 








" 


150 








Ester t'onklin 


39 


1 


6 


.. (< 


39 


1 


6 


John Bi-'>wn 


29 


5 


8 


1. li 


89 


5 


8 


Henry Mason 


27 


18 







27 


18 





Benjamin Vose 


6 


8 


6 


" " 


6 


8 


6 


Seigt Dnn'I Eldridge 1 


1 


9 


i' I. 


1 


1 


9 


Jolih Starr 




19 


6 


*' '• 




19 


6 


Nathan Sholes 




15 


3 


11 u 




15 


3 


Tho's Mansfield, Esq 604 


16 





1. 11 


406 


14 


e 



Footing of Classifloatioa No. 8, £1,.'}44 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 
Original Grantees. Am' t Loss. Classified by. 



Guy Richards & Son 811 8 



George Newcomb 
Nathan Douglas 
Patrick Robertson 
Solomon Rogers 
Robert Kennedy 



838 
941 
3 
101 
350 



d. 


9 
8 

3 




Nathaniel Richards 60 
142 
941 
3 
ini 
94 



Am't Classed 

d. 

I 

9 

3 
11 



Footing of Classification No. 3. £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


An 


7 classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. d. 


Ebenezer Ledyard, 














Esq. 


1151 


3 


4 


Naih'l Ledyard 


1151 


3 4 


loungs Ledyard, 














;deceased 


T5 










75 





St..plit.ii Billings 


74 


6 


7 




74 


6 7 


Jeilfdiah Chester 


21 


13 


a 




15 


8 11 


Mai-y Ward 


28 










88 





Sarah Stedinan 




14 


8 






14 8 



Footing of Classification No. 4, i!I,:i44 



XA.ME. 



The township very naturally took the name of JVeiv 
London from the fact that N. Douglass, N. Richards, 

" By A. D. Skellenger, M.D. 



and the Ledyards, were the principal, or largest orig- 
inal proprietors, or suiferers; and they resided in Xew 
London, Connecticut. The name of the township 
has never been changed since its first settlement. 

NATURAL APPEARANCE, ETC. 

The surface of the township is generally level, 
though, in many portions in the vicinity of the water 
courses, it is quite rolling, and other portions may be 
classed as gently undulating. It was originally, with 
the exception of a small portion in the fourth section, 
known as the cranberry marsh, all densely co.vered Ijy 
tiinl)er. The principal varieties of wood were black 
walnut; elm of several varieties, rock, red and white; 
maple — hard and soft; beech; oak — white, yellow and 
black; basswood, whitewood, hickory, white and black 
ash, cherry, dogwood and willow. There has Ijeen no 
particular change in the forest, except the almost en- 
tire disappearance, \>\ use. The soil is very produc- 
tive — well adapted to grass, small grains, corn, veg- 
etables and berries — clayey, or marl, with a slight 
preponderance of the clay, and, in the third section, 
sandy; while rich, deep muck, is abundant in the 
fourth section. It is about equally well adapted to the 
the dairy products, hay, grain or stock raising. 
Fruits of several kinds and varieties do well. In 
short, for fertility and productiveness, very few, if 
any town on the Fire-lands, can surpass thjs. At an 
early day in the settlement of the township, quite a 
large portion of the third and fourth sections were 
deemed as low land and swampy; now, all or nearly 
all is drained and is tillable. 

The streams running tlirough the town are two. 
One running northwardly through the fourth and 
third sections, is formed by Skellenger's creek, Knowl- 
ton's creek and Carpenter's creek, uniting with tiie 
Vermillion river in the township of Clarksfield, as 
its east branch; and Rawson"s creek, uniting with 
other small streams and making East creek, a west 
branch of Black river. The various creeks and 
sti'eams are fed by many springs, which render this 
section of the county quite well watered. 

I! EASTS OK THE FOKKST. 

When the first white men settled in New London, 
tiie black bears and wolves were the most formidable; 
dper, raccoon, otter, sable and gray fox, wild turkeys, 
beaver, wild cat, hedgeliog and tlsiiers, or jiekaiis, 
abounded to a limited extciil. Tlie ilfur tiiul wild 
turkeys became far more al)miilant about isvJv'. evi- 
dently coming into the town from the east : tiiid tjn' 
wolves ai)pnared to follow the deer. 

(362) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



363 



INDIANS. 

There were camping grDumls on farni.s in tlie second 
section, but no villages. The Inintors of the Dela- 
ware and Wyandot nations frei|uenteil their nUl 
grounds for a few \'ears after the white man came. 
In their intercourses tliey were very kind and friendly, 
and gave no cause for trouble or alarm. Honesty 
and friendshii) are characteristics of the rtd men of 
Amei'ica. till deceived or betrayed by the wliitesi 

EAHLV SKTTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

The settlement of this township was delayed by the 
war of 1812-15. and again from the disputes of tith- 
from 1820 to "2,5, which will be more fully noticed 
hereafter, it being the cause of the ijrcatest law suit 
ever affecting the settlers on the Fire-lands. 

Mr. Abner Green, wife, and wife's three daughters, 
were the first white settlers. The family moved into 
the township on foot in the month of February, A. D. 
181.5, and located on lot number ten, third section, 
near the northwest corner of said lot. Here Mr. 
Green erected the first log house — a small cabin — 
using basswood bark as covering or roofing. His 
furniture, or rather cooking ajiparatus, and farming 
tools and implements were few and very simple. His- 
tory tells ns they were conveyed on his back in a box 
or "chest captured from General Proctor." Green 
was born in the State of V^ermont at a day sutficiently 
early for him to be a Revolutionary soldier, though 
the date of his birth is unknown — probably, about 
1758. He served also during the war of 1812 as ser- 
geant. His wife, a Mrs. Van Deusen, was a widow 
lady, and mother of several children at tiie time she 
was nuirried to Mr. Green. One of the daughters — 
Hannah — married Nathan Canada March 17, 1817. 
The marriage ceremony was performed by one David 
Abbott, a justice of the peace. Ano^ier of the daugh- 
ters. Miss Margaret, was plaintiff in a breach of 
promise case at her father's house, Mr. .1. P. Case, 
justice of the peace. It was a very exciting alfair, 
us it was the first lawsuit in the township. I'he de- 
fendant, Mr. Henry Bates, finally settled the suit by 
giving to Miss Margaret a liorsc The next year the 
State of Ohio made an effort to vindicate its dignity 
by having Miss Margaret arrested, indicted, and tried 
at the log court house at the first county seat behjw 
Milan, for the ci'ime of infanticide. The jury pro- 
nounced her not (ju'Mij. Thus we have in the early 
history of this young but unfortunate girl two jioints 
to be noticed: She was \.\\q first plaiittijf in New Lon- 
don, and the first defendant in a criminal case in old 
Huron county. Her subsetpient career has passed 
from the memory of the oldest inhabitant. 

Mr. Green cleared some two or three acres of ground 
in 1815, and raised the first crop of corn in the town- 
ship, and the historian is informed he had a good 
crop, cultivated by the use of the ax and the hoe. 
He wa.-< noted as an honest, industrious, jiatriotic, and 
religious person, often holding religious meetings, 



and the then boys say he did good preaching " as a 
Jlethodist, and at times swore for a chawje.'' He 
also erected a cabin and lived for a few years on lot 
number twenty-four, second section. Tlience in 1823 
he moved to the southern part of Ohio, and died 
about 182G, from, as is sup])Osed, the effect of a 
wound received in the battle of Fort Maiden, under 
General William II. Harrison. 

August 15, 1815, ilr. Hosea Townscnd, from Ty- 
ringham, Massachusetts, came and located on lot num- 
ber twentv-three. in the third section. He remained a 




HjrvG.GENEEI 



'^&Ht^ati'^^t!fB 



TJS^^^^^^^s 



few weeks, returned to the east, and remained until 
the -tth of February, 1810, when, with an ox team 
and wagon, in company with his brother, Ilirani, he 
again set out for his Ohio home. He was fifty-two 
days on the road, arriving in New London March 28, 
ISK). Mr. Townsend Ijrought with him irons which 
made the first plow used in New London soil, and, as 
such, first time used to work on the road just south of 
William Prosser's, on the little hill, then very steep, 
south of the creek: also, apple seeds which he planted 
the same year. He and his brother Hiram bachelored 
it for two years. The first season they jdanted four 
acres of corn. When harvested, a portion was fed to 
tlie oxen, a portion grcnmd in the hand-morisr and 
beech stumj) grist mill, for their own food, and the 
other portion was sold to the red hunters for English 
specie (crowns) worth one dollar and si.x cents per 
bushel. He put out the first orchard in 1820 and 
1822; and built the first frame house in 182(1. He 
was born in Greenbush, May 25, 1794; married Miss 
Sophia Case, (the first school teacher, born April 26, 
Kits), March 25, 1821. Mrs. Townsend died JLaroh 
2, 1875. Mr. Townsend, now, May, 1879, is living 
with his daughter, Mrs. A. S. Johnson, in the village 
of New London, aged eighty-five years. He was a 
soldier in 1815, and draws a soldier's pension. 

During the year 1S15, the following persons settled 
in New London: In November, Mr. Isaac P. Case, 



364 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



wife, and Sophia, Philothe and Eliza, daughters, and 
Tracey. a sou, settled on lot fourteen, section three. 
Mr. Simeon Muusou and family, on lot seven; Mrs. 
Porter, mother to Mrs. Betsey or Elizabeth Scribner, 
and Philo T. and Aurora Porter, (two lirothers); 
Sherman, Austin and Major Smith (three brothers, 
Major but six years of age) all came at the same time, 
and in the company of Mrs. J. P. Case, and all set- 
tled in the third section. Tiiey were from Connecti- 
cut, though at this immediate move from near Spring- 
field, Clarke county, Ohio, by the way of the Maumee 
route. 

One or two days later in November, 1815, Mr. An- 
thony Hendryx and family, and Benjamin Hendryx, 
a brother, and his family, came from New York, and 
settled on lots thirteen and eighteen, in the third 
section; also, about the same time, John Hendryx and 
his brother Thomas, and their families, from Brigh- 
ton, Monroe county. New York, settled in the second 
section, — John on lot number twenty-three, and 
Thomas on lot number eighteen. Many others whose 
names are forgotten, came and settled, and some 
moved in, in the year 1815. 

During the year 1816, William Sweet arrived, who 
came in January, with his family, from Brighton, 
in Monroe county, New York, and settled on lot fif- 
teen, third section; made a large and permanent im- 
provement; put out a large orchard in 1822. He 
filled several township otfices with credit to himself, 
and, in 1831, sold to Abram Prosser, and moved to 
Erie county, Ohio. 

Also, in July, 1816, Mr. John Covey and Phebe, his 
wife (daughter of Abram Hendryx), and family, then 
consisting of Polly, John. Hannah, Benjamin and 
Phebe, came from Steuben county, New York, and 
settled on lot seven, section four, now owned by T. B. 
Hemenway. on which is the first cemetery, and also 
the New London agricultural association grounds and 
track are located. He lived on this lot, and made 
quite an improvement, setting out a large orchard, 
but, as he had no valid title to his farm, (Devil) John 
Hendryx, as the phrase is by the early settlers, "bought 
it out from under him" in 1839. In 1837, he and his 
wife moved to Michigan. His family married as fol- 
lows: Polly, the eldest daughter, married, Decem- 
ber, 1817, Mr. John Day, and settled on lot number 
twenty, section one; John, the eldest boy, married 
Alzina Day, daughter of widow Day, of Clarksfield, 
for his first wife (wife and two children soon died), 
and for his second wife he married Mary McConnell, 
daughter of James McConnell, of Rocliester, and now 
lives near Coldwater, Michigan; Hannah mai'ried 
Daniel Higgins, of New London, afterward a "lively 
Mormon:" Phebe married Ansel Barljer, and Benja- 
min marrieil ^Martha Ann, daughter of Simeon Mun- 
son. and all live, or did, near Coldwater, Michigan. 
Polly (Mrs. Day) soon died, and was buried on her 
father's farm, which was the first buried in the village 
cemetery. As a family, history informs us, they were 
kind and obligins. Richard Bailey settled on lot 



number one, section four, remained a few years, and 
sold to Paul Lebo. and Paul Lebo sold to J. McClave. 

1817. — There were many additions to the pioneers 
of the township during the third year of its settle- 
ment, a few oijly have we space to specify, among 
whom we will name: February 22, 1817, Mr. Henry 
Anderson, from Livington county. New York, and 
Mrs. Russell, her sons Alcott and Charles, from the 
same county; and about the same time, came Paul 
Pisley, and Ariel his son, and their families, from 
Brighton, New York; Nathan Munson, Steven Post 
and A. Miner, from the State of New York, and lo- 
cated as follows: Anderson, on lot number eighteen, 
third section; Mrs. Russell, on lot number seven, 
third section; Alcott, a boy, lived with Anderson; 
Paul Pixley, on a part of same lot and section; Ariel 
Pixley, settled on lot number ten, same section: and 
Post, on number eighteen. 

In the spring of this year, Mr. Josiah Day and his 
brother, John, came. Josiah settled on lot number 
twenty-five, first section, where he soon established a 
manufactory of black salts, or potash; and in after 
years, in company with Mr. Tracy Case, did quite an 
extensive trade in ashes, potash and cotton goods and 
family groceries. He always lived on this place. 
Was elected justice of the peace in 1855; died Octolier 
14, 1855, an honest man. even to the dividing of the 
last cent! John Day settled on lot twenty, first 
section. 

Ezekiel Sampson and William Merrifield and their 
families, from Brigliton, New York, arrived in De- 
cember, 1816. Sampson located on lot number eight, 
fourth section; and William Merrifield located on lot 
numl:)er three, second section. 

ilr. Solomon Hul)bard, (a soldier in tlje war of 
1812-14,) from Livingston county. New York, born 
1789, in Connecticut, came to Florence, February 12, 
1816. The next spring, April, 1817, he traded his 
farm with Mr. Nathan Smith, who located on lot 
number five, third section, in 1816. Mr. Smith came 
on to said lot under a contract with Nat. Ledyard, 
and erected a house. He had a large family of daugh- 
ters, and thought he could educate them ijctter in 
Florence than in New London, which is said to be 
the motive that resulted in swapping farms. Mr. 
Solomon Hubbard, by the enforcement, in court, of 
the Ledyard "contract" with Smith, obtained a deed 
of fifty acres as a gift. Mr. Hubbard filled several 
important otfices. He died January 16, 1829. 

J. B. Hubbard, a son, born August 27, 1817. and 
now living in Cincinnati, is tlie oldest white male, 
living, born in the township. His son, Holsy, born 
in New York, April 11, 1815, now lives on the lot, 
and is one of the most prominent and respected citi- 
zens of all the living early pioneers. He has several 
times filled the office of township trustee; has been 
justice of the peace for three terms, and from 1809 
to 1875, six years (two terms), was one of the most 
reliable and energetic county commissioners. Ho 
has reared a family of five boys — S. G., Joseph B., 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



365 



=^V 




^^M-y, "^i^^i^^^cC 



Alfred, Edward E. and Frank E.. and tliree girls — 
Julia M., Marsium B. and Arminta D. ; five children 
are living. S. G. died October 11, 1849; Joseph B. 
died November 5, 1864, and Alfred died November 
15, 1864. Solomon Hubbard's children were five, 
three bo\-s and two girls: Holsy, Joseph B., Solomon, 
Charlotte M. and Rebecca, four of whom are living. 
Solomon died in March, 1864. Mr. Holsy Hubbard 
now owns three hundred and fifty-five acres of land. 
In the month of August, the same year (1817), 
Deacon Isaac Sampson and wife, and family, consist- 
ing of Ezekiel (who came in 1816), and Sally, Isaac, 
.John, Roxy and Marium, arrived in the township, — 
second section, and after remaining a few years, 
moved on to lot three, fourth section. He was a 
brick manufacturer and stone mason; made, burned, 
and, in part, constructed the brick house in Ruggles 
township, — the first brick dwelling ever erected in 
all this portion of the then county of Huron, for 
Deacon Harvey Sackett, in the year 18.34. The 
children married, as follows: Ezekiel to Polly, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Merrifield; Sally to Enos Smith, of 
Florence, January 5, 181'J: Isaac to Patty Hendryx, 
daughter of Old Anthony, in 1823, and in after years 
went west with the Mormons; Roxey to Archibald 
Bates, about 1826; John to Miss Townsend, and went 
to Illinois at the "Nauvoo Mormon Emigration," and 
Marium, at the age of thirteen, married to Gam- 
malia Townsend, and, in company with Truman and 
Archibald Bates, in 1833, went to Indiana. Ezekiel 



and family moved to Iowa. Lewis, their youngest 
son, has just closed his second term as member of the 
Congress of the United States. Deacon Isaac Samp- 
son died at Fulton county, Illinois, in 1838, and 
Ezekiel in Keokuk county, Iowa; Polly, his widow, 
at the age of eighty-three, in February, 1871, at 
Sigourney, Iowa. 

Joseph Merrifield and his son-in-law. Nathan Hoyt, 
came in July, and erected a log cabin on lot number 
two, fourth section (Thomas Hendryx had previously 
entered the same lot, but as he had made no improve- 
ments, it cost only a trifle to ^^ jump his claim.") 
Their families came, December 22, 1817. from 
Brighton, New York. The names of the children of 
Mr. -Joseph Jlerrifield are: Polly (Mrs. Ezekiel Samji- 
son); Betsey (Mrs. Nathan Hoyt), and William, who 
were married in the State of New York, and Lydia 
(who married Peter Kinsley March 13, 182(i): James 
B., Joseph Seymour and Lewis. They all lived for 
several years, and most of them all the remainder of 
their lives in New London: and some of their cliil- 
dren and grandchildren to this day are here among 
us — good and highly respected citizens. 

1818. — Faucis Keyes and family — wife and four 
children, from Vermillion (though formerly from the 
State of Massachusetts), came in the month of Nov- 
ember, and settled on lot number six in fourth sec- 
tion. His. was the fourth log cabin in that [lortion 
of the township, now in the village — the first iiaving 
been built by John Corry; the second by Ezekiel 



, 



366 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Sampson: tlie third by Joseph Merrifield. Mr. Keyes 
put out his orcli:ird, in 1820. which was tlie second 
one put out in the village. The names of his four 
children were: Ursula, the eldest daughter, who 
married .James 0. Merrifield: Mary, married Lewis 
Merrifield in 1828, and tlie two bovs, Perry and Har- 
rison (as their sisters had married bri)thers), con- 
cluded to, and did, marry sisters, by tlie name of Sher- 
rick. Mrs. Keyes brought with her from the old 
Bay State, that common destroyer — consumption, of 
which she died in May, 1819. Her death is noticed 
as the first white adult of the township. Her chil- 
dren and her grandchildren still continue to die of 
consumption, showing in this instance, a remarkable 
tendency that consumption is hereditary. 

Mr. Keyes, in .July of the same year, married Mrs. 
Elizabeth fccribner. He sold liis improvements in 
1821, to James 0. Merrifield and Peter Kinsley, and 
moved to tlie east part of Fitchville township, 
whence, in ISo-i, as history relates, he and his wife, 
and his two boys and their wives, were swept along 
by the mighty and popular wave, the Mormon emi- 
gration, to the far west, .where they and hundreds of 
others hoped to find the land of jjromise, wherein 
saints of the Most High could enjoy freedom to 
worship God, and not be persecuted as they had been 
in Huron county. 

Peter Kinsley, born in Dublin, Ireland, July 12, 
1797, and Henry Bates, an Englishman, both deserted 
the British army, and under fire of their guns, swam 
the Niagara river in 1815; and in the fall of 1S18, 
both came to New London. Kinsley, during the 
winters of 1818 and 1819, taught the first school in 
the fourth section. 

Abram Dayton Heudryx, wife and family, came in 
1817, and, as the oldest inhabitants say, they lived "all 
over" — first on lot number nine, then on lot number 
three, then to Sullivan, then back to New London, 
from one section to another. He was the father of 
John M., who married Eunice, daughter of Dr. Sam- 
uel Day, (who also came to the township in 1817. 
Dr. Samuel Day was the father of .John. Sally. Josiah, 
Eunice, Ei)hraim and William, who all came about 
the same time; and afterward, in New London, the 
father of Hannah, Elizabeth, Almira, Elijah (who 
had fits), Charles; Samuel, .Matilda, Huldah and 
Polly, and three others that died; eighteen in all. 
Dr. Day made and exported the first jjotash, or l»lack 
salts, from this townshii). in 1821. Dr. Day died 
December :il, 18.39.) Sophia, who married John 
Town, and settled on lot twenty-five, fourth section, 
and afterwards went to the State of -Michigan; Oeorge, 
who married, in Ruggles, Perwilla Stevens from 
Knox county; Sally, had John Fisher for her first. 
and Cummings for her second husband, imw living 
with ifrs.Kanmiuss. a granddaughter, in the city of 
Cleveland; and Anna, the oldest girl, married Ben- 
jamin DeWitt, of Plyniduth. The fee fur this mar- 
riage, to Isaac P. Case, justice of the peace, in absence 
of any money (as negotiated by one Simsun, DeWitfs 



as 

1 



debtor), was a fine "dog" i)up, afterwards becoming 
"old Bose," one of the most respected members in 
"old Squire Case's" family, and of the neighborhood. 

Samuel Sherman and family, in 1818, settled on 
lot number eighteen, third section. ]Mr. Sherman 
and his two sons, Samuel and Leonard, were very 
hard and industrious laborers. A son-in-law, l)y the 
name of Braynard, put up the frame barn now stand-^ 
ing directly north of the residence of Leonard Gold'^ 
ing. It is said of the Sherman family that they 
"cleared more land than any pioneers of the town- 
ship."' 

Mr. Willis Case, wife and family, consisting of 
Charles, Leonard and George, came in 1818, and set- 
tled on lot number fourteen, third section. He was 
a brother of I. P. Case. Many of his grandchiidreii 
are still living in the county. 

Mr. Zelotes Barritt came to New London in 1816J 
and kept "hall" with one Simeon Blackmail, on the 
same lot that Abner Green occupied. Mr. Barritt 
first owned and cleared a farm — lot number six, 
fourth section — in Clarksfiekl. Though for the last 
fifty years of his life, he owned, and tor most of the 
time lived, and died on, lot numljerten, third section, 
in New London. 

.Jacolj Roorback came to New London in 1823, 
spent a short time and went Ruggles in 1823 or 24. 
John Roorback and family came to New London in 
182G, and settled on lot thirteen, first section. He 
was father to John W. and Frederick S. 

Clark Winans settled on lot number ten, third 
section, 1825, but soon sold to Z. Barritt. Benjamin 
Hendryx, living on lot number twenty-three, second 
section, after firing off his gun, as he supposed, blow 
in it, and it discharged, killing him. This was in 
1823, and he was the first man shot in town. John 
Akright and Jacob Akright came in 1823. B. 
Crampton and wife came and settled on lot number 
twenty-four, third sec-tion, in 181G. 

The family of Abner Case, a l)rother of I. P. Case, 
a wounded soldier, came to the township at an early 
date; also the family of Blackmail, who settled mostly 
in the second section. Ansel, Ira and Simeon Bhick- 
man. and families, are supposed to have settled about 
1818, also Abram Prosser. David Loveland, John 
Tainter and Captain Wm. Blackmail, on lot number 
nineteen, second section; Phillip Sworthout in fourth 
section, and Elder Benjamin B. Brackonbury and 
Joliii Hooker, in the third section. Wm. C. Spauld- 
ing settled on lot number seven, third section (Sim 
Munson owning it before this time), and by him was 
erected the first frame store in the township, on the ' 
same lot. It can still be seen as a part of the barn of 
Lyman Dunks. Tracy Case was, at one time, a jiart- 
ner of Spaulding. They purchased most of their 
gootls at Huron, Milan and Vermillion. The further 
immediate settlements of this township became much 
retarded, and, in fact, we may say, almost entirely 
suspended. There were two events operating as 
causes — the death of Nathaniel Ledyard, which took 



«! 



I 





ZELOTUS BARRETT. 



MRS. MARY B. BARRETT. 



ZELOTUS barrp:tt 



was one of tlie lionorcd and lionorable pioneers of 
New London, a man who, from tlie first to tlie last 
of his long residence in the community, was ever 
identified with good projects, and aided almost every 
interest, material or moral, that tlie ])eople around 
him had at heart. 

He was born in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 24, 1798, and lived with his parents until the 
death of his father, in 1814. Two years after that 
he came to Huron County and settled in Clarksfield, 
taking up one hundred acres of land, which is now 
owned by his youngest daughter. He added fourteen 
hundred acres more to his original purchase, and be- 
came one of the largest land-holders in this part of 
the county. 

April 1, 1821, Mr. Barrett married his first wife, 
Miss Betsey Smith, who bore him two children, — 
Philander and Smith Sherman. Philander lives in 
Clarksfield, and Smith Sherman upon the old home- 
stead in New London townsliip. Mr. Barrett's 
first wife died in 1839, and he married, in 1840, the 
■widow of Enoch Newkirk, nee Miss IVIary, daughter 
of Jolm Roorback, of New London. Of this union 
were born three cliildren, viz., Betsey Ann, Martha 
M., and William A., all of whom are still living; 
the last named in Kansas, and the other two in 
Huron County. 

The following just, and not overdrawn, tribute to 
the memory of the late Zelotus Barrett appeared in 
Vol. XIII. of tlie Fire-Land Pioneer, and is from 
the pen of Dr. A. D. Skellenger, of New London, 



a man who was well qualified to judge, from many 
years' acquaintance : 

" Even as a youth he served liis country in the 
war of 1812-15, and long enough to become a pen- 
sioner. . . . Mr. Barrett was one of the first three 
that voted the Abolition ticket in New London. 
His life throughout was that of a man of energy and 
versatility, — at one time a captain in militia, at 
another a banker (the first in New London), at 
another the owner of fifteen hundred acres of land, 
and for thirty years of his life a money-lender to tlie 
poor, and to those in financial distress. With the ex- 
ception of a short time in Huron, and a sojourn of 
three and a half years in Milan, he lived for sixty 
years in New London, identified in all things with 
its hisi;ory and progress. He was most of his life 
a Methodist, but while living at Milan joined the 
Presbyterian Church, with which he ever after re- 
mained. He died in his seventy-nintli year, re- 
gretted by all who knew him, and followed to his 
last resting-place by a long concourse of the citizens 
among whom he lived." 

Mrs. Mary Barrett, widow of the late Zelotns 
Barrett, was born Jan. 29, 1820, in Paoli, Ind., and 
removed to Ohio in 1830, her i)arcnts settling in 
New London, one mile and a half from the village. 
As already stated, her maiden name was Mary Roor- 
back, and when she married Mr. Barrett she was the 
widow of Enoch Newkirk, who was a connection of 
the famous Daniel Boone. Mrs. Barrett is still liv- 
ing in New London. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



367 



place in October, 1815, at the house of Alnioii Ruggles, 
at Vermillion; although this event was not known 
to those settling in the second and fourth sections 
till after they had reached the end of their journey. 
The other cause, a **rumore'd illegality" of the pur- 
chase by Richards of the Douglass estate or claim, 
which we will next notice. 

COPY OF I>EKI» FROM XAT. RICHAUDS TO DAVID COIT. 

'To all people to irhom these presents shall come. Greeting^ 

Know ye, that I, Nathauiel Richards, of the town and countj- of Xew 
London, and State of Connecticut, as administrator of the estate of 
Nathan Douglass. late of New London, did. by order of the court of pro- 
bate for the district of New London, for the consideration of two hun- 
dred thirty-eight pounds thirteen shilUngs. (£"-i3S l3s. Od.) lawful money, 
received, to my full satisfaction, of David Coit, of New London, the State 
of Connecticut, do give, grant, bargain, sell and confirm, unto the said 
David Coit. all the right, title or share, that the said Nath. Richards, as 
administrator aforesaid, has, or ought to have, in, or to a certain tract 
of land lying on or adjoining Lake Erie, which was granted by the gen- 
eral assembly of the State of Connecticut, at their session in May, 1T9"3, to 
Nathan Douglass and many others; the whole grant being half a million 
of acres, the Nathan Douglass proportion of it being about three tliousand 
one hundred and eighty -two (-1, 18-2) acres: being the whole of Nathan's 
rights therein, be the same more or less. The amount of his, Nathan 
Douglass" loss, as allowed and ascertained by a committee on the losses, 
being £941 l\s. M.. as from the record of assembly appears, etc., etc.. 
etc . to have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises, 
with the appurtenances thereof, unto him, the said David Coit, and his 
heirs and assignees forever, to his and their own proper use and behoof. 
*■' '■' ■■ (as usual to the close). 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set mr hand and seal the llth 
day nf March, Anno Domini 1797. Nat. Richards. 

Signed, sealed and dated in the presence of i 
George Colfax, Grv Richards. ( 

Netr London county, ss.: 

New London, March llth. 1797. 
Personally appeared, Nat. Richards, signer and sealer of the fore- 
going instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free act and 
deed before me. Grv Richards. Justice of the Peace. 

OS THE SAME DAY — COIT TO RICHARDS. 

*'Kn»iw all men by these presents, That T. David Coit, of the town and 
county of New L )ndon. for divers good causes and considerations there- 
unto moving, especially for the sum of £*iJ8 13s. Orf., lawful money, re- 
ceived, to my full satisfaction, of Nat. Richards, of New Loudon, in the 
county of New London and State of Connecticut, have remised, released 
and forever quit-claimed, and do, by these presents, forever for myself 
and my heirs jointly and absolutely remise and forever quit-claim unto 
the said Nathaniel Richards, and to his heirs and assignees forever, all 
such right or title as I. the said David Coit. have or ought to have, in a 
certain tract of land lying on or adjoining Lake Erie, which was granted 
by the general assembly of the State of Connecticut, at their session in 
May. 179-2, to Nathan Douglass and many others." *■' * '•' (The same 
dtrscription to close as the former one. Executed on March 11. 1797, and 
witnessed by the same witnesses, and before the same justice of the 
peace.) 

DECREE OF COURT. 

Al'ttT nearly thirty years the above deed was de- 
chired illegal, and the terrihle effects will be apparent 
from the following copy of the record of the court 
and their :>everal deereerf: 



FICKETT LATTIMEU To WILLIAM P. CLEVELAND, 
DEED, ETC., ETC. 



L ... 

^H^ Whereas. William P. Cleveland, executor of the estate of James 
^^Kiewis, deceased, Charles R. Lewis and George A. Lewis, by said Cleve- 
^^■and, and their next friend, heretofore filed their bill of complaint in the 
^P^ourt of Common Pleas of Huron Ccmnty, sitting as a Court of Chan- 
cery, against Nathaniel Richards. Benjamin Huntington and Ht?nry 
Channing, praving the sale and ft^reclosure of a claim against lands in 
said bill described, as four thnusand one himdred and fifty acres, in the 
80th range, "^nd township, and third section, in the county of Huron, and 
two thousand twenty-nine acres inSOtb range. :;^d township, 1st section, 



L 



amounting in all to six tliousand one hundred and eighty (6180) acres; 
and. whereas, the said Huntington at a subsequent term of said court 
had also tiled his cfoss-bill of coniplaiul a>^aiusi said Cleveland, Charles 
R. and Cfeorge A . Lewis, Nathaniel Richards and Henr.v Channing. pray- 
ing that said lauds might be sold, and forecl'»sed for his benefit and for 
the satisfaction of a certain debt owing him fioni said Richards, and 
secured on saiil land; and. whereas, the said court, at their October 
term. IH'iJ, on the hearing of said bill and cross-bill, made their inter- 
locutory decree, ordered the Master Commissioner of said Court, that 
by the oaths of five freeholders, in said bill mentioned, to cause said 
land to be appraised by lots; and, whereas, the .Master Commissioner of 
said Court, in obedience of said decree, and Ijy virtue of decretal to him 
directed, did cause the following lots of land to be appraised bj* the 
oaths of freeholders, to wit: Icjts No. 1, ^. :3. 4, tj; south part 8, 11, 12 

16, 17, 19, 20, -JI, ->■,•, 34. in the third section of said town; and lots No. 
7; north part of 8, !i; south part of 10, 13, 14. I.j: south part 18; north 
part 18, *.^3, were appraised, subject to the rights of settlers thereon^ 
being in the section aforesaid; and lots in the first section, No. 14, 15, 16 

17, 18, east part of 30, SI, ti. 'ii, 24, and the west part of lot No. 20, east 
part of No- 2.), and west pan of 2.'i, appraised, subject to the rights of 
settlers thereon; and that, having made his report of his proceedings to 
said Court of Common Pleas, and they having inspected the same, and 
being satisfied that said appraisal had in all respects been cttnducted 
agreeable to said decree, at their August term, A. D., l'*24, made a fur- 
thur decree in the premises, by which, among other things, it was or- 
dered, that the Master Commissioner do proceed and sell said mortgaged 
premises, he giving thirty days" notice as is reipiired by the act regulating 
judgments and executions- That he set up each lot separately, and 
that so much of said land as has been "contracted" he shall sell snbject 
to said "contracts," and that he report his proceedings thereon. 

And, whereas, I, Pickett Lattimer, Master Commissioner as aforesaid, 
did in obedience to said decree, and b.v virtue of a decretal order, ad- 
vertise and offer said lands for sale .according to the command in 
said order; and that having struck oft and sold ail the right and title of 
Nathaniel Richards in and to the following land, to William P. Cleveland, 
who bid by his agent, Eben Newton, and was the highest bidder, to wit: 



A'o. of Xo. of 
lot. acres. 



At per 
arrc. 



Amount- 
iny to. 



No. of 
lot. 



No. of 
acres. 



At per 
acre. 



8. 
11. 
12. 



,.16014. 
..158 . 
..165!^. 
..165)^. 
..168 . 
.. 60 . 
. . 168^ 
..160 . 



..SI. 75)^. ..$192. 17 



83!4.. 
1.33^^.. 
1.50 .. 
2.00 .. 

66^.. 
1.50 .. 



131.5:J!4 

l:W.77 

220.66 

252.00 

120.00 

112.30 

240.00 



16 187^.,.$ .91 

IT 157J4... 1.3;jl^ 

19 165^. 

20 107?4 

21 166>s 

22 137 

24 171^ 

25 173!^. 



1.00 .. 
1.00 ., 

83H-. 
1.17 .. 

91 . 

83M.. 



Amount- 
ing to. 

.$176.62 
, 209. 99H 
. 165.50 
. 167.75 
. 138. 60H 
. 18:i.69 
. 136.06 
. 144, 43H 



situated in said third section. 



Lot 7.. 158 .. 
8. .107 .. 

" 9..166H.. 

" 10.. 861^.. 
Gore 13..169H.. 



..5.300.56 
.. 259.31 
.. 352.85 
.. 92.92 
.. 132.75 



Lot 14..I691.4... 

" 15. .17.%... 

S. pt. 18.. 83^4... 

N. pt.i8.. m^... 

Lot 23..169J4... 



.5126.73 
.. 143 62 
,. 39.15 
.. 39.15 
.. 180.57 



situated in third section subject to the rights of those having contract 
for the same. 



No. of 
lot. 



14, 
15. 
IB. 
17. 



No. of 
acres. 

. . 170 . . 
. . 159 . . 
,.172H.. 

..iu;i^.. 



At per 
acre. 

.SI. 17 .. 
. 83^4. . 
. 1.42W . 
. 1.42U.. 



Anioiuit- 
iny to. 

.5198.90 
132 31 
245.91 
2:i3.98 



No. of 
lots. 



30 
21 
22. 
33. 



No. of 
acres. 

.01 . 
.179^. 
.169^. 

.171)4. 



At per 
acre . 

51.17 ., 

. 133!^.. 

1.42H.. 

. 1.35,4., 



Amount 
ing to. 

.5106.47 
. 339. 33H 
. 241. 53^ 

, 314.91?4 



.165)4 .. 1 25!^... 203.03 



24 173>4... 1.0J>4... 188.08 



19, 



.16.5U 



<j,.. 



8314... i:i7.77 



situated in said first section. 



E. p't25i ^^'^■ 



.5175.35 W. p't23.. SJI4. 



.5116,664 



situated in said first section subject to rights of those having contracts 
therefor; and having leported my proceedings thereon, and said Court 
having at their Octobei' term. 1834, inspected said repuit, and being sat- 
isfied that said sale had, in all respects, been conducted in conformity to 
saiil decree.— tlrd»-red that the Master Commissioner make, execute and 
deliver to said Win. P. Cleveland a deed, conveying to him all the right 
an<l title of said Nathaniel to the above described land subject to the 
rights aforesaid: 

Now-, therefore, I, Pickett Lattimer, Master Commissioner as afore- 
said, by virtue of said decretal order, and for and in consideration of 
86,906.83, received, to my full satisfaction, of William P. Cleveland, do 
grant, bargain and .sell to the said William P. Cleveland, all the rightand 
title of said Nathaniel Richards in and to the aforesaid lots of land situ- 
ated in the first and third sectinns of New London, and In the county of 
Huron, subject to the right of those holding "contracts" thereof, he the 
same ni'>re or less; to hare and to bold theal>'»ve gi-anted and bargained 
premises to his own proper use and behoof in as full and perfect a 
manner as I could, by virtue of the authority aforesaid, convey the same. 



368 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this ISth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eieht hundred and 
twenty-five. 



Pickett Lattimer, 
^[(tster Commissioner. 



Signed, sealed and acknowledged. "1 

and delivered in the presence of ', 

Harvey G. Morse, C 

Simeon B. Stvrges, I 

Acknowledged before Enos Gilbert. Justice of the Peace. 
Received for record May 'ilst, 183.5; recorded June 31st, 183.'). 

ICHABOD Marshal, Recuriter. 

[Copied by A. D. Skellenger from the Record of Deeds, pages 379 and 
380, April 35, IMTO.j 

It was In' tlie above decree tliat John Miller, Sr., 
who was a son of a daughter of Nathan Douglass, 
came, iu 1825, in po.'session of several thousand acres 
of land in New London township, making him the 
wealthiest person in the townshij), as he was also the 
most respected. 

Below is a list of a few deeds given for land in the 
thii'd section, with the date of the transfer and the 
names of the parties and the number of lot and num- 
ber of acres: 

By decree of court to Solomon Hubbard, lot 5. 175 acres, 1833. 

By decree of court to Hiram Blackman, lot 10, 8tij4 acres, Oct. 3, 1833. 

Simeon Blackman to Solomon Hubbard, N. E. comer lot 10, 10 acres, Apr. 

10, 1833. 
Simeon Blackman to Ariel Pixley, N. p't lot 10, 13!^ acres, Apr. 30, 18*4. 
Heirs of James Lewis to Henry Anderson, one-half of lot 18, one-half of 

1661^3 acres, April 1, 1835. 
Heirs of James Lewis to Hos6a Townsend, one-half of lot iS, IO9I4 acres 

April 1, 1825. 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to Ariel Pixley, S. half lot 10. 86^ acres, July 

10, 1839. 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to John Hooker, W, part lot 17, .50 acres, July 

3, 18.30. 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to WiUiam Sweet, lot 15, 173J^ acres, March. 1 , 

1831. 
William Sweet to .\bram Prosser, lot 10, 1 acre, July 11, 18-31. 
William Sweet to Abram Prosser, lot 15, 173 acres, July 11, 1831. 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to Pickett Lattimore, lots 1, 3 & 4, 478% acres, 

June 9, 1830, 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to Philo T. Porter, N. pt lot 8, 104 acres, Oct. 

25, 1830. 
H'ls of Nathan Douglass to Jos. B. Brackenburg, E. p't lot 33, 7814 acres. 

May 18, 1831. 
H'rs of Nathan Douglass to Harris Peck, part lot 13, 37 acres, May 3, 183tt 
H'rs of Nathan Douglass to Wm. C Spaulding, part lot 7, 50 acres, June 

7, 1831. 
Jos. B. Brackenburg to Hosea Townsend, p't lot 83, 37 acres, June '30, 1831. 
Heirs of Nathan Douglass to John Harmond, N. W. part lot 11, 55 acres, 

June 3, 18:31. 
H'rs of Nafn Douglass to J. W. and B. Parks, S. W. p't lot 11, 134 71-100 

acres, Oct. 4, 1831, 
H'rs of Xat'u Dcniglass to Cieo. Minor, E. p't lot 17, 50 acres, Dec. 1, 1832. 
H'rs of Nat'n Douglass to Isaac P. Case, S. p't lot 14, 84% acres, July 11, 

1839. 
John Miller to Tracy Case. N. part lot 14, 84^ acres, March 11, 1833, 
John Miller to Tracy Case, part lot 6, 83>^ acres, March 11, 1833. 

The ((uestion of title disposed of, New London now 
rapidly settled. 

Joiin, Archiliald, and Truman Bates, and sister, 
Charity (Mrs. Phillip Sworthout), first settled on the 
town line road in tiie fourth section about 1820. 

Ale.xander McConnell and vvife, and family — .J. C, 
J. A., Martha, and William, came to New London in 
1831; settled on lots number seventeen and eighteen, 
first section. The lot had been occujiied by one 
Odell before McConnell bought it. J. A. and J. C. 
are dead. William now lives on lot number eighteen; 
married M. A. Iioorliack in 1840. and is the father of 
Mary (.Mr.--. Oarvey), Alexander K., .J. F.,and A. E. 
Mr. William McConnell is among tiie l)Ost men of the 
township, having lille(l several offices. 



Elisha Noble and family came and settled on lot 
number fifteen, first section. Died 1836, or, as his 
son and others say, was murdered by Dr. McMillen. 
of C'lark.sfield, who amputated his leg and did not 
ligate the artery, and he bled to death. 

Robert Gordon came in 1831; was one of the organ- 
izers of the First Free Will Baptist Church in 1833. 
Settled on lot number twenty-two, second section. 
Loekwood and Chauncy Shaw, in 183-4, settled on lot 
number four, second section. David Rumsey on lot 
number nineteen, second section, in 1835. George 
Rumsey came in 1837, and John Hosmer in 1835, 
settling on lot number twenty-five, second section. 
John Hofstatter settled on lot number fifteen, second 
section, in 1844. Captain Henry King came in 1839, 
and his family in 1840. B. L. Mead, iu 1843, locat- 
ing on lot number twenty-four, fourth section. N. 
Runyan, in 1836; J. Bradley, 1839; Stephen Kil- 
burn, in 1840, and many more about this time. Dyer 
Barrett, in 1835, lot seventeen, in second section; 
Daniel Hemenway, in 1835, settling on lot twenty- 
three, section first. 

Mrs. John Waiizer Heudryx hung lierself in 1834. 

ORGANIZATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

The township of New London was organized in 
1817, and the first election was held at the house of 
Mr. William Sweet, on the first Monday in April. 
William Sweet, Isaac P. Case and Solomon Hubbard 
were trustees; Sherman Smith was township clerk; 
Hosea Townsend and B. Cramptou, were appraisers; 
Philo T. Porter was constable, and H. Townsend 
acted as lister. Mr. I. P. Case was made a justice 
of the peace, and tradition has it that he was elected 
at an election held in Florence, and he was elected 
unanimously, by one vote, and that unanimity was cast 
by Solomon Huljbard. But Mr. II. Townsnd says such 
a notion is only fiction, and, of course, untrue. The 
early records of the township were burned, with all 
the furniture in the house, at tlie time Sherman 
Smith and brother's house was burned, in 1818 or "19, 
and tlie want of any record compels us- to say we do 
not know who was elected in the spring of 1818. It 
is conceded there was no fall election in 1817. The 
first State election was lield in 1818, and the poll book 
shows twcniii voles, which at the ratio now given for 
boys, girls, and women, (and many of the early pio- 
neers had large families of boys and girls) would give 
the town somewhere from si.xty to one hundred 
inhabitants. 

Mr. Hosea Townsend furnishes, as a record made 
by his wife, the following correct list of a few of the 
earlier marriages, with the dates, and by whom the 
interesting and solemn hymeneal knots were tied:^ 
Ira Blackmail to Lovina Smith, daughter of Nathani 
Smith, October 2<t, 1816, by E. Sprague, of Florence, 
justice of the peace; Town Clark to Philotha Case, 
December 20, 1816, l)y the same justice of the peace; 
Nathan C'anada to Hannah Van Deusen, March 17, 
1817. by Davitl Abbott, justice of the peace; Z. Nor- 



\ 



r 



lIlsTdliY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



3G9 



ton to Uyiithia Post, of Clarksfield, October 14, 1818, 
by Isaac P. Case, justice of tbe peace; Enos Smith to 
Sully Sampson, January 5. 1819. by I. P. Case, justice 
of the ]H'aee: Fnuieis Keyes to Mrs. Elizabeth Scrib- 
iRT, July — '. 1819. by I. P. Case, justice of the peace; 
Mr. Upson Clark to Sally Day. daughter of Dr. 
Sanuiel Day, December 28, 1819, by I. P. Case, jus- 
tice of the peace: Peter Kinsley to Lydia Merritield, 
.March 13, 1820: John Hooker to Laura Anderson, 
March 23, 1820, by Isaac P. Case; Hosea Townsend 
to Miss Sophia Case, March 25, 1821, by I. P. Ca.se, 
justice of the peace; John Day to Jliss Polly Corey, 
December 10. 1817, by Esfjuire Ralston, of Richland 
countv. at uncle .V. Hendryx's, in Haneytown. now 
Savannah. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The first birth occurred on the 29th day of Fel)ru- 
ary, ISKi. Unto John Hendryx's wife was born a 
son. It died, of what, we know not, having lived 
only a few months. No name. 

iMrs. Eunice Knapp, daughter of I. P. Case, born 
August 10, 1817, is the oldest person born in the 
township and living in the village. 

Mr. Joseph B., son of Solomon Hnlibard, born 
August 27, 1817, is the oldest male born in New 
London. 

The first adult death was that of Mrs. Francis 
Keyes, who died of consumption in May, 1819, and 
was buried on their own lot, near John King's or- 
chard. Mrs. Polly Day, daughter of John Corryand 
wife of John Day, died in the autumn of 1820, and 
was buried on her father's farm, being the first buried 
in the village cemetery. 

The first house erected was by Abner Green, on lot 
number ten, third section, February, 1815, and the 
first frame house by Hosea Townsend on lot number 
twenty-three, third section. The first frame barn 
.was built l)y I. P. Ca-se, and the first log store (a 
[building 21:x3(J) in 1819, on his place. The first 
[frame store was William C. Spaulding's, on lot num- 
ber seven, third section. The first Ijoy hnm m a 
frame house in the town was Ira Townsend. 

The first corn was raised by Abner Green, and the 
[first wheat carried to mill was by Hosea Townsend, 
[to Uniontown, now Ashland. The first flour and 
[meal was obtained at Florence. 

The first manufacturer of boots and shoes was I. 

!P. Case, in 1815. The first black salts or potash was 

I made by Josiah Day and his father. Dr. Samuel Day. 

The first orchards from the seeds were j^lanted by II. 

(Townsend, William Sweet, John Corry, and Francis 

I Keyes, in 1820 and '22. The first grist mill was put 

up by Captain William Blackman in ].s2(i, and was a 

.small concern — two sand-stones turned Ijy hand. T)ie 

first brick building was erected in the fall of 1805 and 

I in the summer of 1800. Was used by Thomas Smith 

as a cellar. The -Masonic Hall was built the fol- 

I lowing year. The first brick store was built by C. 

W. Gregory in the village in isCO. The Hrst i)rick 

47 



block of stores was built by Z. Barritt in 1867. The 
first quarrel or fight was between Dan Higgins and I. 
J. Webber. Webber knocked the wind out of Hig- 
gins, but he recovered. The first man killed at a 
raising was Simeon Munsou, in 1828. The first arrest 
for forgery was one Bailey, and he was acquitted by 
proving he could n<jt write. Peter Kinsley had a 
fight with R. Bailey, and Peter was the first to go to 
jail; nothing serious. The first hotel was kept by 
Peter Kinsley, a double log house with many addi- 
tions; he also used it as a store. The first frame hotel 
was kept by Henry King in 1840. The first In-ick 
hotel was erected by J. A. and J. C. McConnell in 
1869-70, and first kept by M. Motter. The first 
township clerk was Sherman Smith, in 1817. The 
first justice of tlie peace was Isaac P. Case, from 
1818 to 1851. The first mill of any magnitude was 
erected by John Bates; was moved into the village 
by Peter Kinsley and J. S. Merrifield in 1833, and 
was known as the "horse mill."' In 1838-9 we had 
in Ohio the first and greatest drouth, the streams 
becoming dried up. It was then the wisdom of the 
■' horse mill " investment became manifest. The mill 
ran day and night, Sunday not excepted. The first 
importation of blooded cattle from southern Ohio 
was by John Miller, in 1835, and were descendants of 
the English importation of Durhams in 1817. The 
first saw mill was built by I. P. Case, the second one 
by John Miller, in 1820, and the third by Robinson, 
in 1834. The first steam saw mill was built by T. 
B. Hemenway in 1857; the first steam grist mill was 
built by 0. G. Remington in 1801-2. The first rail- 
road was the Cleveland, Columbus and Indianapolis, 
afterward the Cleveland, Columbus. Cincinnati and 
Indianapolis, in 1850. 

The first road opened was the Read, a military road 
from the south side of the county to the lake on the 
west line of New London, in 1812. The second road 
was for the passage of the army of General Wm. II. 
Harrison's division, 1814, through the northeast cor- 
ner of the townshij). The first road made by the 
pioneers was what is known as the Clarksfield road to 
Ruggles, commenced 1810. 

The first mail matter was obtained at Huron, .Judge 
Jabez Wright, postmaster, Dr. Richard P. Christo- 
])her keeping the office for the judge. The next was 
obtained at Norwalk. The first mail route was from 
Tiffin to New London — a man in southern Ohio tak- 
ing the contract for carrying the mail, l)ut mistaking 
New London for London in the central part of the 
State, he gave up his contract, and it was then car- 
ried by Scjuire Palmer, of Fitchville, from Fitchville 
to Tiffin and back, once a week; and by Tracy Case 
and Hosea Townsend from Fitchville to the office of 
I. P. Case, postmaster, for the revenue of the office. 
This was under J. (^ Adams' administration. L'nder 
Jackson's administration Peter Kinsley officiated as 
postmaster at '"Kinsley Corners." or Merrifield's Set- 
tlement. The first route through the township was 
from Florence to Uniontown, or Ashland: contractor. 



370 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Dr. George Baker: carried by Paul Lebo. and others. 
There is a dispute as to who kept the first post otKce. 
some say Peter Kinsley, and others T. Case, and some 
I. P. Case. Probably one got it away from the other. 
Robert Van Vranken is postmaster in 1879. 

The first school house was in the third section, on 
lot number thirteen, in 1810, and Miss Sophia Case, 
daughter of I. P. Case, was the first teacher, and had 
fifteen scholars. The first school house in the fourth 
section, or in the village, was on lot two. a little 
north of B. B. Mead's residence, and Peter Kinsley 
taught the fii"st school in 1818; he had about twenty 
pupils. There are now in the village three buildings 
for schools, and in the township five, and four joint 
sub-districts. The village and township, by act of 
legislature in March, 1879, constituted all the terri- 
tory into a special New Loudon school district. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHL'RCH. 

The first religious organization was in the log 
school house where Sliss Sophia Case was teaching; 
organized by Mr. James Hauey, in 181G, a Methodist 
from Savannah (then known as Haneytowu). Mr. 
Haney had about thirty listenei's. Probably this was 
the first class, and from which, as a nucleus, the 
Methodist Church sjirang. The north branch of it 
erected a brick church in 1875-6; the south branch 
erected a "wood-meeting" house in 184.3. and has 
now about one hundred and thirty-five members. At 
the present time the Methodist Episcopal society of 
the village are at work on the foundation for a brick 
church edifice, seventy-six by seventy-five feet, with 
tower and bell. Samuel Doud. Mr. Joseph Hemen- 
way and Rev. W. L. Phillips are the building com- 
mittee, May, 1879. 

THE BAPTIST CHIRCH 

was organized in 1818, in the Peter Kinsley school 
house. Elder French was their first preacher. Among 
the first members are mentioned Joseph ilerrifield 
and wife. Deacon Isaac Sampson and wife, John Corry 
and wife, Ezekiel Sampson and wife, Thomas and 
John Hendryx and their wives. Wm. Merrifield and 
wife, Richard Bailey and wife, and several of the 
younger mothers of the above families, making in all 
some twenty or twenty-five members. This church 
has always kept up its organization, though, for the 
need of members and funds, much of the time they 
have not been able to pay regular preachers. Their 
building in the village was raised in 18-i-l, but not 
completed for some time afterward. In 1839, many 
of the members went off to the Disciple Church , 
and from 1831 to 1834, joined the poi)ular religious 
revival of the Latter Day Saints, or Moi-mon emi- 
grants. Rev. P. F. Hall preached to them many 
years. Rev. J. JI. Davies is now their pastor. 

THE ilOUMiiN'S. 

The first meeting iiouse or temple of worship 
erected and dedicated was in the year 1829 or '30. It 



was an immense log structure located on the south 
side of the highway, between H. Townsend and J. 
Hookers. Among its early members were Elder Rig- 
don, Elder Benj. B. Brackenbury and wives, Dan. 
Higins, Thos. Hendryx, Francis Keyes and family, 
the Reeds, the Stevens and many others, their mem- 
bership reaching nearly one hundred. For several 
years they had many converts, baptising by immer- 
sion as many as eight and ten on many Sabbatlis in 
succession. Their meetings were largely attended, 
and the worship as sincere as any professed followers 
of Christ in the town. Like the early disciples, their 
property was mostly in common. There was no 
polygamy! But persecution and a desire to inherit 
the promised land induced them to emigrate west in 
1834. JIany remained behind. 

FREE WILL BAPTISTS. 

The next church building and society to be noticed, 
is "The first Free Will" Baptist ciiurcii of New 
London." It was organized in the spring of 1833, 
by Elder Thomas Carlton. 

The first members of this church were twelve in 
number, as follows: Mr. Robert Gordon, Jr., Lorenzo 
Tainter and mother. John M. Hendryx and wife, L. 
H. Noble, Parley Pease and wife, and Miss L. Pease 
(a daughter). Ed. H. Gordon, Rufus Monger and 
Thomas Sheldon. The building was a very large log 
structure on lot number seventeen, second section. 
It took the name of the "Old Abbey;" as a society; 
it flourished, and appeared to do great good. In 
1842, the membership numbered one hundred and 
two. As a Baptist church, it was different from the 
Latter Day Saints, though coming on immediately 
after, and like them, drew an immensely large con- 
gregation. On one Sabbath, in the winter, in the 
creek near H. D. Barrett's, in a hole in the ice, the 
preacher baptized thirty-five, and, I am told by Mr. 
H. D. Barrett, he would have staid and immersed as 
many more, if they had come forward. But. like 
most emotional bodies, it, like the Mormons, has 
now almost ])assed from the organizations of the 
township. A few of the members belong to a branch 
in Rochester, and others, like sheep without a shep- 
herd, have no churcli, fellowshi]i. The organization 
died in 18.">7. 

THE rXIOX CHIKCH OK JIEETIXC HOISE 

was erected on lot numlxn- ten, nortiieast corner, in 
18.53-8; among the early organizers were A. Johnson, 
Butts and H. Hubbard; some were Univeralists, or 
restorationists, Free Will Baptists, L^nited Brethren, 
Adventists; and any religionist of a moral character, 
when not previously engaged, could preach in the 
Union Church. Many excellent men have occupied 
the pulpit. Al>out four or five years ago, the Lord 
struck by his mighty fluid — electricity. — and tore out 
the west end, and siiattered the pulpit, Init it is now 
repaired, and used by any and all religionists, when 
not engaged. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



371 



OTHER CHURCH ORfiAXIZATIOXS. 

The I)isciple.< organized about ISGo. Init did iiOt 
continue. 

The Cougregationalists organized about 1807 or S, 
but could not support a preaciier, and now hold no 
meetings. 

The Catholics organized about 1850, and have 
regular worship once in about two weeks. The 
church building is on High street. Father Oalvan 
is priest at present. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

New London Lodge, No. 01.5, I. 0. 0. F. was 
instituted in the village of New London, July 1-i, 
1875, liy Most Worthy Past Grand Master, A." C. 
Deuel. The charter members were: N. H. Under- 
bill, A. Zuber. H. D. Chapin. W. R. Brundage. A. E. 
Bennington, P. II. Hoag, Don- Twaddle and A. D. 
Skellenger — eight memljers. On the first evening, 
the following were initiated: J. M. Bliss, Elias Cul- 
bertson, Preston Palmer and L. L. Brundage. The 
first officers were: A. Zuber, N. G. ; A. D. Skellenger, 
V. G. ; H. D. Chapin, P. and R. S. ; N. H. Uuder- 
hill, P. G. ; \V. R. Brundage, treasurer; A. E. Ben- 
nington, I. G. For the first thi-ee years it lield its 
meetings in a small room over the First National 
Bank, but in July, 1878, the lodge moved into its 
present very excellent and commodious rooms in the 
south part of Barritt's block, owned by George W. 
Knowlton. Up to the present time, with about 
fifty members, they can report no deaths, and no ex- 
pulsions. The officers for 1879 are: J. M. Bliss, N. G. ; 
Elias Culbertson. V. G. ; R. A. Coats, R. S. ; A. D.' 
Skellenger, P. S. ; A. Zuber, treasurer; E. W. Mes- 
senger, 0. G.; E. E. Washburn, I. G.; W. R. Mc- 
Caleb, P. G.; William Dobson,C.; M. D. Stevens, 
W. 

l'.AXK. 

The First National Bank of New London, lias a 
capital of fifty thousand dollars, and was organized 
March 18, 187'2. John Hansom, is president, and 
M. H. Smith, cashier. 

FREE AND ACCEPTED .MASONS. 

Floral Lodge, No. 200, F. and A. M., is a lodge of 
many years growtii, having first been instituted in 
Fitchville, in 1854. It waj moved to New London 
in the fall of 1800. December 18th, first meeting. 
Held meetings, for one \'ear, over the Thomas Smith 
store, and the next year completed their present rooms 
aliove the First National Bank building, and their for- 
mer hall. Floral Lodge now numbers about one hun- 
dred members. Its officers for 1870 are: E. F. Moore, 
W. M.; Willis Wood, S. W.; W. E. Minor, J. W. ; G. 
E. Washburn, treasurer; G. W. Ransom, secretary; 
Leroy Thompson. S. D. ; Frank Ames, J. D. ; C. 
Witt, Tyler; W. L. Phillip.s, chaplain; C. II. Church, 
S. Gettle, stewards; C. Starbird, Leroy Tiiompson, 



J. M. Rawson, finance committee; L. Kilbnrn, J. H. 
Beattie, William Wood, grievance committee. 

New Jjondon Chajiter, No. 110, R. A. M., was in- 
stituted in the fall of 1807. Convocations are held 
on Friday evenings, in ilasonic Hall, on or before 
full moon in each month. The present officers are 
E. F. Moore, M. E. II. P.; J. H. Beattie. E. K. ; A. 
E. Peet, E. S.; Willis Wood, C. of II.: W. L. Brick- 
lev, P. S.; H. Kester, R. A. C; W. Wood, M. of 3rd 
V"; W. E. Minor, M. of 2nd V.; C. H. Church, M. 
of 1st v.; C. Starbird, treasurer; G. W. Ransom, 
secretary: C Witt, Guard; C. H. Church, W. L. 
Briekley, J. H. Beattie, finance committee; .J. H. 
June, R. Downiau, W. E. Minor, grievance com- 
mittee. 

THE KNKiHTS OF HONOR. 

Welcome Lodge No. 2.37, New London, Ohio, was 
organized February 25, 1876. Charter members and 
first officers: H. C. Kilbnrn, dictator: L. T. Gilbert, 
vice dictator; W. W. Minor, assistant dictator; L. 
Kilburn, past dictator; G. E. Weber, chaplain: A. 
Zuber, guide; W. L. Briekley, guardian; J. F. 
Laning, reporter; C. Starbird, financial reporter; D. 
R. Sackett, treasurer; D. White, sentinel; G. W. 
Andrews, examining physician; and W. E. Minor, 
Ira Leggett, W. W. Vangorder, J. H. Beattie and 
Chas. H. Church. C. Starbird, J. II. Beattie, C. H. 
Church, first trustees. The lodge now has thirty 
members; one death, G. W. Bradley.* 

Present officers: Ira Leggett, dictator; J. F. Allen, 
vice dictator; A. Zuber, assistant dictator; A. Zuber, 
past dictator; H. C. Kilburn, chaplain; L. T. Gil- 
bert, guide; H. G. Skinner, guardian; J. F. Laning, 
reporter; C. T. King, financial rejiorter; D. R. 
Sackett, treasurer; C. Starbird, sentinel; G. W. An- 
drews, examining physician; J. H. Beattie, C. H. 
Church and W. W. Minor, trustees. The lodge 
meets in Odd Fellows' Hall on Monday evening every 
week. 

THK U. A li. ( . OH CONFIDENTIAL X. X. \. 

The -M. W. G. Council of G. & R. C. of New Lon- 
don, Ohio, was organized at New London, A. D. 1870, 
by the M. W. G. L. of the United States. Charter 
members and officers: A. D. Skellenger, L. ; Thomas 
Smith, V. L.; H. D. Chapin, U.; G. L. Gregory, S.; 
John F. Day, W.; G. E. Washburn, J. G.; H. G. 
Skinner, 0. G.;U. B. Thomas, R.; W. E. Minor, X.; 
W. D. Golding, X.; J. M. Bliss. X.; C. C. Post. X.; 
W. W. Redficld, X.X. treasurer. Very little is com- 
prehended by the common citizen regarding the ob- 
jects or purjjoses of the G. & R. C. Council. Some 
of them have only olitained to the degree of " X ; " 
some to the standing of ''X. X.," while a few have 
attained the elevation of •'.X. X. X." They are re- 
ported to be a very secret order, attending to only 

" Bradley's benefit was paid (two thousand dollars) to his mother, 
Mrs. Phebe Bradley, at StroiiKsville, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. 



372 



HISTOKY OV HUKOI^ AKD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



their own business. The order, where known, is 
regarded as very sound financiall}-, numbering in 
Xew London about eighty digits or X's. The coun- 
cil has a convocation upon the summons of the L. , 
V. L., or M. W. G. L. X. X. X. The place and 
time can be known only to an X., X. X., or X. X. 
X. The utmost secrecy obtains regarding the tran- 
sactions within the council, but they are suspected 
and believed to aim at a very high grade of excellency 
in character and knowledge. Stipend, ten dollars 
L. X. X. X. 

SOKS OF TEMPEKAXCE. 

The Xew London Division No. 3, Sons of Temper- 
ance, was organized November 1.5, 1878, witli the 
following charter members: W. P. Curtiss, Mrs. W. 
P. Curtiss, Mrs. William ilackey, Miss Fanny Haz- 
ard, Mrs. Clay, George W. Barns, Mrs. George W. 
Barns, M. M. Starr, H. M. Cookingham, 0. F. Wal- 
ton, Miss Frank Rowland, Miss Ida Myers, Miss Cora 
Myres, Mrs. Dr. Starbird, Mrs. 0. S. Merritield, and 
J. F. Allen. The first officers of the division were 
as follows: W. P. Curtiss, W. P.; Mrs. 0. S. Merri- 
field, W. A. ; Miss Fanny Hazard, R. S. ; M. M. Starr, 
F. S. ; G. W. Barns, treasurer; H. M. Cookingham, 
conductor; J. F. Allen, chaplain. Division No. 3 
now has about forty members, and its present officers 
—18:9— are: M. M. Starr, W. P.; iliss Fanny Haz- 
ard, W. A.; William Mackey, chaplain; W. P. Cur- 
tiss, treasurer and P. W. A. ; Miss Carrie Albaugh, 
R. S. ; H. M. Cookingham, conductor; ]\. C. Under- 
hill, F. S.; Cora Myres, assistant conductor; W. B. 
King, I. S. ; Thomas Ledget, 0. S. ; J. F. Allen, D. 
P. W. P. This lodge is reported as being very par- 
ticular as to who are admitted, as many have been 
rejected for cause; a greater number than have been 
received. Vivi, vive! 

GOOD TEMPLARS. 

The Good Templars have had several organizations 
at sundry times, but are now disbanded; not, how- 
ever, because there was no need of temperance work. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician (if he be so called) was Dr. 
Samuel Day in the second section in 1817 or 1818. 
He was a Ijotanic, and did some practice by the use of 
indigenous plants and herbs. He died December 31, 
1839. 

Dr. Richard P. Christopher, from Huron, came 
to the fourth section in 1824. He was an educated 
gentleman, a very good, kind and successful practi- 
tioner. It is reported of him that he would find 
nurses and watchers for his patients, and sometimes 
he was met with two women, riding his horse through 
the Ruggles woods, and he, with a pill bag in hand, 
on foot night and day, going from four to six miles, 
laboring to save those who were very sick. He died 
about 1820, and was buried in the village cemetery. 



But, alas, like too many benefaccors of his race, no- 
thing marks his resting place. 

Dr. Fish was here in 1840; Dr. W. W. Parker in 
1846; Dr. Ladd about the same time. Dr. Ladd died 
in 1852, and Dr. Parker was killed in Iowa about 
1868. Dr. A. Starbird came in 1851;, was a very 
successful physician, and died March 23, 1875. Dr. 
0. L. Andrews practiced from 1845 to 1855. and 
moved to Ruggles. Dr. G. W. Stetson, from 1851 to 
1855, is now preacliing the doctrine of the second 
coming of Christ, in Pennsylvania. A. D. Skellenger, 
M. D., who came in June 23, 1853; A. McClellan, 
M. D.. in November, 18.53; D. D. Van Vechtou, 
M. D., in the fall of 1859; George W. Andrews, 
M..D., in 1875, and C. A. Mills, a homeopathic, 
1870, are still practicing in New Loiidun. 

VILLAGE OF NEW LONDON. 

This now very interesting, and important, and rab- 
idly increasing town, is situated in the fourth section of 
the township, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincin- 
nati and Indianapolis Railroad, forty-eight miles from 
Cleveland, seventeen miles southeast from Norwalk, 
sixteen north of Ashland, and eighty-eight northeast 
of Columbus. 

Among the first settlers have l:ieen named John 
Corry, in 1816; the Sampson's, the Merritield's. the 
Hendryx's, Kinsley's, Dr. Christopher Bates, W. S. 
Dewitt, and others. From 1817 to 1822 New London 
was called Merritield Settlement; from 1832 to 1837, 
Kinsley's Corners; from 1840 to 1853, King's Corners. 
In 1850 the Cleveland, Columbus. Cincinnati and In- 
dianapolis railroad commenced to run through the 
town, and the place grew rapidly. In the fall of 
1853, the village, embracing about eight hundred 
acres of land, was incorporated. The first council 
proceedings are recorded for December 3, 1853: R. C. 
Powers, mayor; John Thorn, recorder; J. Bradley, 
J. F. Badger, A. Starbird, V. King, and A. D. 
Kill)urn, trustees, or councilmeu; A. A. Powers, 
marshal; J. 0. Merrifield, treasurer. In the years 
1854 and 1855, R. C. Powers was re-elected mayor. 
In 1856, Henry King; in 1857, E. H. Sanford; in 
1858 and 1859, Alexander Porter; in 1860, Daniel H. 
Fox; in 1861 and 1862, J. M. Rawson; in 1803, Elihu 
Robinson; in 1864, J. M. Rawson; in 1865 and 1866, 
Alexander Porter; in 1867, L. Kilburn: in 1868. R. 

C. Powers; in 1869, J. M. Rawson; in 1870, 1871, 
1872 and 1873, A. D. Skellenger; in 1874 and 1875, 
R. C. Powers; and in 1876, 1877, 1878 and 1879, A. 

D. Skellenger. In the fall of 1854, unto A. D. Skel- 
leuser was awarded the first contract to build one 
hundred and sixty rods of oak side walk, tlie lnml>er 
and work to be furnished by said Skellenger, for the 
sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. In 1851 the 

•villagre suffered from its first serious fire; and atrain in 
1872, November 17th, ju-operty to tlie value of forty 
to fifty thousand dollars was destroyed. 

Tiic "Gregory House," and wliat is known as tlie 
L^nion block, on the northeast corner of Rochester and 




The subject of this brief biographical sketch was born in 
Genoa, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June 23, 1823. His father, Sikis 
J. Skellenger, was born at Little Egg Harbor, N. J., Feb. 
3, 1784. He was a man of great energy and decision of 
character. Was a carpenter and ship-joiner by trade. Served 
five years as an apprentice with his brother-in-law, Gideon 
Moorehonse, in Ludlowville, Tompkins Co., N. Y. In 180-3 
he married Deborah Close, daughter of Deacon Benjamin Close, 
of Genoa, by whom he liad two daughters, — Hannah (Mrs. 
George Kellogg, whose cliildrcn live near Keedsburg, in Wis- 
consin) and Sarah (Mrs. Rev. James Saxby, whose children 
live in Iowa). Deborah died in 1815, and for his second wife 
(the mother of Dr. Skollenger) he married Mary King, 
daughter of Benjamin King, of Genoa, Dec. 19, 1818, who 
was born Nov. 1, 1790, at Sag Harbor, Long Island, N. Y., 
and who, with her father's family, came to Genoa about 
1800. 

There were born of this marriage: Mary K. (Mrs. A. H. 
Messenger), Anson D., Samuel B., who died in Yates, Orleans 
Co., N. Y., November, 1847, Emeline A. (Mrs. W. W. Ful- 
ler, of Illinois, who died Sejit. 15, 1874), and Silas J., who 
died Feb. 24, 1807, in New London, Ohio. His father and 
family moved to Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., November, 1834, 
and died Jfay 2G, 1835. His mother then had the care of five 
young children, tlie youngest, Silas J., being only three years of 
age. She managed, by much hard toil, great frugality, un- 
tiring industry, and extreme economy, to support and educate 
them all until they could care for themselves. Dec. 1, 1842, 
she married A. Winegar, who died April 8, 1853, and Mrs. 
Mary Winegar died in New London, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1878. 
Dr. Skellenger acquired the habit of reading when a small 
boy from the standing injunction of his father, which was, 
" If you are tired and need rest, take a book in your hand and 
study," and his habits of industry and economy from the 
daily life of his mother. After acquiring a common-school 
education, his love for study led him, by the effects of his own 
labor on a farm, and the savings of wages as a teacher (for 
he began to teach winter schools when seventeen years of 
age), to study at Gaines and Yates Academies, and Brock- 
port Collegiate Institute. • 

June 12, 1844, he married Miss Harriet I. Goold, of 
Albany, then of Lyndonville, N. Y. She died June 11, 1848, 
leaving a daughter, Sarah F., now living in New London. 

After the death of his wife he resumed his studies, par- 
ticularly medicine, with Dr. (afterward Prof.) L. C. DoUcy, 



of Kochestcr, N. Y. March G, 1850, he graduated with the 
honors of his class at the Eclectic Jledical Institute of Cin- 
cinnati. During the season of 1850 he was a partner of Prof. 
W. W. Hadley, M.D., in the practice of medicine and 
surgery, in the city of Rochester, N. Y. During the winter 
of 1850-51 the fame of Prof. Ackley as a surgeon caused him 
to attend the Medical College in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. 
In 1851, 1852, and 1853 he practiced in Ruggles, Ashland 
Co., Ohio. Upon his thirtieth birthday, June 23, 1853, he 
removed to New London, where he still resides. 

In the fall of 1«74, attracted by the fame of Dr. D. W. 
Yandell and his colleagues, of the Medical Department of 
the University of Louisville, Ky., he attended lectures at that 
institution and the City Hospital. Surgery, for the past 
twenty-five years, has been his favorite practice, though not 
neglecting the other branches of his chosen profession. He is 
considered a peer in surgery in Huron County by the mem- 
bers of the profession. For his second wife he married, Sept. 
25, 1854, in Buffiilo, Mrs. Sarah Jane Belding, daughter of 
(Honest) Josejih Waslihurn, of Fitchville, Ohio, with whom 
he still hapjiily lives. They have no children. 

He has been" honored by liis neighbors with several oflBces,— 
twice township clerk, recorder, and councilman in the village. 
In 1862-03 was assistant assessor of United States internal 
revenue. Aug. 14, 1806, he was appointed a delegate to the 
National Peace Convention at Philadelphia, and in 1872 an 
alternate delegate to the Baltimore Convention which nomi- 
nated Horace' Greeley for the Prt^sidency. For many years 
he was an active member of the Whig and Republican 
parties; frequently a delegate to the county, district, andjBtato 
cimventions. Being naturally conservative, lie, in 1807, as- 
sociated himself politically with the Democrats. Has often 
been a candidate for county oHice; member of the House of 
Representatives; twice candidate for probate judge; a justice 
of the peace from 187(3 to 1879, and is now (1879) in his eighth 
year as mayor of New London. He never .sought office; 
he bolicves"in the maxim, " The office should find the man, 
and not the man the office." Among his neighbors he is 
not a politician. There are three things in his political 
creed, — more Integrity, more inditsiri/, and more economy; and 
three that should never be in politics— ce/ii/ion, rdncation, and 
money. He is a lovor of good society and good government. 
In business the doctor is energetic, to the (lOor sympathetic, 
and over ready to aid the needy as far as his duty leads. Ho 
is regarded as modest, honest, kind, and capable. 






I 



4 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



373 



Clarksfield streets, was erected by C. W. Gregory, 

A. Porter, A. McClellan and R. C. and A. A. Powers, 
in tlie year 1ST3. The town hall block was com- 
menced in the fall of 1867, by Union White. White 
died November, 1867. The block was put up in 
1868 by A. White, L. L. Doud, and the trustees — 
Jesse Perkins, A. Miner and L. D. King — of the 
township, at a cost of eighteen thousand live hundred 
dollars. C. E. Healy first manufactured steam 
engines in New London, iu 1S71. Mr. D. J. C. 
Arnold is also now making steam engines. W. P. 
Curtiss and Brother are making tubs, pails and 
wooden ware; George W. Runyan is the editor and 
publisher of Xew London Reconl; T. B. Hemenway is 
planing, matching and sawing lumber; W. W. Van- 
gorder erected his block in 1869, and is a dealer and 
manufacturer of cabinet ware and furniture; A. 
W. Carl is in the same business; L. W. Breck, first 
harness and saddler, in 1842, and still carrying on 
the business; John Wells and John E. Wells, and R. 
Hazard are in the same Inisiness; the drug Inisiness 
is represented by B. F. and C. Starbird; Dr. A. 
JlcClellan and L. W. Brickley; hardware — Washljuru 
and Skinner, in their block, erected in 1875; E. H. 
Curtiss is now tiie photographer. The first cheese 
factory was erected and run by L. D. King, in the 
year 1863. 

The first cheese depot was established by John 
Rawson, iu 1876, and in 1878 there were handled by 
him in it over seven hundred thousand pounds of 
cheese. The first window sash, door and blinds 
manufactory was established in 1853, by M. Houghton 
and J. F. Badger; L. Bonney and A. Zuber are now 
manufacturing wagons and carriages on Fitchville 
street, and have lieen for several years: Robert Fulton 
and Albaugh, and A. W, Long and Davis are in the 
marble and monument business; H. Palmer. R. S. 
Giles, 8. J. McCready, J. Middleswarth, T. Wood, A. 
H. Messinger, A. C. Kimball, grocers; A. D. Sackett, 

B. M. Sjiaulding and F. J. Peck, restaurants; Chas. 
H. Church, forwarder; A. White, Miner Brothers, 
merchants; D. R. Sackett, cigar manufacturer; W, 
D. Golding and 0. G. Carter, jewellers: Beattie and 
Laning, and R. C. Powers, lawyers; Powers, Laning 
and T. Case, justices of the peace; W. E. Minor, 
township clerk; G. E. Washburn, treasurer; Phil. 
Maun, St. James, S. Upson, of the Gregory House, 
and A. D. Skellenger, of the Skellenger House, hotel 
keepers: C'y. King and J. M. Rawson, dentists; J. 
M. Runyan, M. Cookingham, Geo. W. Knowlton and 
.1. II. .lune, boot and shoe business; Dr. H. Kester 
llomeo; H. Motter. J. R. Soules and A. I). Skellen- 
ger. livery business: A. Ilendryx. J. Fry and W. 

I Taylor, blacksmiths; S. P. North, architect; J. Thom, 
I JamesThom. Hearsey, Flint, R. A. Coats. Markham, 
j Zarker are carpenters; J. Laning, J. A. Turner, 
[James Rawson, J. C. Beattie, C. Hazard and C. 
I Hotchkiss, brick and stone masons: William Macke}' 
land William Dobson, meat market; L. T. Gilbert, 
flourin? mill. 



Present village oflBcers: A. D. Skellenger, mayor; 
C. A. Mills, clerk; John King, John Middleswarth, 
C. King, E. F. Moore. B. B. Mead, J, F. Laning, 
councilmen: M. B. Runyan, marshal; C. Starbird, 
treasurer; Henry Messenger, street commissioner. 
The population of the village is estiniated at twelve 
hundred. 

A brief notice of a few of the residents of New 
London. 

Samuel Doud (son of Solomon Doud, who died 
March, 1849) was born May 29, 1813; came to Green- 
wich in 1822. and to New London 1866; lives on lot 
nuniLer six, fourth section. 

Wm. McConnell (son of Alex. McConnell) came to 
New London 1831: married M. A. Roorback 18-10; is 
the father of Mary (Mrs. Carvey), A. K., J. F. and 
A. E., and now lives on lot number eighteen, first 
section. 

G. E. Washburn, township treasurer, came to the 
village in 1865 (son of Walter Washburn, of Fitch- 
ville), and is of the firm of Washburn & Skinner; a 
reliable man. 

Stephen W. Gates (son of Wm. Gates) was born in 
Duanesburgh, New York, December 29, 1815; came 
to the second section with his father's family; settled, 
and now lives on lot number nineteen, same section. 
Married a daughter of H. Townsend — Sarah — now 
dead, and for second wife Mrs. L. Belville; is the 
father of Ella E., bornJauuary 6, 1857. 

Chester McClave (son of James McClave, who died 
in Michigan, 1867,) came to the first section, lot 
number one, in May, 1832. Chester was born Deccm- 
19, 1825; married a daughter of Robert White, No- 
vember 13, 1856; is the father of Ida, born November 
23, 1858, and Charles, born June 21, 1859. 

0. G. Remington was born in New York, ;\Iay 28, 
1823; married iliss Fay, of Bronson, July 12, i846; 
came to New London about 1866; erected the first 
steam grist mill in 1861-2, and a brick dwelling on 
Fitchville street, corner of Grant, in 1867. B. F. 
Remington, a son. was born June 6, 1848. 

A. S. Johnson (son of Wm. Johnson) was liorn 
March 29, 1829: married Miss Philotha Townsend, 
daughter of Hosea Townsend, September 24, 1856; 
came into New London 1835: has several times been 
township trustee, and member of the village council; 
is now vice president of the First National bank. 

R. C. Powers. Esi|., Son of Isaac Powers, of 
Rochester, Windsor county. Vermont, was born 
January 23, 1823, and came to New London in Nov- 
ember. 1851. He was first elected justice of the 
peace in April, 1856. Having been elected in October 
following, to the office of i)rosecutiug attorney of 
Huron county, he resigned tlie office of justice of 
peace to take effect January 1. 1857. He filled tlie 
office of prosecuting attorney for two terms; again 
elected justice of the peace in 1864, and has filled it 
ever since. He has been trustee of township, and 
township treasurer. In ii is offices, ami in his practice 



374 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



of the law, he is regarded as honest, energetic and 
competent. 

Lyman Dunks, son of Daniel and Olive Dunks, 
was born in East Mendon, Monroe county, New 



third 




■V'// 



.^'^lef^f?!^ 



Mr, Lyman Dunks. 

York, Feljruary 18, 1812. His father died June 
7, 1826, aged fifty-five years. His mother died 
September 5, 1854, aged sixty-eight years. Mr. L. 
Dunks was married to Almira Williams, Xovember 
26, 1833. They were the parents of seven children — 
five boys and two girls: Monroe, born February 9, 
1837, and was married to Miss Martha Collins, Nov- 
ember 1, 18G4; Albert, born May 4, 1835, and married 
Ellen Russell, .March 16, 18G5; George W., born 
August 12, 1839, and was married to Adaline Murry, 
January 1, 1873; Caroline M., born March 18, 1841, 
and died July 23, 1865; Lyman F., born November 
28, 1846, and died December 7, 1860, \\\ his fourteenth 
year; Mary Sophia, born September 1, 1850, and 
married Jlr. John J. Leindenan, January 1, 1874; 
John N., born June 22, 1854, and died December 22, 
1874, aged twenty years and six months. Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunks came to New London from Jlendon, in 
May, 1837. They bought out William C. Spaulding, 
and yet live on the same farm. Mr. L. Dunks has 
been, and now is township trustee: a kind, honest and 
respected family; are excellent citizens; beloved by 
all. 

Henry C. Washburn, son of Henry Washburn, of 
Greenwich, came to New London in 1850: now lives 
on lot numlier seventeen, fourtli section, and is dis- 
tinguished as a breeder of thoroughbred short-horn 
cattle. 

E. E. Townseiul, son of John Townsend, and grand- 
son of Hosea, married the eldest daughter of Samuel 
Curtiss, and lives on his grandfather's farm. 

A. Peck's wife, who is the daughter of (foorge 
Miner, and granddaughter of A. Miner, of early pio- 



lot 



neer fame, now lives on lot number seventeen, 
section. 

Hiram W. Townsend, son of Hosea, lives c 
twenty, first section. 

Colonel George Bissell and wife, a daughter of S. 
Smith the first town clerk (and now living), resides 
on lot number thirteen, third section. 

Jesse Perkins, an excellent farmer resides on lot 
number two, fourth section (see sketch). 

C. W. Breck, son of L. W. Breck, lives in the vil- 
lage, and is the spicy correspondent of the Norwalk 
Chronicle. 

Among the more prominent inhabitants, residents 
of the township, should be named: B. B. Mead and 
Charles King, trustees of township; Captain A. C. 
Potter, Ambros Ketchum, A. S. Lilley, E. H. Day,^ 

0. S. Merrifield, J. R. Sutton, L. S. Foster, Henry 
Knowlton, S. S. Knowlton, H. D. Barritt, Bushnel 
Post, George W. Foot, John King, A. Miner, Walter 
Sutfin, Joseph Santley, John Cook, George 0. Harry, 

1. L. Waterhouse, Leonard Golding; George Legget 
and Sons, brick and tile manufacturers; C. F. Barry, 
E. P. Barney, Ira Liggitt, S. Kilburn, C. Denham, 
Alexander Gibb, D. N. Bradley, George Jenney, E. 
G. Day, Amos Darbey, Z. Brundage, H. Park. Wil- 
liam Wood and A. w'. Purdy. 



Biographical Sketches. 



ISAAC P. AND TRACY CASE. 

Isaac P. Case and Eunice, his wife, a daughter of 
Zaccheus Tracy, both of New York State, were the 
parents of four children previous to their emigration 
to Ohio, viz: Sophia, Philotlia, Eliza and Tracy. The 
latter, the subject of this sketch, was born in the town 
of Seneca, Ontario county. New York, August 13, 
1806. He came to Ohio, when one year old, with his 
parents. They first located in Cincinnati about 1807, 
and from there went into Champaign county. They 
were not satisfied with this location, and soon after 
arriving there removed to Maumee City, which place 
they were obliged to flee from because of the Indians. 

Isaac P. Case, when the war of 1S12 broke out, 
went into the army as fife major, and served until 
peace was restored, when he returned to Champaign 
county, whither his family had again gone. He came 
to Huron county in 1815 and purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of land in New London, which cost 
him two dollars per acre. His home was then in the 
midst of the forest, which he gradually cleared away, 
his son assisting him after he became old enough. It 
was here that his daugiiter Eunice was l>orn, about 
three years after his settlement. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



375 



Mr. Case was, during the whole of his long career, 
one of the most prominent men in the work of de- 
velojiing th.e rcj^ource!* of the country, and was always 
actively engaged in some labor to advance the inter- 
■ sts of the community. Some idea of the respect 
tliat was entertained foi- him by the people among 
whom he dwelt may be obtained from the fact that he 
was the first justice of the peace elected in the town- 
ship of New London, and that he held the office for 
thirty-five years. He was the first postmaster in the 
village and his sou the second, each of them holding 
the office about four vears. He died in 1851. 




I 



fhnO^ C (^^.d.^ 



Tracy Case was married June 1, 1828, to Emeline, 
daughter of John Kiuipp, and they became the par- 
ents of three children, one son and two daughters: 
Lorinda, Eliza and Isaac P.. two of whom are still liv- 
ing. The oldest daughter died in 1854. Isaac P., 
the son of Tracy Case, was married in 1852 to Mary 
L. Sutfin, and Eliza was married in 1850 to Stewart 
Parker, and moved to Michigan. 

Tracy Case married his second wife, Mrs. Augusta 
M. Stewart, January 24, 18'<'9. 

Mr. Case has held the office of justice of the peace, 
has been twice elected township trustee, and has also 
held the office of township clerk. He has been a 
practitioner of medicine since 1841, ten years of the 
time elap^iiiig since that date having been spent in 
Charlotte, .Michigan. 

The family of which he is a representative was tiie 
second in New London. As such it is identified in an 
important manner with the history and growth of 
this community, and various facts in regard to the 
father and son will be found in the cliapter devoted 
to New London. 



JESSE PERKINS, 

of New London, the son of Hoel Perkins, an early 
settler, has been long and favorably known as a resi- 
dent of the village where he now lives. His father 
(born December IT, 1T04), and his mother, IMary Per- 
kins, (born May 7, 1795), came to Ohio from Greene 
county. New York, in 1835, and first located in the 
township of Fitchville. Two years later tiiey went 
to New Loudon, where they lived until after the 
mother's deatii. June 21t. 1S30. when .Joel Perkins re- 
moved to iliehigan. From that State lie went to 
Iowa, where he died, May 1, 1875. They had ten 
children: Laui-a, Sally, Jesse. Lucy. Harriet, Harman, 
Russell. Amos, Harlow and Ward. 

The subject of this brief biography was born April 
16, 1822, in Greene county. New Y'ork, and was, con- 
sequently, thirteen years of age when he came with 
his parents to Ohio. He grew up under the usual 
circumstances of a farmer's boy, and possessing fairly 
good advantages. Making the most of his opportu- 
nities, he has met with the reward that naturally fol- 
lows, and has been successful in nearly all of the 
affairs of life. He has followed industriously the 
occupation of farming, and also tjie carpenter and 
joiner's trade. The house, of which a view is given 
upon another page, was built by him, upon his farm, 
in 1874. 

Besides his application to his own business affairs, 
Mr. Perkins has given considerable attention to one 
or two public enterprises, and has taken a part in, 
and been occupied to a certain extent, with politics, 
although he is by no means a professional politician 
or seeker of place. He has held office several times 
in the township and corporation lists of New Loudon, 
and since its establishment in 1878 has had the man- 
agement of the grounds of the New London fair asso- 
ciation, which he was instrumental in bringing into 
existence. 

Mr. Perkins married, in 1857, Jeannette Thorn, 
daughter of Alexander and Isabel Thom, natives of 
Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Init then, and since 1837, 
residents of New London. The father, who was born 
February 13, 1791), is still living in Ruggles township, 
Ashland county, and tiie mother. Ijorii March 26, 1798, 
died April 23, 1873. 

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have been tiie parents of five 
children: Darwin, now in Kansas, Albert, Lena, 
Leona and Freddie. Lena Perkins died .Jnlv 7, 1863, 



E. H. CURTISS, 



of New London, is a (piiet. unassuming gentlemnn 
whose life has l)een an eventful one. full of varied ex- 
periences. He was born October 6, 1828, of pioneer 
parents, Cliarles and Jemima Curtiss, at Mendon, 
Monroe county. New York. His parents lived for a 
short time in Rochester, and tifen retui'tiinir to the 



376 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



old farm at Lester. New York, remained there until 
their son was four years of age when they removed to 
Ruggles. Mr. and Mrs. Curtiss lived there all of their 
lives, and the subject of this sketch remained with 
them until he was twenty-two years of age, receiving 
his book education in the common district schools of 
the township, and his physical development upon the 
homestead farm. When he turned his back upon 




Mr. E, H. Curtiss. 

home, and went out into the world to seek his own 
fortune, he took up his residence in Wisconsin, and 
followed for short periods several callings, but finally 
settled down into the study of the daguerreotyping 
trade, in which he soon became proficient. He re- 
mained in Wi.sconsin, applying himself to his chosen 
occupation until 1857, when he became anxious to see 
more of life, and particularly those phases so well 
represented in the then young and undeveloped State 



of Kansas. In company with several others, he made 
the journey by wagon, and finding a location favor- 
able to his business, determined to take up his resi- 
dence there. This he did in the following winter, 
after a trip l)ack to Wisconsin. He followed his trade 
of picture making in Rock county, and remained 
there tlirough the troublous time of the great drouth 
and famine, and through the e.xciting days that pre- 
ceded the breaking out of the rebellion. 

In 1861 he went into the union army, not to secure 
bounty, or with any idea of personal advantage, but 
because he regarded it as his duty, enlisting in com- 
pany F., ninth regiment, Kansas cavalry. He was 
engaged most of the time on the detached service, 
scouting duty, and the various lines of warfare 
common to the frontier, but participated in some large 
battles, such as those of Locust Grove, Honey Springs. 
(Indian Territory), Prairie Grove, (in Arkansas), and 
others. He was promoted, after two years' service, 
to the captaincy of company G., second regiment, 
Kansas colored infantry, and i-emained in this regi- 
ment for one year, when he received an honorable 
discharge from the service. Upon leaving the army, 
he visited the scenes with which he was familiar iu 
Ohio, Wisconsin and Kansas, and was married in the 
last mentioned State, at Xeosho Falls, to Martha E., 
daughter of William Phillips. He then went to 
Wisconsin, and engaged in the photographing busi- 
ness: went to Iowa; then resided for two years in 
New London. At the expiration of that period, Mr. M 
Curtiss again went to Kansas, where he engaged in 
milling. It was while living here that his wife died — 
May, 1871 — and that he sutfered the loss of his child. 
Notwithstanding his double affliction, Mr. Curtiss 
remained in this, then desolate, place until 1875, 
when he went back to Wisconsin. He lived there 
until April, 1877, when he again became a resident of 
New London, where he has since lived, among the 
few who are left of his boyliood friends. 



LYME 



XAME. 

-Major Joseph Stroxc; stood sponsor at tlie cliris- 
tfinug of the towuship whose liistorv is l)rietiy outlined 
ill tiie following iiarnitive, while the county commis- 
sioners, on the 10th day of September, 1819, per- 
formed the priestly functions, and by weight of 
otficial authority gave to the new-born child the name 
of Lyme, in honor of Lyme, Connecticut. There 
was evidently rhythm in this name for the early set- 
tlers of old Connecticut: for in Xew London comity 
there are three townships that bear the appellation — 
Lyme, Old Lyme, and East Lyme, while at the mouth 
of the beautiful Connecticut river, on the eastern 
bank of that stream and on the Shore Line Railroiid 
from New York to Boston, stands the town of Lyme. 
Lyme, Ohio, can trace its lineage through this town 
<ni the Connecticut back to Old England, on the 
south coast of which is situated the city of Lyme- 
Regis. From Lyme, England, to Lyme, Connecti- 
cut, came, more than two centuries ago (in lO(JG), a 
sturdy, strong-minded, resolute people, and gave the 
Xew England town a moral and intellectual charac- 
ttT it has ever since retained, and which its western 
namesake in no small degree inherited. It was while 
Major Strong was a guest at the McCurdy man- 
sion in Lyme, Connecticut, that he resolved to fix the 
name to his home township. Richard McCurdy, of 
wiioiii Major Strong purchased a large tract of land 
in this locality, made the latter's stay while in 
r^yme so jileasant that the Major, pleased with his 
host and the beautiful village on the banks of the 
Connecticut, resolved that he would have the town- 
>liip's name changed to Lyme upon his return. This 
was done in 1810, as above stated. Prior to this time 
the township was known as Wlieatsborough, in honor 
of a Mr. Wheat, who owned large tracts of land in 
I owns four and five of the twenty-foiirtii range, v 

OKIGIXAI. PKOPUlETOHSHIl'. 

In the following table afe given: (1) in tiie left 
liand column, the names of those original sufferers 
whose claims were satisfied in lands of this township, 
with the amount of each one's loss computed in 
pounds, shillings and pence; (2) in the right hand 
I olumn are the names, of those who by inheritance or 
oiherwise came into possession of the original claims 
:i> adjusted, and to whom the lands of the township 
were awarded by lot. For a ilescription of the mode 
of partition the reader is referred to the general 
history: 



LYME, TOWy Xr.MIiEK KOfR, IN RA X(i E TWENTY- 
FDUli. 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 
Original Granfees. Am't Loss. 

£ s. d. 

Benj. Chester, ex'r 300 15 

Ichabod Pi)wers 6S0 s u 
Winthrop Salton- 

stall 1181 16 8 

Jeremiah Miller i;535 18 10 

Footing of Classifleation No. 1, £1,»M 
Classification No. 2, Section 3. 



Classijied by. 


Am't classed. 




£ 


s. d. 


Abishai Woodward 


W 


15 5 




413 


3 


WiDthrop Salton 






stall 


497 


16 5 


Moses Warner 


iti 


13 3 



Origtnat fri-aatees. Am't Loss. 


Classified by . 


Am 


( Classed . 


£ s. 


d 




£ 


s. d. 


Nathaniel Saltonstall 146 9 


6 


Picket Lattimer 


m 


19 lU 


John Gordon 1 16 


3 






14 llH 


John Hempstead and 










others 30 18 





Daniel Bill 


30 


18 


John McCurdy 1138 16 


8 


Richard McCurdy 


130 


14 10 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,344 



(! II 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 
Original Grantees. Am't Loss. Classijied by. Am't Classed. 





£ s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Picket Lattimer 


565 7 


8 


Picket Lattimer 


505 


7 


8 


Richard Chapman 


73 1 


«H 


" " 


73 


1 


6^ 


Peler Lattimer 


317 1 


6 




53 


16 


11 


Joanna Beebe 


236 3 


6 


" *' 


118 


1 


3 


Roger Gibson 


884 . 18 


6 


,t t, 


443 


9 


3 


Nathaniel Saltonstall 146 " 9 


6 




93 


10 


^H 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 
Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


Am 


( Loss. 


Cla.ssified by. 




Am't Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Moses Warren 


and 


£ 


s. 


d. 


William Leeds 


360 


7 


8 


Abishai Woodward 360 


7 


8 


Elizabeth Christopher 49 


4 


6 






49 


4 


6 


Joseph Collins 


41 





9 


i. t. 




41 





9 


George ( iibbs 


31 


7 





» it 




21 


7 





Joseph Holt 


2 


12 


11 


" " 




.1 


13 


11 


Lyilia Harris 


60 


3 


11 


" 




60 


3 


11 


James Holt 


21 


18 


6 


" " 




21 


18 


6 


David Richards 


1 


4 


9 


>i t, 




1 


4 


9 


John Shepherd 


76 


14 





*, 1, 




76 


14 





Peter Pe ry 


9 


18 





" tl 




9 


18 





Edward Tinker 


35 


15 


9 


" " 




35 


15 


9 


Mary Rogers 


8 


13 









8 


13 













Winthrop Salton- 








WinthropSaltonstal 


1181 


16 


8 


stall 




116 


10 


3 


Jeremiah Miller 


3.T.36 


IS 


10 


Abishai Woodward 202 


13 


2 


Ben.i. Chester & ex" 


r 300 


13 





*• *' 




139 


12 


1 


William Rogers 


18 


3 





" " 




18 


3 





Chapman Simmond 


- 23 


18 





" " 




23 


18 





Jeremiah Miller 








" " 




8 


14 


53i 




3535 


18 


iii 


John S. MiUer 




144 


10 



[ 



48 



Footing of Classification No. 4 £1,344 7 

Thus it will be seen that the persons named in liie 
rigiit hand column are those who first came into pos- 
session of the lands in Lyme township, and that each 
section was purchased Ijy them for one thousaml three 
hundred and forty-four pounds seven shillings, New 
England currency; or, expressed in dollars and cents, 
four thousand four hundred and eighty-one dollars 
and sixteen cents. The original value of the four 
sections of Lyme township was therefore seventeen 
thousand nine hundred and twenty-four dollars and 
sixty-four cents. 

(377) 



378 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



SETTLEMENT. 



4 



The history of the settlement of the west is of con- 
stantly recurring interest. The enterprise, intre- 
pedity and self-denial of the pioneers who left the 
comforts and privileges of their eastern homes and 
came to the Fire-lands, then a far-off region, asso- 
ciated in the minds of civilized people with savage 
wild beasts and Indians, must always command our 
highest respect and admiration. They endured hard- 
ships and privations without number, not for their own 
advantages merelj- — for they well knew that old age 
would steal upon them long before they should enjoy 
the fruits of their toil — but for their children and their 
children's children, that to them they might leave a 
goodly heritage. The most of those truly, but un- 
consciously, heroic men and women, have long rested 
from their labors, but the good they accomplished 
remains, the blessings they secured and transmitted 
endure, and are now the precious legacy of a happy, 
posperous and intelligent posterity. 

Scattering settlements had been made in all the 
townships along the hike siiore prior to the war of 
1813; but the sun*ender of Detroit by General Hull, 
exposed that portion of country to the ravages of 
the enemy, that a general exodus of the settlers, 
southward, followed, and it remained almost entirely 
denuded of inhabitants until the signal victories, on 
both land and water, of the forces of the United 
States, rendered it safe for the former residents to 
return to their abandoned and, in many cases, runied 
homes. 

Tire early settlement of Lyme, like that of most of 
her sister townships, was never very rapid. Much of 
the land was owned by minor heirs, and entangled 
with unsettled estates; more had been bought up by 
speculators and held by them at either so high a fig- 
ure as to greatly retard immigration, or not oflei'ed 
for sale at all; and besides all this, government land 
adjoining, so soon as it came into market, could be 
had for less than half the \mce generally at which the 
Fire-lands' tracts were held. 

The first settler was Conrad Hawks, who penetrated 
the thick woods of Lyme in the year 1808. His lo- 
cation was in the northeast corner of the. township 
on the farm afterwards so long occupied by John F. 
Adams. He remained in the township about ten 
years, when he removed to Green Springs, Seneca 
county. 

In 1809, Michael Widner and John Stull moved in 
and settled near the location of the Episcopal church, 
the land they occupied being now owned by the heirs 
of the late Richard L. McCurdy. Although these 
families appear to have had but a brief residence in 
the township, they may nevertheless properly be 
called settlers, since they made a settlement in fact, 
and with the evident intention of remainino-. 

In the spring of 1811, Asa Sherwood came (pre- 
sumat)ly) from Homer, Courtland county. New York, 
and settled in that portion "of the township since 



called the Sherwood prairie, near the northwest cor- 
ner. Two or three years afterwards he moved to lot 
number four, in the second section, the place now 
owned by Calvin Barnard. The change of location 
was made because of the overflow of his land in his 
former location in wet seasons, tlie water rising from 
the ground and submerging it to a considerable 
depth. Sherwood resided on the Barnard place until 

1832, when he removed to La Grange, Indiana. 

The first family that settled on the ridge was that 
of George Ferguson, who arrived in December, 1811. 
He located on the north line, and resided there until 

1833, when he removed to Michigan. 

In 1811, Major Joseph Strong came from Manlius, 
Onondaga county. New York, and, with other gen- 
tlemen, purchased eighteen hundred acres of land in 
what now are Lyme and Groton townships. He 
returned to the east and the next year came out 
with two sons, Nathan and Leicester. They took up 
their abode in a block house, on the bank of the 
creek where the stone mill and distillery were after- 
wards built, and remained there for about two years, 
when Major Strung returned for tiie rest of his family, 
with whom he arrived in 1815. He located on three 
hundred and thirty five acres of land, in tract number 
one, in the first section of Groton. where Samuel 
Nims now lives. He died in the year 1835. His 
wife died a few years after their settlement. Their 
son. Colonel Nathan Strong, married Harriet L'nder- 
hill, daughter of Major David Underbill, of Ridge- 
field, and settled in the northeast corner of the first 
section of Groton, where, with his brother, Leicester, 
he carried on a large farm. He finally removed to 
Illinois, where he afterwards died. Hi.* widow, now 
over eighty years of age, lives'with her brother, Isaac 
Underbill, near Norwalk. Leicester Strong died un- 
married. One son of Major Strong, L. E. Strong, 
was formerly a resident of Plymouth, Ohio, and two 
others and a daughter lived in the west. Joseph, Jr., 
died in the early years of tiie family's settlement. 

Charles Rash came in soon after Major Strong, and 
lived with the family for a while, and then made his 
home with John Baker and family for two years, and 
subsequently with others. He first purchased land 
on lot number sixteen in the third section of Lyme, 
wlierc Titus F. Beebe lived at a later date, and a part 
of the land is still owned by the family. He after- 
wards exchanged this farm with Major Sti-ong for one 
hundred acres on the ridge. In 1850, his brother, 
Livy, came out, and the next year the brothers erected 
a house on the place, into which Hiram Baker and his 
mother moved, and kept house for them for some 
time. 

In the winter of 1814, Captain Zadoc Strong 
moved in, and fixed his residence on lot number two, 
west of his brother, Major Strong. Stephen Russell, 
a son of Captain Strong's wife, came at the same 
time, and settled just west of the present burying 
ground on the ridge. Captain Strong died without 
issue, his wife surviving him a number of years. Mr. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



379 



Russell's first wife was Dolly Boise whom he married 
in Courtlaiid county, New York. She died in Lyme. 
August 7, 1831, leaving five children — two sons and 
three daughters, surviving lier, as follows: Rufus B., 
Joseph S., Sarah, Dolly and Samantha. Rufus B. 
Russell marrieil Betsey Xims. daughter of Samuel and 
Mahala Xims, and was the father of three children- 
Frederick, Carrie and Julia. Mr. Russell was an ex- 
tensive stock dealer, and one of the active business 
men of tiie county for many years. He was killed in 
.Vpril, 1870. by tiie supposed accidental discharge of 
his gun in getting over a fence while hunting. 
Joseph S. was a farmer and fruit raiser for a number 
of years in Lyme, but sold out in 18T0. and removed 
to Oberlin to educate his children. Saraii became the 
wife of William Cowle, and Nancy, the wife of B. F. 
Strong, and Ijutli are ni.)W deceased. Dolly died un- 
married. 

In 1815, about the close of the war, Francis Strong 
and John Baker, a brother-in-law of the Strongs, 
came in from New York with their families and set- 
tled on the ridge, the former locating on lot number 
twelve, section three, a little west of where the Ridge 
meeting house now stands, and Baker on the east 
half of lot number nine, same section, about a mile 
west of Strong. Mr. Strong died January, 1845, 
aged seventy-five, and Mrs. Strong April 10, 185-1, 
aged seventy-eight. He was twice married, and was 
the father of nine children. 

Asahel and Lyman purchased seventy acres on the 
west part of their father's lot, number twelve, and 
resided there until 1827 or '28, when they sold to 
Jarvis Stebbins and bought a few acres of Stephen 
Russell. Lyman Strong, subsequently, in connection 
with John K. Campbell, opened a store at Russell's 
Corners. He was afterwards for a year or two in the 
service of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati rail- 
road, but finally went to Cleveland and established 
~ marble works there, in which he has.ac(iuircd a fine 
I property. Asahel Strong* in 1841 or '42, sold to 
William Cowle, and, after brief residence in different 
i plac^(ijal;i'j settled in Cleveland, where he afterwards 
' dieir Curtis was injured mentally by sickness when 
young, from which condition he never recovered. 
1 He died December 19, 1870. Tiie daughters were 
Salina, who became the wife of Deacon Joseph S. 
Pierce, and died April 25, 1839; Susan, now Mrs. 
William Holton, of Lyme; Mary Ann, who married 
James I). Collins, and died December. 1840; and two 
others, Mrs. Wel)ster and Mrs. Sowers, both deceased. 
John Baker was born near Boston, Massachusetts, 
in the year 1705. He received an injury wliile assist- 
ing in the raising of a log house in York township, 
December 15/ 1817, wJiich resulted in his death the 
following day. He was a man of g0(jd natural ability, 
and of much excellence of character, and was oiu' of 
the ten original members of the Presbyterian cburcii 
of Lyme, organized in July, 1817. Mr. Baker was 
the father of lliram Baker, who was l)orn at Homer. 
Cortland county. New York, in the year 179s. I'pon 



the death of his father, Hiram found himself, at the 
early age of eighteen, charged with the management 
of the farm and the sujiport of himself and mother, 
and plans which he had formed for obtaining an 
education had to be given up. Owing to hard times 
and various misfortunes, he was soon obliged to sell 
the farm his father had Iwught, getting some advance 
u]ion cost for improvements. Another piece of land 
was {nireiuised on Butternut ridge, and a house put 
up, into which Mr. Baker and his mother moved in 
midwinter, wliile it was still in an unfinished c<jndition. 
The liardshi]is of that winter can better be imagined 
than described. 

Mechanics of all kinds, but more especially shoe- 
makers, being scarce, Mr. Baker exercised the inge- 
nuity which he posessed in no ordinary degree, in 
teaching himself the art of cobbling, making awls out 
of fork tines, whittling out his own ])egs, and using 
other rude tools that were at hand. He soon became 
expert in making the stoga shoes worn in those rough 
days. He could make two pairs a day. Men would 
come a long distance, bringing their leather, and 
cheerfully give a hard day's work for the manufacture 
of a pair of shoes. In this way he cleared his farm, 
and got it under a good state of cultivation. 

Slioemaking being profitable, he at length sold his 
farm and moved to Bellevue — then known as Anis- 
den's Corners, — purchased a lot, put up a shop, em- 
ployed a jonrneyinan from whom he learned the art 
of cutting and making boots, and so went into the 
boot and shoe business quite extensively. By economy, 
thrift, and good management, he acquired a nice 
property, surrounding his later years with comfort 
and plenty. He died December 17, 1874, at the ripe 
age of seventy-six years and a few months. 

In 1826, Mr. Baker married Mary Ann Forbes, of 
whom he had three children: Arabella, Henry, and 
Hiram F. The latter is editor and proprietor of the 
Load yews. He is an enterprising publisher, and is 
meeting with deserved success. Mr. Baker's first 
wife dying in 1835, he afterwards married Catharine 
Hagaman, daughter of John Ilagaman, of Palmyra, 
New York. Of this marriage two children were 
born — John H. and David A. The last named was 
killed during the war of the rebellion, near Peters- 
burgh, Virginia. 

In 1810, Abner Strong joined the little colony of 
brothers on the ridge, from whom it took the name 
"Stronifs ridge." He settled on the place afterwards 
occupied by Orrin Dole, and which is now occupied 
by his son Edwin. After the death of Mr. Strong, 
in 1859, his sons resided on the place, and of whom 
Mr. Dole, Sr., purchased it. Pelatiah. the oldest son 
of Abner Strong, lives near Blooniingville. Erie 
county, and is old and very intirin. 

In the year 1810, Captain Mark Hopkins settled on 
lot number seven, where, subsequently, A. J. Morse 
residetl. The farm has since been divided, and is 
owned by several individuals. 

What is known as the "Woodward Settlement." in 



'/ 



380 



HISTOEY OF HITKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the fourth section, was commenced in the spring of 
1817, b}- William and Giirdon Woodward. Their 
father, Abishai Woodward, of New London, Connec- 
ticut, became the owner, by purchase, of the claims of 
the "Sufferers," of some some four thousand acres of 
land in sections one and four, of this townshiiJ. The 
brothers, William and Gurdon, came from Whites- 
town, New York, to Huron in the fall of 1816. and 
remained through the winter with George and Jere- 
miah Sheffield, who removed thither from New Lon- 
don, Connecticut, a short time previous. The next 
spring thej- took possession of their land, erecting a 
cabin, and for two years kejst bachelors' hall. At the 
ex]»iration of this time, the brothers returned to New 
Y''ork State: were married, and removed to their 
estates. William's wife died soon after his arrival. 
He married, for his second wife, Susan Sparrow, and 
subsequently removed to Louisiana. A sketch of the 
life of Gurdon may elsewhere be found. 

Amos Woodward and family came to Lyme in 18"»i0. 
and took up his location a short distance east of his 
brother Gurdou, on lot four, which continued to be 
his home until his death, A sketch of his life is 
likewise elsewhere given. 

Sanauel Sparrow's family came with Amos Wood- 
ward's, in 1820, making a settlement on the Wood- 
ward tract. Mrs. Sparrow, who was the daughter of 
Dr. Roe. an eminent physician of Dublin, Ireland, 
died about two years after the family's lyrival in 
Lyme. She was a woman of rare worth, and i\Ir. 
Sparrow is said to have been a man of much intelli- 
gence, but possessed of some eccentric qualities. Their 
children were William, Edward, Thomas, Susan and 
Anna. William graduated at Kenyon College, and 
was for many years a professor in that institution of 
learning, and rose to high eminence as an instructor. 
Susan became the wife of William Woodward, and 
Anna the wife of Mr. Mitchell. The Mitchells were 
for a time residents of Lyme. A son, Henry, is now 
a citizen of Norwalk, and a daughter, Mary, who 
has inherited the best qualities, both of mind and 
heart, of her illustrious ancestors, resides with her 
mother in Mount Vernon, Ohio. 

At the time of their settlement in Lyme, William 
and Gurdon Woodward were joined by George and 
Jeremiah She-ffield, and all four enjoyed together 
their baccalaureate freedom for about two years, the 
latter being with them only a part of the time. The 
Sheffields were born and brought up in aiid about 
New London, Connecticut, amid the people who suf- 
fered most from the raids of British soldiery. George 
Sheffield, the elder of these two brothers, at the age 
of twenty-three, in the year 1809, came to Berlin, 
near the mouth of Huron river, where he had secured 
a piece of land. He returned the same fall, reaching 
liome just in time to see his father die. In 181.3 he 
married Betsey, daughter of Abishai Woodward, and 
sister of the late Gurdon Woodward, at New London, 
Connecticut. Having decided to move to Ohio, in 
1816 he sent forward his goods on a wagon, drawn by 



a yoke of oxen and u span of horses, driven by his 
))rother Jeremiah and a man by the name of Buckley. 
Then himself, wife and one child, the present George 
W. Sheffield, now residing in Bellevue, Ohio, followed 
on in a two-wheeled carriage. The latter party, ar- 
riving at Dunkirk, found the journey so fatiguing 
that he loaded family, horse and chaise upon a vessel 
and landed, in due time, at the mouth of the Huron, 
safe and sound. Another child, Betsey, was born 
there, after which his wife, affected by the malaria of 
the new country, never fully recovered. She died 
that same fall. 

In 1819 he was again married to Thursa Baker, sis- 
ter of the late Hiram Baker, and resided on his farm 
in the Woodward tract until 1833, when he removed 
to Norwalk. Vai'ious fortunes and misfortunes befell 
Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, for the record of which we 
regret that we have not sufficient space. The saddest 
of these, however, was the burning of their home, 
about two years after their marriage, in which they 
not only lost nearly all their household stuff, but the 
little girl. Betsey, then about five years old, and a lad 
of fourteen, named Harris, whom they had taken to 
bring up, perished in the flames. This calamity left 
Mr. Sheffield almost completely broken up. The 
neighbors, however, turned in with generous heaits 
and vigorous hands to relieve their necessities. They 
helped him put up another house, which he occupied 
for several years. In 1833 he was chosen treasurer of 
Huron county. 

The year 183-4 will long be remembered as the one 
signalized by the first visit of that fearful scourge, 
the cholera, to tJiis country. On the 20th of August, 
in that year, the wife of Mr. SheQjeld was taken with 
that fearful disease, and died in a few hours. The 
old family Bible contains a record of her death in his 
own hand writing. On the 22d he was himself taken 
with the same disease, and died just after midnight 
on the 'i'Sd. 

The children by his first wife were George W. and 
Betsey, the little girl who perished in the fire; by his 
second wife, James K.. who died in early boyhood, 
Betsey, James F., Sarah and Edward. 

George W., the eldest son, is a resident of Bellevue, 
where he leads a retired life, devoted to his interest- 
ing family and his church, the Protestant Episcopal, 
in which he is senior warden. He married Lucy, 
daughter of Gurdon Woodward, who died in Septem- 
ber, 1865. His children are: Mary, who married 
Henry Bramwell and lives in Lincoln. Illinois; 
George, who is a promising young lawyer, residing in 
Boston, Massachusetts: Rachel: Julia, who married 
Mr. Oliver, of Norwalk. Ohio; James, and Lucy. 

Jeremiah Sheffield, after remaining here a short 
time, returned to Connecticut, where he subsequently 
married a daughter of Dr. Holmes, and with his fam- 
ily came to Lyme in 1826 and settled in the first sec- 
tion. After a short residence there he purchased the 
Tabor tract, in the south part of the fourth section of 
Groton. On this he lived until 18.54, when lie bought 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



381 



a part of lot number seven in the second section of 
Lyme, erecting liis house a sliort distance west of 
Lemuel Moses", wliere lie resided until his death in 
ISCO. 

In 1833 he was married, the second time, to Jeru- 
sha Jackson, of Bucyrus, Crawford county. She 
still survives, enjoying a hale and cheerful old age, 
being one of those active spirits who prefer to "wear 
out rather tiian rust out." She bore to Mr. Sheffield 
seven children. — Iris, John, Cornelia, William, Al- 
bert, Edwin and Jennie, of whom the second and the 
last two mentioned reside in Bellevue. Jennie is the 
wife of James Miller, attorney-at-law, and Edwin is 
the cashier of the Bellevue Bank, the duties of which 
office he has discharged with great credit to himself 
and with marked success for the bank, since the date 
of its organization; John is in the real estate Imsiness. 

That part of the fourth section known as the Salton- 
stall tract, compi'ised four lots of ninety acres each, 
numbers seventeen, eighteen, nineteen and twenty. 
The first lot at the west end of the tract lying on the 
county line, was first settled by Eli Smith; the next 
by Oliver C. Polly and John Clemmons: the third by 
George (jamble, and the fourth by L. Young. 

Gurdon Williams came into the township, and pur- 
chased as early as 1817, nearly a thousand acres across 
the south side of the fourth section. He subsequently 
brought in a stock of goods, and opened a store in a 
log house near the south line, which he continued for 
several years, when he removed to Syracuse, New 
York. This Williams' tract was sold out in parcels 
to German settlers, among whom were Jacob and 
Adam Weikle. Peter Arth, Christian Lepley, Charles, 
Henry and Philip Bolleubacher, Henry Studt and 
Peter Heimbach. 

Jacob Goodrich and family, in 1817, settled on lot 
number twenty-two in tiie third section, on the place 
now owned by Spencer W. Boise, where he lived for 
many years, and then moved to the west. John 
Seelye, a young man, came in with Mr. Goodrich, re- 
mained a few years, and then went to some State 
farther west. 

John F. Adams and family came in the spring of 
1818, from Pultney. Vermont, and had as fellow- 
travelers from Granville, New York, Asaph Cooke 
and family, who settled at what has since been called 
Cooke's corners. Mr. Adams located on the north- 
east corner lot of this township. His wife, Betsey, 
died in the fall of ISl'.t, and he sul)seiiueiitly married 
Chloe Cooke, daughter of Asaph Cooke. She died in 
April, 1847, and Mr. Adams married for his third 
wife, Cal-oline Selover, in 1849. In 1800, he re- 
moved to Milan where he died. 

In the fall of 1818, James Hamilton, from Gran- 
ville, New York, settled on the south line of Groton 
township near Mr. Adams'. His wife died in the fall 
of 1819, and a few years afterward he removed to 
Monroeville. Hn was the father of seven children — 
six sons and a daughter. They were an intelligent 
and enterprising family. One son was a merchant in 



Buffalo, another in Milan, another in Monroeville, 
and two in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Two were farmers. 

The first settlement at Hunt's Corners was made 
in the southeast part by several families named 
Sutton, and the locality has since been known as the 
"Sutton Settlement," or Hunt's Corners. Levi Sut- 
ton, a native of Virginia, bargained for the Moses 
Warren tract, consisting of eleven hundred and ten 
acres, for one thousand dollars, and came on and took 
possession in the fall of 1811. He made a small im- 
provement and then returned to his family, then living 
in Thorn, Perry county, Ohio. At the commence- 
ment of the war of 1812, he, with his brother, Moses, 
went into the army where, for two years, he was 
engaged in hauling supplies. In 1814, he moved to 
his purchase in Lyme, erected his house on lot num- 
ber five, where he resided until his death, October 5, 
1852. Mrs. Sutton died in August, 187.5. At the 
close of the war, Moses Sutton, with his four sons: 
Pliilip, Isaac. Levi and Moses, returned to Lyme, 
where they made a settlement, with the exception of 
Philip, who settled in Muscash. The Suttons failed 
to pay for all of the land which they first bargained 
for, and from an old map it a]ipears that A. Latham, 
Joel Clark, Simon Raymond and .Joel Barton suc- 
ceeded to the ownership of the eastern part of the 
tract, while Betsey Latham, Elon Phay, J. and W. G. 
Sargent. John Barton, Romeo Bassett and John Crull, 
took the western and the north part of the central 
portion of the tract, leaving the Suttons about three 
hundred acres in the soutliern and central portions 
of the original purchase. 

The children of Levi Sutton are as follows: Wil- 
liam, who married Catherine Phoenix, and now lives 
in Texas; Daniel, who died young; Elisha D,, who 
married Effie Lane. She died, and he has re-married. 
He is still living. Philip married Caroline Clark, and 
lives in New Haven, this county, Alfred married 
Sally A. Clark, and now lives on the old homestead. 
Clarissa married Ebenezer Inscho, and lives in Wood 
county, Ohio. Sarah Ann married Thomas Clark, 
and lives in Groton township, Erie county. Jackson 
died young. Ira married Sylvia Campbell, and li\'es 
in Groton. Levi married Caroline Barnes, and lives 
in Venice, Seneca county. Cynthia Ann died young. 
Ml'. Sutton built a saw mill on Frink run soon after 
his settlement. This was the first saw mill in the 
township, or for some nules around. He passed his 
life in farming. 

Hiel Hunt first came to t)liio in 1810. remained at 
Venice about two years, and assisted in building the 
first mills there. He then located at Monroeville, 
but two years afterward went to Knox county, where 
he followed the trade of millwright for a few years, 
when he came to the first section of Lyme, and settled 
at the corners which still bears his name. He is still 
living on liis original location, iiiiiety-eiglit years of 
age, an intelligent and respected old man. 

West of the corners, there lived at an early day, the 
following named settlers and their families, to wit: 



382 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



John Schock, on lots sixteen, seventeen, twenty-two 
and thirt3'-four; Jolui Sawyer, on lot twenty-three; 
Mary Lee, on twenty-four: Stephen Bassett, on 
twenty-five; Levi Lee, on twenty-six; Roswell R. 
Beetle, on twenty-seven; Oeorge W. Mallett, on twenty- 
eight; Hector Lee, on twenty-nine and thirty; Dudley 
Avery, on thirty-fiye, and Thaddeus Brooks on thirty- 
sis. 

Daniel Miller came into this part of the township 
about the year 1819, but being unable to pay for his 
land, was soon succeeded by Romeo Bassett. Bassett, 
a few years after, opened a store, mortgaging his farm 
to pay for his goods. His enterprise proved a failure, 
which, not improbably, hastened his death, which 
occurred soon after. 

In 1834, Joseph Wood came from England, and 
settled on a farm near the north and south section 
line. Mr. Wood's has been rather an eventful life, 
and we append a brief notice of it : He was born in 
Staffordshire, England, in the year 1809. His parents, 
Thomas and Hannah (Gould) Wood, were natives of 
that part of the country, and his ancestors, as far 
back as record or tradition extends, were farmers. 
He thus '"came honestly by" that talent and aptitude 
for his calling, which have given him such marked 
success as a cultivator of the soil in his adopted 
country. His father died when he was but ten \'ears 
old, leaving him, the only son, with his mother, to 
carry on the farm. After seven years of widowhood, 
she married again, and removed to another part of 
the country, where she died in 1875, at the ripe age 
of eighty-six. 

On the 2.5th of October, 1830, he was married to 
Martha Hulme, at Alstonfield, in his native county, 
where her ancestors had lived for several generations, 
and where her father died after he had passed his 
ninety-third year. Soon after his marriage he began 
to think of joining the great tide of emigration to 
the new world. His wife consenting, they set sail 
in the month of October, 1833. This was before the 
time of steamships, and fifty eight days — weary days 
of watching and waiting amid the monotony of ship 
life — were spent in crossing the ocean. This was 
about four times as long as is now required to accom- 
plish the trip. They lande<l in New York in Jan- 
uary, 1834:. 

Not being under any necessity of making an imme- 
diate settlement, he determined to take "a good 
look" before deciding ujion his location. With this 
object in view, he we'.'t from New York to Philadel- 
phia, to Baltimore and Fredericktown, in Maryland, 
"staging it " across the Allegheny mountains to Pitts- 
burgh; thence down the Ohio river to Cincinnati. 
Finding nothing which quite satisfied him, he took 
the stage to Huron county, where he had a friend 
living. Here he decided to settle, and brought his 
family, consisting of his wife and one child, in April, 
1834. He purchased a farm of about three hundred 
acres, four miles southeast of Bellevue. This consti- 
tuted liis home for nearly five vcars. when he sold a 



part of it and took his family back on a visit to the 
dear old home in '' Merrie England." They started 
from Cincinnati on Christmas Day, 1839, on board a 
sailing vessel, by way of New Orleans, arriving at 
Liverpool April 33, 1840. 

The next year he returned to Cincinnati, and the 
spring of 1842 found him again in Huron county, 
located on a farm which he had purchased near 
Hunt's Corners, and which constituted his home for 
thirty years. During these years he visited the old 
country six times more, making in all fifteen times 
that he has crossed the " big pond " in safety. Dur- 
ing his last visit but one, ten years ago, he was in- 
vited to address a public meeting, called to consider 
the question of emigration, but not being a public 
speaker, he compromised with his friends by embody- ^j 
ing his views on America in a well-written article, ' ' 
which was extensively published and eagerly read on 
both sides of the ocean. 

In 1872, he sold his farm and came to Bellevue, , . 
putting up a very fine residence on West Main street, 41 
where he now enjoys a green old age in comfort, 
peace, and plenty. \ 

In religion, Mr. Wood has always been a warm ad- 
herent to the Church of England, and to her lineal 
descendant, the Episcopal Church of this country. 
He was one of the founders, and has long been a 
warden, of Trinity Church, Lyme. 

He has had eight children, only four of whom 
(Julia Ann, Thomas H., Louisa Mary and James 
Barnes) are now living. These are all happily mar- 
ried and settled, and all reside in this immediate 
vicinity, except the first named, who lives in Michigan. 

On the county line, south of Bellevue, the earliest 
settlers were John Miller, Henry Bradbrook and 
Gidedn J. Mallory. Miller located about half a mile 
south of Bellevue, just east of the former residence of 
Abishai Woodward. His old frame house, now unoc- 
cupied, is still standing. The location of Henry 
Bradbrook was a short distance farther south, on the 
same lot (number five). Mallory located just south 
of Bradbrook. 

On the Monroe road, southeast of Bellevue. were 
originally John Moore, Henry Common and John 
Benn. Benn kept a tavern on tli.e corners where tiie 
Monroeville road intersects the turnpike. Fartiier 
east, in the second section, near the northwest corner 
of R. L. McCurdy's land, was a jiioneer dwelling, but 
who was the builder or the first occupant, the writer 
is unable to state. The family of Steidien Sawyer 
lived there at an early date. Still farther east, in 
the same direction, near where the Episcopal Church 
now stands, was the small log cabin of Ralph Bacon, 
a butcher, who lived there several years. 

E])hraim B. Morey became a resident of Lyme in 
1820 or '21, removing from Connecticut. He settled 
on lot number three, in section four, where he resided 
until his death in 1868. He hiid four sons: Daniel, 
Rouse, George and Giles, and one daughter, Emily, 
now Mrs. Eugene Smith. Daniel settled on the turn- 



II 



HISTORY OF UURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



383 



pike a few miles south of Sandusky City, where he 
now lives; Rouse, where he now resides on the south 
part of lot numl)er five; George, first on the north 
part of his father's farm, but now lives southeast of 
Norwalk, in Norwalk township; Giles is deceased. 

Shadrach Ilusted and several sons settled north of 
IIunt"s corners, ou lot number one, about the year 
1821. Ilis death was caused by a fish bone lodging 
:n his' throat. His son Alonzo occupies the south 
part of the farm. 

Dr. Stephens came about 1822, and pui-chased lot 
nine. He sold the east half to Francis Holton, about 
1832 or 1833, soon after which he died. His son, 
Jacob, sold to Alvah Nickersou, who occupied it 
until 180T, or 'G8, and then sold to Wm. Holton. 

George Hanford came in 182-1, and purchased the 
south j)art of lot thirteen, on Strong's ridge, on 
which he built and resided for about ten years, when 
he sold and removed to Sandusky county. 
' In the year 1823, Samuel Bemiss and his sons. 
Elijah and Rodney, with others, came from Onondaga 
county, New York, and at first took up their abode 
with the Rash brothers. They subsequently pur- 
chased and settled on east part of the Strong tract, 
^ where some of the family have since resided. 

Richard L. McCurdy, son of one of the original 
owners, came from Lyme, Connecticut, to Ohio, in the 
spring of 1823. He first stopped in Bazetta, Trum- 
bull county, Ohio, where he remained a few months, 
and came to Lyme, locating on the farm now occu- 
pied by his widow. He became agent for his father, 
and sold much of the land in the McCurdy tract. 
June 19, 1826, he married Julia Ann Woodward, 
daughter of Amos Woodward. Soon after he built a 
portion of the house his widow now occupies, and in 
December, 1827, moved into it. Mr. McCurdy was 
extensively connected with the affairs of the township. 
At his own expense, he laid out the road, or the 
greater part of it, from Bellevue to Monroeville. 
They have had no children. Mr. McCurdy died 
August 28, 1869. 

Westley Knight came about 1825. For some time 
he drove stage, and worked at different places. He 
bought a small lot of Ste]jhen Russell, west of the 
meeting house, on which he built a small house. He 
sold out in a few years, to Wintliroi) Ballard, and 
bought on the section line about two miles north of 
the ridge. Some three years later he again sold to 
Dr. Boise. 

John Seymour, one of the oldest residents of the 
township at the present time, came to Hui-on county 
from Siis((uehanna county, Pennsylvania, with liis 
family, accompanied by Deacon Moses Thacher and 
wife, tiie parents of Mrs. Seymour, in October, 182.5. 
Mr. Seymour bought out Martin Vroonum at Cuoke's 
Corners where ho resided for nine years, when he sold 
to Lewis Stone and Noah Young. He spent the fol- 
lowing summer at Milan, and the next winter in 
Massachusetts, when, in April, 1835, he returned and 
settled in Lyme, opposite the meeting house, where 



he still resides. Mr. Seymour was engaged here in 
farming, broom-making, and, in a small way, in mer- 
chandise, until 1ST<>, when the infirmities of age re- 
quired cessation from active labor. Mr. Seymour 
was born in Kensington, Hartford county, Connecti- 
cut, July 27. 1791, and January 5, 182(». married 
Sarah A. Thacher. To them have been l)orn three 
sons and tliree daughters, all of whom are living. 
Eliza Ann married D. W. Ballard who is deceased, and 
she now resides in Chicago. William Henry resides in 
Hardin county. Ohio. George W. lives in Lyme with 
his father. John A. is a Presbyterian clergyman, 
located at Cleveland. Saraii M. is the wife of 
William Blair, a wealthy hardware merchant of Chi- 
cago, and Ellen, is the wife of James M. Stults, of 
Lyme. 

Mr. Seymour held the office of township clerk for 
thirty-three years, and has been a prominent meuibeu 
of the Presbyterian Church in Lyme for over fifty ■ 
years. 

In 1820 Colonel James Smith moved in with his ly' 
family, from Gibson, Pennsylvania,, and after living 
with .Tohn Seymour, at Cooke's corners, for one year, 
removed to Lyme, and settled on the ridge, north of 
the meeting house. Subsequently he sold, and 
moved into Ridgefield. locating near the east line of 
Lyme. 

A few years after, he returned to this township, and 
purchased the Francis Strong place, where he after- 
wards resided. He died October 0, 1800, and Mrs. 
Smith, .July 9, 1808. There were seven children, si\ 
sons and one daughter, as follows : James D., 
Martin, Robert, Eugene, Chas. D., Edwin and Emma. 
James was engaged for several years in the forwarding 
business at Milan. He married a daughter of George 
Lockwood, and subsequently j-emoved to Toledo, 
where he resided until his death. His wife and seven 
children survived him. Martin went to California, 
and still resides there. Robert, who married Frances 

C. Wright, occupies the old homestead, in Lyme. 
Eugene married Emily Morey, and was engaged in 
trade, in Bellevue, for many years. Chas. D. lives 
on the place formerly occupied by Dr. Smith. He 
married Mary Cheat. Mary became the wife of James, 

D. Follett, formerly of Bellevue, now of Allegan, 
Michigan. 

In 1820 or "27, William Fitch came from near New 
London, Connecticut, and settled on the corner where 
the road running from Hunt's corners crosses the 
ridge. He resided there until his death, in 1850. 
Philo H. Schuyler, wlio married a daughter of Mr. 
Fitch, now lives on the place. 

All Euglishnian. I)y the name of Mapes, came in 
about 1827, and made a Ijeginning on the ridge, south 
of the Monroe road, and near the township line. He 
became discouraged, and removed to Fremont. 

Caleb C. Williams subse(iueiitly settled on the place, 
and resided there until his death, al)out 1807. 

A little further north, near the corner of the Mon- 
roeville and east lino road, .lonatliaii Prentiss settled 



384 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and resided until his death. His sons still live ou the 
place, or in the neirjhborhood. 

Richard Meginsoii, a native of England, came m 
about the year 1838, and located on lot number four, 
second section. Some of tlie family yet live tliere. 

Noah Young first settled on lot nine, remained a 
few years, and then sold to Thomas Ashton. Benja- 
min Fish settled on the same lot a little furtlier 
north. 

Jai'vis Stebbins, formerly from Massachnssetts, 
came to Lyme in 1837, and bought the farm now 
owned by James Jones. He went east after his fam- 
ily in the fall, and on October 8th, returned to Lyme 
with them. In 1875, he went to Kansas, and died 
at the residence of his son, in Coyville, Wilson 
county, tliat State, in the seventy-third year of liis 
age. He was always accounted a great hunter. Mrs. 
Stebbins died December 9, 1859. They had three 
children: Abigail, wife of D. C'owle; Amos, married 
Ellen Hutchinson, lives in Kansas; 8. Warren, mar- 
ried Kate Allen, and now lives in Kansas. 

Stephen Sawyer and family, with his brother, James, 
came to America, from Kent county, England, in the 
year 1819; they sailed in a vessel belonging to one of 
the Griswold's, of Lyme, Connecticut. Mrs. Sawver 
was attended by a Mrs. Orsetti, a French lady, as 
nurse. They came westward, overland, by way of 
Pittsburgh, crossing the Alleghany moutains, tlieir 
point of destination being Cincinnati, Ohio. Reach- 
ing the Ohio river, they purchased a rude vessel and 
sailed down that stream, landing in due course of 
time at Cincinnati, then a rude village. They re- 
mained there but a short time, pushing on down the 
Ohio, a distance of twenty-two miles, to North Bend, 
where Stephen and his brother took a job of clearing 
forty acres of land for (feneral William Harrison. 
The Sawyers were butchers and farmers in Eng- 
land, but knew nothing of cliopping and clearing. 
However, they resolutely clung to their task and 
completed it. After remaining there for about two 
years, they concluded that tl ey had seen enough of 
America, and resolved to return to old England. 
They started east, and at Cincinnati invested the 
•bulk of their earnings in a four-horse wagon in which 
they journeyed across the mountains l)ack to New 
York City. Arriving at tliat metropolis, Mrs. Sawyer 
expressed a wish to visit her sister, tlie wife of Henry 
Griswold, then living at Lyme, Connecticut. The 
way she came to have a sister married and living 
in Connecticut, hapi)cned in this way: Henry Gris- 
wold, son of Governor Roger Griswold, of Connec- 
ticut, was captain of the ship which brought the Saw- 
yers to America. He to(jk a great liking to the 
Sawyers, and especially to Mrs. Sawyer, who was 
an aristocratic lady and of much refinement. He 
ventured to ask her, one day, if slic had a sister, and 
she replied she liad, and gave him a letter of intro- 
duction to her. Young Griswold returned to Eng- 
land, made tlio ac(|uaintance of the lady — Miss Lans- 
dale — wliicli led 1o courtship, engagement, and mar- 



riage, and she came to Connecticut the wife of Henry 
Griswold. 

Jlrs. Sawyer's wish was no sooner made known than 
t was executed, and the Sawyer family made their way 
to Lyme, Connecticut. The visitors were urged to re- 
main at Lyme, and the Sawyers having a knowledge 
of the butcher's trade, were influenced to establish in 
that business at Lyme. Here they remained for a 
number of years, and becoming acijuainted with the 
McCurdys, who owned large tracts of land in Lyme 
township, were induced to come hither, which they 
did in November of 1826. They first settled and 
lived for three years on the northwest part of the Mc- 
Curdy tract near the present residence of Mrs. Julia 
A. McCurdy. They then removed to lot number fif- 
teen in the first section, where they resided until Mr. 
Sawyer's death, January 7, 1870. The Sawyers were 
for many years engaged in driving cattle to the sea- 
board, mainly to Philadelphia. His sons, Ste]>iien 
and James, purchased nearly six hundred acres of the 
Hart tract. Mrs. Sawyer's death occurred January 5, 
1867. 

The children were: William, who married Caroline 
Chapman and is now dead; John, who married Sarah 
Ann Richie, and is also dead; Stephen married .Mrs. 
Jane Tice, and he is now deceased, and his widow 
now lives in Lyme; Charles married Rachel A. Gates, 
and occupies a part of the old homestead; Dorothy 
became the wife of Charles E. Mallett, and lives in 
Lyme; Emma married Joseph Young and resides in 
Ridgefield township; Betsey A. died unmarried; Dr. 
Isaac Sawyer married Sarah Toll, and resides in Mon- 
roe, Michigan, where he is engaged in the practice of 
medicine; James is a resident of Lyme; Augustus H. 
married Abby Ames, and is deceased; George married 
Julia Ann Wood, and now resides at Grass Lake, 
Michigan. 

The Sawyer family have, ever since their settlement 
in Lyme, been prominently identified with the alfairs 
of the township. They were a numerous family, and 
all wide-awake, stirring, intelligent people. Nearly 
all of them acipiired a handsome property, and one of 
the family, Isaac, has gained a wide and well-deserved 
reputation as a skillful surgeon. He lives at Monroe, 
Michiaan, where he takes rank as one of the leading 
citizens of that place, and his medical practice, es- 
pecially in the line of surgery, extends to many iniar- 
ters of the State. George Sawyer is a kind, generous 
hearted man, highly esteemed by all who know him 
well. At his residence his uncle, James Sawyer, died 
in 1875. He had lived a bachelor all his days, finding 
a comfortalde home with his brother until the hitter's 
death, when he was invited to his nephew's home. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sawyer were both worthy 
members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

Asa Nims and wife and several sons and their fami- 
lies arrived in 1837, and purchased the Major Strong 
place. The widow and children of Elihu Nims. who 
died soon after his arrival, took the west part of the 
land, whicli was subse(iuently sold and is now owned 



i 



I 



DAVID WILLIAMS. 



Daniel Williams, the father of David, was born near 
Philadelphia, Pa., in 1783, where he resided with his father 
and mother until his majority. His father's name was David, 
who was of Welsh extraction, and his mother's name was 
Margaret Lyons. He married Miss Catharine Henney, of 
German parentage, then living in Centre Co., Pa. In 1813 
he removed to Ohio, and settled at Eouseburg, Waj'ne Co. 
There were at the time only five families in the township, 
and one old Quaker was the only resident of Wooster, Ohio. 

In process of time, by industry and perseverance, he was 
able to purchase land and to build a grist-mill, and had fair 
prosperity. In 1833 he removed to the Fire-Lands, and settled 
about two iniles southeast of Bellevue, purchasing two hundred 
and forty acres of land, about a mile west of his location, just 
across the Huron County line, called the oak openings. He 
raised a family of stalwart sons, whose industry and ability 
to accomplish herculean feats of labor were a source of great 
profit to him. At the time of his death, June 27, 1858, he was 
the possessor of seven hundred acres of good farming land, 
much of it under cultivation. 

His children were Anna 
Catharine, John Adam, Da- 
vid, Betsey, Ellen, John, Jo- 
seph, Wni. Henry, Daniel, 
Adam, Levi, and Lydia. 

Of the sons, John is at 
present residing near Milan, 
Ohio, a well-to-do farmer. 
Joseph died some years ago, 
leaving his family a goodly 
inheritance; he was an ex- 
cellent man, strictly upright, 
and he will ever be gratefully 
remembered by those who 
knew him well. Adam re- 
sides near Bellevue, and has a 
family of three industrious, 
hard-working boys ; one of 
them, William, the oldest, is 
married. Levi died, many 
years since, of typhoid fever. 
David, the sulyect of this 
notice, was born in Centre 
Co., Pa., Feb. 10, ISIO. 

In 1833 he married Ke- 
becca, daughter of Zadok and 
Kuth Elliott, then residing 
in AVayne Co., Ohio. Her 
parents were of English ori- 
gin, and settled in Maryland 
at an early day. 

Soon after his father's re- 
moval to Huron County, Da- 
vid came likewise, and settled near Hunt's Corners. A few 
years later he removed to the oak openings tract, in Seneca 
County, and engaged in the burning of lime. He found it to 
be a profitable business, but in 1845 he had the misfortune 
to have his house burned by accident, destroying nearly 
the whole of his household goods, and consuming $500 in 
money. 

This event is fresh in the mind of the writer, who was then 
less than three years old. It was on a Sunday. He had been 
with ills parents to church. When, on returning, they came in 
sight of the house, and saw it envelojicd in flames, he will never 
forget the look of anguish in his mi>ther'.s face, for her infant 
child, hardly si.\ months old, had been left at home with the 
nurse, as also her two oldest children,— the one ten and the other 
eight years of age. That anxious look was indelibly stamped 
upon the memory of childhood, as also the sight of the burning 
dwelling, from which smoke and flames were angrily lea])ing, 
and the fury of speed with which the horses were urged onward. 
The mother arrived to find that the babe had been rescued 
from the flames by the heroic act of the hired man, just in 




time to save it5 life. The subsequent life of Mr. Williams was, 
for the most part, that of a well-to-do farmer. His neighbors 
accorded him the praise of being the most intelligent tiller 
of the soil in his township, — an intelligence, combined with 
an indefatigable industry, that resulted in keeping his fields 
in most excellent condition, and in yielding him generous 
returns for his labor. 

His wife, and the mother of his children (and no mother 
was fonder of her own than was she), died Oct. 6, 1854. Six 
sons and two daughters were born to them, as follows : Daniel 
P., April 26, 1835; Esther A., March 16, 1837; John, Sept. 
6, 1839; William W., April 28, 1842; Hamilton Z , July 2, 
1844; Theodore F., Dec. 7, 1846; Louis A., Jan. 22, 1849; 
and Rosa B., March 14, 1851. 

Daniel married Mary J. Burns, by whom he had two chil- 
dren, — James and Burton. He died Nov. 9, 1862. He was an 
exce]>tionally promising young man, a good writer, and a for- 
cible speaker. He was a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas, 
for whom he voted for President in 1860, and was a delegate 

to the Democratic State 
Convention, held that year at 
Des Moines, Iowa, in which 
State he was then a resident. 
Esther A. is the wife of 
Henry Forney, and resides at 
Marshalltown, Iowa, where 
she has a pleasant and com- 
fortable home. She has a 
family of five children, — 
four sons and one daughter. 
John died Dec. 14, 1844. 
William W. is the pub- 
lisher of this volume. He 
married Susan C., daughter 
of Bourdett 'Wood, of Belle- 
vue, Ohio, April 9, 1868, 
who died Nov. 5, 1872. He 
has two children, — Bourdett 
W. and Susan E. 

Hamilton Z. married Flor- 
ence, daughter of Horatio 
Adams, Sept. 12, 1870. They 
have two children. , 

Theodore F. married 
Sarah, daughter of M. Eck- 
hart. They have three 
children. 

Louis A. married Jessie, 
daughter of H. M. Sinclair. 
She died in July, 1873. He 
has one child, — Grace. 

The last three named arc 
associated with William W., 
in the publication of county histories. Rosa B. married Mel- 
ville Warner, of Wooster, Ohio. They have one child. 

Mr. Williams, the subject of this memoir, married Eliza, 
widow of Nathan Cook, July 29, 1855. She bore him one son, 
—Charles, born July 30, 18G0, now in the junior year of Kenyon 
College, Gambler, Ohio. With Mrs. Cook's introduction into 
thefamilyofMr.Williams came her three children, — Colli nsC, 
now deputy postmaster and insurance agent, Bellevue; James 
D., residing in Norwalk, Ohio, where he is associated with his 
wife's father, Sir. W. R. Little, in the hardware business ; and 
Ella, who became the wife of E. J. Sheffield, and died April 3, 
1876. She was a lady of many admirable traits of character. 
Mr. Williams died Feb. 18, 1871, and his widow, Jan. 3, 1879. 
He gave to all his children a fair education. None of his boys 
seemed inclined to follow his chosen avocation of farmer, and 
he therefore sold his farm, after the marriage of the youngest 
son, and took up his residence in Bellevue. He was a devoted 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to whose support 
he was a liberal contributor. He was a man of sound judg- 
ment, strong convictions, and faultless life. 



11 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



385 



by C'iilvin Barnard: Wortliington took the middle 
jiart, 1111 whicli he now resides, and Samuel the east 
part, which tlie family now ocen]n-. Asa Xiins dieil 
in the year 1840. and Mrs. Nims in 1847. 

Horatio Long, in 1827 or about that time, \>m-- 
cliased a few acres of land on the line between the 
farms of Zadoc Strong and Abuer Xims. where he 

I settled and set up a tannery, which he carried on in 
connection with shoemaking for ten or twelve years, 

■ when he purchased additional land and afterwards 

' established a nursery and engaged extensively in the 

I cultivation of fruit. 

' Wiiuhrop Ballard settled on hjt number one, sec- 

tion two, in the year 1838. A family of the name of 
Markham had jireviously oceujiied the lot for a num- 
ber of years. Horace Ballard came about the same 
time and located on lot number fourteen, in the third 
-ection. liaving for some time previous lived on But- 
ternut ridge. 

.lohn C. Kinney came in about the year 1S28, and 
built his dwelling "near the corner of lot number 
eleven, and put up a lilaeksniith shop near the corner 

I of lot miinber twelve or thirteen. He subsequently 
sold to Martin Blodgett and removed to the corners 
west of Stephen Russeirs, where he resided until 
1835 or '3C, when he sold to Ebenezer Welch. 

In 1830, M. X. Marvin, from New London, Con- 
necticut, settled on lot number eleven, where he 
lived until his death, wiieii tlie family removed fi-om 
the township. 

Ralph and John Stults came in the year 1831, from 
New York State, and settled on the Blodgett place, lot 
number ten, second section. A few years after John 
tlied and Ralph changed his location to the south 
l)art of the farm, where he afterwards lived. He 
died in September, 1856. His widow and three of 
the seven children are still living. 

Dr. Charles Smith came into the township from 
(iranville, Ohio, in the year 1826. He was formerly 
from Westfield, Massachusetts, where he was born. 
He married Mehitabel, sister of John Seymour, the 
fruit of wliicli union was three sons, viz: Charles, who 
died in infancy: George E. , who adopted the profes- 
sion of his father, and James B., a farmer. Dr. 
Smith settled in the northwest corner of the Ballard 
lot, Intt owned additional land on the north piairie. 
He was a good physician, and a man of intelligence 
and public spirit. He died in Lyme, in March. 1861. 
His lirst wife died on 1854, and he subsei|uently mar- 
ried the widow of Lemuel Morse. 

In 1836 or 1837, Dr. Otis Boise came from Cort- 
land county, X'ew York, and lived for a number of 
years on the Ballard place, and practiced medicine 
awhile in partnership with Dr. Ciiarles Smith. He 
subsequently removed to Oljerlin, where he practiced 
his profession several years, when he returned to 
Lyme and took up his residence on the south part of 
lot number thirteen, formerly owned by George Han- 
ford. In aljout the year 1858, he removed to Cleve- 
land, where he afterwards died. His widow now lives 

40 



I Avith her son Spencer W., who sold the old homestead 
j to the present owner. Delos Eaton, in 1867 or "68. 
Ebenezer Welch came in about 1830, and pur- 
chased the blacksmitii siiop of John C. Kenney. He 
married Mary HubboU. daughter of Es(piire Ilubbell, 
of Mouroeville, and liougitt a house and lot south of 
j Russell's tavern, which he enlarged and occupied 
until his death, December 8, 1865. He followed his 
trade of blacksmith. His wife sold the place to Wm. 
Walter in 1870. A part of this house was built by 
Martin Blanding, of Hartford, Pennsylvania, in about 
1828. He remained but a short time, when he sold 
out and returned east. 

Rev. E. Conger came from Ridgefield in aliout 

1831, and purchased a few acres on lot number twelve, 
on which he built a house. He resided there until 
1836. when he sold and removed to Fremont. 

txeorgo Morehead moved, from Harrison county. 
West Virginia, into the southern part of Ohio, where 
he lived several years. He came to Huron county in 

1832, locating in Lyme township about 1842. His 
family consisted of wife and one child, Mary, who 
married Philip Heymann, and lives in Wood county. 
Mr. Morehead located at Hunt's Corners in 1842. He 
was a soldier of the war of 1812, and contracted, in 
the swamps, a fever which rendered him a cripjde 
through life. He died May 2, 1873. Mrs. ilorehead 
died in about 1838. Two children were born subsequent 
to their locating in Huron county: Emily, who mar- 
ried Josei)h Morris, and lives in Illinois, and Andrew 
.J., who is the only son of the family living in the 
township. 

Daniel Williams came to Ohio, from Center county, 
Pennsylvania, with his family, in the year 1813. 
He settled at Rouselnirg, Wayne county, and re- 
sided there until August, 1833. when lie removed 
to Lyme, and settled on lot number two, where 
Martin Hayward now lives. He sold the farm to 
Havward in 1855, after which he and his aged wife 
made their home witii their son, .Tohn Williams, near 
Milan, and where they died, he in June, 1858, and she, 
February, 1862. They had a family of eight children: 
David, the eldest son, resided, for a number of years, 
in the southwest part of section four, on lot twenty- 
four, on wiiicdi he erected a substantial brick dwelling. 
He was residing in Bellevue at the time of his death, 
in February, 1871. Adam Williams, in 1850. settled 
on lot number three, in the third section, and still 
resides there. 

In 1837, or about that time, Henry Hayward located 
on lot number six, in the fourth section; S. W. 
Standart. on number seven; Prosper Twist, on eleven, 
and, at an earlier date, X'eedhani Standart on lot 
twelve; Joseph Wood occupied lot thirteen. 

Several families came to Lyme from England in 

1833, prominent among which was that of Daniel 
Cowle who emigrated from Devonshire in the fall of 
the aijove year. He located on seveuty-eiglit and one- 
half acres in lot three, section two. His family con- 
sisted of wife and four ciiildren. viz: Hannah, who 



386 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



married John Meginsou, and lives in Lyme, on the 
east part of the McCurdy tract; Samuel, who died 
single; Mary Ann, who also died single, and Daniel, 
who married Abigail Stebbins, and lives on the old 
homestead. He has in his possession some very 
interesting family relics, among which is a sabre of 
fine workmanship, which his father carried in the 
French wars. ilr. Cowle died December 29, 1858, 
aged seventy-three. Mrs. Cowle died in about 1849. 

Jolm Bi'agg arrived about the same time, and set- 
tled on number four in the same section. John 
Lewis, a carjieuter and joiner, occui^ied for several 
years a house of Winthrop Ballard on the ridge, 
south of the road, where he died, and his family re- 
moved to the Gurdon Woodward place — lot number 
nine in the fourth section. The children were: 
William, John, Irwin, Richard and Libby, the most 
of whom were remarkable for their talents as mus- 
cians, William having been, for years, one of the most 
noted violinists in the United States. 

George Richey came about the same time from 
Pennsylvania, and settled on lot four in section two. 

Jolin Wright came from England in 1833. and 
worked for some time for William Holton, Richard 
Woolway and Stephen Russell. He purchased land 
in Groton, on the old Sandusky road, three-fourths of 
a mile north of the ridge, and entered largely into 
farming. He purchased much land, and accumulated 
property very fast. He married Betsey Ford, daugh- 
ter of James and Mary Ford, by whom he had ten 
children. Three died in childhood, and seven — three 
daughters and four sons are still living: Alfred, 
Josephine, Eliza, Emma, Aubery, Hubert and George 
A. Alfred married M-di-y Ann Meginson. and lives 
on the old homestead; Josephine married William 
Nims; Eliza married Frederick B. Russell, and lives 
in Plymouth; Emma is married, and resides in 
Toledo. Mr. Wright, some years since, bought the 
Winthrop Ballard farm on which he moved witli his 
family. No man in the township has had a more suc- 
cessful career. His indomitable perseverance, united 
with rare judgment, has assisted him in amassing a 
handsome property. His lands of which he owns 
nearly twenty-five hundred acres, lie mostly in Erie 
county, and are for the most part of unsurpassed 
fertility, esi^ecially adapted to the growing of corn. 

James Ford, a Protestant Methodist preacher, came 
from England in 1833 and purchased the Ferguson 
farm, lot number four, fourth section of Groton. He 
died soon after, leaving the money for the payment 
of the farm on deposit in a bank in New York city. 
His wife, who was a woman of much energy of char- 
acter, subsequently obtained the money and paid for 
the farm, settled the estate of her deceased husband, 
and so managed as to raise a family of eight children, 
all of whom became useful members of society. Mrs. 
Ford died February 10, 1870. 

In 1833, H. R. Jerome settled on lot number two, 
in the second section. He finally removed to Michi- 
gan. Ranar Knox came soon after, and purchased 



the Hanford place, where he resided until his removal 
to Missouri. 

Barney Campbell, brother of John K., settled on 
lot number eleven, which had previously been pur- 
chased hj Silva and Frith. Subsequently, Dr. B. G. 
Rushton settled on the lot. and occupied it until his 
deatli. 

Alfred Stebbins was a native of Massachusetts, but 
lived for some time in Gorham township, Ontario 
county. New York. There he was married, February 
13, 1831, to Eliza Fanning. Early in May, 1835, he 
came to Clarksfield, Huron county, Ohio, where he 
remained until fall, living on the farm now owned by 
widow Harland and her sons. In the fall he came to 
Lyme, and lived at a number of places on Strong's 
ridge, first buying a small piece of ground, upon which 
he Iniilt a house. This he exchanged for fifty acres 
of land now owned by Mrs. William Holton. In 
1838, after various changes, he purchased one hun 
dred acres of land in lot twenty-three, upon which he 
permanently settled. He afterwards purchased four 
acres adjoining, upon which he erected the fine brick 
residence where he now resides. One child, Calista, 
was born previous to his coming to Ohio. She married 
Delos Eaton, and now lives in Lyme. After he came 
to Ohio, three children, that are still living, were born: 
Julia L., married S. E. Nims; Cornelia married 
Samuel Stevens, and Sabra married David B. Nims. 
All are now residents of Lyme. While living in 
Clarksfield, Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins were attacked by 
wolves, when on their way to church, but succeeded 
in keeping them at bay, and arrived at their destina- 
tion in safetj'. 

Mr. Stebbens owns one of the finest farm residences 
in the township. He is a man widely and favorably 
known, and is esteemed highest by those who know 
him best. 

Horatio S. Todd and his widowed motiier (who 
was a sister of the Strongs), with two or three daugh- 
ters, came from Cortland county. New York, about 
the year 1835. He purchased of Jacob Goodrich a 
part of lot fifteen in the third section, the same now 
occupied by E. W. Boise, and resided there until his 
death. 

Roswell Stebbins, also from Cortland county, New 
York, arrived soon after Mr. Todd, and purchased a 
portion of the same lot, on which he lived until his 
death. His son Almeron now lives on the place. 

N. C. Monroe purchased a part of lot eleven, about 
183G. and resided there until about 1865, when he 
sold to J. D. Collins and removed to Michigan. 

James D. Collins, a carpenter and joiner, came 
from Asht;il)ula county in about 1844, and purchased 
near the southeast corner of lot number twelve, and 
built n house in the grove on the south side of tiie 
road. Ho also Iniilt a sliop near by. He married 
Mary Ann. daughter of Francis Strong. She lived 
but a short time and died childless. He then married 
Maria Welister, and has since had three children, a 
son and two daughters. The son, Albert, was killed 



I 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



387 



by lightning when he was about twenty years old, in 
a barn at Enterprise, in whicli he had taken shelter 
from a tliundor sliowor. Tlie daughters, Maria and 
Jane, are st.ll living. 

The Joseph Rnssell house was built by Moses Bemiss; 
another house then stood between the Welsh and 
Bemiss" houses. Tiicse places have often changed 
occupants, Joshua Ballard, Prosper Cravath, C. B. 
Smith. Eber Rathburn and David Claxton. wcie 
among them. Smith and Rathljurn occupied them 
for several years, and used the old store on the corner 
for a wagon shop. Moses Bemiss bought the Smith 
place and built a house, and also built a joiner shop 
on the southwest part of his lot, which he occupied 
several years and sold to I. S. Russell. 

The lot ne.xt west of R. B. Russell's, on the oppo 
site side, was sold by Mr. Russell to the Presbyterian 
Church society, for a parsonage lot, in 1841. A 
iiouse and barn were built that year, and have since 
been used by the pastors of that church. The lots 
next west, afterwards owned Ijy Wm. Houle and Dr. 
Harcy, were purchased of Stephen Russell, by David 
and Hiram Root, about 1827. The first building 
erected was built by the Roots for drying hemp, and 
the next one for a treading mill and hemp manufac- 
tory. For a time the hemp business excited consid- 
erable interest, but soon failed, and the Roots sold to 
Colonel James Smith and went south. Colonel Smith 
fitted up the drying house for a dwelling, and after- 
ward sold it to Alexander Taylor, and purchased a 
farm in Ridgefield. 

Mr. Babcock purchased a lot on the soutii line of 
Stephen Russell's land, east of the turnpike, where 
lie remained but a short time. The house was after- 
wards occupied by Gideon T. Mallory, I. I. Fiilkerson, 
Benjamin Morris, and others. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

^Mary Ann Strong, daughter of Francis and Marv 
Curtis Strong, was the first child born in the town- 
ship. The date of her birth was August 3, 1817. 
She became the wife of Isaac D. Collins in 1840, and 
died a short time afterwards. yThe pioneer nuptials 
were those of Burwell Fitch and Susan Hawks, cele- 
brated in the winter of 181G and 1817. They settled 
in Slierman townsjiip, wlicre they resided until their 
death. The next marriage was that of Ira Bassett 
and Polly Hand, which took place in the spring of 
1817. Miss Polly had lu'cviously engaged to marry 
Burwell Fitch, and, in fulfillment of the contract, 
accompanied him to a justice of the peace, at Huron. 
But she had made a confession to a friend that she 
did not love her betrothed, and that her promise to 
marry him was due to undue persuasion by friends. 
The friend to whom she confided her secret took occa- 
sion to inform the justice concerning the matter, and 
when the party appeared before him, he (piestioned 
them apart as to their willingness to enter into the 
holy bonds of matrimony, one with the other. Fitch, 
like Barkis, was willin', but. on learning that hi-s 



affianced regarded the proposed relation with repug- 
nance, which she frankly confessed to the magistrate, 
wisely released her from the promise. Umlaunted by 
the failure of his first enteri)rise in this direction, he 
immediately laid siege to the heart of Susan Hawks, 
with the result above stated. 

The first building erected was the log dwelling of 
Conrad Hawks, built in 1808. The first frame house 
was erected by Colonel Nathan Strong, in the year 
1817, on the Bemiss place. Tlie first brick dwellings 
were those of John F. Adams and Horatio Long, 
built in 1837. 



ORCiAXIZATIOX. 



/ 



Prior to ISIG, the township was attached to Ridge- 
field for election purposes. Ridgefield was formed in 
181.5, at the first meeting of the commissioners, and 
was made to include, in addition to its own territory, 
and the present townships of Lyme, the south half of 
Oxford, together with the township of Sherman. In 
181G the north half of the township was annexed to 
Wheatsborough. In ISIS the soutii half was so an- 
nexed. Wheatsliorough included a large part of 
Groton also. In ISIO the name was changed to Lyme, 
and on the third day of Ajn-il, 1820, a regular meet- 
ing of the electors of Lyme was held at the school 
house in the Strong settlement, for the purpose of 
electing township officers. The following were elected: 
James Hamilton and George Sheffield, justices of the 
peace: Stephen Russell, township clerk: Nathan 
Strong, Gurdon Williams and Chester Hamilton, 
trustees; Joseph Strong and Zadock Strong, overseers 
of the poor: Joseph Strong and James Hamilton, 
fence viewers; Gurdon Williams, lister; Gurdon Wil- 
liams and Chester Hamilton, appraisers of property; 
Lester Strong, Joseph Kinney, Gurdon Woodward and 
Levi Sutton, supervisors of highways: Gurdon Wil- 
liams and Chester Hamilton, constables; Francis 
Strong, treasurer. 

Chester Hamilton did not appear to be duly (piali- 
fied within the time prescribed by law, and at a meet- 
ing of the trustees, held June 3, 1820, John F. Ad- 
ams was appointed in his place. 

At a meeting of the township trustees, held March 
5, 1824, Mark Hopkins, George Sheffield, and Ira 
Bassett were appointed grand jurors, and Abner 
Strong and Charles Rash, petit jurors. 

At the regular election held April 5, 1824, for the 
purpose of electing townshij) officers, thirty-three 
qualified elect(U's were ])reseiit. At this time it was 
voted that the supervisors request those subject to poll 
tax to work two days extra in draining the prairies 
for the preservation of health. Also, that the super- 
visor should solicit subscriptions from nonresident 
land-holders for this purpose. 

At the fall election, held October 11, 1825, fiftj-- 
two electors were present. At this time E]benezer 
Merry had fifty votes for senator in the State legisla- 
ture, and Eleutheros Cook had fifty votes for represen- 
tative. 



y 



388 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



All adjourned meeting of the trustees was held 
July 23, 182G, at which the job of building a bridge 
across the deep run brook was let, and turnpiking. in- 
cluding said bridge, six rods, the same to be raised 
eighteen inches above the surface of the ground; the 
bridge to be twelve feet long and sixteen feet wide: the 
whole to be completed by the 15th of October, 1820. 
The work was let to Levi Sutton for the sum of five 
dollars, sixty-two and one-half cents. 

There were present at the October election, 1826, 
fifty-eight voters. Alexander Campbell received the 
full number of votes cast, for governor. Eleutheros 
Cook received fifty-seven votes for representative in 
congress. David Campbell liad fifty-seven votes for 
State representative. 

The township officers for ]8T!> are: A. Morehead 
and E. 0. Merry, justices of the peace; Charles D. 
Smith, clerk; Johu 8. Wise, Daniel Cowle and 
Charles Sawyer, trustees; E. L. Dole, treasurer; E. 
0. Merry, assessor; Jerry De Witt and Johu Demp- 
sey, constables. 

C H U K C H E S . 
/ FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The first Presbyterian Church of Lyme was organ- 
ized in July, 1817, by Revs. John Seward, John 
Treat and Alvin Coe, missionaries from Connecticut, 
as a committee sent by the Presbytery of Grand river. 
They came about one hundred miles through the 
woods for that purpose. 

The first meeting was held at the house of Francis 
Strong, July 15, 1817, by Rev. Mr. Treat. The 
following persons were examined and approved: 
Susannah Baker, Pliebe Root, Dinah Strong, Anna 
Ferguson and Ann:i Silvey. The meeting adjourned 
till the 17th of July, when John Baker, Francis 
Strong, Wm. Richoy, Wm. Ferguson and Jacob Good- 
rich, were also examined. These ijersons, with the 
exception of Anna Silvey, who was not present at this 
meeting, subscribed to the articles of faith and cove- 
nant presented by the Grand River Presbytery. After 
divine services, the church held a meeting at which a 
constitution and articles of faith were adopted. They 
then made choice of John Baker as moderator, Jacob 
Goodrich, clerk, and Wm. Richey and Francis Strong, 
as standing committee. 

From the formation of the church, in July, 1817, 
they met in the log school house, with very little 
preaching, until 1820, when Lott B. Sullivan, a can- 
didate for the ministry, came among them, and was 
employed temporarily. On the 29th of March, the 
church and society gave him a call to settle with them 
as pastor. He accepted the call, and was ordained 
and installed June 14th, of the same year. During 
his pastorate of about three years, fourteen members 
were added to the church. For the two years follow- 
ing his departure, there was no regular preaching. 
Sabbath school and day schools were established. 



In the spring of 1824, Rev. Enoch Conger, from 
Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, came to the 
county, and located at New Haven and Greenfield, 
and, in the summer of that year. Rev. John Beach 
came and located in Lyme and Peru. Mr. Beach 
preached one-fourth the time at the log school house 
in Lyme. His family lived in Peru, where he labored 
one half of the time. The remainder of the time he 
preached in, the framed school house, at Cook's 
Corners, y 

The people of Lyme and Ridgefield were desirous 
of having a minister all the time and made application 
to both Mr. Beach and ^Ir. Conger to settle with 
them, leaving the matter with the two ministers to 
decide which should come. Mr. Conger accepted 
the call and commenced his labors in October. 182G. 
He continued as pastor nine years, when he was suc- 
ceeded Ijy Randolph Stone, who laliored with the 
church six mouths. He was succeeded by Rev. Xeno- 
phon Betts. who remained about three and one-fourth 
years. In April. 1841, Rev. S. W. Barritt succeeded 
hin:; he remained about four and one-half years, and 
was followi'd by Rev. H. N. Bissell. in November, 
1845. Mr. Bissell continued in charge eight and 
one-half years, and was succeeded, in July, 1854. by 
Rev. Theophilus Packard, who remained its pastor 
about one and one-half years. In January, 1856, 
Rev. E. B. Gilbert came. He was followed by Rev. 
J. B. Siieldon, botli of whom served one and one- 
half years. Rev. E. D. Smith came in January, 
1860, and remained three years. He was succeeded. 
May 25, 1864, by Rev. W. T. Hart, the present pastor. 
f- In 1870-71, dissensions arose in the church, which 
finall}', by vote, in 1872, withdrew from the Presby- 
tery, and united with the. Cougi-egatioualists, at the 
same time changing their name. 

The log school and meeting house was built in 
1818, and the first brick school house in 1828, at a 
cost of four hundred and fifty dollars. The church 
was built in 1835, 'and cost two thousand and six 
hundred dollars. The parsonage and outbuildings 
cost one thousand dollars.. 

From 1817 until 1870, there were received into the 
churcli three hundred and ninety-seven members. 
One iiundred and thirty-eight have died, and one 
hundred and thirty-six have been dismissed. Some 
have wandered off. The total membership in 1870 
was eighty-nine. Since that time sixty-one have been 
received into the church. 



■~r- 



TRIXITY PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church was organized 
September, 1836. The constituent members were: 
Amos Woodward and wife, Rachel ; Stephen Sawyer and 
wife, Dorothy; Mary Arlington, James Sawyer, Mat- 
thew Marvin and wife, Sarah, Joseph Wood and 
wife, Jonathan Prentiss; Mrs. Julia Ann McCurdy, 
and possibly, others whose names ai"e forgotten. 
The first services were held as early as 1822, in one 
room of the liouse of Amos Woodward, who re.id the 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



389 



service, as appointed in the Prayer Book. There 
were but four communicants in the township at 
that time. On February Ifi, 1833, Rev. John P. 
Bosnian held service in the house of Richard L. llc- 
Curdy. In January, 1836, Rev. E. Pundersou as- 
sumed charge of tlie parisli, and preaclied every tiiird 
Sunday in- the school house, where the church was 
organized, and where meetings were held until the 
erection of the first church in 1840, on ground given 
by R. L. MeC'urdy. This stood on the site of the 
present one, and cost some one thousand two hundred 
dollars. It was first occupied on Christmas Day, 
1846. In the February following, it was destroyed by 
fire. Work was begun soon after, on a new church 
which was partly completed, and first occupied on 
Christmas, 184T. This cost about one thousand six 
hundred dollars. The Rev. J. Rice Taylor, of ililan, 
preached the first sermon. Rev. Mr. Punderson re- 
mained in charge four years, when he went away, and 
was gone cue year. He then returned and located in 
Bellevue, preaching in this parish until 1847. Since 
that time the following clergymen have officiated: 
Rev. H. Powers, three mouths: Abram Bronson, six 
months; Rodolphus K. Nash, two years; George S. 
Davis, two years; Closes Hamilton, twelve years; De 
Witt C. Howard, two years, and Jeremiah Karcher, 
five years, and is the present rector and resident at 
ilonroeville. 

The officers on organization were: Amos Woodward, 
senior warden, and Stephen Saw3er, junior warden; 
Gurdon Woodward, Matthew Marvin, Jonathan 
Prentiss, George Frith and James Sawyer, vestrymen. 
The present wardens are : Edwin Prentiss, senior 
warden and Sylvauus Mallett, junior warden. 

EARLY INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

In 1818, Asaph, Erastus and Israel Cook came with 
their father, who settled at Cook's corners, near the 
eastern line of Lyme. They built a large treading 
mill and dry house for dressing and cleaning hemp 
without rotting. This business excited considerable 
interest and was expected to pi'ove profitable to the 
owners and the community. Smaller mills were erected 
at Monroeville, and at other points, one by Horace 
Johnson, one by David Root, and othei's. The hemp 
•was at first thought to bo as strong as the best Rus- 
sian hemp, and commanded about the same price; 
but, by experience in using, it was found that it 
would not bear friction when dry, and, when wet, 
rope made from it became loose and spongy, and 
could not be used as cordage for vessels. The price 
fell and the market failed entirely, many who en- 
gaged in it suffering loss and disappointment. 

In 1817, Gurdon Williams came as a peddler from 
Connecticut. He was owner of a large tract of land 
in Lyme townshij). In 1822 or '23, he brought on a 
stock of goods and opened a store in a log building 
near the south line of the township, in the southwest 
part, where he continued in business about eight 
years, in the meantime improving his property. He 



afterwards sold out and became a wholesale dealer in 
salt at Syracuse, New York. 

In early days, goods came from Bufiialo to Huron 
in vessels during the summer, and, in the winter, by 
land in wagons. Articles in use then brought high 
prices. Whisky was made in the country, and sold 
for two shillings per gallon; salt was five dollars per 
barrel; tea, fourteen to sixteen shillings per pound; 
calico and sheetiug, five shillings per yard; axes, three 
dollars each; hoes, nine shillings; nails, one shilling 
and sixpence to two shillings and sixpence per pound. 

Goods were sold on the ridge about 1823, but the 
first regular store opened there was in 1827, by Strong 
& Boise. It was located near the house of R. B. 
Russell. They continued in business one year and 
sold to Nathaniel Markham. He built a frame store 
at Russell's corner and continued in trade several 
years. J. K. Campbell, L. Strong and others con- 
tinued the business for a number of years, but the 
trade finally centered at Bellevue. 

Some time about 1823, Romeo Bassett, who owned 
a farm in the southeast part of the township, mort- 
gaged his property for a stock of goods, and opened a 
store, having as clerk or partner Richard R. Sutton. 
He failed in business, and soon died. 

Lyman E. Strong and Levitt Boise brought a stock 
of goods to Lyme about 1828, after the opening of 
the Sandusky and Columbus pike, and opened a store 
in a log house belonging to Mr. Russell, on or near 
the ridge. Later they built a store north of the ridge 
road, and opposite Abner Strong's tavern, uiiich they 
occupied for a short time, when they sold to Nathan- 
iel Needham. After a few years he sold to Lyman 
Strong and De Witt Ballard, who continued the busi- 
ness two or three years and then closed out. The 
store room was afterwards occupied as a wagon shop, 
and for other business. 

Pelatiah Strong, son of Abner Strong, exchanged 
his farm for a stock of goods and opened them in a 
store built by John C. Kinney, near his blacksmith 
shop, but continued in trade only a short time, when 
he sold to I. and T. West. This store changed hands 
several times, and was finally closed and converted 
into a dwelling house. 

The first saw mill was built in the south part of the 
township on Frink run by Levi Sutton, in 1814 or 
181-5. Another saw mill was built al)out 1830, on a 
creek whieh drains the prairies in the west part of 
the township in Bellevue. It was afterwards used 
for a brewery, and is now a part; of the distillery of 
Chapman and Woodward. 

A tannery was built about 1827, by Horatio Long, 
on a few acres of land purchased in' him near the line 
of Abner Nims andZadoc Strong. He carried on the 
business of tanning and shoemaking some ten or 
twelve years, wheu he discontinued the business and 
became a farmer. 

John C. Kinney came to Lyme about 1828, and 
oi)ened a l)lacksinith shop near the corner of lot tweho 
or thirteen. He afterwards sold to Martin Blodgett. 



w^ 



390 



HISTORY OP HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



BELLEVUE, 



ITS LOCATIOX. 



About one half of the vilhige lies iii Huron, and the 
other one half in Sandusky county. The county 
line I'oad, or that jjart of it lying within the corporate 
limits of the village, being called West street, divides 
the town into nearly equal divisions. The center of 
this road is the western limit of the Fire-lauds and of 
the Western Reserve. The eastern half of Bellevue 
is situated in the extreme northwestern jiart of Lyme 
township, and the western half in the southwestern 
part of York township, Sandusky county. The south- 
western corner of Erie county, and the northeast cor- 
ner of Seneca county, lie adjoining the extreme north- 
east and southwest limits of the village. The town is 
situated on the southern branch of the Toledo and 
Cleveland division of the Lake Shore railroad. 

ITS NAME. 

The post office was first known as York X Roads, 
and the village was called Amsden's Corners, in honor 
of T. G. Amsden, its first merchant. It continued to 
be so known until the year 1839, when, upon the 
completion of the Mad River and Lake Erie railroad 
to this point, it was changed to Bellevue. The pre- 
vailing opinion among old settlers is that it was so 
named in honor of James H. Bell, the civil engineer 
who surveyed the route through this place for the 
Mad River road. Some, however, claim that the pro- 
prietors of the road, and the chief residents of the 
town agreed upon the name of Bellevue, because the 
signification of the word made it an appropriate name 
for the village, which, by reason of its location and 
surroundings well merited a name which means "a 
beautiful view."' At all events the name has a musi- 
cal ring, and no resident of the place can regret that 
it was so called. 

ITS FIRST SETTLERS. 

The year 1815 marks the date when Mr. Mark 
Hopkins, the first settler within the corporate limits 
of Bellevue as now established, came to this locality. 
He came hither with his family and accompanied by 
a bachelor In-other, from Genessee county. New York, 
and built a log house on land now owned and occu- 
pied by Peter Bates. 

Elnathan George, from the same jilace, was the 
next settler. He purciiased one acre of land embrac- 
ing, with other contiguous ground, the lot whereon 
now stands the Tremont House. He gave a cow in 
exchange for his purchase. Here was l)uilt bv Uv. 
George the second i)uilding of the town, in the year 
181C. In the following year he built an addition to 
his dwelling and opened his house as a tavern. 

The third new-comer was Return Burlingson, win. 
selected land on the Sandusky county side, and in the 
year 1817 built him a log dwelling, and started a 
blacksmith shop. His purchase comprised what is now 



known as the Herl property. Mr. Burlingson was a 
resident of Bellevue for many vears, but finally left 
for California. 

In the year 1819 Mr. John C. Kinney completed a 
log house near the present site of the Bellevue bank 
building. 

This year, 1819, marks the date of the arrival of 
two very important new-comers — men who were iden- 
tified with the history of our village, and to whom, 
more than any other two men, was it indebted for its 
prosperity. These men were Thomas G. Amsden and 
Frederick A. Chapman. The Chapmans came first 
to Ohio in 1814, soon followed by Mr. Amsden, and, 
establishing their headquarters at the mouth of the 
Huron river, carried on a very successful traffic with 
the Indians, exchanging with them goods and articles 
of which the red men stood in need, for pelts and furs. 
Besides trading with the Indians, they were engaged 
in hunting and trapping. They were daring and in- 
trepid, full of push and energy, with excellent busi- 
ness abilities, and though they were young men, they 
accumulated considerable means for those days. 
Mr. Chapman's father and brother followed him 
to Ohio in a year or two after his own arrival and 
settled at or near the present town of Huron, in Erie 
county. In 1819 Mr. Amsden and Mr. Chapman 
came to this locality and began the purchase of prop- 
erty at this point, and did all in their power to attract 
settlers hither. 

However, they continued their traffic with the In- 
dians and French, and for two years Mr. Amsden 
made his headquarters at Carrion river, now Port 
Clinton. In 1821 he established himself at Detroit, 
and during the latter part Of 1833 he carried on a 
mercantile business at Green Bay for Mi\ Daniel 
Whitney. In 1833 he returned to this locality. He 
brought with him a stock of goods ijelonging to Mr. 
Whitney, and opened the first store at this j^oint in 
November, 1833. This was Bellevue"s pioneer store, 
and the business was carried on in the building erect- 
ed by Mr. Burlingson, which stood on ground now 
occupied by the town hall. In 1835 he formed a co- 
partnership with Mr. Chapman, and the firm pur- 
chased the stock of goods of Mr. Whitney. They 
opened a store at the same time at Castalia, Mr. 
Chapman taking charge of the business at that point, 
and Mr. Amsden of the business at this point. It 
was at this time that the village received its name of 
"Amsden's Coiners." 

In the meantime Charles F. Drake had settled here, 
and in the year 1833 purchased of the government 
the east one-half of the southeast quarter of section 
twenty-five of what now is York township, eml.racing 
the greater part of the present village on the Sandusky 
county side, and in" 1833 Captain Zadoc Strong en- 
tered for Dr. James Strong the eighty acres next west. 

Mr. Nathaniel Chapman was among the first citi- 
zens of the place. Like his brother, he had traded 
with the Indians, and when he arrived here for the 
purpose of making this his home, he had some means. 



» 



THOMAS G. AMSDEN. 



Thoro is, pf rbaps, no name more familiar to the oMer rcsiilcnts of BoUevuo 
thjiix thiit of Amsden, the place haviug first been called "Arasden's Cor- 
ners," from the subject of this sketch, who opened here the first store, in the 
fall of IS-*."?. 

On first coming to this county, in the latter part of the year ISIO, Mr. 
Amsden became associated with F. A. Chapman and one or two brothers of 
the latter (who had immigrated to Ohio a little before) in the perilous but 
strjwigely attractive business of hunting, trapping, and trading with the 
In<li;viis.* They extended their operations as far west as Detroit, Mackinaw, 
and Green IJay. The adventures experienced by these young men (who 
wore hardly more than boys at the time), if properly written out, would 
form a volume of romance' full of thrilling interest. We have space for 
only one inciilent, which had a sad and tragic termination for one of the 
party. In after-years it was often related to their friends by the two sur- 
vivors, and has been put on record by a local chronicler. {.Srr iXoir.) 

Mr. Amsden, F. A. Chapman, and his ynunger brother wore at one time 
CJirrying on their operations near Detroit and in Canada, along the north 
shore o? Lake Erie. They had secured a valuable pack of furs, which 
tempted the cupidity of the Indians, by whom they were waylaid, robbed, 
and taken prisoners. Of course, they watched every opportunity to escape. 
They managed, by the presentation of some trinkets which they happened 
to hiive in their possession, to secure the hearty good-will of an old squaw, 
who took a time when the Indians were less tlian usually vigilant, and 
assisted the boys to escape by untying the cords with which they were 
bound. It was "midwinter, and, to avoid the least noise, they were obliged 
to remove their shoes and start in 



their stocking-feet. The Indians soon 
discovered their escape, and made 
after them. Then commenced a race 
for life. The redskins overtook the 
younger Chapman, who was never 
afterward heard from, and who is 
supposed to have been killed. Ams- 
den and the other Chapman made 
for the lake. It being frozen over, 
they struck across for the opposite 
shore. With frozen and bleeding 
feet they arrived at a hamlet on this 
side, about where Huron or Vermil- 
ion now is. There they found the 
friends and refreshment they must 
sorely have needed to prolong the 
lives which their determiiled energy 
had saved. 

As above stated, Mr. Amsilen first 
established himself at Bellevuc, then 
Amsden Corners, in the latter part 
of 1S2;J. He was from that time, for 
Several years, associated with F. A. 
Chapman in general merchandising. 
Their goods were at first adapted to 
trading with the Indians, who were 
tlicn the principal inhabitants. As the 
Indians decreased, and the white folks 
multiplied, they continued the busi- 
ness, increasing it as trade demandecl. 
Beginning in a log hut, they finally 
carried it on in a more pretentious 
frame l)uilding, tlie first of thi* kind 
in this region, a jiart of it being 
occupied by Mr. Amsden as a familv 
residence. This building was event- 
ually torn away t<» nnike n»oni for the 
stoncblock in which the FirstNation- 
al IJank now is. 

In this frame building (known as 
the '• Ued Store." from the color in 

which it was painted) the firm of Chajtman A Amsden did a prosper- 
ous business for ten years. Mr. Amsden then sold out his interest to Dr. 
L. (J. Ilarkness, in June. IS33, and went to farming, having purchased three 
hundred acres of land of Mr. Samuel Miller. He afterward did business 
soincyears with Mr. Uraiuwell, in the stone building that was burned down 
by a fire which swept the ground where the I'nion Dlock now stands. 

After this (about 1848) he established a store and distillery in Monroe- 
ville, which proved an unfortunate investment, and left him in comparatively 
straitened circumstances. Knough, however, was saved to keep him and 
his family in comfort for the rcuiaiiidcr i)f his <lays. After a few years 
spent in comparative retirement in liellevue, he sold what he had left here 
and purchased a small farm near Fremont, where ho died, Dec. 7, 187f>, at 
the age of seventy-nine years, one month, and twenty-nine days. 

Mr. Amsden was a man of great j)hysical energy and endurance, as well 
as of fine intellectual (jualities, aii<l in his long partnership with Mr. Cha]i- 
Dian took the principal charge of the out-door business, while Mr. <'hapman 
managed the oflice-work. Mr. Amsden was highly respected for his un- 
swerving integrity, and genial, affable manners. He was so widely known 
for his sound and reliable .judgment that, for nniny years, his .advice was 
uniformly raken before any new enterprise of importance was started. 
His name had become a household word. He was for nearly thirty years a 
prominent and faithful member of the I. 0. O. F. in Hellovue, and afterward 
in Fremont. At the tiuieof bis death appropriate resolutions of sympathy 
and respect were passetl by the order, an<l a largo delegation from the 
encampment at Fremont accompanied his reiiniins to the beautiful ceme- 
tery at BcUevue, where they were deposited amid the ashes of his dead, 




— his first wife and several children having preceded him to the Spirit- 
land. 

Mr. Amsden was elected justice of the peace for several terms at Bcllo- 
vue, and was also postmaster some years, when he first came to this place, 
the post-office being in his store. His entire education was received in the 
common schools of New York ; but it was sufficient to fit him tor the busi- 
ness of teaching, which he folhiwed in his younger days. He was always 
a liberal supporter of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
A brief genealogical record will close this sketch: 

Thomas G. Amsden was born Sept. 0, 1797, in Ontario Co., N. T., bis 
father, Isaac Amsden, owning a farm between Ucneva and Canandaigua. 
His ancestors were from Massachusetts, and of English origin. He was 
twice married, his first wife being Lydla Chapman, a sister of F. A, Chap- 
man, his partner in business. They were married about the time the 
firm went into business at Bellevu<'. which was, as above stated, in the 
latter part of the year 182.1. Of this marriage there were seven children, 
— Sarah, Mary, Isaac, Thomas (then two that died in infancy), and 
William. 

Sarah married the Hon. J. P. Shoemaker, living at Amsden, Mich., a 
place so called from the subject of this sketch, who once owned the land 
on which the place is situated. They have five children, — three boys and 
two girls. 

Mary married Abishai Woodward, son of the late Gurd()n Woodward, 
May 26, 1847. Mr. Wooclward is a prominent banker and business-man 
of IJellevue, now owning the Bramwell Place, which ho has rebuilt and 

greatly improved. They have seven 
children, — (iurdon, Mary, Thomas, 
(Jertrude, Abishai, Cornelia, and Alice 
Sarah, — as interesting and i)romi8- 
ing a family as any patriarch could 
desire. 

Isaac married Cornelia Birdseyo, in 
Sandusky County, and now resides in 
Fremont, where he is doing a pros- 
perous business in the lumber trade. 
They have five children, — three girls 
and two boys. 

Thomas was married in Monroo- 
ville, and had three children. He 
died some years since in Bellevue. 

William married in Fremont. Dur- 
ing the late war he enlisted in the 
army, and was soon made captain in 
the 3d Ohio Cavalry. In the spring 
of 1862 he was prostrated by camp 
fever, near Corinth, Miss. He was 
first brought to a hospital in Cincin- 
nati, and thence to his home in Fre- 
mont, where he died, June 19, 1862. 
His binly lies with kindred dust in 
the Bellevue Cemetery. He was a 
most promising young man, — one of 
the many noble sjiirits who freely 
otlVrcil uj) their lives to save the life 
of tlie republic. 

iMr. Amsden's first wife died about 
1841. A few years subsequently he 
married Miss Harriet Wiles, of .Slon- 
rocville, by whom he had five chil- 
drcu,— Emily, Edward, Liz/ie, Mag- 
gie, and Harriet, the first two being 
twins. 

Emily is married to Charles Cul- 
len, who is engaged in a successful 
drygoods traile in Delta. Fulton Co., 
Ohio, where he also owns a flouring- 
mill. He commenced life as an errand 
boy in Mr. Amsden's store, and, between pluck and luck, he has gradually 
worked his way up almost to the top round in the ladder of fortune. 

Edwanl lives at Canton, Ohio, where he has a music-store, and is also 
engaged in the real-estate business. He is an ardent snj.i.orter of the 
Episcopal Church in that (dace, of which he was made warden when 
he was but little more than twenty-one. He was nuirricd in Seville, and 
has one child, — a daughter. 

Lizzie is unmarried, and lives with her mother at Fremont. 
Maggie died in Bellevue, about eleven years old. 

Hattie married a Mr. Ross, in Fremont. She has two little girls, and 
is also living with her mother. 

?JoTE. — We have found some confusion of recollection and statompnt in regard to 
the interesting adventure rcliitcd altove. In the "CImts nlHint Ihc (>I<i Kolks," inib- 
lishcd in the liellevue Loral Newnthir'wK the yeunt 187.% and ls7f>, tlos story is re- 
lated as if onlv F. A. Chnpnian and a yonnKcrlirother were coru'erneti in it, and its if 
the event occurred in the vicinity of (ircen Buy. Hut the cliildreii »( Mr. Amwlen 
state so positively (hat tliey Imve often hciiril their fiithcr speak of takirij; psirl in 
this adventure, that we have felt wnrninted in iissoriutinx his name wjlh it. In 
otlicr respects, wo havfi folh)wed Hulistantiiilly the nccouut contained in the "Chats." 
But, from conversations that wo have hud with the oldest Uvinn pioneers, wo aro 
rathor inclined to the opinion thiit the rapture took phico near l»etn>it, instead 
of Green Bay; that, only Amsden and K. A. I'lmpnnin were captured at tliis linic, 
Ipoth escapinj^ in the nmnner related; and lliut ttie advuuturo in wliich Alfrl'd 
Chapman lost his life occurred at another time, at a point farther west, and fn com- 
pany with a ytMMig man liy the name of Alton, who, in endeavoring to uscape from 
tJio Indians, along with y<mng Chapman, was compelled to leave the latter to Ida 
fate. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



391 



He purchased a large tract of laud, a part of it lying 
witliin the present limits of the village. He was a 
man of strong, native abilify, and was always recog- 
nized as one of the leading men of the town. He 
possessed the ability to accumulate property, and 
died worth a good many thousands of dollars. He 
dealt largely in real estate, and in the purchase and 
sale of sheep, horses and cattle. He and Mr. Bourdett 
Wood together purchased large tracts of land in the 
west. He was universally esteemed for his sound 
business integrity, and for his liberality in the sup- 
port of benevolent enterprises. He donated the lands 
upon which the old Baptist cliurch stands, and, 
in many ways, proved himself a stauncli friend of all 
institutions whose object is the enlightenment and 
elevation of man. 

His daughter Angeline, in 1846, married the Rev. 
.Tames M. Morrow, a pro inent minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a chaplain in 
tlie late war for about two years, and was connected 
with the Xinety-ninth Ohio Infantry. While in the 
service he came home several times on various benevo- 
lent errands for the soldiers of his regiment — the last 
time, in December, 1863. Returnmg January 4th, 
life was fatally injured in a railroad collision near 
Dayton, Ohio, to which place he was taken, and died 
there February f2, 1864. His widow resides in 
Bellevue. 

THE C4R0WTH OF BELLEVTE. 

From 1835 to 1840, the growth of the village 
was slow, and it was not until about tlie time of the 
building of the Mad River railroad to this place, 
in 183'.(, that the advancement of the town received 
any considerable impetus. This was an event of no 
little importance to the prospects of the place, and in 
183.5, in view of the approaching completion of the 
road, the land of the village on the Huron county side 
was purchased of Gurdon Williams by F. A. Chapman, 
T. G. Amsden, L. G. Harkness, and others, who lent 
their best efforts to the advancement of the place. The 
decade from 1830 to 1S40, witnessed a number of 
important arrivals in Bellevue — men who became per- 
• manently identified with the town, and to whom its 
rapid pros])erity was in no small measure due. Dr. 
L. G. Harkness, who had been a practicing physician 
in the western part of York township, came in 1833. 
Abram Loiter came the same year. J. B. Iligbee and 
Benjamin and David Moore came in 1835. William 
Byrnes came in 1835. H. H. Brown was at this time 
the hotel keeper, and was very active in his efforts 
to assist thegrowtli of the place. In 1835, the popu- 
lation of the village could not have exceeded a hun- 
dred peoj)le, while in 1840, a year after the completion 
of tlie Mad River railroad, it numbered not less than 
five hundred, and at the date of its incorporation, 
1851, about eight hundred. 

Cuyler Greene came here from New York State at 
the age of twenty-two, where he was born March 10, 
1811. Upon his arrival he was engaged as salesman 



for Ciuipman & Harkness, and afterwards superin- 
tended for Mr. Chapman the old stone tavern, since 
called the Exchange Hotel. He built the old stone 
blacksmith shop, that for so many years stood where 
tlie Bellevue bank l)uilding now is. In later years he 
became the landlord of llie Exchange Hotel, and then 
! of the Bellevue House, and tlien purchased the farm 
I on tlie pike, two miles east of town, now known as 
the Richards farm. After a residence here of some 
years, he bought the Hollister farm, on the ridge, east 
of, and near ^lonroeville. where he died December 3, 
1848. February 17, 1836, he married Tryphena Fol- 
lett, by whom he had four children: Malcom C, who 
resides in Boston, where he is in prosjierous business; 
William E., who has for many years been actively en- 
gaged in business life in Bellevue; Ferguson, who 
died April 3, 1875; and Frank B., who died Septem- 
ber 26, 1847. Cuyler Greene is said to hare been a 
man of good business taleuts. and his wife, afterwards 
Mrs. Goodson, was an estimalde lady, whom every one 
who knew her esteemed for her excellence of character 
and her devotion to every worthy oliject and laudable 
enterprise. 

In 1835, came .J. B. Higbee, who is elsewhere re- 
ferred to, Benjamin and David Moore and William 
Byrnes and others. Few men are more extensively 
known in Bellevue and the surrounding country than 
David Moore. He and his brother came here from 
Union county, Pennsylvania, and botli have lived 
right here for a period of upwards of forty-four years. 
David Moore has been the village undertaker for 
nearly the entire length of that time, and very faith- 
fully and satisfactorily has he performed every trust 
of this nature, and when we add that he has attended 
the burial of nearly two thousand persons, old and 
young, during these years, the compliment is not 
small. Benjamin Moore made the journey hither, a 
distance of four hundred miles, on foot, in the mid- 
dle of winter, the snow being eighteen inches deep, 
and performed this pedestrian feat in eleven days. 
This illustrates the energy and spirit of those sturdy 
men who developed this country, and mastered all 
obstacles on the road to fortune. Mr. Moore has 
followed a variety of pursuits; has been carpenter and 
joiner, been in the jewelry business, sold dry goods, 
conducted a livery establishment, run a line of hacks 
to and from Toledo, kept a hotel, managed a farm, 
and dealt in real estate. He has been successful and 
has acquired a handsome [)roperty. 

William Byrnes entered the employ of Cuyler Greene 
when he first came to Bellevue, in the old stone 
blacksmith shop, but in six months' time bought (Uit 
his employer, and for ten years he hammered away at 
the anvil and ])ouiuled out a fine fortune, amply ))ro- 
viding for a life of retirement which he led for nianv 
years, and for the maintenance, in a comfortable home, 
of his family. He died February 6. 1877. 

In 1853. the Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland rail- 
road was located through Bellevue, and in the follow- 
ing year completed, and the cars came whistling 



i 



393 



HISTOEY OF HUEON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



through here from tlie four points of the compass — 
north, south, east, and west. New impetus to the 
life of the vilhige was given by this event, and the 
town rapidly increased in population! The country 
had also been rapidly settled, and Bellevue, situated in 
the midst of a fine wheat growing country, came to 
be an important market for the shipment of grain. 
The Higbee flouring mill was erected in 1850, and 
other manufacturing enterprises were soon estab- 
lished. The Mad Eiver road was lost to the place in 
1855, but the detriment to business on this account 
was not serious. The town continued to enlarge and 
populate, while the surrounding country in every 
direction became thickly settled with an industrious 
farming population. 

INCORPORATION. 

The town was incorporated by act of legislature 
Januai-y 25, 1851, its charter limits embracing an area 
of about one mile from east to west, by about one- 
half mile from north to south, the center of the area 
being the central point of intersection of Main street 
with the county line. In the month of February, 3-4, 
1851, the following were chosen the village officers: 
Abraham Leiter, mayor ; S. L. Culver, recorder : 
Thomas G. Amsdeu, Eliphalet Follett, Benjamin F. 
McKim, David Armstrong and Joseph M. Lawrence, 
trustees. The corporate limits were enlarged in 18<39, 
so as to be about one mile and a half from east to west 
and from north to south. The present village officers 
are: Peter Brady, mayor; H. F. Baker, clerk; .J. A. 
Higbee, John Scullen, William West, Joseph Egle, 
C. D. Stoner and E. H. Smith, cuuncilmen; William 
Mayne, marshal. 

DISTINCT CLASSES OF POPl'LATION. 

The village has a iiopulation, to-day, of about 
tiiree thousand and inhabitants. This population 
embraces not less than four distinct classes of people, 
each of which is represented by about the same 
numl)er of individuals. First three are those of 
American birth, whose parents came to this region at 
an early day, from New England or New York State, 
and who were the real pioneers. Eepresentativefam 
ilies of this class are the Chapmans, the Woodwards, 
the Harknesses, the Woods (the Bourdett branch), the 
Sheffields, the Greenes, the Bakers, etc. Second, there 
are the Pennsylvania peo]>le, many of whom came, 
likewise, at an early day — a thrifty, sober and indus- 
trious class. They are represented by the Moores, 
the Hilliishes, the Slierchs, the Leiters, the Boyers, 
the Kerns, etc. Third, came the English, England 
born, of whom may be mentioned theGreenslades, the 
Wills, the Heals, the Fords, the Maynes, the Joints, 
the Radfords, etc. ; and the Germans, wlio. perhaps, 
outnumber any otJier one class; of these may be 
mentioned the Egles, Ruffings, the Bebricchers, 
the Liebers, the Webers, the Ailers, the Setzlers, etc. 
The Yankees were the first to arrive, then the Penn- 
sylvania Dutch people, then the Germans, and lastly 



the English. We append here brief sketches of one 
or two Germans, and of one or two Englishmen. 

J. H. Weber was born' in Germany, in 1843, and 
came to this country, when a lad, in 1853. He first 
located in Tiffin, and that town and Fremont were 
the i^laces of his residence for the next six years. 
His occupation was type setting. He followed this 
trade until his removal to Bellevue, in the winter of 
1859-00. Arriving here, he began immediately in 
-the business which he has ever since followed — that 
of groceries and" general merchandise. He clerked 
two years for J. Murschel, and then went into part- 
nership with that gentleman, in which relation he 
remained one year, when Mr. Murschel went out of 
the firm, and Mr. W^eber took a junior partner to 
assist him in conducting the business. In 1876, he 
began entirely alone, and has, since then, built up a 
large and lucrative business in groceries, crockery, etc. 
He has also conducted a branch store at Winamac, 
Indiana, and has been engaged in an enterprise at 
La Rue, Ohio, where he and two other gentlemen 
have had a large saw mill in operation, working into 
lumber the timber from a tract of land, including 
seven hundred acres bought by the firm. 

Mr. Weber's career has not been one of uninter- 
rupted success, but, on tlie contrary, he has met with 
several adverse circumstances. By the fire in 1875, 
he lost his store, and it was this misfortune of his 
which led to an improvement in the business portion 
of Bellevue, which may justly be regarded as one of the 
most important made. He built up in connection 
with Wise & Gross, the L^nion block, upon Main 
street, of which he owns the four westerly stores, one 
of which is occupied by himself at present. He pos- 
sesses, in a large measure, the confidence of his fellow 
German citizens who are in the habit of consulting 
him on matters of importance to them. 

Joseph Egle, one of the most prominent and influ- 
ential German citizens, was born in Baden, Germany, 
April 28, 1828. When he was twenty-four years of 
age, he came to America and located in Norwalk, 
Ohio. In 1854, he removed to Bellevue and began 
business for himself in the grocery line. This de- 
partment of mercantile business he pursued diligently 
and successfully for about ten years, when he went 
into the hardware business, which at present engages 
his attention, and which he has followed continu- 
ously from the time he entered it. He has shown 
rare business ability, and, by the exercise of this 
quality, has accumulated a large property. 

Roger Greenslade was born in Devonshire, England, 
in 1829, and emigrated to America in 1854, arriving 
in Bellevue in June of that year. He came here poor, 
but he jiossessed the elements of success: industry, 
sobriety, economy. His flrst engagement was with 
Eddison Brown, working on the bench at cobbling 
and making boots and shoes. He afterwards worked 
for Patrick Hearl, and Abram Leiter until about the 
year 18G4, when he established himself in business, 
and has been in the boot and shoe business on his own 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



39a 



I 



accmmt ever since. He has occupied his present 
stand for the hist thirteen years. Xot only has tlirift 
crowned Mr. Greenslade"s efforts, but he lias lived an 
exemplary life: has raised a family of children that 
are a credit to the community, one son. James, l)eing 
the etBcieut superintendent of the Bellevue public 
schools; has always taken an active interest in church 
and schools, and deservedly occupies a high place in 
the esteem of his fellow townsmen. lie is junior 
warden of St. PauTs Episcopal church, and no mem- 
ber is more regular in his attendance upon the service 
of that church. Tliese are not merely empty words 
of praise: they are plain statements of fact. He is the 
oldest resident on the "pike, having purchased hi? 
present location in 1857, where he has resided ever 
since. This shows that he is not given to frei|uent 
changes. 

Perhaps no English born resident of the village has 
has had more prosperity than George Wills, who ar- 
rived here from Devonshire in 1851. He has been 
the village butcher nearly the whole time since his ar- 
rival, and, having only enongh means to enable him 
to get here, he has, by close application to business, 
being at his post of duty early and late, accumulated 
a handsome competence. A man who has won suc- 
cess by such fidelity to business as Mr. Wills has 
shown, deserves this word of mention in this history 
of Bellevue. 

The Heals, who were respectable people in England, 
have maintained well their credit here, idl being very 
worthy townspeople. Of Enoch Heal's family, the 
women, mother and daughters, are skillful milliners. 
The oldest daughter married James Smith, who died 
in the service of his country; another married Dr. 
Lanterman, a physician, who is rapidly rising into 
prominence as a practitioner; another married Ed- 
ward Miller: another, George Beckwith: another, 
Ralph Boyer, who is an enterprising young business 
man, and the leading Jeweller of the place. 

In addition to the four classes of people that 
we have named, there is the Celtic ]iopulation, of 
which Mr. Peter Brady is the most prominent repre- 
sentative. He came here in 1859 and has been in 
business since 18G2. His business has rapidlv grown 
until it takes precedence of any other of the kind in 
the city, and ranks among the leading hardware stores 
of Sandusky or Huron counties. Mr. Brady's popu- 
larity with the people of Bellevue is evidenced from 
the fact that he has served the village for a number of 
years as councilman, and for the past five years has 
been mayor of the town. He has been elected for 
three successive terms to the office which is the Jiigh- 
est in the gift of his fellow townsmen — a no slight 
testimonial to the efficiency and ability of his service. 

CHURCHES. 
FIRST CONGREGATION'AL CHURCH. 

This church was first organized on September 20, 
183G, by a committee from the Presbytery of niiniii. 

50 



and was started as a Presbyterian Church on what 
was known as the accommodation plan, — that is a 
church under the care of a Presbtery, but which re- 
ceived and dismissed its members, and transacted 
other business, not by a vote of the elders but by a 
vote of the whole church. 

The number of male members at the organization 
was nine; five of these brought letters from the church 
at Lyme, Ohio: three from churches in the State of 
New York, and one from Norwalk. 

Among many important resolutions adopted on the 
day of the organizatior., was one declaring that the 
manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors was an 
immorality which, if practiced by any member of this 
church, made him liable to discipline the same as if 
guilty of any other immorality. 

The church -continued under care of Presbytery 
ten years, and then, so far as we are able to learn from 
the records, with much unanimity, decided to separate 
itself from its Presbyterial connection, and become a 
regular Congregational Church. This action was 
taken March 7, 18i6. 

The first pastor called by the church after the ror 
organization, was Rev. A. D. Barber who was installed 
by a council October 19, 1853. Mr. Barber's salary 
was four hundred dollars, and parsonage, which shows 
that the society had a parsonage at that time. This 
pastorate continued five years. In the following year 
after Mr. Barber's departure, the church called the 
Rev. James W. Cowles, and offered him a salary of 
seven hundred dollars. Mr. Cowles served the church 
about three years, and was succeeded on Octobei-30, 
1863, by Rev. John Safford. 

During this pastorate the house of worshij) was re- 
moved, enlarged and repaired. The work was com- 
pleted in the fall of 1865, and immediately afterwards 
the church invited Mr. Safford to become its installed 
pastor with an increase of three hundred dollars in 
salary. Mr. Safford accepted the call, but seems to 
have continued in the pastoral relation only al)out a 
year. 

When the house of worship was originally built, 
it seems that the pews were sold with the understand- 
ing that the buyers became permanent owners. This 
arrangement was a source, afterwards, of much in- 
convenience to the society. The owners weic not all 
induced to give their pews up again to the society 
until some time in 1808. 

After the departure of Pastor Safford m 1867, the 
Rev. S. B. Sherrill was called, and was acting pastor 
from December, 1867, until some time in 1873, a 
period of nearly six years. The successor of Mr. 
Sherrill was the Rev. J. W. White, whose letter ac- 
cei)ting the call of tlie church is dated February 28, 
1874. Mr. White's labors did not begin until some 
time after this acceptance, and closed near the end of 
1878, continuing with the church a little more than 
four years. Within two months after Jlr. White's 
resignation, the church called Rev. S. W. Meek, who 
was installed in the pastoral office by the council on 



I 



394 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



February 11, 1879, having begun his labors witli the 
church on tlie 1st of J;iniiar\\ previous. 

The church has been blessed at various times in its 
history by revivals. In the year -1854:, during the 
pastorate of Rev. A. D. Barber, thirty-seven were 
received into membership of the church. In 1859, 
twenty-two were added to the church. Again, in 
1861, the church was visited by a revival which re- 
sulted in the addition of twenty to the membership. 
In the year 1865, during the labors of Mr. Safford, 
seventeen were received into membership; and in 1870, 
under Mr. Sherrill's labors, twenty-three connected 
themselves with the church. In 1873, the year that 
Mr. Sherrill closed his labors, forty-five names were 
added to the roll. 

One pleasant feature in the records of this church 
is the frequency with which the word "unanimously" 
occurs in describing the passage of important resolu- 
tions and the calling of ministers. 

In common wfth Congregational churches in gen- 
eral, the only creed recognized by this church as 
having any binding authority upon the consciences of 
its members is the Bible. But as a convenient state- 
ment of its understanding of the Bible on the great 
foundation doctrines of Christianity, it has adopted, 
and places in the hands of its members and inquirers, 
what is known as the Ohio Congregational Manual. 

The church has a uniform record of sterling ortho- 
doxy from the beginning. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

Vf Bellevue. was formed in the year 1839. The first 
class was composed of James Anderson, his wife, 
Betsey, and daughter, Melissa; Alvin Anderson, his 

wife, Harriet, and daughter, Ada]ine;and Mann 

and daughter. Meetings were held at this time in 
the stone school house, standing on the-site at present 
occupied by the school building, near the Episcopal 
church. In about 1845, this church erected a sub- 
stantial brick edifice, at a cost of some five thousand 
dollars. This building is at present owned by the 
German Lutheran society. After organization, how- 
ever, the church fitted up a room in the second 
story of the warehouse standing where the Richards 
and Egle block now stands, and this was occupied 
until the building of the church as before stated. 

The present elegant church edifice was completed 
during the summer of 1868, and was dedicated by 
Bishop Simpson on August 17, of that year, and cost, 
including real estate and parsonage, some thirty 
thousand dollars. Among the largest contributors 
to the erection of the church are: Messrs. Anderson, 
Higljee, Williams, Dole, Adams and Huffman. The 
first resident minister was Rev. Oliver Burgess, who 
remained two years. Father Anderson gives from 
memory, the following names of ministers who have 
jireached to this clmrcli in Bellevue: Wilson, Camp, 
Pierce, Hill, Cooper, Fast, Start, Fant, Pounds, 
Breakficld. Thompson, Worden, Spafford, Morrow 
and Cables. 



In 1852, when the ministers' "historical record" 
begins, the church reported a membership of two 
hundred and twelve, and three hundred scholars in 
attendance at Sabbath school. Rev. Samuel Beatty. 
pastor. September 18, 1852, it was formally organ- 
ized as a station, with the following board of stewards: 
H. R. Adams. Alvin Anderson. Jesse Haskell, AV. W. 
Stilson, J. B. Higbee, Orrin Dole and Barney 
Campbell. Its leaders were Jesse Haskell, B. Camp- 
bell. 0. Dole, David Williams and W. Curtiss. 
Superintendent of Sabbath school, W. W. Stilson. 
1853 — William M. Spafford, pastor. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1854 by Rev. Wesley J. Wells. The 
following are the pastors from that time until the 
present, (1879): 1855— John A. Mudge; 1857— Wm. 
Richards; 1850— Asbury B. Castl^: 1861— Daniel 
Stratton; 1862— Simon P. Jacobs; 1863— Elmore Y. 
Warner; 1865 — Garretson A. Hughes; 1868 — Elmore 
Y. Warner; 1871 — Elvero Pearsons. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Searles. T. C. Warner succeeded 
him, remained three years, and was succeeded by Rev. 
G. W. Pepper, who is the present pastor, and was 
appointed at the Wellington conference, in 1879. The 
present membership is one hundred and eighty; 
average attendance at Sunday school, one hundred 
and ninety; R. Cari^enter, sujoerintendent. The 
stewards of the church are: Thomas Gardner, Horace 
Place, A. Anderson, John Grimes, R. H. Boyer, 
William L. Hilbish, John Limbach, Jacob Decker 
and'C'onrad Linck. J. B. Higbee, A. Anderson, E. L. 
Dole, H. R. Adams, Jacob Decker, J. C. Sheffield, 
Adam Williams and S. Patterson, trustees; Enoch 
Heal, W. L. Hilbish. John Limbach and S. Patterson, 
class leaders. 

PROTESTAXT EPISCOPAL CHfRCH. 

Before there was any parish organization in Belle- 
vue, the Rev. Ephraim Punderson officiated from the 
year 1842 to that of 1847; but not until Ajml. 1851, 
was the ))arish duly organized by Rev. Dr. Bronsou. 
Messrs. T. G. Amsden and John Grimes were chosen 
wardens: Messrs. F. A. Chapman, G. Woodward and 
G. W. .Sheffield, vestrymen; and, on September 10, 
1851, this parish was received into connection with 
the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

In the spring of 1852, Rev. R. K. Nash was chosen 
rector and the church building was begun and enclosed. 
Mr. Nash having resigned in 1854, the building re- 
mained unfinished. lu the spring of 1857, an effort 
was made to ojien the church, and a rector was called. 
Rev. M. Hamilton took charge of the church on the 
first Sunday in July, 1857. 

Improvements were made in the church building, 
an old debt paid off, and the chui'ch was consecrated 
by Bishop Bedell, in January, 1861. 

The lot and buildings cost about three thousand 
five hundred dollars. In July, 1869, the parish be- 
came selfrsupporting, and the following j-ear repairs 
and improvements were made, at a cost of one tlmu- 
sand four hundred dollars. 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTII^, OHIO. 



395 



The first Sunday school was organized by tlie Rev. 
M. Hamilton in 18.57. and continued witli increasing 
prosperity under liis care. 

A marked improvement in this ciiurdi is now in 
contemplation. The walls are to be frescoed, a recess 
cliancel and a memorial window are soon to lieaiitify 
the cliurch. 

The present officers are: Geo. W. Slieffield, senior 
warden; Roger Greenslade, junior warden; Abishai 
Woodward, Amos Woodward, E. J. Slieffield, W. .J. 
Ileal and .James H. Greenslade, vestrymen. 

ST. Paul's kkfokmed cnrKcii. 

The members of St. Paul's Reformed Church origin- 
ally worshiped at the Free Chapel, a few miles west 
of Bellevue. Some, a goodly number, were also 
members of the Zion's Church, in Thompson town- 
ship, Seneca county. In February, 1802, Rev. Eli 
Keller commenced to preach in Ballevue. Services 
were held in the old school building, owned by Mr. 
George Weickart, afterwards in the old Methodist 
Episcopal Church, then again in the old school house. 
At this time, a weekly prayer meeting was well sus- 
tained, and a Sunday school organized. August 16, 
186"-J, at a meeting held at the chapel, it was i-esolved 
that a church should be built in, or near, Bellevue, 
and measures taken to .select a site and procure 
building funds. The corner stone of the church was 
laid on the 19th of .June. 1804. On the 19th of June, 
180.5, the church was dedicated: sermons by Rev. M. 
Kieller, I). D., and Rev. H. Rust, D. D. The cere- 
nionies of laying the corner stone were performed l)y 
Rev. E. Keller, the pastor. 

Some time in the fall of 180.5, the St. Paul's Re- 
formed Congregation was organized by the election 
of a consistory of elders and deacons. Since 1805, 
the following persons served respectively as elders, 
deacons and trustees, viz: Jacob Bunn, Levi Korner, 
D. S. Arnold, John Ililbish, H. Kimniel, Isaac Kern, 
elders; John Bunn, David Hoch, Moses Miller, Joseph 
Zieber, John Bowman, Aaron Walters, Wm. Knauss, 
John Deck, Benjamin Bunn, W. C. Smith, William 
Aigler and J. Ferdinand Smith, deacons; David 
Hoch, Harrison Wilt, Elias Schmidt, Henry Stetler, 
John Deck, Aaron Walters, Jacob Aigler and Fred- 
erick Smith, trustees. The Sunday school wiis organ- 
ized ill thjold Weiokiirt scliujl hous3; sup^'rinteudent, 
a Mr. Albert. Since 1805, Mr. John Ililbish has 
been the su])erintendent, with the c.\cei)tion of one 
year, when Rev. J. II. Derr officiated as head of the 
school. 

In the year 18T2, July 1, Rev. Eli Keller resigned 
the pastorate, having served the people for a period 
of eleven years. He was succeeded by Rev. Joshua 
H. Derr, on the 1st of December, 1872. His pas- 
torate continued for four and a half vears, closinj; 
his services June 3, 1877. During this pastorate the 
congregation suffered serious damage in thCir church 
edifice by a severe storm, which took off aoout oue- 
tliird of the roof and also broke down the galjle end 



to the square. This much injured the ceiling and 
the interior in general. A cost of about one thou- 
sand dollars restored and much improved the now 
beautiful and cummodious church. 

The congregation owns the cemetery adjoining the 
church, and a large and comfortable parsonage. The 
present pastor. Rev. X. II. Loose, took charge of the 
congregation, August 1, 1877. The interests of the 
church are prosperous and encouraging. 

EVAXfiELIC.AL LUTIIERAX CHURCH. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organ- 
ized January 7, 1866, under the laws of the State of 
Ohio. The directors were Adam Zehner, Cliristiaa 
Engel and Philip Biebricher. The trustees were 
Jacob Beiler, Charles Beiler and John Weis. Rev. 
Jacob Doruberer was instrumental in its organization 
and remained its jiastor three years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. C. Buechler, who has remained as 
pastor ten years. At its organization there were 
thirty-nine members. The present membership is 
about forty-five. They also have a prosperous Sunday 
school of some seventy members, under the superin- 
tendence of David Meyers. Soon after the organiza- 
tion of the church, the present building was pur- 
chased from the ilethodist society for two thousand 
dollars. Since that time some six or seven hundred 
dollars have been exjieiuled in refitting and rejiairing 
it. 

SALEM EVAXGELICAL CHURCH. 

This church was organized in Bellevue under the 
ministration of Rev. L. W. Haiikey, in the summer 
of 1875. The congregation purchased the building 
formerly occupied by the Baptists, for three thousand 
dollars. They then expended six or eight hundred 
dollars in repairing and refitting it. At first, and 
until the spring of 1879, the church was a mission. 
The last spring it was cut loose from missionary aid, 
and is now self supporting. The present memliership 
is seventy-five. Thirty-one accessions were made dur- 
ing the last year. The church has had four pastors: 
Rev. L, W. Uankey; S. B. Spring, who remained 
eight months; G. W. Meisee, who remained one year, 
and Rev. D. C. Eckerman, the present pastor, who 
has been in charge a little more than two years. 
There is connected with the cluirch a Sunday school 
of seventy three members, of which the jjastor is su- 
perintendent. Regular services of the church are 
held twice each Sunday. The church government is 
very similar to that of the Methodist Episcopal, but 
there are some diffeiences on minor points. 

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEI'TION. 
(ROM AX CATHOLIC.) 

About 1852, Rev. .Tamos Vincent Conliii, stationed 
at Sandusky, established a mission in Bellevue, and 
held services some three or four vears. when Rev. 
Punshell, of Norwalk, came, and then for a short 
time Father Boff officiated. Father Tighe, of San- 
luskv. came, and bouglit, from J. B. Higbee, the 



i 



390 



HISTORY OF HUKOK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



building they now occupy as a church, and perfected 
an organization. The first resident priest was Rev. 
James Munaghan, who remained some seven or eight 
years. While in charge, he bought a house of Rev. 
Mr. Flagler, for the use of the priest. Father Ma- 
houy came next and remained some five years. He 
purchased ground for burial jjurposes, and built a 
school house. Father Mears next came: he bought a 
house and lot on the corner of Center and Broad 
streets, with the intention of building a church. He 
remained about three years and was succeeded Ijy 
Father Bowles, who also remained three years. The 
church was then attended by Father Rudoljjh, of 
Clyde, for about three months, wlien the present 
priest, Father Molloy, came, and has officiated for 
three years. The congregation comprises about one 
hundred and ten families. The church still owns 
the lot bought b_v Father Clears, and at one time it 
owned tlie lot on which stands the present union 
school building. 

HISTORY OF THE BELLEVUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.* 

It is greatly to be regretted that the records of the 
early history of the Bellevue schools have been lost. 
The data for the following article have been furnished 
by some of the older citizens, and are as correct as 
can be obtained outside of the school records. The 
first building that was used for school purposes was a 
little log house that stood on the Herl property, just 
west of Mr. .John Baker's residence. Here a school 
was opened in the fall of 1827, by a gentleman named 
Harris, irom Milan. In the following 3'ear (1828), 
Miss Clemence A. Follett, (now Mrs. Frederick Chap- 
man), taught school in the same building. In those 
days the village was known as Amsden's corners, and 
consisted of the Exchange Hotel, a frame building 
just east of it, a double log house, where Mr. Green- 
slade's store stands; the houses now occupied by Dr. 
Harris and Mr. John Ries, and a few scattered log 
huts. The scholars came to Miss Follett's school 
from the country for miles around, walking to school 
along the " trails" of the woods, and bringing their 
dinners with them. In this school the girls spent. 
half an hour each day in learning to sew. It was a 
pleasant little school, and Mrs. Chapman still recalls 
■with delight the days she passed as teacher in the log 
school house. In the following year, 1829, Miss 
Julia Follett taught in the same log school house. 

The next school, of which we can find any record, 
was taught in the "old stone school house," that 
stood on West Main street where the brick school 
house now stands. The land was donated by Chajv 
man and Amsden, and the Iniilding was probably built 
l)y the Chapmans — ^Xathaniel and Frederick — Dr. L. 
G. Harkness and Mr. Thomas G. Amsden, as we find 
these names are closely associated with the early ed- 
ucational interests of the town as well as with its bus- 
iness aud social interests. The "stone school house" 
was built about 1832. In the fall of 1835, Mr. J. B. 



•By J. M. Qreenslade, Superintendent. 



Higbee commenced to teach in this building, aud 
taught two vears. Mr. Higbee .seems to have been a 
successful teacher; at least he was not "carried out" 
by the boys, which misfortune did happen to the gen- 
tleman who preceded him. We are unable to learn 
who succeeded Mr. Higbee, but the building still con- 
tinued to be used for school purposes until the "old 
brick school house " was built, after which the " stone 
school house" was unoccupied for several years. For 
some years before the "old brick" was built, the in- 
creasing number of pupils compelled the directors to 
rent rooms in different parts of the town to be used 
for school rooms. 

At one time a school was taught in a frame build- 
ing that stood on the site now occupied by Mr. P. 
Biebrielier's grocery store. The building was origin- 
ally built for a warehouse by Mr. James Bell. It was 
afterwards moved, aud the upper rooms used for school 
rooms during the week days, and by the Methodist 
society for services on Sunday. About the SiUie time 
Miss Town, now Mrs. Kent, of Toledo, taught a very 
successful private schools for girls, on itonroe street, 
in the house now occuj^ied by Mr. James Furcell. 

In 1SA5 the number of scholars had increased to 
such an extent that the school directors saw the ne- 
cessity of providing better accommodations than those 
afforded by the stone school house and rented rooms, 
so they purchased of Chapman. Amsden aud Hark- 
ness the lot on which, the same j'ear, they built the 
"old brick " school house. The contract for erecting 
the building was lot to Mr.' A. Leiter. It was at first 
intended to build only a one story building, but while 
in process of erection Mr. J. M. Lawrence offered to 
raise it to a two story building, providing the upper 
I'ooms could be used for the Baptist society. His 
projiosition was accejited, the directors, at the same 
time, reserving the privilege of buying the upper part 
when the growth of the school required it. The 
building was used as a district school until 1851, when 
the present system of union schools was organized in 
accordance with the law of 18-19. 

The first superintendent of the union schools was 
Rev. ]Mr. Waldo, an eccentric, old gentleman. He 
wore a wig which, of course, furnished endless sport 
to his pupils. He was also in the habit of lecturing 
his scholars every morning before beginning the day's 
work. 

During Waldo's administration in the year 1851-2, 
Miss Gardner was assistant superintendent, aud the 
two lower grades were taught by two sisters, Mrs. 
Covil aud Miss Wilkinson. Mr. Waldo was succeeded 
in the fall of 1852, by Mr. Harvey Holton who is 
well and favorably remembered by many of our citi- 
zens. Mr. Holton was superintendent several years, 
and was a successful teacher. His assistant in the 
high school was Miss Celestia Gould, now Mrs. 
Spencer Boise. -Mr. Holton was succeeded by Jlr. 
Jerome Drury who taught two years, from the fall of 
1855 to the spring of 185T. He was succeeded by 
Mr. Edward Bradley who was superintendent for ouo 



I 






HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



397 



year in 1857-8. In the fall of 1858, the ^ubbard 
Brochers came to Bellevue, and secured positions in our 
schools, Dwight Hubbard as superintendent, and E. B. 
Hubbard as teacher in the stone school house. Mr. 
Dwight HuVibard held his position one yearand one term 
from the fall of 1858, to December, 1859. His place 
was supplied during the remainder of the school year, 
by Mr. Henry Bramwell for the second term, and Dr. 
Cornell for the third term. The last superintendent 
in the old brick school house was Mr. Ellis who held 
the position from the fall of 1860 to the spring of 
1863. After the higli sciiool building was built, the 
old brick school house was sold, and has since been 
used as a tenement house. 

In 185U, the "old stone" school house, which had 
been unoccupied for several years, was refitted and 
continued to be used for school purposes until re- 
placed by the present brick building. During these 
years several teachers were emjiloyed; among others 
was Mrs. Eliza Cook, who taught in the stone school 
house two years, in 1850 and '5T, until lier marriage 
with Mr. David Williams in the fall of 1857. 

In the same building, Mr. E. B. Hubbard, who is 
now a prominent druggist of Tifhn, taught three 
years, from the fall of 1858 to the spring of 1861. 
Mr. Hubbard is remembered as a very successful 
teacher, and still keeps up his interest in educational 
matters, being at present president of the board of 
education of Tiffin. Ohio. 

The German school was first started as a private 
enterprise in 18C0, and was held in the house now 
used as a residence by Mr. John Warren. The first 
German teacher that taught here was Mr. Ludwick, 
who is considered as the best German teacher that we 
liave ever had. The German school was partially 
united with the union schools in 1860, but received 
for a year or two only fifty dollars from the public 
funds. Mr. Ludwick was followed by Mr. Cobelli, 
who taught the German school after it was moved to 
the '"old stone" school house. Mr. Menges suc- 
ceeded Mr. Cobelli, and taught for several jxars, and 
was a successful teacher. Mr. ilenges was followed 
by ilr. Rabe, and Mr. Rabe by Mr. Beck, who re- 
signed in October, 1875. Mrs. Beck was employed 
;i~ assistant in the German department at the same 
time. Her place is filled by ^liss Bessie Radford, 
who has had charge of the English branches in the 
(rernian department since October, 1875. 

Mr. Jacob Frenz succeeded Mr. Beck in Novem- 
ber, 1875, and retained his position nearly three 
years. His successor, Mr. Henry Ebertshauser, is 
the present principal of the German department. 
The German schools occupy the two lower rooms of 
the school building on West Main street. The classes 
recite alternately in English and German branches 
during the day. 

The high school building was erected in 18G1, al- 
though it was not ready for use until the fall of 1862, 
The contract was so poorly filled that the contractor 
was obliged to put on the second roof within a year. 



and before the board of education would accept the 
building. Mr. Edward Bradley was the superintend- 
ent at the opening of the high school building in the 
fall of lSG'-2. Mrs. Bradley taught at the same time in 
a lower grade, and, also, during the following year. 
Mr. Bradley was superintendent one year in the high 
school building. After him came, Mr. Highland, 
from September, 18G3, to June, 1864; Mr. J. B. Love- 
land, from September, 1864, to June, 1867; Mr. 
Avery, from September, 1867, to June, 1868; Mr. 
Loveland, from from September, 18C8, to June, 
1869; Mr. L. C. Laylin, from September, 1869, to 
June. 1875; Mr. E. E. Phillips, from September, 1875, 
to June, 1877; Mr. J. M. Greenslade, from Septem- 
ber, 1877 to the present time. The assistant super- 
intendents, since the occupation of the high school 
building, have been: Miss Stella Sumner, from Sep- 
tember, 1862, to June, 1864; Miss L. M. Bates, from 
September, 1804, to December, 1875 — a little more 
than eleven years; Miss L. E. Bo.alt, from December, 

1875, to June, 1876; Mrs. Phillips, from September, 

1876. to June, 1877; Mr. T. A. Tliayer, from Sep- 
tember, 1877, to June, 1878; Mr. D. Ross Boyd, from 
September, 1878, to the present time. In the lower 
grades we find that Miss Julia Moore, now Mrs. 
Julia Merry, taught from the fall of 1862 to Decem- 
ber, 1866. Miss Lydia Haskell taught in different 
grades about two years. Miss L. M. Bates has charge 
of the A and B grammar grades. Mrs. E. H. Wood 
has taught in different grades since 1869, with two 
intermissions — one of four vears, and the other of one 
year. She now has charge of the C and D grammar 
grades. Miss Jennie Howard has taught in our 
schools since 1874, and now has the Intermediate de- 
partment. Miss Julia Merry has been connected, as 
teacher, with the schools since 1868, and has charge 
of the A primary grade. Miss Jennie Moore has 
had the charge of the B primary since 1875. The 
Bellevue schools now occupy two buildings — the high 
school building and the l)riek school building on 
West Main street, which was iniilt in 1871, and en- 
larged in 1875. These buildings are not large enough 
to accommodate the number of pupils so that the 
bourd of education will this vear enlarge the high 
school building, which will even then afford onlv tern- 
porary relief. The schools which started with four 
departments in 1852, will nc.Kt year have nine, and 
most of these having two grades. 

Among those that deserve mention for long and faith- 
ful service as school directors, are Mr. William Mclvim 
Mr. David Moore, Dr. J. W. Goodson, Mr. A. Leiter, 
Mr. William Lieber and Mr. John Wise. The present 
board of education is comprised of the following 
members: Mr. David Moore, Mr. Henry Weber. Mr. 
E. J. Shefiield, Mr. Joseph Sherck, "Mr. W. W. 
Williams and Mr. W. E. Greene. 

For several years previous to 4877, the course of 
study which had been prepared for the schools, had 
been disregarded Altogether, as not being suited to 
the wants of the schools. The result was that the 



398 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



teachers and scliolars worked at a disadvantage; and 
their efforts were ill-directed, or entirely wasted. 
The evil effects of this lack of system were especially 
noticeable in the high school, where the scholars pur- 
sued such studies as were agreeable, without any re- 
gard to previous training, or the relation of the differ- 
ent studies to each other. The board of education 
recognizing the value and necessity of systematic 
work in our schools, at a meeting held on the 2!tth 
of July, 18T7, adopted the present course of study; 
and rules and regulations of the Bellevue public 
schools, and ordered them to be published. The schools 
are at present in excellent condition. In the lower 
grades, the aim is to give thorough instritction "in 
the common branches. In the high school, all of the 
studies are pursued that are commonly found in a 
good high school course. Especial attention is paid 
to the languages and the natural sciences. Through 
the liberality of the board of education, the superin- 
tendent has been able, during the last two years, to 
accumulate considerable apparatus and supplies for 
the illustration of the natural sciences. 

PHYSICIAXS. 

Among the oldest practioners of medicine in the 
township, were Doctors Stevens, Otis, Boise and 
C'Jias. Smith, of Lyme. C'otemporary with them, 
and earlier, were Doctors Kittredge. Sanders and Til- 
den, who visited the townsJiip occasionallv. 

Dr. L.' G. Harkness was the first physician promi- 
nently identitied with the iiistory of Bellevue. He 
was born in Salem, Washington county. New York, 
April 1, 1801, educated for his profession in the 
State of his nativity, and came west in 1823. He 
located upon tiie ridge, in Lyme township, and became 
associated, professionally, witii Dr. Stevens. He 
removed, afterward, to the village of Bellevue, and 
not long after abandoned his practice. He continued 
to reside here, however, and the story of his life is 
quite fully told elsewhere in this history. 

In 1835, Dr. Daniel A. Lathrop came to Bellevue, 
from his birthplace, Montrose, Susipiehanua county, 
Fenu,sylvania, and almost immediately became a very 
successful practitioner, taking up Dr. Harkness' ride, 
and having all of the business, which that physician 
formerly attended to, upon his hands. He not oulv 
took Dr. Harkness' place, liut filled it, and enjoyed 
as extensive a ju-actice, perhaps, as any pliysician 
who ever located in the village. It extended over a 
long term of years, too, and really did not terminate 
until a short time before the Doctor's departure horn 
town, in 1801, thougii he was not actively engaged in 
the pursuit of his profession for two or three years 
previous to that date. The Doctor returned to 
Montrose, Pennsylvania, where he is now located. 
He is a graduate of a Philadelphia college. 

The pliysicians wire followed him were numerous. 
We shall only speak of those most prominently identi- 
fied with the history of the town. A' I >r. tJray came in 
and remained a shiu-t time. Di'. W. W. Stillson was 



in practice for a number of years and removed to 
Clyde, where he is at present in practice. Dr. Amos 
Woodward, a native of Lyme, began practice in 1846, 
and after six or seven years retired, though he con- 
tinued to reside in the village and has long been one 
of its leading citizens. Dr. Charles Richards, now of 
Binghamton, New York, came in soon after Dr. 
Woodward began practice, and read medicine with 
Dr. Lathrop, afterwards entering into practice. 

Dr. John W. Goodson, now in Sterling, Rice 
county, Kansas, began the study of medicine in 
Bellevue about 18-10, and completed his professional 
education at Buffalo, there receiving his diploma. 
He immediately returned to Bellevue and entered into 
practice, taking, almost from the first, a ju-ominent 
position, both in the medical fraternity and in general 
society. He had a lucrative practice and accumulated 
a fine property. He was for a time assistant surgeon 
of the Seventy-second Regiment 0. V. I., and was 
with Grant's army be:^ore Vicksburg. The doctor 
was a native of England and was born on the -1th of 
July, ISIT. He came to this country when a lad 
thirteen years of age. He is now represented here by 
three children — Mr. F. L. Goodson, Mrs. J. A. Ilig- 
bee and Miss Nettie Goodson. F. L. Goodson is the 
village postmaster, now serving his third term He 
is popular both as a man and an officer. 

Dr. Ralph A. Severance begun practice in Bellevue 
in 18.54. He was a native of Greenfield, Massachu- 
setts, and read medicine there with Dr. Brigham, 
who was afterwards in charge of one of the great 
asylums for the insane. He attended lectures in New 
York city, and graduated from Bowdoiu college, Bow- 
doin, Maine, with the class of 1831. He first went 
into pn.ctice at Rockingham, Vermont, and remained 
there twenty-three years, coming directly from that 
place to Bellevue, which has ever since been his home 
and in which village he has constantly practiced since 
18.54. He is now in the seventy-seventh year of his 
life and the forty-eighth of his practice. Dr. Sever- 
ance is now in the third year of his presidency of the 
Delamater Medical Society, is a member of the Ohio 
Medical Society, and of the American Medical Asso- 
ciation. His practice here has been very extensive 
and he is esteemed both professionally and as a 
citizen. 

Dr. J. J. Hartz who came to Bellevue in 1852, was 
one of the most eminent men of the profession who 
have practiced in this part of the State. He was born 
in Versailles, France, in 1798, and received his medi- 
cal education at the University of Heidelberg. After 
coming to this country he traveled through the south, 
was for a short time a resident of Charleston, and a 
transient resident of Texas. For a number of years 
before coming to this village he was located in Por- 
tage county, and at Upper Sandusky, in both of 
which neighborhoods he had a very extensive prac- 
tice. He rendered efficient service at Sandusky dur- 
ing the prevalence of the cholera there, going 
upon the rerjuest of some of the local pliysicians. 



r 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



399 



During the whole of his long service in the profes- 
sion in Bellevue, he was regarded bj- all as a man 
of marked ability in his profession, and as a gen- 
tleman of rare worth in all of the affairs of life. He 
was a man of liberal culture outside of medicine, and 
was a remarkable linguist, speaking with fluency 
seven languages. He was ever the courteous, pol- 
ished, dignified gentleman, and won the admiration 
and esteem of all. He died, in 186.5, of consumption, 
such of his patients as were able, coming to see him, 
whom he treated even up to the hour when he breathed 
his last; such was their conlideuce in his skill. He 
was a surgeon as well as physician. 

Dr. H. L. Harris, born June 30, 1819. in Oxford- 
shire, England, is a graduate of the Starling Medical 
College of Columbus, and received his diploma in 
184:8. Next to Dr. Severance, he is the oldest prac- 
titioner in the place. He was in practice in South 
Bend, and, in 1849, removed to Flat Rock, where he 
remained until 1859, when he came to Bellevue. He 
has enjoyed a very fine practice and is much esteemed 
by all who know him. 

Quite a number of physicians have practiced in the 
village for a short term of years and then removed to 
other points, among whom may be named Drs. Zen- 
dry, Carpenter, Heppurn, Hayes and Frost.. The 
physicians of Bellevue are, at present, as follows: 
Drs. Kalph A. Severance, H. L. Harris, Geo. L. 
Lanterman, W. S. Robinson, G. V. Parmelee (suc- 
cessor of Dr. Carpenter) and Chas. Sandmeister. The 
dentists are Drs. E. D. and Alexander Lord. Dr. G. 
N. Harcy is a regular practitioner of medicine in 
the township, and is located on Strong's ridge. 

BELLEVUE CEMETERY. 

I This cemetery was Ijegun about the time of tlie 
first laying out of the village of Bellevue, in 1835, on 
land given for the purpose by Messrs. Chapman, Hark- 
uess and Amsden, who were the first proprietors of 
tlie laiul on which the town is now situated. The 
first burial in this ground was that of Rebecca Chris- 
tiipher, who died March 20, 1836. At the time of 
giving the land for this purpose, the owners fenced it. 
In 1855, the village authorities 2>iirchased some- 
thing more than five acres of land and made an addi- 
tion to the cemetery, which now contains over seven 
acres. The old part was laid out in good form as far 
as practicable, with walks and paths between the lots, 
but no uniformity had been oljserved in first laying 
it out, and it was not possible to arrange it according 
to the best order, still it was much impi-oved. The 
addition was laid out in good shajje, and lots staked 
oS, which have been disposed of from time to time. 
When the last purchase was made a board of trustees 
was elected, consisting of W. H. King, mayor of the 
village at the time, Barney York, Lowell Chandler 
and D. Moore, for terms of one, two and three years. 
One trustee is now elected yearly. The board, at pres- 
ent, consists of D. Moore, Joseph Sherck and Martin 
Gross. Most of the religious denominations of the 



town bury their dead in this cemetery, as it is situ- 
ated in a better location than any other ground in the 
vicinity. D. Moore is sujwrintendent of tlie cemetery, 
and has acted in that capacity most of the time since 
its organizatron. 

FIKE DEPARTMEXT. 

In .June, 1870, the village council of Bellevue pur- 
chased a second-hand hand fire engine, a hose cart and 
several hundred feet of hose from the authorities of 
Tiffin, for the sum of about three hundred dollars. 
Afirecompany was organized with Dr. J. \V. Goodson, 
foreman; Charles Nicolai, first assistant: B. Benn, 
second assistant, and J. 11. Webber, secretary. In 
1874, council appointed as chief of the fire depart- 
ment, A. B. Smith, who served in that capacity for 
one year. In 1875 William R. West succeeded him. 
he also remaining one year. Charles Nicolai was ap- 
pointed in 1876 and served until 1879. when C. C. 
Cook was appointed. A first class Silsby rotary steam 
fire engine was purchased in 1875. with a hose cart 
and one thousand feet of hose, at a cost of about four 
thousand seven hundred dollars. In May, 1879, the 
companies were re-organized and formed into one 
company, under one set of officers, but one division 
was assigned to the engine, another to the hose, and 
another to the hook and ladder. The officers elected 
were John Eichhorn, foreman; John Toomy, first as- 
sistant; William Estnaur, second assistant; John L. 
Painter, secretary; William Mayne, engiseer ami 
treasurer. The " hooks " were first organized in 1877, 
more as a sporting company, though active at fires. 
C. C. Cook was captain; Jolm M. Enright, foreman; 
Seth H. Cook, assistant foreman; J. C. Morrell, sec- 
retary, and Thomas Rudd, treasurer, tender this oi-- 
ganizatiou they ran for prizes twelve times, and were 
successful in eleven runs. Their fastest time was 
made in Norwalk, when they had a man at the top of 
a thirty foot ladder, after a run of forty rods, in tliir- 
ty-four and one-lialf seconds. On the re-organization 
of the fire department the hooks became a part of tliat 
organization, but still retain their sporting organiza- 
tion. Under the organization of ilay, 1879, tlie fire 
company assumed the name of the Ever Ready Fire 
Company, No. 1, of Bellevue. The steamer, hose 
cart and ladder tracks, are kept in the lower story of 
the fine city hall, and are, as the name of the conijia- 
ny implies, ever ready for duty. 

SOCIETIES. 

INDEPENDENT OliDKU UF ODD FELLO\V.S. 

The charter of Bellevue Lodge. No. 133. L 0. 0. 
F., was granted July "-il. 1848. The following are 
names of tlie charter members: William W. Stilson, 
A. Leiter, M. H. Seymour, R. C. McElhaiiy and P. 
(i. Siiarp. The lodge was instituted November 9th, 
of the same year, by Grand Master McElwin, when 
the following officers were elected: A. Leiter, N. G. ; 
Wni. W. Stilson. V. G.: W. IT. Seymour, R. S. ; R. 



11 

I 



400 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



C. McElhauy, P. S. ; P. G. Sliarp, treasurer. Tlie 
N. G. appointed C. Cone, Con.; T. Baker, warden: 
F. H. Cone, I. G. ; J. Hoover, 0. G. ; J. L. Hunt, 
R. S. to N. G.; S. G. Culver, L. S. to N. G.: H. G. 
Harris, R. S. S. ; C. D. D-night, L. S. S. ; B. F. 
Taylor, R. S. to V. G. ; C. L. Cook, L. S. to Y. G. 
Meetings are held Monday evenings of each week. 
The present membership is fifty. Officers for 1879 
are: .John H. Mayne, X. G.; .John Painter, V. G. ; 
Thomas Thornloe, R. S. ; .John Earls, P. S. ; George 
Schuster, treasurer. The society is in a flourishing 
condition. 

FREE AXD ACCEPTED MASOXS. 

A charter was issued by the grand lodge at its 
session in Mansfield, Ohio, October 26, 18.55, for 
Bellevue Lodge, Xo. 373, F. and A. Masons. The 
charter members were: W. B. Disbro, L. W. Frary, 
L. 8. Chandler, M. Peters, D. A. Lathrop, James 
Cady, W. B. Dimick and C. B. Gambles. The first 
officers were: W. B. Disbro, W. M. : L. W. Frary, 
S. W. ; L. S. Chandler, J. W. The present officers 
are: John C'owle, W. M. ; Charles Welsh, S. W. ; C. 
C. Cook, J. W. : S. P. Gaugler, secretary: R. A. Sev- 
erance, treasurer; Stephen Birdsall, S. D.; L. Haxton, 
J. D. ; E. 0. Merry, Tyler. 

ROYAL ARCH MASONS. 

A charter was issued for Bellevue Chapter, R. A. M., 
No. lia, at Dayton, Ohio, October 17, 1868. The 
charter members were: D. M. Harkness, J. K. Rich- 
ards, R. A. Severance, W. W. Beymer, W. E. Greene, 
M. A. Barnes, H. Peck and John Cowles. The 
following officers were appointed: R. A. Severance, 
high priest; H. Peck, king; W. E. Gi-eeue, scribe. 
The present officers are: R. A. Severance, H. P.: 
John Cowle, king; D. M. Harkness, scribe; W. E. 
. Greene, captain of host; C. C. Cook, prin. sojourner: 
Charles Welsh, R. A. Capt. ; Eugene Smitli. Gr. 
Master 3d vail: Charles Xicolai, (ir. Master 2d vail; 
Thos. H. Wood, Gr. Master 1st vail; J. A. Higbee, 
secretary; H. C. ^Moll, treasurer; E. 0. Merry, guard. 

K.VIGHTS OF HOXOR. 

Bellevue Lodge Xo. 957, Knights of Honor, was 
organized March 8, 1878, with the following charter 
members: H. X. Richards, R. A. Boyer, F. L. Good- 
son, R. Greenslade, W. H. Kern, G. 8. Lanterman, 
H. F. Baker, G. A. Beckwith, H. B. Acker. E. H. 
Smith, T. H. Wood, J. W. Close, Wm. Mayne, 
Joseph Scherck, E. W. Dorsey, T. C. Wood, c' 1). 
Smith, W. H. Dimick, Joseph Bannister, Thomas 
Thorneloe, C. H. Welch. The first officers were: H. 
F. Baker, P. D.; E. H. Smith, I).; H. X. Richards, 
V. D.; George A. Beckwith, A. D. ; R. Greenslade, 
chaplain: R. A. Boyer, guard: F. L. (Joodson, R.; 
W. H. Kern, F. R. ; Josei)h Scherck, treasurer; W. 
H. Dimick, guardian; Wm. Mayne, sentinel. The 
lodge was instituted by H. R. Shomo, grand dictator 
of Ohio. Meetings are held Wednesday evening of | 



each week in Odd Fellows' Hall. The present mem- 
bership is thirty-seven. Officers for 1879 are: E. H. 
Smith, P. D.; H. X. Richards, D.; R. A. Boyer, V. 
D. ; W. H. Kern, A. D. ; Rev. D. C. Eckerman', chap- 
lain; W. H. Benn, guard; W. H. Dimick, R. ; H. Z. 
Fisher, F. R. ; H. B. Acker, treasurer; J. P. Korner, 
guardian; and .James Bannister, sentinel. This society 
is in a fine condition financially. 

BANKIN'G. 

Chapman, Harkness & Company for some years 
prior to 1852, Harkness & Company from 1852 to 
1868. and H. M. Sinclair from 1868 to 1873, carried 
on a business comprising some of the features of 
banking; but it was not until 1871 that a house was 
established with the clearly defined object of doing a 
strictly banking business. On the 22d of May, of 
1871, was organized the banking firm of Wood, 
Woodward & Company, Bourdett Wood, Abishai 
Woodward and E. J. Sheffield being the partners. 
Prior to that time, there was no bank in Bellevue that 
pretended to supply the needs of the various classes of 
borrowers of money. H. M. Sinclair & Company, 
grain buyers and flouring merchants, kept a bank of 
deposit and exchange, but did not aim to accommo- 
date the borrowing public, so as to supply the needs 
of every applicant who could furnish adequate se- 
curity. There was, therefore, a want felt for just 
such a business institution as the Bellevue bank 
proved to be. Its career has been one of rapidly 
growing prosperity. The partnership was a strong 
combination, and inspired its patrons with confidence. 
Mr. Wood was a man of wealth, an old citizen, known 
and esteemed far and near, and Mr. Woodward had 
long been identified with business interests iu Bellevue, 
and was universally respected as a citizen and as a man 
of sound judgment and un(iuestioned integrity, while 
Mr. Sheffield had been in the employ of H. M. Sin- 
clair & Company for a number of years, had grown 
familiar with the details of the banking business, 
and had become favorably known to the farmers and 
Hie business public. With these primary qualifica- 
tions, he united others very essential to the successful 
managing officer of a banking house. He was careful 
as to his securities, made the art of pleasing a study, 
thoroughly acijuainted himself with the responsibility 
of his patrons, and kept the business in such admira- 
ble condition as to be able and ready to supply 
every application for a loan that came accomjianied 
with proper evidence of security. The result has 
been that the bank has steadily increased in its busi- 
ness operations und grown in favor with its patrons. 
Tliu firm opened their bank in the room now occn- 
pied by the First Xational Bank, but in 1875, pur- 
chased, of Mr. Woodward, the site of the present 
building, and erected the fine brick Ijlock wherein 
the bank is now located. In September, 1876, the 
bank was incorporated by act of the State legislature, 
and commenced business October 2, 187G, as a stock 
company. The capital stock with which the bank 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



401 



organized was one hundred thousand dollars, Messrs. 
Wood, Woodward and Sheffield becoming the largest 
-tockholders. The company included many of the 
leading business men in the place and several of the 
ablest farmers in the vicinity. A board of directors 
was chosen Septeml)er-23, ISTH, consisting of Bourdett 
Wood, Abishai Woodward, E. J. Shettield, Andrew 
Smith, A. C. Beckwith, and the following year two 
more directors were added, viz: D. M. Harkness and 
J. B. Iligbee. Bourdett Wood was chosen president; 
Abishai Woodward, vice-president; and E. J. Shef- 
tield, cashier: and these gentlemen are the present 
utficers, witii Abisiiai Woodward, .Jr., as teller. The 
stockholders of this bank in number represent not 
less than one million three liiindred thousand dollars, 
two of the directors, ilr. Wood and Mr. Harkness, 
re]iresenting, together, three-fourths of a million. 

The First National Bank was organized September 
:!(), IST.D, the capital stock being fifty thousand dol- 
lars. The directors are : J. T. Worthington, Dr. 
Amos Woodward, J. B. Higbee, William McKini, 
.(oseph Egle and J. K. Richards. .J. T. Worthing- 
ton is president, and E. H. Brown the efficient 
cashier. 

DRY GOODS. 

In this line of business, Mi-. Anthony Ruffing, 
Messrs. Boyer & Eichhorn, and Hilbish, Harsch & 
Co., supply the needs of the denizens of Bellevue and 
surrounding country. Mr. Ruffing has been in Belle- 
vue since 1850. and has been connected with die dry 
goods business, either as a clerk, partner or sole pro- 
prietor, ever since, with the exception of five or six 
years. No man in Bellevue is more attentive to his 
business. Of a fpiiet and reserved disposition, he, 
nevertheless, is very industrious and energetic, and 
has built up a very successful trade. He enjoys the 
esteem and confidence of all classes of citizens. Mr. 
Joseph Boyer, the senior mendier of the firm of 
Boyer & Eichhorn, has been in the dry goods business 
since 1862, at which time he connected himself with 
Applegate & Company. In 186.5, he took the lead- 
ing place in the business, and the firm was thereafter 
known as J. H. Boyer & Co., until 1868, when Mr. 
Eichhorn wiis received as a partner. Both these gen- 
tlemen are peculiarly well adapted to thei)ursuit they 
follow, and enjoy a generous share of the community's 
patronage. Hilbish, Ilarsch & Co. have but recently 
established themselves in tiiis business. 

E. M. Wolf, the village clothier, came to Bellevue 
in 1863, and established himself in business in the 
same room he now occupies. He has not changed 
his place of business a single time in all these years, 
and his prosperity is proof that he is po]uilar with 
his patrons. 

MANUFACTURING. 

FLO UK. 

Messrs. Higbee & Company are the proprietors of a 
business industry of great value and importance to 

51 



the prosperity and growth of Bellevue. Tlie sur- 
rounding country, for many miles north, south and 
west, can witii difficulty be excelled as a wheat pro- 
duciucr country. The soil, a mixture of sand and 
clay, with a substratum of limestone, contains all the 
needed ingredients for the abundant growth of this 
cereal. The senior meml)er of this firm, in the year 
18-t'.i. taking cognizance of the fact that this was an 
excellent wheat district, and that Bellevue might give 
birth to a business that would stimulate the produc- 
tion of this grain, undertook the erection of a flour- 
ing mill. He was connected in thiseaterprise with a 
Mr. Lawrence, and on the first of .January, 1S.50, the 
stone mill, with four run of stone, and a l)uilding 
thirty-six by eighty feet on the ground and sixty feet 
in height, was opened to the public. Hither came 
the farmers with their wheat and found a ready active 
market. In 18.53, Mr. Higbee purchased his partner's 
interest, and continued the business single handed. 
In 1859, his mill was burned but was immediately re- 
built. In later years L. F. Harris, and his son, 
J. A. Higbee, were admitted as partners. Mr. Har- 
ris soon withdrew, Mr. Higljee and his son continuing 
the business. In 1873, or early in 187-1, the Iligbee's 
purchased the mill of H. M. Sinclair & Co., and re- 
ceived Mr. T. L. Branan as a partner. Higbee & Co., 
in the persons of J. B. Higbee, .J. A. Higbee and T. 
L. Branan, became the proprietors of these two large 
fine flouring mills, the largest industry of the kind un- 
der one management in Northern Ohio. The old mill, 
or the stone mill, had, in the meantime, been enlarged, 
and at tliis time contains nine run of stone, and has 
a producing eap^icity of two hundred and fifty barrels 
of flour jije;- diem, while the Sinclair mill produces two 
hundred barrels. Worked to their full capacity, every 
working day in the year, these mills would turn out 
about one hundred and forty thousand barrels of flour 
per year. The firm, besides sujiplying the home de- 
mand, sliip about seventy-five thousand barrels yearly. 
This flour goes to all points along the Lake Shore 
road, east, and into Pennsylvania, New York and the 
New England States. They tell us that they purchase 
not less tiiaii i\\c hundred thousand bushels of wiieat 
per year. 

In addition to their milling business, this firm is 
the largest grain buyers and shippers in this section 
of the State. They own two large elevators at this 
point and one in Clyde. In addition, they ship grain 
from all the principal points along botli branches of 
the Lake Shore road between Toledo and Cleveland. 

This house is likewise interested as an equal partner 
with Mr. T. R. Butinan in the hitter's patents of hot 
blast furnace automatic doors and rocking grates, 
whicii are marvels in their way. They act as pre- 
ventives of smoke, and save both lal)or and fuel. 
The firm have their main office at this place with a 
branch office at Cincinnati. These doors and grates 
are in great demand. .Mr. J. B. Higbee. the senior 
member of the firm, has been identified with the 
growth anil prosperity of Bellevue for upwards of 



40-2 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



forty-five years, and history may candidly record for 
him the fact tliat lie has always been a public-spirited 
citizen, making liberal investments in various kinds 
of business promotive of the growth of the place. 

BARRELS. 

William and B. F. McKim came here from Seneca 
county, New York, in 1849, and started a cooper shop 
in a log house, near the present residence of ilr. 
William Patterson. Here they carried forward a 
small business for about three years when they built 
them a shop on the ground now occupied by the re- 
sidence of B. F. McKim, and after remaining here for 
two years longer, they built a shojj near Messrs. 
Higbee & Co.'s stone mill. Having secured the trade 
of the latter named firm for whom they made flour 
barrels, their business gradually prospered, and was 
conducted with good success for five years, when B. 
F. McKim was induced to accept the position of fore- 
man of the shops of Messrs. Harkness & Co., dis- 
tillers, which position he filled with much credit for 
fourteen years. In the meantime William kept the 
old business going. The two brothers, about the 
year 1869, decided to resume their co-partnership re- 
lations, and at the same time, to enlarge their business. 
They purchased the shops near the present Power 
building from H. M. Sinclair & Co., at that time the 
owners, and soon fitted up one of tlie buildings for 
the reception of machinei-y. Hitherto barrel making 
had been done exclusively by hand. From tiiis time 
forward they were enabled to greatly augment the 
amount of their production without increasing the 
labor and expense. At the time of this purchase, 
they employed twenty-five men. In 1871, the Belle- 
vue Power Comjiany, having completed their build- 
ing, the McKim Brothers rented a portion of the 
same, and purchasing nevr machinery, commenced 
the manufacture of barrels on a much larger 
scale than hitherto had been known to them. To-dav. 
he, who visits their works, will be astonished at the ex- 
tent and scope of their business. They employ an 
average of sixty men, and their producing capacity 
is four hundred Ijarrels per day. It requires nearly 
two thousand dollars per week to pay for labor, ma- 
terial, expense, etc. Their goods are shipped to 
Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Baltimore, N^ew York 
and other eastern markets. A novel feature of theii' 
business is the shipment of barrels in the knock down. 
After a barrel is made, it is taken to pieces, each 
stave, hoop and head carefully numbered, and in this 
way the goods arc shipped to distant markets. Bv 
this procedure they are enabled to sliip four hundred 
barrels in a single car load, whereas, by the former 
method they can ship but one hundred. 

Most of their barrels are for oil, but they make a 
great many flour barrels, and in the season a lai'ge 
number of cider barrels. Last fall their manufacture 
of this kind of barrel reached the number of twenty- 
one thousand. 

No business house deserves prosperity more than 



these gentlemen. They have always been industrious, 
hard-working men, and rank among Bellevue's best 
citizens. 

FLKXITLRE. 

W(.)od Brothers & Sawyer, Wood, Sawyer & Com- 
pany. The Bellevue Furniture Company, and Wood 
& Smith, represent the changes that have occurred 
in the business of manufacturing furniture in Belle- 
vue. In the year 1871, J. B. Wood, T. H. Wood 
and George Sawyer, formed a copartnership, under 
the title of Wood Brothers & Sawyer, rented power 
and bench room of the Bellevue Power Company, 
and having purchased the requisite machinery, Ijegan 
the business of the manfacture of furniture for 
the wholesale trade. In February, of 1873, the firm 
was enlarged by the admission of W. W. Williams, 
and was thereafter known as Wood, Sawyer & 
Company, until the year 1875, when, in the month 
of September, it was clianged to the Bellevue Furni- 
ture Company, the business having been converted into 
a stock comiiany. with a paid up capital of thirty- 
seven thousand, five hundred dollars. More than 
one-half of this stock was owned by two individuals 
of the company, the president, and the secretary and 
treasurer, and more than one-half the remainder by 
the three persons who composed the firm of Wood 
Brothers & Sawyer. In the winter of 1876. the 
company resolved to vacate the Power Company's 
building, and an engine, boiler and shafting were 
purchased, and Mr. Williams' building, on Kilbourne 
street, was put in sha])e to receive the machinery, and 
the business from thenceforward was carried on in 
said building. In the fall of 1877, the company 
decided to abandon the business. The prices of 
furniture had undergone a constant decline since the 
fall of 1873, until they had reached fifty per cent., or 
more: the failures of dealers had been numerous, and 
despite the utmost caution the losses of tlie company 
from this cause were many thousands of dollars. In 
closing out. ilr. B. Wood, who had sustained liy far 
the greatest loss, purchased the machinery and goods 
of the company, and came into possession of tiie Wi\- 
liams" block. He thereupon rented the building and 
machinery to T. H. Wood and E. H. Smith, who have 
conducted the business since January 20, 1878, and 
now. that prices and material have reached an almost 
unvarying standard, the gentlemen are in a fair way 
to make the business prosperous and remunerative. 
They demand of their workmen that every article 
produced shall be without a flaw, and their goods are 
giving excellent satisfaction. We trust that a future 
historian may record for them a success which shall 
vary through many succeeding years only as it sliall 
grow more and more abundant. 

FOIXDKY AXD .iCJRlcrLTlRAL WORKS. 

A fuuiidry was started on Southwest street, near 
Main, about 1873, by Woodward li Mayne, for the 
manufacture of plows and other agricultural imple- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



403 



inents. Some two yeai's after starting, their foundry 
burned down. It was imnlediately rebuilt, and -is 
still in operation, in the manufacture of plows and 
jioinfs, au<l such other castings as may be ordered, 
though they do no general foundry work. They also 
iiave a wagon and blacksmith shop in connection with 
tiieir foundry, and turn out ipiite a number of bug- 
gies and wagons yearly. At present tliey deal spe- 
'iidly in agricultural implements, keeping the best 
makes of mowing machines, rakes, drills, etc. As 
the country in the vicinity of Bellevue is largely de- 
voted to agricultural pursuits, there is aiuT has lieen 
a good demand for articles in which they deal. 

DISTILLERIES. 

Soon after the settlement of the county a small dis- 
tillery was started near Bellevue. The grain used 
was ground at Clear Creek and the still was run bv 
hand. This was previous to 1830. 

In Octolier, 1840. Chapman, Harkness & Company 
built the first large distillery, with a capacity of sixty 
bushels of grain per day. This was run until 18.52. 
wlien it was sold to D. M. Harkness, wjio formed a 
partnership with L. G. Harkness and H. ^I. Flagier. 
It was then incretised to a capacity of six hundred 
bushels of grain daily, and was run under this man 
agement until 1804, when it was purchased by II. M 
Sinclair. Since that time it lias not been run cuntin 
uously and is now aliandoned as a distillery. 

In 1853, Chapman, Woodward & Company Imilt 
another distillery, with a capacity for six hundred 
bushels daily. This distillery has been run most of 
the time since built and is still in operation. 

The original cost of these distilleries was not far 
from thirty thousand dollars each. 

CARRIAGE WORKS. 

In April, 1876, Dehe S. Reiling purchased the 
cooper shop on the corner of North TV'est and Castalia 
streets, and converted it into a carriage shop. They 
built an addition to the building then on the ground, 
and have since that time done a large business, prin- 
ci])ally in making and repairing carriages and buggies. 
Their shop is eighty-four by twenty six feet, a part of 
it being two stories in height; under the rear portion 
of the building is the smith and ironing shop. A 
ready sale is found for their manufactures, mostly 
among the farming community of Bellevue, San- 
dusky and Norwalk. They turn out, yearly, from 
fifty to sixty carriages and buggies, besides doing a 
large business at repairing. At this time, spring of 
187!», they employ nine men, and need more shop 
room than they have. Botli members of the firm are 
practical men, and understand every detail of the 
business, and though they started in a very unjiropi- 
tious time, a good measure of success has attended the 
earnest perseverance they have shown. 

THE farmer's elevator. 

Early in 1875, the farmers living in tlie vicinity 
of Bellevue formed a joint stock company for tiie 



purpose of erecting an elevator that should be under 
their own control, and from which they could ship 
their grain if they thought best, or could sell on the 
street if prices offered suited them. The charter 
membei's of this company consisted of seventeen per- 
sons, and stock was subscribed to the amount of five 
thousand dollars. 

A building about twenty four by sixty feet was 
erected and completed September 11, 1875. An en- 
gine house was also Imilt and an engine provided for 
hoisting grain and running a cleaner and a mill for 
grinding feed. The cost was tibout nine thousand 
dollars, a part of it being paid from earnings of tlie 
elevator after its completion. Tlie building and at- 
tachments were i)ut in charge of John Decker, who, 
the first season, received and shipped some four hun- 
dred thousand bushels of grain. 

On the night of April 10, 1878. the elevator was 
burned. A new one was immediately commenced, 
and was in running order about August 1, 1878, but 
the feed mill and cleaner were not replaced. Mr. 
Decker continued as manager until November, 1878, 
when Messrs. Wood & Close took charge. The first 
of .Tanuary, 1879, they leased the elevator, the stock- 
holders reserving the right to use it for their own 
grain, on paying the lessees one cent per bushel for 
elevating and storing. Since the 1st of January, 
Wood & Close have shipped (to May 15, 1879.) about 
one hundred thousand bushels of grain. They also 
sell clover and grass seed, plaster, cement, etc. They 
are enterprising, reliable young men, and are build- 
ing up a promising business. 

The stock company is managed by a board of 
directors consisting of nine persons, three of whom 
form an executive committee. It is believed by the 
members of the company that since the erection of 
the elevator, prices for grain have ruled firmer, and 
thus the patrons have received l)euefit from the invest- 
ment. 

There are two elevators in the building, both run 
bv horse jjower, two horses being used. This is 
found much more economical than an engine, and 
answers the purjwse equally well. 

water works. 

The village of Bellevue is situated in a compara- 
tively level country, with no hills and no elevated 
land from which to obtain water by means of springs or 
natural reservoirs. Underlying it is a limestone for- 
mation, full of cracks and seams, by means of which 
the surface water is etl'ectually drained oif, thus form- 
ing a fine system of drainage for farms, l)ut giving 
the town the reputation of a dry place. On the pur- 
chase of a hand fii'e engine, in 1809, cisterns were 
built in various parts of the to\vn. l)ut the supj)ly of 
water was not thought adequate. About tiiat time 
the subject of some system of water works was agi- 
tated, and the village authorities caused an exjicri- 
mental well to be bored, but the drill became stuck 
and it was given up. 



404 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



In 1872, the village council submitted the question 
of a reservoir, to be fed by a large ditch on the eastern 
border of the corporation, to the people for a vote, 
which resulted almost unanimously in its favor, only 
two votes being recorded against the question. An 
ordinance was then parsed authorizing the construc- 
tion of water works, and providing for the issue of 
bonds of the village, not to exceed the amount of 
forty thousand dollars, the same to expire in 1880. 
A special election was held July 5, 1873, for the elec- 
tion of three trustees, for one, two, and three years. 
J. W. Goodson, A. B. Smith, and B. Moore were 
elected, and immediately proceeded to work out the 
plan. A lot of five acres was purchased from McKim 
and. Bates, with the right of way to the dit-ch before 
mentioned. Two more acres were subsequently added 
to the first purchase, making the present area .seven 
acres. In digging out the reservoir, the dirt was 
piled up around the sides, making a substantial em- 
bankment. The gravel in the side of the ridge was 
struck in some places, and when the reservoir is full 
the water filters through the gravel into' the ridge for 
a great distance, forming an almost inexhaustible 
supply, for one season at least. 

In 1875, water conductors were laid through Main 
street, but it was found that there was not sufficient 
pressure to furnish all the water that was needed. In 
1877, a tank house of brick was built, thirty-two feet 
high, and surmounted by a boiler iron tank, twenty- 
five feet high and eighteen feet in diameter, capable 
of holding fifty thousand gallons of water, A 
Knowles engine and pump were purchased, for the 
purpose of forcing the water into the tank. 

About thirteen thousand feet of main pipe have been 
laid. For some time after the construction of the 
reservoirs the people of the town got along with their 
former facilities for obtaining water, but many are 
now using from the pipes, and the number is increas- 
ing weekly. There are fifteen hydrants for use in 
ca.se of fire, and water is used by two mills and two 
factories. The present receipts amount to about six 
hundred and fifty dollars per annum. 

Though an ordinance was passed authorizing the 
issue of bonds of the village for forty thousand dollars, 
but about twenty-four thousand dollars have been is- 
sued. The total cost of the works thus far has been 
twenty-three thousand seven hundred dollars. The 
report of the water works trustees, made January 1, 
1879, shows the sum of one thousand two hundred 
and sixty dollars and forty-five cents in the treasury, 
to the credit of this fund. It is expected that the 
receipts will pay all future expenses in the way of 
laying mains and making necessary repairs. 

POWER HOUSE. 

In 1871, some of the capitalists of Bellevue con- 
ceived the idea of erecting a large building, juitting 
in an engine and suitable machinery, and renting to 
any persons or companies, who required power for 
manufacturing j)urposes. such part of the Ijuilding as 



they might need for carrying forward the business in 
which they were engaged. A subscription paper was 
started and the names of eighty-seven persons were 
obtained. It was the intention to start with a capital 
stock of fifty thousand dollars, though it was found 
that this amount would not be required, and but 
thirty thousand dollars were called in. Some f^w of 
the signers of the subscription did not finally take 
shares, though eight hundred and thirty-six were 
taken. 

A contract was made August 8, 1871, for a build- 
ing forty by one hundred and fifty feet, two stories in 
height, and thirty feet to the roof. This was com- 
pleted in the fall of the same year. An engine house 
was also built, twenty by thirty feet in size, the total 
cost being about thirty thousand dollars, including 
the land on which the building was erect;ed. 

About two-thirds of the building was leased to 
Wood, Sawyer & Company as a furniture manufacto- 
ry; a part to Ferguson Greene for a feed mill, and the 
balance to McKini Brothers in connection with their 
barrel factories. In 1874, an addition, forty-four and 
one-half feet by one hundred and fifty feet, and three 
stories in height, was erected with the expectation of 
an increased number of renters. Wood, Sawyer & 
Company rented the third story in addition to what 
they already had, and McKim Brothers took one-third 
of the lower story. MuiTay & Beck rented a part of 
the second story for use as a door, sash and blind fac- 
tory. A short time after this, in 187G, Wood, Sawyer 
& Coiflpany organized the Bellevue Furniture com- 
pany, and moved their factory into a building on Kil- 
bourne street, Murray & Beck followed them and 
rented a part of their building. F. Greene gave up 
his business on account of failing health, and at the 
jiresent time McKim Brothers are the only occupants 
of the power building. 

At the time the addition was built the income from 
the rental of the building and power was four thou- 
sand five hundred dollars. At the present time there 
is no income to stockholders, but the receipts pay all 
expenses. Possibly, with the advent of better tunes 
in the future, manufacturers maybe induced to come 
here and engage in business that will fill the building 
with the busy hum of machinery. 

Bl'SIXESS DIRECTOKY OF liELLEVfE. 

L.\.WYERS. — P. N. Schuyler, J. B. Miller. 

Physicians. — G. S. Lanterman, H. L. Harris, W. 
S. Robinson, G. V. Parmelee, R. C. Hunter, R. A. 
Severance, Dr. Sandemeister. 

Prixting Offices. — H. F. Baker & Son. pub- 
lishers RvUcviie Local Xews; Stoner l^ Tlioini)son, 
publishers Bellevue Gazette. 

Photographs. — S. P, Gaugler, A. H. A. Smith. 

Post Office. — F. L. Goodson, postmaster. 

Jewelers. — R. A. Boyer, Breitmaier & Son. 

Insurance. — C. C. Cook, G. DangJeisen, E. O. 
Merry, Win. Liel)er, A. J. Stahl. 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERfE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



405 



MiLLiXERS.— Miller S. Baker, Mrs. J. U. Mayne, 
Mrs. E. Lanterman, Miss M. V. Heury. 

Dressmakers. — Mrs. Hiuiiplirey, Mrs. Reynolds, 
Mrs. R. Carpenter, Miss M. V. Henry, Mrs. Curtiss. 

Butchers. — George Wills, M. Goodmau, Joseph 
Boehler. Zehner and Bollenbacher. 

Hotels. — Exchange, W. W. Howard, proprietor; 
German, D. Jacobs, proprietor. 

FrRNiTiRE. — Wise and Gross, C. F. Murray, Wood 
and Smith, manufacturers. 

UNDERTAKERS. — Wise and Gross, D. Moore. 

Painters, — C. F. Burgess, Barber Brothers, L. 
Haxton, S. Headings, Philip Salter. 

Boots axd Shoes. — R. Greenslade, Justus Oehm. 
C. D. Stoner, A. Freuz. 

Shoemakers. — George Rudd, J. A. Bossier, M. 
ilurr, John Fiegelist. 

Merchant Tailors and Clothiers. — Wilham 
Gross, J. B. Higbee, E, M, Wolf. 

Tailors.— F. Heitzwabel, B. Prim, F. Kuapp, 
B. Bauman, John Cowle. 

Blacksmiths. — John Painter, Ochs and King, 
Roger Enright, John Enright, Stephen Burdsall. 

Druggists. — Goodson and Co., Close and Harp- 
ster. 

Banks. — First National Bank. J. T. Worthington. 
president; Amos Woodward, vice jjresident; E. H. 
Brown, cashier. Bellevue Bank, Bourdett Wood, 
president: Abishai Wood, vice president; E. J. Shef- 
field, cashier. 

Dentists. — A. R. and E. D. Lord. 

Dry Goods. — Boyer & Eichhorn. Hillnsh, Harsch 
& Co., Smith & Greene, A. Ruffing. 

Hardware. — Joseph Egle, Peter Brady. 

Grocers. — J. H. Weber, Frank Loomis, John 
Ries, W. H. Kern, Hilbish, Ilarsch & Co., Richards 
& Place, A. Leiter & Co., G. Dangeleiseu, Ailer 
Bros., John Setzler, Martin Huff, P. Biebricher, E. 
Heim, G. W. Hock. 

Livery Stables. — Samuel Miller, E. W. Miller. 

Barbers. — M. Warch, C. Smith. 

Bakers. — John Baker, W. Leislmer. 

Harness Makers. — Sherck & Molland, G. Schus- 
ter. 

Stoves and Tinware. — P. Brady, G. A. Beck- 
with, Joseph Egle. 

Miscellaneous. — A. Hornig, murlile dealer; Kern 
& Beufer, agricultural implements; Higbee & Com- 
pany, produce dealers and millers; Woodward & 
Mayne, agricultural implements ; Joseph Edrich, 
cooper; Wood & Close, grain dealers and elevator; 
McKim Brothers, manufacturers of barrels, office in 
power building, near railroad ; S. Patterson, tanner; 
J. T. Worthington, distiller ; Joseph Derr, wagon 
maker ; Thomas Thorncloe, builder and contractor; 
Samuel Tate, feather renovator; C. Witherick, dray- 
man; J. M. Trumbauer, tobacco dealer; J. C. Shef- 
field, real estate and loan agent; Mrs. Smith, hair- 
dresser; A, Frenz, crockery; F. F. Benner, produce 
dealer; Mrs. J. Orwig, hairdresser; John Baker, ice 



cream parlors; Dehe & Reiling, Bellevue coach and 
carriage works; Joseph Strayer, ornamental plasterer; 
Win. Screech, lime kiln and i|uarry: John Painter, 
wagon maker; Arthur Vial, painter and i)aper hanger; 
John Greenslade, jiainter and paper hanger; F. Wer- 
ner, carpet weaver; F. May, cigar manufactory; Ben- 
jamin iloore, real estate. 



Biographical Sketches, 



FREDRICK A. CHAPMAN. 

Mr. F. A. Chapman came into this part of the 
country when he was about eighteen years of age, 
during the turbulent times of the last war with 
England. He was first engaged, with one or two of 
his Ill-others, and T. G. Amsdeii, in hunting, trapping 
and trading with the Indians, and their operations 
extended over a large portion of the northwest, reach- 
ing as far, at least, as Green Ijay, on Lake ilichigan. 
The dangers attendant upon such a calling, and the 
romantic adventures which made it so attractive to 
the young and daring, are well illustrated by a 
thrilling incident, which the reader will tiud recorded 
on another page of this work, in the biographical 
sketch of Mr. Amsden, who, as above stated, was 
associated with the Chapman brothers in this exciting 
and perilous business. Having already related it in 
connection with the notice of Mr. Amsden, it will not 
be neceasary to reproduce it here. 

Soon after reaching his majority, Mr. Chapman 
went into the dry goods trade in Bellevue, with Mr. 
Amsden. Together, they carried on a successful 
business for many years. Never, perhaps, did the 
mental qualities of two men more completely sup- 
plement each other, thus forming that happy combi- 
nation which alone can render a business partnership 
either satisfactory or successful. Mr. Chapman's 
business tact enabled him early to see tRe value of 
real estate, of which he secured here a generous slice, 
while prices were cheap. Its rise in value, afterwards, 
together with a business well managed, provided his 
family witii comfort and plenty. 

Mr. Chapman wa^ born at Bethleliem, Connecticut, 
March lo, ITHG. His father's name, as we are 
informed, was Michael, and his mother was a daughter 
of Dr. Ilawley, a physician of considerable note in 
those days. Before coming to Oliio, they resided for 
a number of years (not ascertainable) in Ontario 
county, New York. Tiie parents settled in Huron 
county some five or six years after their sons came 
here. 

On tiie mill of May. 1830, Mr. Cliapuiaii was mar- 
ried to Cremence A Follitt. daughter of Eliphalet and 
Tryphena (Diuiick) FoUett, wlio had migrated from 
western New York to Huron county aljout six years 
before. The faniilv came to western New York fiom 



406 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Bennington, Vermont. Mrs. Chapman's mother died 
in 18.33, but her father survived till 1851. 

The name Follett is of Norman origin, coming into 
England about the time of William the Conquerer, and 
ever since honored in English annals. It is signal- 
ized by a monument in Westminster Abiiey, erected 
at the Queen's e.xpense, to the memory of Sir William 
Webb Follett, Kt., who was buried m the north 
transept of that historic pile as recently as the year 
1845. This nobleman, as we liave been informed, 
was a relative of the Huron county Folletts. "He 
was" (we quote from an "historical description of 
Westminster Abbey''), "at the time of his decease, 
representative in Parliament for the city of Exeter, 
and attorney general to Queen Victoria. Of unblem- 
ished conduct in every relation of life, of manners 
gentle and prepossessing, combining with great legal 
knowledge, and extraordinary jiowers of persuasive 
eloquence, he attained, with the esteem, admiration, 
and good will of all who witnessed his brilliant career, 
the highest eminence as an advocate and a parlia- 
mentary speaker. The general hope and expectation 
that he was destined for the highest honors of the 
law, were blighted by his untimely death. Died June 
28, 184.5, aged forty-eight." 

The hope and expectation alluded to in this extract, 
were that Sir William was destined to become Lord 
High Chancellor of England. Two years ago two 
daugiiters and two granddaughters of Mr. and Mrs. 
Chapman, while on a visit to the land of their fore- 
fathers, liad the pleasure (and an exquisite pleasure 
it must have been to them) of looking upon this mon- 
ument, erected by royal gratitude to the memory of 
their distinguished relative, and one of the daughters 
(Mrs. Davis) took great pains to learn all facts con- 
nected with the life of the distinguished Mr. Follett, 
and to her we are indebted for the book from which 
the above extract is taken. 

At the breaking out of the revolutionary war, the 
ancestors of Mrs. Chapman were living in Pennsyl- 
vania, near the scene of that shocking tragedy, the 
Wyoming massacre, in which her grandfather, Eli- 
phalet Follett, was killed. This massacre occurred, 
as our readers will remember, July 3, 1778. 

The grandfather, Eliiihalet, was born January 16, 
1731, in Wiudluun, Connecticut. He there married 
Elizabeth Dewey, on the 8th of March, 1764. She was 
born July 14, 1743, and either she was a native of 
Vci'mont, or her father's family must have removed 
to tiiat State soon after her marriage. As above 
stated, this couple, at the bi-eaking out of the revo- 
lutionary war, were residing in the Wyoming Valley, 
Pennsylvania, where they owned a large farm, and 
had a family of six children. They must have set- 
tled in that place immediately after their marriage — 
or perhai)S he may huve gone there befoi-e that, and 
got his farm under cultivation. 

One of the forts thrown up liv the inliabit- 
ants of that charming, but ill-fated region, in order 
to i)rotect themselves from their allied foes, the Indi- | 



ans and Tories, was situated on his farm near Kings- 
ton; and when it w-as ascertained that these savage 
allies were approaching, he was among the first of 
those who rallied for the defence of their homes and 
their loved ones. Who has not read the history of 
that terrible contest, and of the more terrible slaugh- 
ter and burning which followed? In the list of those 
who were killed on that day never to be forgotten, is 
the name of Eliphalet Follett. The manner of his 
death, too, has been recorded. He was one of the 
four hundred who accompanied Col. Zebulun Butler, 
the commander of the patriots, when, accepting the 
invitation to a pai'ley, he went out to meet his tracher- 
ous cousin, John Butler, who was in command of the 
savages. He was one of the twenty who, alone, of all 
that four hundred, succeeded in cutting their way 
through, after they had been basely deceived, sur- 
rounded and attacked, on all sides, by the demoniac 
allies. The most of this twenty escaped by swimming 
across the Susquehanna river, but Follett was shot 
while in the water. His body was recovered and 
buried, and portions of his clothing, together with 
the knee-buckles and the shoe-buckles, which he wore 
at the time, were afterwards sent to his family. 

Many of the women and children were butchered 
or consumed in the Hames, but the wife and children 
of Eliphalet Follett were among those who were per- 
mitted to escape. The sufferings which they under- 
went, are well nigh inconceivable. With only an old 
horse, with a feather bedfor a saddle, (obtained by the 
aid of a friendly Indian) that heroic woman made her 
way fifty miles, in the direction from which succor 
was expected, with six children, — the oldest, thirteen 
years of age, and the youngest, two years of age. 
The older children led or carried the younger, and 
two who were enfeebled by sickness, rode with their 
mother. A painful accident added to her torture. 
Before they had gone far from the scene of the mas- 
sacre, the horse stumbled, and she was thrown from 
his back, and in the fall her arm was broken. Three 
or four days days elapsed before a physician could he 
found to set the broken limb. How she could con- 
tinue her journey, under such distressing circum- 
stances, it is impossible to imagine, but by her in- 
domitable energy and resolution, with the blessing of 
God, she was enabled to persevere until, at the end of 
the fifty miles, she met the baggage train sent out by 
Gen. Sullivan for the relief of the refugees. 

In the course of a few weeks she succeeded in reach- 
ing her friends at Pownal, Bennington county, Ver- 
mont. There, six montiis after the tragic death of 
her husband, she gave birth to another son, who, in 
process of time, became tlie father of Mrs. Chapman. 
The six children born in Pennsylvania were, in the 
order of their ages, Martin, Betsey, Charles, Elipha- 
let, Jr., Benjamin and James. Eliphalet, Jr., having 
died a few months after the posthumous child was 
born, it was decided to call the last Eliphalet, in or- 
der that the name might be preserved in the family. 

We have gleaned the most of the foregoing facts 



i 




(^tu-^Oci-.^ '7^-9'^!:^-.^(.^^^^X^^ 



I 



I 




c/fCxxyU^ c/ 



'i:^Z^^OtO~t/^\ 



cC- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



40 T 



from a book of records and reminiscences in manu- 
script, partly compiled, but mostly composed, by Mrs. 
Mary E. Bull, a sister of Mrs. Chapman, who, at the 
time of writing it, was residing at La Salle, Illinois. 
She died at that place some four or five years ago. 
The work evinces much talent and would make a 
readable volume in print. If tiie poet, Campbell, 
had had access to it he might have avoided some of 
the mistakes which he fell into in writing his "Ger- 
trude of Wyoming" and he would have found in it 
plenty of incidents quite as romantic as those which 
form the basis of that affecting story. 

The children of Eliphalet Follett. the father of 
Mrs. Chapman, were: Dewey E., Abel D., Julia, 
Clemence A., Mary, Thede, Elizabeth, Tryphena and 
Fannie. Dewey E. died at Alton, Illinois, in 1860. 
His wife was Sarah Bull. They had two children: 
Francis, who married a Mr. Clover, a prominent citi- 
zen of Memphis, Tennessee, and Harmon, who is a 
leading lawyer of Brainard, Minnesota. Abel D- 
lives in California. He married Laura Smith. They 
have one child living, Clemence, wlio married an el- 
ier in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and .Mrs. 
?ollett buried tliree children: Clemence, Elleu and 

lEdward. Julia is spoken of in the sketch of Dr. L. 
Harkness, and Clemence A. elsewhere in this me- 
loir. Mary married Mason Bull and resides at La 
Salle, Illinois. They had two sons killed in the army 
an^ buried two others, and have two still living: Fol- 
lett Bull, a prominent lawyer of Ottawa, Illinois, and 
)ewey, a resident of St. Louis. Thede married Wil- 
liam Ilarkness, a nephew of Dr. L. G. Harkness, and 
J'esides with her husband at Des Moines, Iowa. They 
bave one son and two daughters: Daniel, Arabella 
and Florence. Elizabeth married John McKee and 
lives in Upper Sandusky. Tiiey have one son living: 
John, who resides at Dayton, Ohio. Tryphena mar- 

^ried C'uyler Greene, by whom she has had three child- 
ren: Eliphalet, Malcolm and Ferguson. Mr. Greene 
iied in 1848, and she married, for her second hus- 
Ijand, Dr. J. W. Goodson, by whom she had one 

'child: Nettie, now living with Mrs. J. A. Higbee. 
Fannie married Calvin Merrels and resides at Alton, 
Illinois. One child, Julia, died five years ago, and 
three, Franklin, Luella and Charles, are still livino'. 
The members of the Follett family, from the grand- 
father of the above named cliildren down, have all 
been exemplary christian men and Wdnicn, devoted to 
the churche; of their choice. Mrs. Chapman is the 
only one of her father's family who became a com- 
municant of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
her fidelity to this branch of the Christian church has 
ever been of the truest kind. 

Mr. F. A. Chapman was married to Clemence A. 

Follett on the tenth of May, 1830. They have had 

■ eight children, as follows: 1. Arabella, married to 

Dr. A. Woodward, one of tiie "solid men " of Belle- 

• Yue. They have two daughters: Louise and Arabella. 
2. Julia T. married Charles Roberts, and died witii- 
out issue in 1855. 3. Louisa C. married Ciiylcr 



Greene, a prominent lawyer of Rushville, New York. 
He died a few years after their marriage and she is 
now living with her mother in the old home. 4. 
Frederick A. lived to be a young man and died in 
1861. 5. Nellie married George R. Finch, a whole- 
sale merchant of St. Paul. Minnesota. She died May 
30, 1869, leaving one child — Clemence; 6. MaryG. , 
who married the widower of her sister Nellie, and has 
three children: Nellie, George C. and William. 7. 
Florence married John H. Davis, a banker doing busi- 
ness in Wall street. New York City. They have one 
daughter— Flora C. 8. Kate married R. W. Mat- 
tiiews, of Boston. He is now engaged in business in 
Toledo, Ohio. They have had two children: Kittie, 
who died in Novemlier, and Frederick C. 

Mr. Chapman died in 1861 of apoplexy. He was 
public spirited and generous almost to a fault: always 
ready to assist, with money or advice, those who need- 
ed assistance. He won the esteem and good will of 
all who knew him. and died deeply regretted by his 
fellow citizens. His widow still resides in the beau- 
tiful and luxurious home which he had provided, 
highly esteemed by hosts of friends for many ami- 
able qualities. And her devotion to the church, 
though not the church of her ancestors, is the most 
peecious inheritance which their deep religious nature 
has transmitted. Amid the privations of pioneer 
life, with which, in her maiden days, she- was brought 
in contact: in her home life as wife and mother, and 
in the later years of her life, Mrs. Chapman has ever 
shown herself to be an amiable, kind hearted, gener- 
ous christian woman. 



GURDON WOODWARD 

was of English ancestry and New England birth. 
His i^arents were Abishai and Mary Spiccr Woodward. 
The Woodwards settled in New London, Connecticut, 
at an early day in the history of that State, and 
Abishai Woodward, the father of Gurdon, was a 
leading citizen of the town of New London during 
and following the revolutionary jjcriod. Though not 
of the number whose losses from fire by British sol- 
diery were compensated by a donation of western 
lands made by the State, yet he became the owner, 
by purchase, of a large amount of these claims, and, 
ujion the partition of the Fire-lands, he acquired pro- 
prietorshi)) of more than four thousand acres, all 
lying in sections, one and four of what now is Lyme 
townsliip. The fatlicr of eleven children, he gave to 
eacli an ei|iial. undivided interest is these lands. To 
the ownership, by his father, of western territory, is 
due the fact of Gurdon's coming to this locality. Mr. 
Woodward, Sr,, came into the possession of his lamls 
November 9, 1808, the date when partition was 
effected, and died the following year. 

Gurdon Woodward was born February '■21, 1795, in 
New London, Connecticut, and, at the age of four- 



408 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



teen, immediately after tlie death of Iiis parents, went 
to reside at Whitestown, New York. There he 
learned the trade of millwright. His educational 
advantages were not the best, yet he made wise im- 
provement of such as were afforded, and ac'iuired a 
thorough knowledge of the practical branches then 
taught, and, for his day, was more than an average 
scholar. 

Upon the outbreak of the last war with England, 
he volunteered his services in behalf of his country, 
served her with fidelity, and, at the close of the war, 
received an honorable discharge at Sackett's Harbor, 
New York. This was in 181.5. He had at this time 
reached the age of twenty years. His mind now 
turned with eager thoughts toward the distant west. 
At Whitestown, New York, lived, at this time, a young 
lady to whom he had become attached. Miss Mary 
Shepard Savage, youngest daugiiter of John and 
Rachel Shepard Savage. She became his betrothed. 
Amos, the oldest brother of Gurdon. who was the 
youngest son, had married Rachel, tlie oldest sister of 
Mary, who was the youngest daughter. 

In 1816, Gurdon Woodward started for the lands 
of his inheritance, and, after a tem))orary stay in 
Huron, where his sister Betsey and her husband, Mr. 
George Sheffield, located in the same year, he came 
on to Lyme in the spring of 1817, and made a selec- 
tion of his liwids. His first night in Lyme township, 
then Wheatsborough. was spent by the remains of an 
Indian camp fire — liis dog and gun his only com- 
panions — upon the very ground wliich was afterwards 
to be his home during many of the years of his life. 
His dreams, that first night, must have been filled 
with thoughts of far-away Whitestown, and of the 
loved one who awaited there his return. 

Two years of heroic toil were now spent in fitting 
his chosen heritage for the advent of her. who, at the 
expiration of that time, was to be his bride. A lo/ 
house was erected and portions of the land cleared and 
fenced. The day finally came when he retraced his 
steps to his former home, Oneida county. New York, 
and tiiere, at the village of Whitestown, on the 14th 
day of April, 1819, he united his fortunes in holy 
matrimony with those of Miss Mary Shepard Savage. 
Westward the star of love, as of empire, took its way. 
Waiting only to receive the congratulations of their 
friends, the happy pair started for their western Ohio 
home, the husband, however, coming some weeks in 
advance of the wife, wlio came accompanied by Amos 
Woodward, (iurdon's oldest bi'other. Their journey 
hither, thus taken seiiarately, was their only wedding 
tour, and the first days of their wedded life — in their 
wilderness home— their honeymoon. Those first sum- 
mer days which the young bride, tliun only eighteen, 
passed in the rude but comfortal)k- home which her 
lover had, with dauntless perseverance, prepared for 
her, must have been in striking contrast to the life 
she had spent in .her father's home in Whitestown. 
Yet who can doubt that they were happv days? 
. With energy and determination, enduring many 



severe privations, and denied innumerable comforts 
to which they both had been accustomed, they strove 
together to better their worldly fortunes, to improve 
the condition of their farm and its surroundings, to 
beautify their home, and to make life attractive. 
Heaven smiled beuignantly upon their constant love 
and patient labor. Seven children blessed the former, 
and, as a result of the latter, the rude log cabin, in 
which their wedded life began, gave place, in time, 
to a large, substantial and comfortable dwelling^at 
the time of its erection, perhaps, the best in the town- 
ship. Their beautiful home they christened "Wood- 
lawn."' Here they dwelt together for forty years, and 
here were born to them all their children: Lucy, 
Abishai, Amos, William. Mary, Rachel and Julia M. 

In 1859, Mr. and Mrs. Woodward removed to Belle- 
vue, and. purchasing the Dr. Lathrop property, on 
West Main street, spent there the remainder of their 
days, receiving kind attentions from relatives and 
friends. Each lived to a ripe old age, the former 
dying December 8, 1874, in the eightieth year of his 
life, and the latter February 25, 1879, nearly seventy- 
eight years of age. 

On the fiftieth anniversary day of their marriage, 
April 14, 1809, their relatives and numerous friends 
assembled at their pleasant home to celebrate their 
golden wedding. It was a time of joyous greetings 
and hearty congratulations. The aged pair could 
look back upon a happy, well-spent life, and regard 
with pleasure their present condition, blessed with 
every comfort that hearts could wish. Death had 
robbed them of three of their children, Lucy, William 
and Julia, and hence their happiness was tempered 
with sad recollections, but their surviving sons and 
daughters were all happily situated in life — a fact 
that must have been of great gratification to them. 
In their declining years, their four children and their 
grandcliildren ministered to them with devoted atten- 
tions; and rarely in this life is seen so marked an 
exhibition of filial affection as was shown Mrs. Wood- 
ward by her sons and daughters during the four years 
of her widowhood. * 

Of the children, Lucy became the wife of George 
Sheffield: Abishai married Mary Amsden, the second 
daughter of Mr. Thomas G. Amsden, and is vice 
president of the Bellevue bank, and universally es- 
teemed by his fellow-townsmen; Amos married Ara- 
bella, eldest daughter of Mr. Frederick A. Chapman; 
he is vice president of the First National bank, and a 
man of wealth and influence; William died at about 
the age of fifteen; Mary became the wife of Rev. ^Ir. 
Hamilton; Rachel married Mr. Boardman, who died 
some years ago; he was a man of culture and intelli- 
gence, and was a resident of Lincoln, Illinois, at the 
time of his death; Julia M. died in early womanhood. 

(xurdon Woodward was a man of marked and clearly 
defined characteristics. Of commanding person, he 
was possessed of sound ju<lgment, a strong will and an 
inflexible purpose. In politics, he was a staunch adhe- 
rent to the Democratic faith, and never swerved from 



HISTOHV OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



400 



fidelity to party and Jacksoniaii principles. In reli- 
gion, though not ii communicant, lu- was active in 
ciuircli affairs, and liberal in sustaining its service, 
lie was ever a kind and devoted iiusband and an 
affectionate fatlier. Of Mrs. Woodward's religious 
and domestic life the biographer can say nothing 
more to the purpose than to (juote tlie following just 
words taken from an obituary notice published in the 
Xtandnrd of the Cross, at the time of her decease, 
and written by one who knew her intimately: "Amidst 
the trials and deprivations of pioneer life, she ever 
retained the grace and culture of her early life. She 
loved the church, and as soon as opjiortiinity offered, 
received the apostolic rite of confirmation by Bishop 
.Mcllvaiue. There was nothing ostentatious in her 
l)iety, yet she did not hide it under a bushel, but let 
her light shine before otliers. She took a deej) inter- 
est in all that related to the prosperity of the church. 
Siie loved with a pure and earnest affection. In every 
relation of life she was admired and lovod. but it was 
as a Christian woman that they wlio loved her best, 
love no IV to think of her. In her decease the com- 
munity in which she lived has lost a generous bene- 
factor, the ciuirch a devout and exemplary member, 
and her domestic and social circle a most kind and 
warm-hearted relative and friend. ' Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, yea, 
saith the Spirit, that tliey may rest from their 
labors.'" 



THE REV. MOSES HAMILTON. 

The subject of this brief sketch is a native of the 
"Emerald Isle," having been born near Belfast, in the 
\'ear 1839. At the age of twenty years, that is to say, 
in the summer of ISii), he came to Ohio. For two 
years he taught school in Zanesville, and in the sum- 
mer of 18.51, entered the sophomore class in Kenvon 
College, from which institution he was graduated in 
1854, with the first honor of his class. In 18.5G, he 
was made a deacon of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in Rosse Chapel, Gambier, by Bishop Mc- 
Ilvaine. 

After spending several months in missionary work 
in Heury and Defiance counties, he was ordained a 
presbyter at Piqua in 1857. Soon after the ailjdui-n- 
ment of the Diocesan Convention of that year, he ac- 
cepted a call to the joint rectorship of St. Paul's 
Church, Bellevue, and Trinity Church, Lyme — the 
former a position which he has ever since held. On 
the 24th of April, 1800, he was married to Mary, 
daughter of the late Gurdon Woodward, of Bellevue. 
They have had five children — four daughters and a 
son, all of whom are living. 

In his jiiistoral calling Jlr. Hamilton is an active, 
energetic and faithful worker. As a preacher he is 
|ilain, practical and forcible, and takes comi»reliensive 
view« of the subjects on which he discourses. 

52 



AMOS WOODWARD, 

the eldest son of Abishai and Mary Spicer Woodward, 
was born in New London, Connecticut, January 25, 
1780. His father and mother were the parents of 
eleven children, of whom there were five sons and six 
daughters — Amos, Abishai, Eben, William, and Gur- 
don; Hattie, Alithea. Alice. Mary, Betsey and Anna. 
The Woodwards are of English descent. Their names 
are to be found among those who came to settle in 
the valley of Connecticut at an early day. Abishai 
Woodward, the father of Amos, was a skillful and 
competent draughtsman, and drew designs for many 
of the elegant houses that were erected in New Lon- 
don during the period immediately preceeding and 
following the revolutionary struggle. That he is a 
prominent and highly esteemed citizen is attested by 
the fact that he held for many years the office of alder- 
man in his native village. Although his name 
does not occur among those of the original Fire-lands 
sufferers, he acquired ownership, by purchase of a 
large number, or amount, of claims, and at the time 
of the partition of the lands, received more than four 
thousand acres, so that he was enabled to give to each 
of his eleven children three hundred and sixty-five 
acres. These lands were aparted to him chiefly in 
section four of township twenty-four, now known as 
Lvme township. The partition of lands among the 
sufferers, or their assignees, was effected by a lottery 
plan. Through the workings of this singular dis- 
tribution of the sufferers' lands, the township, now 
called Lyme, became the place of residence of the 
Woodwards. Hither came first Gurdon and William 
in 1817, followed by Amos in 1820. The last named 
resided in New London, at the house of his parents, 
until the year 1804. Two years previous he had 
visited Whitestown, New York, where he met, for 
the first time, the lady who afterwards became his 
wife. — Miss Rachel, eldest daughter of .John and 
Rachel Shepard Savage. 

And here we pause to note a rather striking coinci- 
dence: Amos and Gurdon, brothers, the oldest and 
the youngest sons of Abishai and Mary Spicer Wood- 
ward, were married, the former to Rachel the eldest, 
and the latter to Mary the youngest, daughters of 
John and Rachel Shepard Savage. Thus brothers 
wedded sisters, the oldest brother the oldest sister, 
the youngest In-other the youngest sister. 

Amos came to reside permanently in New York 
State in 1804. He settled in Vernon, the home of Miss 
Savage, and next year. Feljruary (ith, the lovers were 
married. The following year, December 10, 180(5, was 
born to them their only ciiild — save one who died in 
early life, — Julia Ann Woodward, who is still living, 
the widow of Richard L. McCurdy. in Lymet ownship, 
nearly seventy-three years old. He remained a res- 
ident of V'crnon until the year 1811, when he re- 
moved to Whitestown, where he engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. This he successfully carried on for 
nine years, when, in 1820, he removed to Ohio. His 



•ilO 



HISTORY OF HUEON AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



brothers, Gnrdoii and William, had the advantage of 
prior choice in selecting their lands, and chose lim- 
bered tracts. Amos, in making his selection, chose 
a moietj- of prairie with timber, and thus his lands were 
not all in one bod\-. He selected for his homestead, a 
tract lying two and a half miles southeast-of the pres- 
ent village of Bellevue, and about a half mile directly 
east of his brother Gurdon's home. Here was erected 
the first large frame house in the township, in the year 
1821. The occasion of raising the frame for this 
structure, was an important event in the township. 
Word w^as sent far and near, and perhaps all the set- 
tlers in the township, and many from adjoining town- 
ships, were present. The custom, everywliei'e preva- 
lent in those days, of making free use of good 
whisky, was observed, and the frame was speedily 
placed in position. As soon as this was done, one of 
the raising-bee party mounted aloft and, standing upon 
one of the cross-beams with whisky jug in hand, 
which he swung to and fro with great zest, cried out 
in stentorian tones: "I christen this building 'Julia 
Ann's delight forever."" Here, in this new Ohio 
home, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Woodward spent the re- 
mainder of their wedded life. The husband died 
February 21, 1841, and the wife October 1, 1854. 

Amos Woodward was of a religious turn of mind 
and lived and died a worthy communicant of the 
Protestant Episcopal church. He was ever very 
active in behalf of the church, and soon after his ar- 
rival in Ohio, interested himself and others in the 
organization of the church of his choice. On the 
20th of January, 1821, he assisted in the organization 
of the first church in Norwalk, and w^as made its' 
senior warden. The parish also chose him as one of 
its lay readers. In 1824, he was chosen one of the 
county commissioners, and was for a number of years 
a justice of the peace, both of which positions he filled 
with much credit to himself and acceptability to the 
people. He was a steadfast friend of Bishop Chase, 
and he and that good man, together, selected the site 
for Kenyon college, of wdiich Mr. Woodward was one 
of the first trustees. 



RICHARD LORD McCURDY. 

The excellent lady, who is the widow of the sulj- 
ject of this notice, permitted the writer to see an in- 
teresting genealogical record, that shows the descent 
of the McCurdys^ through the wife of Rev. Stephen 
Johnson, to be direct from the learned divine and fa- 
mous writer, Rev. John Diodati, who was from the 
Italian nobility, and who lived at Geneva in the time 
of John of Barneveld. The ancestral families which 
this tree of genealogy exhibits to the observer are very 
numerous, and includes many worthy and distin- 
guished people. Among tliese, in addition to the 
Diodatis, mav be mentioned the Griswolds, the Wil. 



loughbys. the Digbys. the Pitkins, the Wolcotts. the 
Ogdens and the Mitchells. 

The McCurdy homestead, in Lyme, Connecticut, is 
described in the following words, by an able writer in 
Harper's J{onfhIy. of February, 18TG: 

"Side by side with it'" (the Mather homestead) 
"stands the oldest hou.se in Lyme — a landmark which 
has been protected with generous care. Like Sydney 
Smith's ancient green chariot, with its new wheels 
and new springs, it seems to grow younger each year. 
It is the residence of Hon. Charles Johnson McCurdy," 
LL. D., an eminent jurist, who was for many years 
in the Connecticut legislature, was speaker of the 
house, lieutenant governor of the State, L'nited States 
minister to Austria, and for a long period judge of 
the supreme court. It was he who, when lieutenant 
governor of Connecticut, in 1848, originated and car- 
ried into effect, through the legislature, that great 
change in the common law, by which parties may be- 
come witnesses in their own cases, a change which has 
since been adopted throughout this country and in 
England. 

"This antique dwelling has the low ceilings and the 
bare j)olished beams of the early part of the last century 
Its doors and walls are elaborately carved and paneled. 
In the south parlor is a curious buffet, built with the 
house, containing a rare collection of china from an- 
cestral families. Between the front windows stands 
an elegant round table which descended from Gov- 
ernor Matthew and L'rsula Wolcott Griswold, and 
around which have sat from time to time the six gov- 
ernors of the family. The whole house is a museum 
of souveneirs of preceding generations. In the nortii 
chamber is a rich and unique chest of drawers, which 
belonged to the Diodati wife of Rev. Stephen John- 
son; also mirrors, tables, pictures and other relics of 
great antiquity. This apartment was occupied by 
LaFayette at two distinct eras in our national history — 
for several days during the I'evolution, when he was 
entertained Ijy John McCurdy, while resting his troops 
in the vicinity; and in 1825, as the guest of Richard 
McCurdy and his daughter Sarah, while on his mem- 
orable journey to Boston." 

This interesting dwelling descended from John Mc- 
Curdy. the grandfather, to Richard McCurdy, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, and within its 
time honored precincts was born Richard Lord Mc- 
Curdy, on the 2Tth day of May, 1802. His mother 
was Ursula (Griswold) ]\IcCurdy, the Griswold family 
of which she was a member having furnished to the 
State two governors. He was christened Richard in 
honor of his father, and Lord in h(ini>r of his grand- 
mother, Mrs. John McCurdy. who was a daughter of 
Judge Lord, one of the supreme judges of the State. 
An interesting story is told by Mrs. ^IcCurdy. of 
Lyme, concerning the marriage of her husband's 
grandfather with the daughter of Judge Lord. The 
Lords were very wealthy, of ancestral lineage, and at 
the time among the most consequential of the Connec- 
ticut families. The daughter was very beautiful, 



History of huhon and erie gou.nties. ohio. 



411 



while her lover was proud spirited and a man of abil- 
ity. Wiieii m:iri'ied, the judge, her father, made her 
a |)resent, as siie and her husband supposed, of a gen- 
erous portion of the elegant furniture with whieli the 
Lord mansion was adorned. As the ox carts, then in 
use, were about to be driven awa}' with their valuable 
cargoes, Mr. Lord, taken with some strange freak, 
summoned his servants to him and said: " I call you 
to witness that these goods are loaned, not givet/.'' 
" Dump tlie carts, dump the carts !" replied the 
liaughty McCurdy, and Mr. Lord, seeing iiim to be 
in dead earnest, and, most likely, admiring his spirit, 
said, " Xever mind I Go on! They are yours I " 

It was this same John McCurdy, whose spirit of 
resistance to the arbitrary measures of Great Britain 
found ready and indignant expression on the eve of 
the Revolutionary struggle. It was under his roof 
that the first published article was written pointing 
toward unqualified rebellion, should an attempt be 
made to enforce the odious stamp act. Under his 
roof, too, the soldiers of Washington's army found 
safe retreat. Having a store, he told them to help 
themselves to anything they wished, and when remu- 
neration, after close of the war, was offered him, he 
refused it. The following letter shows plainly the 
ciiaracter of the man, many of whose traits liis grand- 
son, Richard L., inherited. He dealt largely in tea. 
and his London house shipped it, per his orders, to 
him in care of a Mr. Xelson. of Xew York ; and it seems, 
that at one time the demand upon Mr. Nelson for tea 
being urgent, he took the liberty of selling some of 
Mr. McCurdy's tea, which called forth the following 
letter: 

Lthe, 18 April, 1776. 
Mr. Nelson : 

Sir— This day week, in tbe evening, after the post was gone. 
I received your letter, dated March 5th, which has surprised me 
very much. You acquaint me therein, that you had sold my tea in Dec. 
last. Surely you must be mistaken. It must have been your own te&: 
for how is it possible that you should presume to sell mi/ tea, without 
my orders— nay, when you knew that I was determined not to sell till I 
had orders from the congress, as I wrote you from time to time. I 
had agreed with sundry of my friends here that they should have the 
tea, as soon as I got liberty to sell it (some one chest, some two. etc.) I 
shall depend on having my tea delivered to me on demand, in New 
York; which is all at present, from, sir, Your ohd't ser't, 

J. W. MtCl'RDV. 

Richard L. McCurdy had four brotiiers and one 
sister. The names of the former are: John Griswold, 
Charles Johnson, Rol)ert H. and Alexander Lyndes 
McCurdy. The name of the sister was Sarah Ann, 
named for Ann Lord, a maiden aunt, who was quite 
an eccentric character. When the first child was 
born to Mr. McCurdy's parents, she was much disap- 
pointed that it was not a girl, that she might leave 
the child an inlieritance of silver ware — lier own 
property. The second child she fully expected to be 
a daughter, and when Charles Johnson came to light, 
he was greeted with but slight tokens of respect by 
Dame Lord. And now she insisted that the ne.\t 
child should not fail her. But when Robert II. juit 
in an appearance, her chagrin was so great that words 
failed to do justice to lier disgust witJi mundane 



affairs. We are not assured that she acted the part of 
Betsey Trot wood upon a like memorable occasion, who, 
upon being informed at the birth of David Copperfield, 
by the mild Dr. Chilip, that it was not a girl, but a 
boy, struck him with her bonnet, turned on her heel, 
and left the house, never to return. However, Miss 
Lord — whether from grief and disappointment, we 
are again not assured — died before the birth of the 
next child, and it is proliably well that she did, for 
that, too, was a boy. 

The McCurdy homestead in Lyme, Connecticut, is 
now the residence of Judge Charles McCurdy, men- 
tioned above, a brother of Richard Lord. The latter 
was importuned, at one time, to occupy the mansion 
with his wife, but they were restrained from doing so 
by considerations that seemed wise to them. ilr. 
^IcCurdy first came to Lyme in 1823, having resided 
a short time previously in Trumbull county. In IS'-iG, 
June 19, he was united in marriage with Julia Ann, 
only daughter of Amos and Rachel Woodward. The 
McCurdy lands were situated in section two, of Lyme, 
and ilr. McCurdy became agent fm- the sale of the 
same. So soon as he was married, he began the im- 
provement of a part of them, and in 1827 erected the 
neat and commodious dwelling where his widow still 
resides. This house, even at this day, is one of 
the best and neatest farm dwellings in the township. 
It is fashioned somewhat after the McCurdy homestead 
in Connecticut, resembling it in its low ceilings, the 
arrangement of its apartments, and the iptaint, 
modest and home-like character of its- appointments 
and surroundings. In the work of its construction, 
he. tiiat was afterwards Judge Brown, of Norwalk, 
was one of the laborers. A visitor from Connecticut, 
a Mr. Jessup, was so pleased with its elegant and 
comfortable demeanor, which seemed to him in such 
striking contrast to the broad, wearisome stretch of 
tiie surrounding prairie, that he christened it the 
"Diamond of the Desert." 

Mr. McCurdy, during the first years of his residence 
in Lyme, was extensively engaged in the purchase and 
sale of fine cattle. He obtained them in the southern 
counties of the State, brought them to Lyme, and 
wintered tiiein on Strong's ridge, boarding with Mr. 
Strong, or Mr. Russell, lie was unfortunate with 
them, and lost many from tlie murrain, but, never- 
theless, did the township valuable service in the 
introduction of a sui)erior kind of cattle. 

Mr. McCurdy had, in his boyhood days, a great 
fondness for tlie sea, and was eagerly bent upon being 
a sailor. His father, thinking that a triji on tiie 
water would be sufficient to eradicate this love of the 
ocean, i)erinitted him to make a voyage or two to 
London, but the liking only grew the stronger. lie 
was finally, however, persuaded to adojjt his father's 
counsels, and thus became a farmer. 

The McCurdy tract was originally quite extensive, 
and ilr. McCurdy kept as his own, for many years, 
al)out six hundred acres, Mrs. McCurdy being to-day 
I he possessor of six iiundred and eleven acres. 



412 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The Lyme church owes its existence mainly to 
Mr. McC'urdy's efforts and generous liberality. He 
donated the land upon which the church and cemetery 
are located, consisting of four acres, and in time and 
money contributed the princijial part of the cost of 
the first Lyme church edifice, which was scarcely 
completed before it was burned to the ground. Dis- 
heartening as this disaster was, ;\Ir. McCurdy was 
undaunted, and proposed to his neighbors if they 
chose to assist in the erection of another building, he 
would contrilnxte the same amount as before. This 
generous otfer was accepted, and in less than a year 
from the time the first building was burned, the 
second was ready for occupancy. 

Mr. McCurdy died very suddenly at his residence, 
August 28, 1869. On Friday he was in Bellevue, with 
a load of grain, and returned home in the evening, 
with a telegram and letter from New York friends, 
announcing the pleasing fact that they would arrive 
here for a short visit, on the Monday following. On 
Saturday, following his ti-ip to Bellevue, and before 
his relatives had arrived, he died. His friends came, 
not with glad hearts to enjoy a jjleasant visit in his 
delightful home, as they had intended, but with sad 
and stricken hearts to follow his remains to the quiet 
churchyard. . 



BOURDETT WOOD, 

the eldest son of Jasper and Elizabeth (Boylston) 
Wood, was born at Manlius Square, New Y'ork, on 
the 19th day of February, 1803. The Woods are of 
English origin. Four brothers came to this country 
about two centuries ago, three of them settling in 
Massachusetts, and one of them in Virginia. Aaron, 
the grandfather of tlie subject of this sketch, with 
three brothers, had emigrated to the State of New 
Y''ork a short time preaching the revolutionary strug- 
gle, and had settled on the German flats just above 
Schenectady. All four of the brothers were sol- 
diers in the revolutionary war, and took part in 
in the memorable battle of Monmouth. Aaron 
Wood was the father of seven children, as follows: 
Thaddeus, Benjamin, Jasper, Rebecca, Dorathea, 
Aaron and Homer. Thaddeus was a lawyer of dis- 
tinction and ability. Ho was, in his time, not only 
the recognized leader of the bar in Onondaga county, 
where he resided, l)ut was esteemed as one of the best 
lawyers of the State. He was an active participant 
in the war of 1812. and, by reason of meritorious ser- 
vice, was elevated to the rank of brigadier general 
in 1818, and to the rank of major general in 1820. 
Jasper Wood, the father of Bourdett, was born in the 
year in which the war for Independence was declared, 
1770, at Lenox, JIassachusctts, where he lived until 
fourteen years of age, when he went to New Y'ork 
State in the service of a Mr. White, the founder of 



Whitestown, near Utica, that State. Here he con- 
tinued to reside for eight or ten years, and then re- 
moved to Manlius Square where he remained until 
1815, the date of his removal to tlie far west. After 
a temporary stay at Erie, Pennsylvania, of one years 
duration, he came on with his family to Huron 
county, and settled at Bloomingville. Here he pur- 
chased a large tract of land, consisting of about one 
thousand eight hundred acres for which he jjaid about 
two thousand dollars. Soon after this, the Govern- 
ment lands in the adjoining county of Sandusky came 
into market, and were sold to purchasers at one dollar 
and ttt'enty-five cents jier acre. This reduced the 
value of Mr. Wood's lands so as tu render them com- 
paratively worthless. He died in 1S21. He was a 
man of rather superior education and abilities; was a 
good surveyor, and could speak the Iroquois language 
with considerable fluency. His wife's name was 
Elizabeth Boylston, whom he manned May 3, 1802. 
The Boylstons were also English people, and were 
among the first settlers of Boston. They gave tlieir 
name to many j)laces connected with the early history 
of that metrojjolis, such as Boylston Common, Boyls- 
ton Square, etc. Boylston Bank, Boylston street — 
places that are still thus designated. The Boylstons 
were a very intelligent and well-to-do class of people, 
and many re23reseutatives of the family are now living 
in Massachusetts, all occupying honoral)le stations in 
life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jas])er Wood were the parents of six 
children : Bourdett. Adaline, Julianne, Juliette, 
Worthington and Arameuta. Mrs. Wood died in 
1834. 

Bourdett received his given name from the Bourdett 
family, of Fort Lee, New Jersey. 

At the age of sixteen he was bound for a term of 
four years to Judge Timothy Baker, of Norwalk, 
Ohio. After an expiration of two years, liis father 
having died, through the kindly efforts in his behalf, 
made by Mrs. Baker, he was released from this ser- 
vice. The maintenance of his fathers family chiefly 
devolved upon him, and he was brought in close con- 
tact with the utmost severity of labor. 

Mr. Wood has been a successful man. To trace liis 
career and bring to light the discovery of how he ac- 
complished so much in the direction of getting on in 
the world, is an interesting undertaking. His fatlu r 
died when Bourdett was a young man eightten 
years of age, and not only left him no inheritance, but 
placed him in a position where he must, by the labor 
of his own hands and tlie emjiloyment of his own wits, 
provide, not for himself alone, but for others depend- 
ent upon liim for the necessaries of life. C'ould the 
young man, tlie day after his father's death, have lunl 
his future career in lite disclosed to him: could lie 
have seen himself standing mi the verge of tliat ca- 
reer, penniless and seemingly powerless, and then 
have followed his course through a term of fifty or 
nearly sixty years, to behold himself the possessor of 
hundreds of tliousands of dollars of this world's 



k 




/J (^hz^^^(^^^ /^-^-T— ^^" 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE- COUNTIES, OHIO. 



413 



' goods, he would undoubtedly have disbelieved the 
revelation. Yet this is what ho has accomi)lished. 
The acquisition of great wealth furnishes in itself no 
marvel, for many men become possessors of it. Some 
inherit it; some have it thrust upon them by kind 
fortune or good luck: and some obtain it by a sys- 
tematic course of robbery, in which knavery, extor- 
tion, and theft, in its various forms, have tlieir part 
to play. 

After leaving the service of ilr. Baker, Mr. Wood's 
fii'st employment was in working for Charles F. 
Drake, of Bloomingville, for two months, for a barrel 
of salt and a side of sole leather, each of which was 
equivalent to about three dollars and fifty cents, and 
would buy a good two year old steer. The following 
summer he raised five or six acres of corn. This he 
was persuaded to apply in the payment of a colt, which 
Mr. Caldwell had obtained at a cost of eleven dollars, 
and for which ilr. Wood was influencedto give twen- 
ty-five dollars. About one half this money lie got 
together by putting up four tons of hay for Mr. Cald- 
well, at one dollar and fifty cents per ton, and by 
chopping twenty-five cords of wood at twenty-five 
cents per cord. In piling this wood he showed him- 
self to be a novice, for he made but about fifteen cords 
of it. the wood being put up very closely. Eben 
Dennis, who was present when it was measured, and 
who took a friendly interest in the boy, said to Bour- 
dett, slyly: " You are a little fool to pile wood in that 
way; now you go ahead and chop more, and Ijy and 
by, when the old man Caldwell is not around, I'll 
come and show you how to cord wood." He did so, 
readily extending the pile so as to include tlie requi- 
site twenty-five cords. In process of time he got his 
colt paid for, and was by and by enabled to buy an 
old horse, and then exchanged his colt and horse for 
a yoke of oxen, thus providing himself with a team. 
In 1823, at the age of twenty, he raised a fair crop of 
corn, and then went sailing. He sailed to Sault St. 
Marie, and acted in the cai)acity of cook. The mate 
had laid in a barrel of whisky to supply the soldiers 
in garrison at St. Mary's, and Bourdett was promised 
half tliey could make if lie would draw the whiskv 
for those wlio purchased it. 

He had the good fortune to obtain quite a nice little 
sum of money in his sailing operations. This money 
he invested in calves. In 182.5, he worked in the 
Bloomingville brick yard for Dr. Strong. In 1826, 
he returned to Manlius, New York, and was employed 
in making water lines for the Oswego canal, the linild- 
ing of which had at that time just been commenced. 
In 1837, he bought fifty-seven acres of land for two 
hundred and fifty dollars, a part of the old Wood 
homestead in Oxford, now owned by iiis son Thomas. 
On this purchase he was enabled to pay sixty dol- 
lars. In 1820, he carried tlie mail from Sandusky 
to Bucyrus, receiving four dollars and fifty cents per 
trip. 

On the first day of January, 1829, lie was married 
to Miss Rhoda Harrington, daughter of Mr. Seth 



Harrington. Industrious and frugal, Mrs. Wood 
furnished valuable assistance to her husband in iiis 
efforts to get a start in life. He soon found himself 
the possessor of surplus funds, which he generously 
loaned to his neighbors upon application. Finally, 
old man Coggswellsaid to him: "'Charge fortheuseof 
your money. It is no use to keep a cow unless you 
milk her," Adopting this sage advice, he began to 
loan money in small sums, and the accruing interest 
soon began to tell in his fav(n'. About the year 1840, 
he began to buy and sell stock. He and Uncle Nat. 
Chapman associated themselves together in the busi- 
ness of buying horses and sheep, for cash, in Holmes 
and Tuscarawas counties, bringing them to Huron 
and Erie counties, and selling them on credit to re- 
sponsible farmers. And in 1844, he and Mr. Chapman 
l)egan the purchase of western lands. About this 
time they secured fifteen hundred acres of the Wyan- 
dott reservation, and in 18.5.3 they bought twenty- 
three hundred acres in Iowa, mostly in Tama county. 
He liegaii the luirchase of lands also in Erie county, 
buying and selling, and always reaping a gain. 

In 1840, he removed to Bellevue with his family, 
and from this time forward made money-lending the 
leading specialty of his business. In 1871 he asso- 
ciated himself with Aliishai Woodward and E, J, 
Sheffield in the banking business, under the firm 
name of Wood, Woodward & Co., and when the bank 
was reorganized as a stock company, Mr. Wood was 
made president of the institution — a position he still 
retains. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of the follow- 
ing children: 1. Jasper, liorii Novemlier 1.5, 1829. 
He is a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, and a 
very successful farmer and stock raiser, 2, Emeline 
Adelia, born May 6, 1831, She is the wife of Peter 
G. Sharp, and resides near Stockton, California. 3. 
Richard Boylston. born December 2, 1832, was killed 
at the battle of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, February 25, 
18G4. He was captain of a company of cavalry sol- 
diers, and a gallant soldier, a brave and efficient offi- 
cer, i. Henry Bourdett, born July 25, 1834, died 
April, 1873. 5. Elizabeth Malvina, born March 19, 
1836. She is the wife of Adam Burgett, a wholesale 
boot and shoe merchant of Toledo," Ohio. G. Benja- 
min Lester, born June 21. 1838. 7. Flurella Sophia, 
born Seiiteniljer 7, 184(J, died May 14. 180(), of con- 
suiii)ition. Slie was a young lady of much attractive- 
ness and superior mental qualities. 8. Thomas Cor- 
win, born April 27, 1842. He resides in Bellevue. 
9. Susan C, born August 7, 1844. She became the 
wife of W. W. Williams April 9. 1808, and died of 
consumption Novemlier 5. 1872. In the western home 
in which she li\(Ml during her wedded life, she won 
many friends, liy whom iier memory is cherished with 
pleasing recollections, 10. Julia Louisa, born Feb- 
ruary 28, 1847. She is the wife of James B. Wood, 
of Bellevue, Ohio, whose home she renders blessed. 

On the first day of January last, the relatives and 
friends of Mr. and Mrs. Wood assembled at their 



414 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



residence in Bellevne, and celebrated with them their 
golden wedding. The occasion was one of the pleas- 
antest, to all participants, that ever took place within 
that qniet village. 

Mr. Wood is now in his seventy-seventh year, but 
possesses as much vitality as the average man of fifty. 
He has hardly ever known a sick day, and the pros- 
pect that a dozen years or more may yet be added to 
his days is not discouraging. Physically, so sound 
and well-preserved, he is no less so mentally. He 
attends to all the details of his extensive business, 
and, though his memory is becoming treacherous, his 
judgment is as unerring, his discernment as acute, 
his reasoning faculties as sound, as they ever have 
been. 

Mr. Wood is a man of rlearly-detined traits of char- 
acter and mental chai'aeteristics. In manner, often 
abrupt and blunt, he nevertheless jiossesses a kindli- 
ness of heart that is rarely found beneath so rough 
an exterior. No man in need, whom lie believes to 
be deserving, has ever appealed to him in vain. 
Schooled in the methods of money-lending, and hav- 
ing become naturally cautious and careful as to his 
securities, he has loaned money to liundreds of people, 
who had no security to offer him, and toward whom 
he has stood wholly in the light of their benefac- 
tor. The number of persons who will accord to 
him the praise of being thus their friend in need, 
assisting them to get started in life, is by no means 
small. Hedias, in this way, lost thousands of dollai's, 
sometimes without benefiting those he designed to 
help, but oftener bestowing a benefit that has aided 
those struggling with adversity to regain their feet, 
and at last to reach a sure and safe foundation. Per- 
haps it is only just to say that no other man in this 
community, had he double the amount of means, 
would take iialf the risks thus incurred liy Mr. 
Wood. 

On his seventieth hirtlulay he gave to each of his 
eight children the neat little sum of ten thousand 
dollars. 

Mr. Wood was for a uunilirr of \(.'.'irs a justice of 
the peace, a position he filled with much credit, no 
decision of his having ever been reversed liy a supe- 
rior court. He generally votes with the repuhlican 
party, but has little confidence in men who gain power, 
believing that as a general rule politicians are chiefly 
concerned in feathering well tlieir own nests, and that 
the best of them make the well being of the people, 
whose interests they should faithfully serve, a secon- 
dary object. Had he his way he would revolutionize 
the methods of conducting affairs, and so simplify 
governmental and punitory matters as to greatly cur- 
tail expenses and lessen crime. 

He is not a member of any church, hut Mrs. Wood 
has been for many years a faithful and consistent 
member of the Protestant Ejjiscojial cliurch. The 
two daughters that died, were, and the three daugh- 
ters that still live, are communicants of tiie same 
church. 



DR. L. G. HARKNESS. 

Dr. Harkness has been for many years intimately 
connected with Bellevue, and, possesing business tact 
of a superior order, he accumulated here a fine prop- 
erty, becoming, in fact, one of the wealthiest men in 
town. He is the youngest of a family of nine child- 
ren, his father dying while he was still an infant. His 
sister Elizabeth, who also lived for many years in 
Bellevue, took charge of the family, and did all a 
mother could have done in bringing him up. She 
was best known as "Aunt Elizabeth Harkness," and 
lived many years on Centre street, near the old Meth- 
odist church, where she managed alone her little do- 
mestic affairs, the friend of all, and loved by all who 
knew her. She never married, and was thus enabled 
to give time and care in the assistance of others, amid 
the sorrows and trials of domestic life. She was a 
lady of superior intelligence, educated and refined. 
She lived to be some eighty-five years of age and died 
at the residence of her brother in the year 1864. 

The doctor was born in the town of Salem, Wash- 
ington county. New York, April 1, 1801, and conse- 
quently he is now in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 
After graduating at Union College he was educated 
for the medical profession in the State of New York, 
and came west in 1823, as so many other young men 
have done who, having fitted themselves for the busi- 
ness of life, launched out into the world to build up 
their fortunes and achieve that destiny which Provi- 
dence had in store for them. 

On arrival in this county he went into business with 
Dr. Stevens, and located on the ridge in Lyme town- 
ship. The following spring the doctor removed to 
the western part of the townshij], where he followed 
the practice of his profession nearly ten years or until 
1832. This comprised abodt all the time he was ex- 
clusively devoted to the medical practice. 

In 1832, the doctor moved to this part of the town- 
sliip. and, in connection with Judge Chapman and 
Mr. Amsden, purchased the laud, and laid out the 
town (jf Bcllevui'. He considers it still his honic. al- 
thongli for the last few years, since the breaking up 
of his family by the death of his wife, he has resided 
temporarily with his children in Cleveland. 

Shortly after coming to Bellevue, he relinquished 
the practice of medicine, and entered into partner- 
ship with Judge Chapman, who was extensively en- 
gaged in general merchandizing. Under the name of 
Chapman & Harkness they carried on business until 
the fall of 1852, when he formed a co-partnership 
with D. M. Harkness and H. M. Flagler under the 
name of Harkness & Co. Since 1870, the doctor has 
not been actively engaged in business. 

About the year 18.54, he built the fine residence on 
West street, near the railroad, now owned by Mr. 
Gray, and occupied it till within a few years. 

He cast his first presidential vote in York township 
in 1824. There were only thirteen voters polled at 
that election, and were all for John Quincy Adams. 



I 



1^ 




1/ 



^ /-/ry z^^- 



i 



I 




HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



415 



Now the voters in the township number about seven 
lumdred — such has been the rapid increase in popula- 
tion. The doctor has vuted at every presiiU'ntial 
election since IS'i-i, the number of sucli elections be- 
ing fourteen, and at every State election, save one 
when he was absent from tlie .State. 

Dr. Harkiiess married .lulia, daughter of Elijihalet 
Follett. a very pleasant, sociable lady, who, whether 
amid the privations and trials of pioneer lite, or the 
more pleasant surroundings and comforts whicii 
wealth affords, ever showed herself a true lady, with 
a pleasant word and cordial greeting for all. She died 
in 1870. They had seven children: Isabella, Follett, 
Mary, Lamon, Julia, Tryphene and Louisa. 

Isabella was married to D. M. Harkness in IS-tO. 
She died in 186!i. Follett died while yet a child. 

ilary married Henry il. Flaglei', son of Isaac 
Flagler, who died about three years ago. Henry 
was engaged in the produce business herein Bellevue, 
several years, with Barney York. Finally, however, 
he went to Cleveland, where he has turned his busi- 
ness talent to good account, and become one of the 
most able business men in the city, occupying the 
position of secretary of the Standard Oil Company, 
the heaviest kei'osene oil rectifying company in the 
world. They have two children living, Jennie and 
Harry. Carrie, the favorite, died at three j'ears of 
age. 

Lamou died when some six or seven years old. 

Julia married B. H. York, who is associated with 
the Union Elevator Company in Cleveland, where he 
resides, and is also prospering. They have'three bright 
children: Georgie, Robbie and Roy. 

Tryphene grew up to be a very interesting young 
lady, not only in appearance, but in sweetness of 
disposition and manner, winning the love and esteem 
of all. She died when about eighteen, too frail a 
flower for the rude blasts of this world. 

Louisa, the youngest, married, about four years 
ago, Mr. G. S. Wheaton, of Cleveland, who is doing 
a good business in that city, and who surrounds her 
with every comfort that heart can wish. 



ORRIN DOLE. 



The subject of this sketch, Orrin Dole, was born 
in S.helburne, Franklin county, Massachusetts, No- 
vember 1, 1806. His father, Enoch Dole, was born 
in the same town, and his mother in Buckland, the 
same county. During his early life he learned the 
cooper trade with his father, and worked at that 
business for a number of years. Mr. Dole was mar- 
ried in Shellnirne, October 18, 1827, to Lucinda 
Kemji. Eight children were born to them, of whom 
tive are still living. Their names, in the order of 
their birth, are as follows: Daniel W., was born 
April 4, 18"-20, in Shelburne, Massachusetts; is now 



living in Manteno, Illinois, where he is engaged in 
the hardware business. Fidelia J. was born in Deer- 
field, Massachusetts, JIarch 21. 18.31; died October 
30, 1870. Harriet A. was born in Deertield, August 
G, 1833; died September 30, 1873. George S. was 
born in Dcerfielil. September "•io, 183.5; lives in Lyme 
townsliij), Huron county, Oliio, aljont a mile from 
the late JKHuc of his father, Orrin was Itorii August 
3, 1837, in New Salem, Franklin county, Massachu- 
setts, and now lives in Elyria. Lorain countv, Ohio; 
he has quite a reputation as a detective, and is em- 
ployed by the L. S. & M. S. Railroad in many cases, 
where energy and tact are recjuired, to ferret out 
criminals, and has been very successful. Edwin L. 
was born April 31, 1843, in Ashfield, Franklin county, 
Massachusetts, and now lives on the old homestead; 
he is a large manufacturer of cider and cider vinegar, 
having pressed, in 1878, three thousand two hundred 
and fifty barrels of cider, and stored nine hundred 
barrels for vinegar. Henry S. was born in Lyme, 
Huron county, Oh'u), and died at the old homestead, 
same county, April 13, 1805, of rpiick consumption; 
he was seized with pneumonia, wliile serving his 
country in the war of tlie rebellion, wjiich produced 
the disease in this fatal form. Julia E. was born in 
Lyme. Huron county, Ohio, June 31. 1848; she is 
now the wife of J. B. Stocking, who is preparing for 
the ministry at Oberliu theological seminary. 

The first two years after their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. Dole lived in Shelburne, tlie village in whicli thev 
were married. They then removed to Deerfield. 
where they remained about six years, when thev re- 
turned to Shelburne. remaining one year. They then 
went to New Salem for about three years; then to 
Conway for one year; then back to Shelburne for an- 
other year. They then moved to Ashfield, where they 
remained about three years. In the spring of 1843, 
they decided to find a home for their growing family 
in_tlie western country, and in May, of that year, re- 
moved to Lyme, Huron county. Ohio. They rented 
a place for a short time, when Mr. Dole bought the 
improved farm of Mr. Chester Hamilton, a half mile 
north of the place where Mrs. Dole now lives, with 
her .son Edwin. They remained on this farm some 
ten years, when they removed to the present home- 
stead, about a mile east of Bellevue, Huron county, 
Ohio, which .Mr. Dole had purchased some two years 
previously. In 1800, he exchanged his first farm 
with his son George, for land in Illinois. Avhich he 
l)ought some time before. He owned four hundred 
and .seventy acres in Illinois, whirh he divided among 
his children, giving to each of his tiiree eldest sons 
one-fourth of this property, on condition that they 
should live on it three years; and divided the remain- 
ing one-fourth between bis two daughters. Fedlia J., 
and Harriet A. 

Mr. Dole became a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church of New Salem, Massachusetts, in 1834, 
and continued a faithful and consistent member of 
that church during his life. Aftt'r his removal to 



I 



416 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Oliio lie joined the church organized in Lyme, and 
took an active part in all the enterprises connected 
with the church. He was one of the trustees of tlie 
church, and for many years was a class leader, until 
his hearing became impaired, when he gave it up. 
He was always foremost in any good work belonging 
to the church, and contributed largely toward the 
erection of the present beautiful church edifice, that 
is an ornament to Bellevue. 

He was never a man of sound health; in fact, he 
hardly knew what good health was. He was predis- 
posed to consumption, and suffered much, but was 
alwavs cheerful and uncomplaining. His disease 
gradually bore him down until he was obliged to take 
to his bed the 9th of October, 1871. He lingered 
along, a constant sutferer, until his death which oc- 
curred March 16. 1873, at the age of sixty-five years. 

His wife, the mother of his children, still lives at 
the old homestead, in the township of Lyme, near the 
pretty village of Bellevue, with her son, Edwin L, , 
in a beautiful home, blessed with loving grandchil- 
dren, and surrounded liy the friends of nearly forty 
years. 

Mr. Dole was a cooper by trade, but did not follow 
that business long after his marriage. While a resi- 
den of Franklin county, JIassachusetts, he was for a 
number of years engaged in teaming- to Boston for 
the merchants of the county 'in which he lived, 
bringing to them the merchandise they dealt in, and 
delivering in Boston the articles they received in 
trade, consisting of pork, beef, butter, etc. After 
being a resident of Ohio for a number of years, 
in 1856, he built a wooden cider mill, and began 
the manufacture of cider for his neighbors. Two 
years later he put up a four-horse mill, and began 
buying apples, being the first mart, in the vicinity, 
who engaged in this business. He stored at first' a few 
barrels of vinegar, at first some fifteen or twenty in a 
season, until, in a few years, he put up one hundred 
and fifty barrels at a time. He continued this busi- 
ness until his death, when his son, Edwin L. , suc- 
ceeded to it, and continues to carry it forward. He 
now has a fine steam-power cider mill, and in 1878, 
as stated above, made a large amount of cider, and 
stored many barrels of vinegar. 

Orrin Dole, senior, was always a quiet, unobstrusive 
man, and a man of great energy for ofi6 who \vas^ 
afflicted as he was, and so great a sufferer. 

The work he accomplished evinces the spirit he 
possessed. 



D. M. HARKXESS, 



capitalist, the son of Or. David llarkiiess, w;is born 
at Milan, Ohio, iSc>pteml)er, 1833. His father died in 
1835, when he accom))anied his mother to Salem, 
Washington county. New York, where he lived in 
the homo of his father's mother until the marriage of 
his mother with Rev. Isaac Flagler, of Seneca county, 



New York. In the spring of 1837, ilr. and Mrs. 
Flagler removed to Toledo, Ohio, and the subject of 
this sketch, then a lad of fifteen, accompanied them. 
In the fall of the same year he came to Bellevue, and, 
in the following summer, entered the store of Chap- 
man & Harkness, in whose employ he remained until 
the summer of 184U, when he went to Lansingburg, 
New Y'ork. At that place he remained about one 
year, engaged as a clerk a part of the time, and part 
of the time as "devil" in the office of the Lansing- 
burg Gazette. 

In 1841, he returned to Ohio and was employed by 
L. G. Harkness & Co., as salesman in their store at 
Republic, Ohio, a position he continued to hold until 
the spring of 1845. That his services at Republic 
were held in hign esteem by his employers, is attested 
by the fact that in the year last named, he received, 
much to his surprise, an invitation from the firm to 
join them as a partner in their large and growing 
business. This he did, the firm becoming Chapman, 
Harkness & Co. A young man of fine abilities, cor- 
rect habits and a laudable ambition, he applied his 
mind with much industry and energy to a careful study 
of the business, with the details of which he soon be- 
came familiar, and was their master. So large a meas- 
ure of success for the next half dozen years crowned 
his efforts, that he was enabled, in 1853, to purchase 
the entire business of Chapman, Harkness & Co. He 
immediately formed a copartnership with Dr. L. G. 
Harkness and his half-brother, H. M. Flagler, under 
the firm name of Harkness & Company. The busi- 
ness rapidly grew in extent and importance, and the 
firm for many years conducted a successful and ex- 
tensive business in general merchandise, grain and 
manufacturing. 

"In the fall of 1849, he married Isabella, daughter of 
Dr. L. G. Harkness, by whom he had five children. 
Three died in infancy, and his only daughter, Katie, 
an interesting child, died in February, 1864, at the 
age of eight years and six months. This sad event 
was followed by the death of his wife in July of the 
same year. Isabella Harkness is a loved name in 
Bellevue. Her kindness, active benevolence and 
amiability won for her universal regard. She was a 
woman of deep religious convictions, a devoted mem- 
ber of the Congregational church, and was very ear- 
nest and active in every good cause and work. She 
lent her best energies to the support of all enterprises 
of a benevolent character, and was a devoted, loving 
daughter, wife and mother. Such is the concurrent 
testimony of all who knew her. Thus, in so brief a 
la))se of time, Mr. Harkness was bereft of those who 
were dearer to him than life itself; yet providence 
spared to him one son, William L., who bids fair to 
do honor to the name of Harkness. He is a young 
man of fine parts, just on the verge of his majority, 
and is now completing his collegiate studies at Yale 
College. 

Mr. Harkness' army experience was, for the most 
part, that of brigade fiuartermaster, under General 




-iufi'afA.tt-hi''— 




HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



417 



R. P. Buckhind. Returning to BelleviR' in 18U3, he 
rendered valtmljle service to iiis country by way of 
raising recruits and zealously and ably nuiinlaiiiing. l)y 
vote and voice, the cause of the Union. 

Aftei' the death of his wife Mr. Harkness sold his 
business to H. M. Sinclair, and retired from active 
business life. A man of ample means, his tin)e is 
mainly spent in looking after hismonied investments, 
and, whenever a political contest is at hand, in zeal- 
ously aiding the cause of Republicanism. He is a 



staunch [larty man. and undoubtedly wields more in- 
fluence in Republican councils than any other man in 
the county. He is not, and never has been, an aspi- 
rant for office. 

Mr. Harkness is a man of excellent judgment, and 
his opinions of men and things are widely sought for 
and highly esteemed for their soundness. He is, 
moreover, a man of much decision of thought and 
character, and has no difficulty in expressing his ideas 
in strong, terse, fluent, and emphatic language. 



NORWICH 



In the preparation of the following sketch access 
lias been had to John M. Niles' ••Memoirs." Town- 
ship numlier three in range twenty-four is bounded on 
the north bv Sherman township, on the south by 
Richmond townshij), on the east by (Treenfield town- 
ship, and on the west by Reed and X'enice townships 
of Seneca county. 

The surface features are of a general rolling nature. 
The highest grounds, or crests of the ridges, are all 
: on one plane, with a northward descent. Along the 
streams, which run about thirty feet below the general 
level, the surface is more broken and uneven. The 
[•bottom lands are narrow, seldom exceeding twenty 
rods in width, through which the streams flow in a 
tortuous course. 

STREAMS. 

Mud run, the largest in the township, rises in Sen- 
eca county. It enters Norwich township near the 
southwest corner and flows a generally northeasterly 
course to lot number twenty-eight, where it curves to 
the northwest and crosses the northern boundary line 
on lot number forty. It derives its name from the 
muddy appearance of its banks and the absence of 
stone and gravel in its bed. 

Slate run also rises in Seneca county. Ilows across 
the western line of the township on lot number thirty- 
■ four, runs northeasterly across section third, and unites 
with .\Iuil run on lot numljcr thirty-eigiit. It received 
its name from the slate rock over which it runs. These 
streams are tributary to Huron river. Other small 
streams exist in the township, but as they are wholly 
unimportant we omit description. 

The soil is a clay loam, varying from light clay on 
the ridges to black loam between them. The whole 
is well adapted to agriculture. The subsoil is brick 
clay. A few "cat swamps," of a few acres each, lie 



in the southeast jjart of the towusliip. The whole 
township was originally heavily timbered. 

" The township is situated on the outcrop of the 
black slate rock, and occupies a middle position be- 
tween the sandstone on the east and the limestone 
on the west. The slate rock dips to the east and runs 
under the sandstone, which appears on the surface 
about Ave miles east, in the township of Greenfield. 
The limestone which lies under the slate rises to the 
surface about five miles west, ni the township of Reed 
in Seneca county. Above the slate rock, for about 
fifteen feet, the subsoil contains a large quantity of 
water-worn limestone of the buff-colored variety, con- 
taining numerous fossils, such as coral and shellfish 
of many species. Along the streams are numerous 
sulphur springs. Sometimes they appear in the bed 
of the streams, and at others rise to the surface of the 
bottom lands, forming deer licks. Big lick, the long- 
est in the township, lies near the center of section four 
and contains nearly an acre." 

OHIGIX.VJ. I'HOI'KIEToltSHIP. 

On the Hill day of November, ISOS, the township 
of Norwich received its name, and was so called, it is 
thought, in honor of its Connecticut namesake. At 
the same time it was divided, as were each of the 
thirty townships comprising the Fire-lands, into four 
sections. Norwich was drawn by nineteen persons. 
Roswell Saltonstall was the principal owner of sec- 
tion.s one and four, ..rosejjh Coit of section two, and 
Russell Hubbard and Gurdon Saltonstall of section 
three. From the time the grant was matle (179'J) to 
the close of the war of ISl^i. many of the grantees 
had sold their claims or, at their decease, left them 
for distril)Ution among their heirs who, in many in- 
stances, sold them to s])eculators or suffered them to 
be sold for taxes. 



53 



418 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



For explanation of the following table, the reader 
er is referred to the Lyme history: 



Classification No. 1, Section 1 . 



Original Grantees. AiiVt Loss. 


Classified by. 


.4/11 


t Classed 


S 


s. 


d. 






£ 


s. d 


Chrisfr Lefflugwell 25 








Daniel L. 


Coit 


19 


11 5 


Elizabeth Plumb 197 


19 









33 


8 9 


Joseph Childs 75 


11 


6 






30 


4 7 


Ruth Harris 63 












24 


11 5 


Elizabeth Holzworth 48 


8 









19 


10 5 


Hath'l Hempstead 7 


1 


10 






3 


18 


Winth'p Saltoastall 1181 


16 


8 






75 


15 


James Young 1.3 


2 









6 


11 


Rebeccah Church bH 


11 


10 






2 


12 7 


Matthew Griswold 10 














16 



Roswell SaltonstaU 1800 > John Kinsman 



1128 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1,344 



Classification No. 2, Section 2. 

Original Grantees. Ani't Loss. Classified by. 

£ s. d. I 
Joseph Coit 1398 18 5 | Daniel L. Coit 

Joshua Coit 40 I '■ 

Chrisfr Lefflngwell 25 | " 



Am't Classed 

£ s d. 

1298 18 5 

40 

5 8 7 



Footing of Classification No. 2, iBl,.344 
Classification No. 3, Section 3. 







Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed. 


Russell Hubbard 
Joanna Beebe 
Phillip -\llen 
Gurdon SaltonstaU 
EUzabeth Plumb 


£ s. 
1012 
236 2 
9 15 
1440 
197 19 


d. 

3 

6 

5H 




Daniel L. Coit 


£ s. d. 

652 5 10?i 

59 7H 

4 17 a-M 

561 12 
66 10 9 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,344 
Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 






£ 


s. 


d ■ 


Roswell Saltsonstall 1800 








Daniel L. 


Coit 


589 


19 


n^f 


James Pennyman 


1.37 


10 


7 






1.37 


10 




Jonathan Douglass 


1446 


14 


7 


" 


" 


257 


3 





Russell Hubbard 


1012 





3 


" 


*' 


359 


n 


414 



Footingof Classification No. 4, £1,344 7 

As early as 1815, Daniel L. Coit, son of Joseph 
Coit, had become, by heirship and purchase, the 
owner of the township of Norwich, excepting a portion 
of the first section. The proprietors of this were: 
Frederick and Thomas Kinsman, William Leppeu- 
wcll, and. possibly others. In 1815, Daniel L. Coit 
sold sections two and three, comi^risiug the north half 
of the township, to Judge Canfield, of Connecticut, 
who soon after sold the same to James Williams, 
Phillip R. Hopkins, and David W. Hinman. 

In the spring of 1816, Messrs. Williams, Hopkins, 
and Hinman surve^ved the two sections into one hun- 
dred acre lots. These were iu size one hundred and 
sixty rods east and west by one hundred rods north 
and soiTth, making five tiers of eight lots each in a 
section, and numbering from the southeast corner 
of the sections. Hopkins was the surveyor. These 
gentlemen also laid out a village. It was named Bar- 
badoes, and was situated on the west end of lot thirty- 
eight in section second, and the adjoining portion of 
lot six in the third section. The suiTey was completed 
in June. The surveying party built a small log house, 
the first in the township, on lands now owned by 
Kinsman Bowen. The same year, John Williamson 
]uit up the walls and roof of a hewed log house on the 
village plat, near wl ere Durwin Boughton's house 
now stands. That was long known as the " village 
house," though no other was built on the plat. Wil- 



liamson neither finished the house nor occupied it: in 
fact, nothing further of his history is known. 

INDIANS. 

A small band of the Seneca Indians, with Seneca 
John at their head, sometimes made their camp in the 
township. John could speak a little English. He 
was honest and trusty, but others of the tribe were 
drunken and thievish. Their dead were usuallv 
enclosed in a bark coffin, and buried near their camp. 
There were a few conical mounds in the southeast 
part of the township when first settled. These were 
believed to have been burial places for the dead, 
and have long since disappeared. 

SETTLEMENT. 

In the fall of the year 1810, Chauncey Woodruff 
and Wilder Lawrence, with their respective families, 
left Saratoga county. New York, for the wilderness 
of Ohio. After a tedious journey, they reached 
Trumbull county, where they rested until the severe 
months of winter had passed. Chauncey Woodruff 
and his sou, George H., came on to Norwich and 
selected lots for future homes. The son remained at 
New Haven while his father returned for the family. 
On tlie 8th of February, 1817, Woodrulf and Law- 
rence arrived in New Haven; and, on the 10th, started, 
with their families, for Norwich. Accompanied by a 
few friends, they journeyed on, and before night ar- 
rived at the "village house" before mentioned. This 
consisted <;f but the walls and roof; holes had been 
cut for a door and fire-place. Oak puncheons had 
been prepared for a floor, and lay near Ity under the 
snow, which was then about one foot deep. A few 
were soon fished out and placed in jjosition and a fire 
started. Blankets were hung up for a door, and sup- 
per prepared, over which the company made merry. 
In laying in stores for the occasion, a jug of tlie 
"ardent" had been procured, and doubtless added 
much to the jollity of the evening within tiie cabin, 
while without the wolves made night hideous with 
their incessant howling. 

Lawrence and WoodrufE remained at the "village 
house" until they had cleared and planted a field of 
corn, on lot seven, and erected for themselves log- 
houses. Mr. Lawrence took up two hundred and 
twenty acres of land, in sections two and three. He 
built his house on lot thirty-three, in the former sec- 
tion, and upon these lands he died, January 8th, 1847; 
his wife died five years later. The children were 
nine in number: Sarah, Maria. Wilder J., Hiram, 
Susan and Lydia. are dead. El)enezcr married Chi- 
rinda Bly. and lives on the old homestead: has two 
children, a son and daughter. Anna married Levi 
Reed, and lives in Reed township, Seneca county, 
Ohio; and Charlotte married Edward McGloau, ami 
lives in Henry county, Ohio. 

Jesse Woodruff soon followed his brother. Chaun- 
cey, into bhe township, and began life in the wilder- 
ness, erecting his log cabin on lot six, section three, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIK COUNTIES, OHIO. 



419 



DOW occupied by Lewis Bodelier. Ciiauncey Wood- 
ruff died in 1868. 

Xaum Gilson came froii' Saratoga county. New 
York, to Norwich, in June, 1817. Contracting for 
lot number twenty-eight, in section two, he began the 
construction of a hewed log liouse thereon. To obtain 
tlie necessary assistance at the "raising,"' settlers from 
the adjoining townships were invited. It is said that 
the rafters upon this house were the first raised in the 
township. After tlie house was finished, Mr. Gilson 
cleared a piece of ground, which he sowed to wheat, 
the first grown in the township. In the fall of 1818, 
Mr. Gilson returned to his former home, in Saratoga 
county, where he soon after married Miss Sally (Jrmes, 
formerly from Massachusetts. Early in the following 
spring the journey to Ohio was begun. The mode 
of transit was the usual one of the period, viz. : a 
stout wagon, drawn by oxen and one horse. A long 
time was consumed on the road. The streams, 
swollen by the spring rains, were often impassable, 
or at best, forded with difficulty, rendering jjrogress 
slow and full of danger. A brother, Asa, with wife 
and two children, formed a part of the "goodlie 
oompanie" that finally reached Norwich, and became 
))ermanent settlers and prominent actors in the pioneer 
life of the township. Jonas Gilson, another brother, 
came on soon after. He settled on lot thirty-seven. 

In 1820, Joel Gilson, father of the above mentioned, 
arrived in Norwich. He had been for years a collec- 
tor for the United States government of continental 
money, and on reaching Norwich, took up his abode 
on lot thirty-seven, now owned by John S. Hester. 
A son, John, accompanied Miim, and settled on lot 
twenty-seven, at present owned by Wesley Roljinson. 

Naum Gilson was ever interested in the welfare of 
the colony. He, on finding the first land contracts 
worthless, rode on horseback to Liverpool, Lorain 
county, to meet Coit, the real proprietor. He was 
accompanied by Jesse Woodruff, and by their efforts, 
arrangements were consummated, whereby the settlers 
were allowed to re-purchase their farms at the old 
rate, (two dollars per acre) they losing what they had 
l>efore paid. Mr. Gilson was the first postmaster, 
and held the office for many years. He died June 
14, 1864,' aged seventy-four years. Mrs. Gilson died 
March 2, 1876, aged eighty-five years. The children 
are as follows: Giles James, who died young: Elon 
\V., ex-treasurer of Huron county, who married Betsey 
M. McKelvey, resides at Norwalk; have two chil- 
dren: Arza H., who married Eliza A. Baker, of 
Medina county, and lives on the old homestead. His 
family consists of one child, "Little Dot,"' and a 
niece. Miss Ella S. Baker. Mr. Gilson is connected 
with the musical association of the county, and is its 
jiresident. The writer is under obligations to this 
gentleman for material aid in the collecting of data 
for this history. The remaining children of Naum 
Gilson are: Sarah A., who married E. P. Ilalliday, 
resides in Wood county, Ohio; Eugenia M., who 
married Dr. .\bram Dv (Jroff, lives in (irainl Lcdjje, 



Michigan, and Ardelia A., who married S. W. Owen, 
and resides in Norwalk, this county. 

During the summer of 1817, Hosea Harnden began 
life on lot thirty-seven, section two, now owned by 
John S. Hester. 

On the 13th of February. 1818, John Fletcher, 
Bartholomew Rossman and Benjamin Moore moved 
their families into the surveyor's house in the north- 
west part of the township. John Fletcher began on 
lot thirty-eight, afterwards owned by Peter Brown, 
B. Rossman made a commencement on lot tliirty-one, 
same section, while Moore settled on lot twenty-three, 
and, as fast as possible, erected cabins on their j)os- 
sessions and removed their families from their cramjjed 
and uncomfortable quarters in the surveyor's house. 
The same year, Elisha Ellis began on lot twenty- 
eight: Augustus Cook, of whom more anon, liegan on 
lot thirty-nine: Beckwith Cook settled on lot forty. 

In 1819, Asa Gilson located on lot thirteen, section 
three, where his widow. Aunt Nabby, still lives. The 
following came this year: Jabez F. Ivory, Daniel 
Farman, James Loomis. Loab Lindsey, Alvin Blod- 
gett, Dr. Hurlbert, and possibly others. 

The settlers were jioor and bought their land on 
credit. No deeds had been given, and a wi'itten 
agreement constituted the title. A few acres of 
clearing, or perhaps a log cabin, constituted their 
only property. These were often bartered to new 
comers for a little money, or, perhaps, a team or a 
rifle. Trading lots and moving from one to another, 
when they had so little to move, was almost as easily 
done as swapping rifles, and it was not uncommon 
for two or three individuals to succeed each other on 
the same lot in as many years. 

In 1820 or "21, a difficulty broke out about the title 
to the land, that nearly ruined the settlement. When 
Daniel L. Coit sold the north half of the township to 
Judge Canfield, in 181.5, it was on a credit of ten 
years. A deed was given and a mortgage taken on 
the land for security. He became dissatisfied with 
Canfield's management, commenced suit against him 
to recover the title, enjoined Williams, Hopkins and 
Hinman from making further sales, and caused writs 
of ejectment to be served upon all the settlers who 
had taken possession under them. Williams, Hop- 
kins and Hinman becoming satisfied that their title 
was worthless, sought a compromise that they might 
save themselves the e.xpense of surveying the land. 
They, however, failed, and were finally obliged to 
abandon the enterprise. 

The litigation continued until 1826. Coit recov- 
ered the title, but nearly all the settlers had gone. 
Those who remained were: Wilder Lawrence, Jonas 
Gilson, George H. Woodruff, Jesse Woodruff, Naum 
Gilson, Augustus Cook and Asa Gilson. They had 
made no more improvements than were necessary to 
furnish them a living; for they expected to be com- 
pelled to i)ay for not only the land, but what im- 
provements they had made, should the territory be 
again put into the market. The deserted fields soon 



420 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



grew up to briars and bushes, aud the fences and 
cabins passed into ruias. 

In the sjiring of 1827, Colt re-surveyed the two 
sections, and sold the land to the settlers, old and 
new, at the rate of two dollars per acre. New set- 
tlers came in, and those who had remained through 
the stampede ijegan improvements in earnest, laying 
out roads, setting out orchards, etc., feeling assured 
there was no further danger of losing the product of 
those ten years of labor and hardship. 

John Bowen, from Marion county, this State, was 
among these settlers. He married Christina' Robin- 
son and settled on lot twenty-three, section three, 
building his log house a few rods east of the site of 
his present comfortable home. Mr. Bowen built the 
second brick kiln in the township, and for many 
years prosecuted the business. This venerable couple 
have eight children, all living; Martha Jane. Agnes, 
John M., William K., Henry C, Sarah E., George 
and Jleliuda C. 

Frederick Gorham came from Vermont, and with a 
wife and three children, settled on lot twenty-seven, 
Norwich township, in 1S3S. This farm is now owned 
by David Nichols. 

In 18.30, the first section began to settle. Ebenezer 
Brown made a commencement on the lot now owned 
by A. F. Rulisson. Zachariah Burrell erected his log 
cabin on tlie lot afterwards owned by John Guuns. 
Ezra Pruden and family, consisting of a wife and 
eleven children, came from the State of New York to 
Ohio, in 1831. He located on lot number thirty-six, 
where he remained until his death, in 18.5-1:. His wife 
had died, in 18i9. Of the children, we are able to 
give the following: John, the eldest, married Ann 
Enuis, and lives in Toledo, Ohio. Silas married 
Sally Thompson; lie lives in Michigan. Ezra, Jr., 
married Naomi Adaliue Owen; he lives on lot thirtv- 
fonr, section four. They have two children: Charles 
F., and Charlotte A. William married Maria Pratt, 
and lives in Indiana; and Jonas, who lives in Putnam 
county. The following children are dead: Mary, 
Elizabeth, Galjriel, Eugene, Benjamin and Rachel. 

William Robinson, Sr., a native of Delaware, mar- 
ried Lytica Coleman, and in May, 1832, arrived in 
Norwich township. He settled on lot twenty-seven, 
in the second section. 'He lived here twenty-five 
years, and removed to Fitchville township, in this 
county, whore he died August 10, 1864. Mrs. Rol)- 
inson died the February following. The children of 
this couple are: James, Thomas, Christina, Martha, 
Anna, Huriah, John, Eliza, Jordon, Wesley aud 
Aaron, who all grew to maturity. Seven are now living. 

In the spring of 1833, Charles B. Niver, came from 
Seneca county, New York. He purchased six hun- 
dred acres of land in section one. On lot twelve of 
this purchase he built a log house, and toward fall 
returned east for his family, with whom he arrived in 
Norwich, about September 20, of the same year. His 
wife was Emily Moore. Tliey have had five children: 
Laura Jane, who married Edward Knapp; she is not 



living. Marvin, who lives at home; John, who mar- 
ried Thalia Reed; he is also deceased. Albert E., 
who married Etta Green, and lives on the west part 
of the original homestead; and Mary who 3'et remains 
at home. Mr. Niver's first wife is deceased. His 
present companion was Prudence Douglass. 

John Niver, a brother of the above, came to Ohio 
witli the family. He remained about one year, and 
then returned to his eastern liome. After two or 
three years he came again to Norwich, married 
Sarah White, and began life on the south part of the 
original purchase, where he still resides. He also 
lives with his second wife. He has seven children. 

A short time after Joiin began settlement, another 
brother, Dennis, came on. His wife was Marietta 
Parsons. They had at this time six children. He 
settled on the eastern portion of the tract where he 
still lives. The children now uumlier nine. 

Guy C. Boughton, of West Stockbridge, Berkshire 
county, Massachusetts, married Harriet Si^rague, of 
Middlebury, Addison county, Vermont. In 1815, he 
removed to Ohio, locating in Grafton township, Lo- 
rain county. Here the family lived some eight years, 
and then settled in Eaton township, same county. 
In 1834, they located in Norwich towhship, on lot 
thirty-eight. Three children were born prior to this 
date, viz: Axie, N. J. and Darwin who still lives on 
the old homestead, and with him the aged motlier. 
Two children, Julia and Jefferson, were born in Nor- 
wich. The father died November 7, 1854. 

In 1827, Nelson Pratt and two brothers. Parley P. 
and Orson (afterward prominently connected with 
Mormouism), came from Columbia county, New 
York, and located in Amherst. Lorain county. After 
two years. Nelson settled in Peru township, this 
county. In 1835 or '36, he became a resident of Nor- 
wich township, locating at, or near where is now 
Havana village. In the last named year, he married 
Finette, daughter of Frederick Delano, one of the 
pioneers. From this marriage one child, a son, was 
born, this was Edwin D., who married Elizabetli 
Slyer, and lives on lot thirty-four. Nelson Pratt lias 
been three times married, as follows: Azubah Spalding, 
Marietta- Ensign, and Mrs. Mary Ann Feltoii who 
died in 1872. Two children, daughters, wore lioni 
of the second marriage. 

Henry Niles married Lucretia Miner by whom he 
had eight children: Henry, Cyrus, Daniel, Sands, 
John H., Lucretia, Cyntha, Philura and David. 

In 1799 or 1800, the family settled- in Halifax, 
Vermont, where tliev remained until 1831. At tliis 
time they removed to Ohio, locating in Greeiifiold 
township in this county. 

In the month of February, 1834, they made a 
permanent settlement in Norwich townshij). This 
was on the farm now occupied by the widow and heirs 
of the son, John H. On the 20tli day of the Miirch 
following, while engaged in rafting logs on the mill 
pond near his house, he fell into the water, and was 
drowned before assistance could reach him. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



421 




:^0^- ^'\' 




\m ' 



■-"%^SNS^ 



Mr, John H. Niles, 




^;-. ^ c/^y^. 



John H., son of the above, is entitled to move than 
a passing notice. He was born at Halifax, Vermont, 
June 25, 1809. He began life as an operative in a 
chair factory. Coming to Ohio as before stated, he 
devoted a portion of his time to school teaching. In 
183G. he was united in marriage to Miss Marian P. 
Nichols by whom eleven children were born; eight 
are still living: Sanford P., Ellen D., Lucretia M., 
John M., Henry H., Clark E., Charles F., and 
Philura R. Malcom, another son, was in the Union 
army during the rebellion, and died at Knoxville, 
Tennessee. Mr. Niles was the historian of the Fire- 
land's Historical Society, and in that capacity did 
much to pres«rve the relics of by-gone days. He 
wrote the sketch of Norwich, from which we have 
drawn quite extensively facts and data not obtainable 
elsewhere. He was repeatedly in office — having been 
for twelve years justice of tlie peace and half that 
luunber of years county commissioner. He died Feb- 
ruary 14, 1878. He was a member of the Masonic 
order, having become such many years since. He 
was a charter member of Attica Lodge, in fact, it 
was largely due to his efforts that tiiis lodge was 
formed. His funeral obsequies were conducted under 
t lie auspices of the fraternity and was numerously 
attended. 

Benjamin Briggs and family were the first settlers 
on the fourth section. They were from Barnard, 
Windsor county, Vermont. His family consisted 
of a' wife and six children, four of whom came 
with him. The date of his settlement in Norwich 
was 1830. His oldest son, Elijah, settled in Peru in 
1833. Benjamin Briggs died of a cancer in 1842. 
His wife died January 10, 1875, aged eightj'-six years. 
The children wore: Alijihal. she married in N'ormont. 



and still resides there. Benjamin Jr., who married 
Clarissa Brown, and lives in Kansas. Alexander, who 
married Rosella Doton; she died, and he married his 
present wife, Phebe Ann Curtis, of Ithica, New York, 
and now lives on the old homestead, lot thirty-two. 
They have one child, Jessie C. Susan married 
William E. Dean ; she died and he married the 
youngest daughter, Eliza J. They now live in Iowa. 
Alexander Briffo-s still drives the first covered busErv 
ever in Norwich township. It is not handsome, but 
is apparently as enduring as the deacon's memorable 
"one horse shay." 

John Hall, from Sussex county. New Jersey, mar- 
ried, on July 12, 1829, Miss Phebe Purdy, of Penn- 
sylvania, and settled some three years later on the 
farm now occupied by George Bowen, Norwich town- 
ship. In 1838 he purchased lands in lot eleven, sec- 
tion third, and upon these remained until his death, 
which occurred October 28, 1874. He was aged sev- 
enty-fiiur. His widow and heirs still reside there. 
The children were eleven in number, but two of whom 
are now living: Mary and Sarah Ellen, who live at 
home. The others were: Richard, Dantel, Marilla, 
Jane, El)euezer, Julia. Anna, Elizalieth. John, James, 
and Phebe Anna. 

John S. Hester was Ijorn in Columbiana county, 
Ohio. He married Lucinda M. Hildreth, of Fair- 
field, this county, but a native of New Y'ork State. 
They settled in Norwich in 1842, immediately after 
marriage. The location was on ninety acres of land 
in lot thirty-.seven, where he yet lives. The children 
are five in number. The eldest, Charles T.. died at 
Fairfax hospital. He was a member of Comjiany H, 
One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Na- 
tiiinaMiuards. The remainder of thi.' faniilvare: Kliza 



422 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



W., who married S. R. McConnell, and lives in Bur- 
lington. Iowa: Susan, wlio died young; Julia L., who 
married William Dougherty, and lives in Newark, 
Ohio, and Hattie R., who lives at home. 

H. J. Doolittle, of Halifax, Vermont, married Emily 
Wheeler, of the same place, and in 1840 came to 
Ohio. He purchased sixty-five acrrs iu lot thirty- 
four, in the second section, and still occupies the same 
premises. The comfortable frame dwelling ho now 
occupies was built by him in 1868. 

James Trimmer, from Washington county, Penn- 
sylvania, came to Ohio in May, 1834. He settled in 
Peru township, this county. In 1835, he married 
Louisa E. Smith, of Greenfield township. In 1847, 
he came to live iu Norwicli. His first stop was on 
the farm now occupied by H. C. Niver. He now 
lives on lot six, in section one. The children born 
to this couple are five, three of whom are living; 
these are: Thomas C, who married Mary J. Chan- 
dler, lives in Norwicli. Essington T., who married 
Nettie Wheeler; she died, and lie married Lona Smith, 
and now lives in Michigan. Charles E., who married 
Anna West, and lives with liis parents. Of other early 
settlers we find tlie names of Jesse Woodruff, Russell 
Woodruff, James McCornell, William Gregory, Alpha 
Stout. 

In the fall of 1835, Henry H. Coit, son of the 
proprietor, surveyed the fourtli section, and opened 
it for settlement. Tlie same fall, George W. Haxton 
and a brother-in-law began on the farm afterwards 
owned by Christopher Post. About this time, and 
later, the following came: Franklin D. and Seth 
Read, Daniel Robbins, Jolin Numan, Horatio N. 
Owen, Martin G. Owen, James L. Couch, Wakeman 

R. Slater, Aaron Wheeler, Lyman Austin, Joiner, 

Hartner Miller. There may lie others. 

FIRST EVEXT.s. 

Tlie first birth was that of two twin children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dickinson, on the 24th of October, 1817. 
They lived in the house with Hosoa Harndcn. But 
one of these infants survived its birth, and that only 
a few hours. 

The first person born in tlie township that survived 
its birth was Owen Fletcher, son of John Fletcher, 
February 23, 1818, eleven days subsequent to the time 
Fletcher, Rossman and Moore moved into Ihe town- 
ship. He died near Toledo, a few years since, of the 
small pox, leaving no family except a wife. 

The first marriage in the township was that of Au- 
gustus Cook to Miss Martha Fletcher, March 3, 1819. 
The marriage contract was solemnized at the "sur- 
veyor's house," wjiere her fatlier lived, by Richard 
Burt, Esq., of Monroeville. The wedding was at- 
tended by nearly all the settlers in the townslii]), who 
enjoyed a friendly social afternoon visit. Augustus 
Cook was born in Onondaga county. New Yoik, and 
came to Norwich in December, 1818. His wife, Mar- 
tha, was born in Otsego county, New York, and came 



to Norwich with her father, John Fletcher. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cook lived in the township until 1871, when they 
removed to Michigan, in which State he died August 
14, 1878, leaving a wife and seven children. 

The first death was an infant son of Wilder Law- 
rence, February 19, 1817, only nine days after their 
arrival in the township. It was buried on the bank 
of Mud run, some twenty rods northeast of the pres- 
ent burying ground. Soon after, Chauncey Woodruff 
buried a son at the same place. One of these child- 
ren was born in Trumbull county while the parents 
were enroute from the State of New York. The first 
adult person that died in the township was Richard 
Moon, in the fall of 1819. Elder J. Wheeler, then a 
resident of Greenfield, preached the funeral sermon. 
This was the first burial that had been attended with 
religious services. The body was interred on the 
bank of Mud run. 

The first frame building in the township was built 
in 1832. It was a barn and now stands on the farm 
of Lewis Bodelier. 

The first frame dwelling house was built by Cyrus 
Niles, where Charles Clark now lives. It was de- 
signed as a dwelling house and cabinet shop. It was 
built in 1835 and burned the following year. 

The first brick house was built by John Bowen, Sr. 

The first post office was established in 1837. It was 
North Norwich, so named to avoid repetition, there 
being a Norwich post office in Muskingum county. 
Naum Gilson was the postmaster for perhaps twentj" 
years. 

In 1848, post offices were established on the Mans- 
field and Sandusky Railroad, at Havana and Center- 
ton in the township, and the North Norwich office 
was abolished in 1858. The present postmaster at 
Havana is F. Van Horn: a brother, W. S. Van Horn, 
is the postmaster at Centerton. 

The first corn was planted, on lot seven in the third 
section, by Messrs. Lawrence and Woodruff. This 
was iu the spring of 1817. 

Naum Gilson sowed the first wheat in the township. 
This was on lot twenty-eight in above section, the 
fall following the arrival of Mr. Gilson in the town- 
ship. 

Asa Gilson, Naum Gilson, Jonas Gilson, George H. 
Woodruff and Joseph Read, each planted or set out 
orchards in 1837. The Gilsons brought their apple 
seeds with them, and raised the trees. Joseph Read 
procured his trees in Norwalk township, and G. H. 
Woodruff purcliased his of Morris Read, of Sher- 
man. 

Ira Halloway opened a small store on the corners, 
near the meeting house, in 1835. He remained long 
enough to sell out his stock of goods, and retired 
from the 'business. 

In 1840, William L. Fish opened another stock of 
goods in the same house. He continued in business 
some five vears. 





^o^4/^^^^^' 



-5^-^ '^.^^-TiyM 




RESiDLr.CL ui HARVEY J. DOOLITTLE, /Norwich Ip.HuronCo, Ohio. 



II 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



433 



HAVANA. 

Eight years subsequent (1848), the Sandusky and 
Mansfield Railroad having been completed through 
the township, Horatio N. Owen built a store and 
warehouse on the railroad, at the point now known as 
Havana. He began the mercantile and produce busi- 
ness, and continued in the business many years. It 
! is believed the township owes much of its present pros- 
perity to the opening of business at Havana. This 
village is situated about half a mile from the north- 
east corner of the township. It is seventy-six feet 
and one-third above Monroeville station, and two 
hundred and twenty-three feet and one-half aljovethe 
lake level at Sandusky bay. The business at this 
point not before mentioned, is as follows: General 
merchaudise^F. Van Horn and Dailey Brothers; 
groceries — F. Zoll, Mrs. Bowman and .J. Amend; 
millinery — Mrs. White; boots and shoes — F. Fernice, 
M. Slaugliter and Felix Zoll; harness shop — Jacob 
Amend; furniture and undertaking — Gotlieb Bitzer; 
wagon maker — Calvin Coil; blacksmiths — .John Bech- 
tel, William Jenkins and Jacob Kroup. 

CENTERTON, 

four miles south of Havana, received its name from 
the railroad company, in consequence of its being the 
central station between Sandusky City and Mansfield. 
It is seventy-one feet and one-half above Havana, and 
two hundred and ninety-five feet above Lake Erie. 
The business interest at Centerton is represented by 
A. Gage, dry goods and notions. Mr. Gage is also 
an extensive dealer in staves; W. S. Van Horn, gro- 
ceries and crockery; A. F. Sweatlaud, tinware and 
stoves. James Wurst is the village blacksmith. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Norwich was attached to Greenfield township in 
1818, and, in the year following, Naum Gilson was 
elected supervisor for the township. He was the first 
sworn official. In 1820, the township of Sherman 
was organized, with Norwich attached. The April 
election was held at the house of Captain Ilanford, in 
Sherman. The Norwich men, feeling dissatisfied at 
being required to go so far to election, rallied their 
forces, outnumbered the Sherman voters, and elected 
two trustees and the township clerk, in Norwich; 
Beckwith and ^ledad Woodrutf were the trustees, and 
Jesse Woodruff, clerk. The next election was held 
at the house of Alvin Blodgett, in Norwich. A com- 
promise was then effected, and the elections were 
afterwards held at the kouse of Burwcll Fitch, in 
Sherman. In 1820, Russell Woodruff, of Norwich, 
was elected justice of the peace, and 'tis said he 
served the entire term of office (three years) without 
issuing a single process. In 1828, Asa Gilson was 
elected to the office of j\istice of the peace. He did 
not qualify. From that time until 1831, the office 
was vacant. In this j'ear, Calvin Powell was elected. 
He was succeeded, in 183-1, by William Robinson, 



who served until 18-i'.>. In 185T, Wesley Robinson 
was elected, and is still in office. L. W. Benham is 
also a justice of the peace in the township. 

In 1827, Norwich was detached from Sherman and 
organized as a separate township. The first election, 
held in April of that year, was at the log school 
house near the former residence of George H. Wo<jd- 
ruff. and for many years were held there. The (|uali- 
ficd electors at this election were: Asa (iilson. Augus- 
tus Cook, Medad Woodruff, Naum Gilson, Joseph 
Read, Russell Woodruff, Wilder Lawrence and G. H. 
Woodruff. The officers elected on the occasion, so 
far as we are able to ascertain their na'bies, were: 
Augustus Cook, clerk; Wilder Lawrence, Asa Gilson 
and Russell Woodruff, trustees. The only strife at 
this election, was over the election of a supervisor, 
there being but one in the entire township. Joseph 
Read and Wilder Lawrence each received an equal 
number of votes. The judges decided the contest by 
casting lots, declaring Joseph Read duly elected. 

In j)reparing for the fall election, Augustus Cook, 
the township clerk, in com))any with .Joseph Read, 
made a trip to Norwalk for the pur^jose of procuring 
the new ballot box, law books, etc., belonging to the 
townshi}). Two yoke of oxen were attached to a 
wagon and driven along, as Read designed, to bring 
back a load of boards with which to construct a floor, 
doors, etc., for his cabin. The ballot box and books 
were put into a bag and placed on the load. While 
fording Slate Run, on the return, the wagon was 
overturned. After Iniffeting the stream, and carry- 
ing out the floating lumber, they discovered that the 
bag and its precious contents had floated down the 
stream, and gave chase. Far down the run it Avas 
seen bounding along in the current; Cook plunged 
in, and soon brought it safely ashore. The officers 
for 1878 are: Ezra Pruden, E. P. Snyder and Theo- 
dore F. Niver, trustees; Erving Tillson, clerk; Wil- 
liam Brown, treasurer; Miles Gregory, assessor; W. 
S. Sweatland and Allen Van Lew, constables, and 
thirty supervisors. 

ClI UUCHES. 

In March, 1817, Rev. Alvin Coe preached the first 
sermon in the towiisiiip. He was of Presljyterian 
faith. In 1818, Charles Numan and Charles West- 
lake, who are said to have been missionaries, pa.ssed 
through the township occasionally, and preached at 
the house of Hosea Harnden, as they stayed over 
night with him. 

MKTIIODIST El'ISCOI'AL CUL'KCH. 

In 1820, Dennis Goddard came through the town- 
ship looking for such Christians as had strayed be- 
yond the pale of the Methodist church. He found 
only one within tiu' limits of the township, Mrs. 
Nabby, wife of Asa Gilson. who belonged to the Meth- 
odist church in Saratoga county. New York. In her 
log cabin, Mr. Goddard organized the first class of the 
Methodist Kpiscopal church. Her husliand was ap- 



424 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



pointed class leader, which position he occupied until 
his death in 1848. The original members of this class 
were: Asa Gilson, Nabby Gilson, Naum Gilson, Sally 
Gilson, Elisha Ellis and wife, Jonas Gilson and wife, 
Benjamin Moore and wife, and Sarah Ormes, mother 
of Nabby and Sally Gilson. In the summer time, for 
several years, they held their meetings in the bark- 
covered school house by the creek, and in the winter 
time they were held alternately at the houses of the 
settlers, until the school house was built in 1824, in 
which the meetings were afterwards held regularly 
until the erection of a meeting house; this was in 
the year 1837. The trustees at that time were: Sam- 
uel Parrish, Nauni Gilson, Simeon Spalding, Pardon 
B. Worden, John S. Hester, Samuel Hester, George 
A. Fish and Thomas Reed. This class does not have 
an existence at present, and the abandoned church 
edifice is going to decay. An election of trustees is, 
however, kept up with commendable regularity. The 
present ones are: J. Mehrling, John S. Hester and 
N. Murray. 

A second class of the Methodist Episcopal church 
was formed in the southeastern portion of the town- 
ship, at an early date — 1841. In the year 1842, they 
erected a fine brick church edifice, at a cost of three 
thousand dollars. This is located at the village of Cen- 
terton, on the Lake Erie Division of the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad. The trustees at the building of 
the church were: W. H. Vogle, John Idler, Jacob 
Burdge, Benjamin Tanner and Pierce Bowen. The 
present ones are: George Niver, W. B. Keefer, Dr. 

E. V. B. Buckingham, Daniel Sweatland and Ben- 
jamin Tanner. The present membership is about 
fifty. Rev. H. B. Palmer is the present minister. 
Daniel Sweatland is the superintendent of the Sab- 
bath school, the average attendance of which is fifty 
children. The writer made extra effort to obtain the 
data of this church, but met with indifferent success. 

THE CXITED BRETHTEN CHURCH 

was organized on the sixteenth day of February, 1859, 
with the following members: Thomas Reed and wife, 
Mary E. Wheeler, Perry Pixley and wife, Burr Gor- 
ham and wife, John Bowen and wife, William Brown 
and wife, W. K. Bowen and wife, William Ford 
and wife, Elvira Taylor, Uriah Ford, Sauford Place 
and Adam Marsh. Thomas Reed was the first class 
leader. The present leader is Frank Ball. Following 
are the ministers, entire, who have presided over the 
destinies of this church: Samuel Jacoby, J. P. Seyler, 

F. S. Aultinau, S. T. Lane, D. G. Ogden, G. Bender, 
A. M. Stemen, Gideon Hoover, William Nevil, Wil- 
liam Mathers, 0. H. Ramsey, John Aumiller and the 
present pastor, A. J. Klingel. In the year 1801, a 
neat little meeting house was erected on lot twenty- 
one, third section ; this cost six iiundred dollars. 
Trustees: Burr (Jorham, Thomas Reed and William 
Brown. The first and last are still occupying the 
position, .lames Denuisoii has succeeded .Mr. Reed. 
Present membership, twenty-one. Superintendent of 



Sabbath school, N. Murray: average attendance thirty 
children. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school house was built in the spring of 
1819. It was located on the east bank of Slate run, 
west of and near where stands the former residence 
of George H. Woodruff, on lot six. This cabin was 
of logs, rude and uncouth, and covered with elm bark, 
in size, some twelve by sixteen feet. It had neither 
floor, windows or desks. A row of split oak benches 
constituted the furniture, and the unchinked spaces 
between the logs served for windows. Miss Aurilla 
Lindsey taught the first term of school. This was in 
the summer following the erection of the house. Her 
pupils were as follows: Phoebe Chapman, Mrs. Martha 
Cook, (the new bride), her two sisters, Eleanor and 
Betsey Fletcher, Sabin Kellogg, Louisa Ellis, Mans- 
field and BrazildaCook, Hosea and Drazilla Harnden. 
The school was supported, as they all were at this 
early date, by subscription, and proved so expensive 
that no attempt was made for another until 1824. 
Another log school house had been constructed mean- 
while, on the corners, a few rods south of the present 
meeting liouse. In tliis, Mrs. ^Patience Ellis taught a 
term in the summer, and Augustus Cook in the 
winter, of 1835. 

SOCIETIES. 

In 18.32 the temperance pledge was circulated and 
signed by a few persons. The Washingtonians next 
attempted their good work in the township. In 1848 
a Division of the Sons of Temperance was organized. 
The charter members were: John H. Niles, Charles 
Spalding, A. B. Gilson, James Trimmer, James 
Morton, 0. H. Burliugham, Jackson Kelley, Edmond 
Burlingham, George W. Burdick, Travis Kelley, 
Amos 0. Gilson, John S. Hester, George H. Wood- 
ruff, Chauncey AVoodruff and Abram De Groff. This 
society flourished finely for a time, at one period num- 
bering fifty members. It was abandoned in 1850. 

In 1855 a lodge of I. 0. 0. G. Templars was organ- 
ized. This proved an effective aid in the temperance 
work. It disbanded in 18(53. 

Live Oak Grange, No. 747, P. of H., was organized 
March 23, 1874, by State Deputy J. W. Barrack, with 
the following charter members: N. Murray. William 
K. Bowen and wife, John M. Bowen and wife, (rcorge 
Bowen and wife, James AV. Reed and Avife, James 
Murray and wife, E. P. Snyder and wife, John Bowen 
and wife, Isaac Robinson and wife, William Brown 
and wife, Wesley Robinson and wife, and E. D. Pratt. 
The first oflicers were: Wesley Robinson, master; 
Nelson .Murray, lecturer; J. W. Reed, steward; John 
M. Bowen, assistant steward; William Brown, chap- 
lain; William K. Bowen, treasurer: .James Murray, 
overseer; E. P. Snyder, secretary; George Bowen, 
G. K. ; -Mrs. Mary C. Murray, Ceres; Mrs. M. Bowen, 
Pomona; .Mrs. Libbie Reed, Flora; Mrs. Alice Bowen, 
lady assistant steward. Their hall, which is situated 



\ 





JOHN S.HESTER. 



/vIRS. JOHN S|IESTER. 




RESIDENCE or JOHN S.HESTER. Norwich Tp.HuronCo.O 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES; OHIO. 



435 



on the corner of lor luiinber thirty-five, was erected 
in tlie <uininer of ISTO, and cost, eom])lt'te. six luin- 
ilrcd dollars. The regular meetings are held on tiie 
second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The 
present membership is fifty-seven. The otticers for 
18TS, arc: Nelson Murray, master: James Reed, over- 
seer; Mrs. J. S. Hester, lecturer; Lyman Austin, stew- 
ard; William K. Bowen, assistant steward; Horace 
Robinson, chaplain; William Brown, treasurer; E. P. 
Snyder, secretary; Z. B. Slatei', gate keeper; Mrs. A. 
E. Niver. Ceres; Mrs. Z. B. Slater, Pomona; Mrs. 
George Bowen, Flora; ^frs. E. Richards, lady assist- 
ant steward. 

Centerton Lodge, No. GOT, I. 0. 0. F., was organ- 
ized on the 4:th day of Jul v;, 1875, with charter members 
as follows : Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham, Albert Gage, 
W. S. Van Horn. John Miller, 0. L. Rolfe, G. H. 
Miller. William II. Frost, N. H. Nichols, E. C. Trim- 
mer, Franklin AVood, and A. T. Sweatland. The first 
elective officers were: C. L. Rolfe. N. G. ; W. S. Van 
Horn. V. G. : Dr. E. V. B. Buckingham. R. S.; John 
Miller, P. S.. and Albert Gage, Treasurer. The pres- 
ent membership is forty-five. The stated communi- 
cations, are on Tliursday evening of each week, in 
Odd Fellows" Hall, over A. Gage's store. The officers 
for 1878, are: Niles Gregory, N. G. ; Samuel Snyder, 
V. G. ; George Barber, R. S. ; Lyman Benhani. P. S., 
and A. Gage, treasurer. This society is, we under- 
stand, in a harmonious and iiighly flourishing con- 
dition. 

PHYSICIAXS. 

The first physician who settled in Norwicii town- 
ship was Dr. Hurllturt. He located on lot number 
forty, in the second section, in 1825. He practiced in 
the township until his death, in 1828. 

The present medical staff of Norwich township is 
composed of M. Tompkins, James Henderson, James. 
Hutchinson, and E. V. B. Buckingham. 

IXDLSTRIAL PURSUITS. 

In 183-1:, Peter Brown put in operation the first grist 
mill in the township. Tiiis was proi>clled by horse 
power, and it is said did a good business. In 1830, 
Benjamin Moore built a saw mill on Slate run, on the 
west end of the farm afterwards owned by G. H. 
Woodruff. Two years later, Tiiomas Bennett, erected 
another saw mill on tlie same stream, and in lS4(i. Ira 
Wood built a third mill on the same stream. These 
mills were all eventually carried away by the high 
water. 

In 1842, Miner Atherton built a steam saw mill on 
the fourth section. James L. Couch built another 
steam saw mill in the same section, a few years later. 
In 184G, John Idler built a steam saw mill at Center- 
ton. This was burned in 1850, and rebuilt in 1857, 
by Messrs. Idler & Hester. It was again burned in 
185'J, and rebuilt the same year. At this point John 
Miller has a steam saw mill and barrel heading man- 
ufactory. At Havana, Lester Gregory has a steam 

54 



sawmill, a 
sho]). 



nd H. V. Owens a machine and repair 



ROADS AMI M All, ROUTKS 



The first road opened to the township was that 
made by (Jeneral Beall and his army, in 1S12, leading 
from Wooster to Fremont, through New Haven and 
Norwich. The trail came into the township at the 
southeast corner and ran northwesterly by the village 
plat, and left the township on the north side, about 
one and one-half miles cast of the northwest corner. 
Hopkins made a survey of the trail, and located the 
present road, leading past the residences of Wesley 
Robinson and John S. Hester. 

The first post route through the township extended 
from Tiffin to Fitchvillc. It was established in 1827. 
Adam Ilance carried the mail. 



Biographical Sketches. 



CHARLES T. HESTER. 

The subject of this memoir was the oldest of six 
children, and only son of John S. and Lucinda Hes- 
ter, and was born in Norwich, Huron county, Ohio, 




April K, 184o. His youth was spent on the farm of 
his father, with an attendance of a few months in 
each year at school in the neighborhood. At the age 
of fifteen, he became a student of Baldwin University, 
Berea, Ohio. A year later the writer, a year his 
.senior, became a student at the same college, and a 
member of the same class, and for a time was his 
room-mate. Charles was a young man of excellent 



426 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



parts. His mind was active, liis tliought comprehen- 
sive, and he readily acquired the mastery of any sub- 
ject witli whicii he grappled. He ranked among the 
very best in his classes. So mature was his mind that 
he found his most congenial associates in those of his 
fellow students who were older than himself, and in 
more advanced studies. He had equal facility in the 
mastery of the various branches of study, whether 
mathematics, the classics, or the sciences. Unosten- 
tiitious and unassuming, he always commanded the 
respectful attention of his companions, whenever he 
engaged with them in conversation, and his opinions 
were those of sound judgment and wise discretion, 
and were wholly free from narrow-mindedness. In- 
deed, Charles Hester was as promising a young man 
at the time he left liis alma muter as any whose voice 
had ever resounded in echoes from the walls of Bald- 
win University. Intellectually, he had no peer among 
his fellows, while socially he was genial, fond of the 
humorous, if it did not smack of the low and vulgar. 
His was an affectionate and generous nature, and he 
loved his friends with a feeling of the warmest attach- 
ment. 

The fall of 1SG3 was the last term in which he at- 
tended college. Tlie following winter he taught 
school in his father's neighborhood, and in the spring 
of 1864 went to Cleveland to attend a course of com- 
mercial instruction, where, as usual, he made rapid 
progress. He left school to enter the one hundred 
days' service, and to do what lay in his power for the 
success of that cause then so dear to every patriot 
heart — the vanquishing of the rebellious South, and 
the consequent establishment of the Union upon the 
firm foundation of equal rights for all. He enlisted 
in Company H, of the One Hundred and Sixty-sixth 
Ohio National Guards. While the regiment was sta- 
tioned at Fort Richardson, near Washington City, he 
■was taken ill with typhoid fever, and being subse- 
quently removed from the camp hospital to the gen- 
eral hospital at Fairfax Seminary, Virginia, he died 
there on the 17th day of August, 1864. The care and 
attention which he needed during his illness seemed 
to l.)e inadequately provided. But the writer spares 
comment on so painful a suljject. His remains were 
brought to the home of liis sorrow-stricken parents in 
Norwich, and his funeral was largely attended by 
relatives, neighbors of the family, and school friends 
of Charles. The memory of that sad day is vivid in- 
deed. A quiet little church filled with a people whose 
faces were grave and whose hearts were sympathetic; 
a father and a mother bowed in the agony of grief at 
the lo.ss of their only son, and sisters mourning bitter- 
ly the loss of their only l)rother: the preacher, the 
deceased's alma mater's president, whose words sought 
to administer consolation; and then Charles T. Hester 
was taken to the quiet cemetery and covered from 
siglit, amidst a silence most solemn and impressive, 
broken only by the sobs and cries of grief which could 
not be re]iressed. 

Charles had always been a dutiful son, and his 



father found in him, in the later years of his life, a 
wise and prudent counselor. His mind had reached 
such maturity and had so accustomed itself to inde- 
pendent and original channels of thought, that he was 
enabled to render his father much service in matters 
requiring counsel: while to his sisters, he was not 
only a companion, but a jn'otector and a loving, kind 
and considerate brother. None knew Charles Hester, 
but to admire and love him. Had he lived, his career 
must certainly have been one of distinction. He 
possessed every qualification — ability, learning, a 
hatred of wrong and wrong-doing, a love of the riglit 
and of right-doing, warm attachment to his friends, 
habits of thought and industry, a nature generous, 
a character unblemished and a name untarnished. 



JOHN S. HESTER. 



Martin Hester, the father of the subject of tliis 
sketch, was a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, 
wiiere he was Ijorii September 6, 1787. When twenty 
years of age he removed with his parents to Ohio and 
settled in Columbiana county. Two years afterwards. 
March 30, 1800. he married Mary M. Stougli, daugh- 
ter of Rev. .John Stougli, a Lutheran clergyman, who 
came to Columbiana county with his family in 1806. 
She was born in '■ The Glades " (now Maryland), Feb- 
ruary 1.5, 1780. In 1814. Mr. Hester and family set- 
tled in Orange townshij), Richland (now Ashland) 
county, where he entered a quarter section of govern- 
ment laud. They resided there until 1827, when they 
removed to Bronson, Huron county, Ohio, and settled 
on the farm now owned and occupied liy the son, 
Martin M. Hester, where the father and mother spent 
the remainder of their days. Mr. Hester died .Janu- 
ary 31, 1870, and Mrs. Hester June 25, 1863. They 
were pioneers in that true sense of breaking up the 
native forest, removing the obstructions to, and pre- 
jjaring the way for, the march of civilization, and in 
estiiblishing society on a sound basis. In the estab- 
lishment of schools, religious societies, and all those 
institutions tending to promote the general welfare of 
society, none were more zealous and efficient than 
they. They reared a family of five children, whom 
they lived to see settled in life and who are ttill living. 
John S. Hester, the subject of this notice, and the 
oldest of the family, was born near New Lisbon, Col- 
umliiana county, Ohio, November 8, 1810. In the 
ac<|uirement of his limited education he enjoyed only 
the advantages of the rude common schools of the 
time. At eighteen he began work for Mr. Aro Dan- 
forth, of Bronson, to learn the carpenter and joiner's 
trade and continued thus engaged for three years, for 
which term of service he received one hundred and 
fifty dollars and his board, furnishing his clothing 
himself. He then began work at his trade on his own 
account, which he followed for several years and a 
jiortion of the time was employed in the building of 



A 



♦ 



I 



HISTOID' OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



427 



lake vessels at Huron. In April. 183G. having deter- 
mined ti> fCttlf iijiun a farm, lu' made his lirst ]iur- 
eliase of land, which consisted of one hundred acres 
of lot number thirty-eiuht in the third section of 
Norwich, but whicli he exchanged, before making set- 
tlement, for the farm on which he has since resided. 
October 13, 1S3(>, he was united in marriage to Jane 
S. Pancost, of Bronson. who died a few months after 
— May 15, 1837. He married for his second wife. 
April G, 18-12. Lucinda M. Hildreth. the 'oldest of 
nine ciiildren of Benjamin and Susan (Colegrove) 
Hildreth. and win) was born in Tompkins county. 
New York, August 21, 181G. The family removed 
to Fairfield township. Huron county, in the year 1833, 
where the father died September ^O, 1852. Mrs. 
Hildreth died in Franklin. Tennessee, March Ifl. 
IS.J.i. 

They were for many years members of tlie Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and one son of their seven surviv- 
ing children. Rev. T. F. Hildreth, is a distinguished 
minister of the church, now resident of .Jackson, 
Michigan. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Hester were born five 
children — one son and four daugliters, as follows: 
Charles T., bora April 17, 18-13, of whom a biograph- 
ical sketch is elsewhere given; Eliza W. . born March 
21, 1840, married .January IC. 1873, S. R. McConnell, 
and now resides at Burlington, Iowa; Susan H., born 
October 27, 1847, died Jfovember ii, 18.53; .Julia, born 
August 15, 1851, married William Doughei'ty, of 
Mansfield, October 0, 18G9, and at present resides at 
Newark, Ohio; Hattie R., bora October 10, 1856, re- 
sides with her parents. Mr. Hester united with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in 1835, and since his 
settlement in Norwich he has continuously filled some 
office in the church. His parents were members of 
the same society for many years and until their death, 
and all their children, childi'en-in-law and some of 
their grandchildren are members of the Jlethodist 
Episcopal Church. 

.Mr. Hester is a man of thought, settled convictions 
and progressive ideas. He has given each of his chil- 
dren a liberal education, one of whom, Mrs. McCon- 
nell, graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, 
ladies' department, in the summer of ISGG. The 
writer of this sketch was well aiMpiaiiited with this 
lady during her school days. She was an exception- 
ally bi-ight and attractive young lady, and one of the 
aptest scholars he ever knew. Much superior was slie, 
in this regard, to her classmates of her own sex, — for 
at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, where, previous 
to her graduation at Delaware, she was for several 
years a student, the classes were represented by both 
sexes. She excelled, esjieciallyin mathematics, and in 
scholarshiji usually outranked the best minds among 
her gentlemen friends and classmates. 

Mr. Hester, in having thus l)een a liberal jiatrun of 
a higher education, gives proof, not only of his ap- 
preciation of the advantages which a careful and 
systematic training has for the mind, but also of the 
loving generosity towai-d his family which has ever 



characterized him. And in all this he is most heartily 
joined by Mrs. Hester. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hester, in thcii' declining years, are 
enjoying the ipiiet happiness which should come to 
those who have ever lived at ])eace with men and in 
the fear and favor of God. They continue to reside 
in the comfortalile farm dwelling in Norwich, a view 
of which may elsewhere be seen, and which Mr. IL 
ei-ected with his own hand.s — dug the cellar, drew the 
stone, and assisted in laying the foundation walls, 
hewed and hauled the timbers, planed, mortised and 
fitted the doors and windows, helped to erect the 
frame and lay the roof. Their daughter, Hattie, an 
interesting young lady, resides with her i)arents — 
their only child and companion. ]\Iay a ripe old age 
be attained unto by each of them. 



EBENEZER LAWRENCE. 

The suliject of the following sketch is the only one 
of the pioneers of Norwich townshiji now living. He 
was born December 8, 1808, in Westfo'\-d, Chittenden 
county, Vermont, and is the third of a family of five, 
the issue of AVilder and Roxanna Woodruff Lawrence, 
(for further data of whom, see Norwich history). He 
was eight years of age when he came with his parents 
to live in their wildwoods home. His education was 
derived, principally, in the little log school house, in 
what is now district number eight, of Norwich 
township. 

His life has been that which usually falls to the lot 
of a pioneer, one of hardship and labor. He has 
chopped, alone, one hundred and twenty-five acres of 
heavy timber, and assisted in logging some six hun- 
dred acres more. The farm in lot thirty-three, in the 
second section, which he now occupies, is the same 
his father began improvements on in isi'.t. and is in 
a profitable state of cultivati.)n. 

Mr. Lawrence was married, Octolier 15, 1843, to 
Clarintla, daughter of Rouse and Mary Barney Bly. 
She w'as a native of Springfield, Richland county, 
Ohio. The childri'ii of this marriage are two — Willis 
T., who was born. July 11, 1844; he married Francis 
Richards. ilary M., who was born October 5, 
1847; she married Edgar liichards. Both cliililren 
reside in Norwich, but a short distance from the old 
homestead. 

Mrs. Lawrence, some eleven years since, united 
with the Congregational Church in Greenfield town- 
ship, and continues to tiie present a consistent and 
worthy christian. Mr. and .Mrs. [..awrence, and also 
their children and w'ives. are members of Live Oak 
Grange, No, 747, P. of H. Politically .Mr. Lawrence 
is an old time Jackson Democrat. lie lias seen what 
few can boast of, a dense atui houliiig wilderness 
gradually disappear and be made to '■ blossom as the 
rose. " 



428 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Rouse Bly, father of Mrs. Lawrence, was born in 
Herkimer county. New York, in 1794. He came to 
Ohio in 1817, and located in Richland county. He 
married Mary Barney of New Haven township, Huron 
county, Ohio. Four children were born in Ricliland 
county — Mai'y, LysanderM., Semantha, and Clarinda. 
In 1825, he removed to, and permanently located in, 
New Haven township, wliere three children were born 
— Matilda, Mary and Alvin. Mrs. Bly died on March 
5, 1839, aged twenty-five 3'ears, and he married Mrs. 
Sophia Coe, by whom he had six children, two only 
alive. She died in September, 18.52. Mr. Bly died 
September 4, 1806. 



JAMES H. DAILEY. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Shawanguuk . 
township, Ulster county. New York. July IG, 1817. 
His paternal ancestors were of Irish and (ierman ex- 
traction, and those on his motlier's side were origin- 
ally from En^and and Holland. His parents were 
Thomas and Sarah (Terwilliger) Dailey, wlio had a 
family of nine children, of whom James was the eld- 
est. In the fall of 1822, Mr. Dailey removed with his 
family from Ulster to Cayuga county, and the follow- 
ing spring to Livingston county, New York, where 
he located in the township of Mount Morris. He 
purchased a squatter's right on what was called the 
Indian reservation, the land not then being for sale. 
He resided there four years, when he moved to the 
west side of the Genesee river in the township of Lei- 
cester, where he settled. In the fall of 1833 he came 
to Ohio to select a location for settlement, and pur- 
chased of Henry Terry, of Bronson, the whole of lot 
number twenty-four and the west half of twenty-three 
in the third section of Greenfield township, Huron 
county, Oiiio, to which he removed with his family 
in the spring of 1834. He continued to live here un- 
til his death, wliich occurred May 28, 1864, at the 
age of sixty-seven years, surviving his wife foui' years, 
who died at the age of sixty-three. The youth of the 
subject of this memoir was spent in the hard work of 
farming at that early period, and he enjoyed but few 
opportunities for the acquirement of an education. 
Witli the exception of one term at the Norwalk Sem- 
inary, subsequent to his arrival in Greenfield, he ob- 
tained his education at the common schools of Mount 
l\Iorris, New York. From 1839 to 1847 he taught a 
country school during the winter season, working 
upon the farm through the summer. October 10, 
1843. lie was united in marriage to Esther Howard, 
daughter of Ilosea and Hepj)y Howard, of Oneida 
county, New York. She was born January 15, 1819, 
and emigrated with her father to Ohio in 1836. The 
children born of tliis marriage were two sons, Henry 
K. and Lewis C. Dailey, who were born, the former 
Juno 12, 1845, and the latter October 11, 1847. His 



wife died December 27, 1860, and he married for his 
second wife, January 2, 1862, Elizabeth J. Thomp- 
son, wlio has borne him two children, viz.: Ida, who 
was born March 31, 1805, and died October 1st of the 
same year, and Benjamin T., l.)0rn October 22, 1800. 

After liis first marriage, Jlr. Dailey settled on forty 
acres of the old homestead in Greenfield, where he 
continued to live until 1870, when lie moved to the 
village of Havanna. in Norwich township, having the 
3'ear previous purchased of Seymour W. Owen his 
residence, together with about twenty acres of land. 
This change of location was made in order tliat he 
might, in a measure, be released from the care and 
labor of the farm, and that lietter educational advan- 
tages might be had for his children. In 1870 he 
bought the grain warehouse of Joseph Hayes, and 
also the building in which, in connection with his 
brother, John L. Dailey, he opened a general store in 
the fall of 1878. and which they continue to carry on. 

Mr. Dailey has added to his original purchase of 
forty acres of land, until he now owns two iiundred 
and sixty acres, lying in Greenfield and Norwich 
townships. While farming has been his chief occu- 
pation, yet his enterprise and industry have been man- 
ifested in other undertakings. He was a stock dealer 
or drover for several j'ears, and, as before stated, is 
now engaged in merchandise and also in the grain 
business at Havanna. 

In 1838 he eniln-aced the religious tenets of the 
Disciples" dent)mination, and a few years after united 
witJi the church at North Fairfield, and continues a 
consistent member. In jiolitics he is a democrat. 



A. B. GILSON, 



of Norwich. Huron county, Ohio, traces his lineage 
back to a goodly origin. His grandfather, Joel, and 
grandmother, Sarah Adams Gilson. were married Oc- 
tober 3, 1771, and the dates of their respective births 
were 1748 and 1751. Joel Gilson was a collector of 
continental money, and when congress pas.sed the 
law repudiating it, he had in his jjossession about 
forty thousand dollars in this currency, which he lost. 

The children of Joel and Sarah Gilson were: Joel, 
Jr., Seth, Sarah, Jonas, John, Jesse, Asa, Elioda, 
Nahum and Anna. 

Nalium Gilson, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Saratoga county, New York, April 
27, 1793. and in 1819 moved to Norwich township, 
beginning as a single man the hard life of a pioneer, 
and succeeding in hewing from the forest a home, 
which, in his later years, was a very pleasant one, and 
contained but little to suggest the privation ami toil 
by wiiicii it had been secured. He sowed the lirst 
wheat in the township. His wife, Sally Ormes Gil- 
son, was born in Northumberland, ilassacliusetts, 
January 12, 1792, and she was married in February, 
1819, and iinniediatelv canu' with hei- liusl>aiul to his 



I 



^■^^ 





James H.Dai ley. 



MRS James H.Dailey. 




Store 8l Warehouse or Dailey Brothers, flAVANA. 




RLSlDH-iCL Of JAMES H. DAI LEY. H/^VANA , HURON CO .0 




1^ 





John Bowen 



Mrs. John Bowen. 




Residence OF JOHN BOWEN , Norwich Tp, Huron Co, Ohio. 



I 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



429 



newly found home. They were the parents of seven 
children. 

Xahiiin Gilsou, in 1830. bfcame agent for Hon. 
John W. Allen, of Cleveland (where the latter i.s still 
residing, in the seventy-seventh year of his age), for 
the .sale of some two thousand acres of land, situated 
in Norwich townshi]). Mr. Allen had jiurcjiased the 
land at one dollar per acre, and authorized Mr. Gilson 
to place it in the market at two dollars )>eracre. This 
Mr. Gilson did. disposing of the last lot to Mr. James 
Robinson. Mr. Allen speaks in very high terms of 
praise as to the straightforward, business like manner 
in which this trust was executed. 

A. B. Gilson was born in Norwich township, April 
23, lS"i7, and grew up enjoying the usual advantages 
and suffering the usual disadvantages of the farmer 
boy. He secured a common school education, and at 
the age of eighteen began teaching, being examined 
by and securing his first certificate from Judge Stick- 
ney. His first school was in the village of Havana, 
and the amount of his wages was eleven dollars per 
month, he finding his own board. He taught thirteen 
succeeding winters, with the exception of one season, 
and his last school was in the district in which he re- 
sides. There was something of a disparity between 
the remuneration at the beginning and the end of 
this long term of school life; for his last school teach- 
ing was paid for at the rate of two dollars per day, 
and the teacher boarded. He began teaching music, 
also, when he was eighteen years of age, and has 
taught almost continuously, in one form or another, 
ever since. He is now president of the Huron County 
Musical Association. 

• When the war of the rebellion broke out, Mr. Gil- 
son patriotically devoted his best energies to the sup- 
port of the Union cause. In the fall of 1863, he 
raised a company of one hundred and fifteen men. 
He was elected captain, and received his commission 
from Governor David Tod. On the occurrence of the 
re-organization he was made major, but the force 
being consolidated with other regiments he was retired 
and came home. 

He is the oldest man now living in Norwich, who 
was born there. Mr. Gilson is an active, stirring 
man, now, as he ever has been — a man of affairs, and 
one who labors for the general good, as well as for . 
personal success. He is both liberal minded and lib- 
eral hearted. 

He married Miss Eliza, daughter of Mr. Chauncey 
Baker and Mrs. Rlioda (Webster) Baker, of Granger 
township, Medina county, born February 20, 1842. 
The marriage ceremony was performed in. Cleveland, 
February 8, 1802, by Prof. Samuel FoljaHil)ee. This 
couple have one child, Ada B., a beautiful little girl, 
born December 25, 187.5. 

E. W. Gilson, brother of A. B., was treasurer of 
Huron county from 1874 to 1878. He was also jus- 
tice of the peace in his own township for thirteen 
years, and held the office of township clerk for fifteen 



t 



years, possessing the confidence of the people to such 
a degree that men of l)oth parties gave him their cor- 
dial supi)ort. 



JOHN BO WEN. 

John Boweu, only child of Constant and Agnea 
Bo wen (whose maiden name was Parker), was bom 
in Salem county. New Jersey, March 11, ISOo! 
When about a year old, his parents started on a jour- 
ney to the distant west, as Ohio was then called. 
His mother died during the journey through Penn.syl- 
vania, and was buried at the foot of the Blue Ridge 
mountains. The father, with his infant child, re- 
mained in Pennsylvania about a year, when he re- 
moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, and worked in a 
furnace at New Lisbon for a few years. He then re- 
moved to Coshocton county, where he continued to 
reside until 1821. He subsequently resided in Rich- 
land county a year, and a few years in Crawford 
county, and then removed to Scott township, Marion 
county, where he made his first purchase of land and 
settled. He married his second wife (Sarafi Hill) in 
ISl'.l, by which union there were born nine children, 
only one of whom survives — a son, now living in In- 
diana. 

The suliject of this notice married, in Marion 
county, Ohio, March 11, 1832, Christena Roliinson, 
daughter of William and Lucretia Robinson, who was 
born March 11, 1813. It will Ije noticed as a some- 
what singular circumstance that the birth of Mr. 
and Mrs. Bowen, as well as their marriage, occurred 
on the .same day of the same montli. About eighteen 
months after his marriage, Mr. Bowen settled on the 
place where he still resides. He found the land still 
heavily timbered, and by no means easy to bring 
under cultivation, but he was strong of heart and 
sturdy of limb, and the labor and hardshij) necessary 
in the acquisition of a honii; in the woods possessed 
for him no insuperaldc difficulties. Indeed, he was 
offered by his father the gift of a farm in Indiana if 
he would remove thither and alwndon what seemed 
to him a hopeless task; but he declined, preferring, 
rather, to remain where he had "stuck his stakes," 
and with nothing to begin with Ijut his axe, his own 
strong hands, and the assistance of his efficient wife, 
get a home out of the woods. 

Mr. Bowen, in an early day, engaged in tiie manu- 
facture of brick, and was also a brick mason, and 
followed the trade to a considerable extent, more 
especially iu the erection of chimneys. He burnt the 
.second kiln of brick that were made in Norwich, and 
built on William Robinson's log house, in the fall of 
1834, the pioneer brick chimney in the townshiii. 
Mr. Bowen's chief occupation, however, has been that 
of farming, and his life has been one of steady, plod- 
ding toil, in wliieli his wife lia< Ijcen a i-hfei'fiil and 



430 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



efiScient helper. They are the parents of the follow- 
ing named children: four sons and fonr daughters, 
all of whom survive, to wit: Martha Jane, now Mrs. 
William Spencer, of Venice, Seneca county, born De- 
cember 5, 1832; Agnes, now Mrs. Joseph Hoffman, 
of the same township, born July 6, 183i; John Morris, 
born March 25, 1837; William Kinsman, born De- 
cember 29, 1838, both of Norwich; Henry C, born 
November 2, 18-40, residing in Reed township, Seneca 
county; Sarah Elizabeth, born November 15, 1842, 
married Henry Gibson, July 3, 1806, who works the 
farm of his father-in-law; George, born ilay 29, 1847, 
whose residence occupies the lot on which stood the 
first house in Norwich, the old block house, built by 
the surveyors as early as 1814 or 1815; Melinda Chris- 
tena, bom November 2, 1850, now Mrs. William J. 
Williams, of Reed, Seneca countv. 



HARVEY JONATHAN DOOLITTLE, 

was born in the township of Montague, Fi'anklin 
county, Massachusetts, on the 5th day of April, 1815. 
His parents were Calvin and Polly (Larrabee) Doolit- 
tle, who removed to Northfield township, in tlie same 
county, perhaps one year subsequent to Harvey's . 
birth. When he was eighteen years of age. the 
family removed to Alstead, New Hampshire, where 
Mrs. Doolittle died, in September, 1833, and the 
family was broken up. 

The subject of the present sketch remained at 
Alsted some six years, when he went to Vermont. 
where he met his fate and was, on April 28, 1844, 
united in marriage to Miss Emily, daughter of Minor 
and Huldah (Thurber) Wlieeler, who was born in 
Halifax, Vermont, Septeniljer 19th, 1818. No chil- 
dren have blessed tliis union, though Mr. and Mrs. 
Doolittle have reared several children; one, William 
Ricker, married Mary Read, and lives at home, hav- 
ing an interest in the olft homestead. They have one 
child — Clemmis. In the spring of 1845, Mr. Doo- 
little and wife came to Ohio, and located in Norwich 
township, and some four years later purchased the 
farm, in the second section, whicli he still occupies, 
owning sixty-tive acres of land in lot number thirty- 
four. This farm was unimproved. Ijiit by dint of 
well-directed effort is now nearly all under a profit- 
able state of cultivation. The sul)stantial dwelling, 
a view of wliicli appears in anotlier portion of tliis 
volume, was built in 18ti6. 

Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, ten years after settling in 
Norwicli. Ijecame members of the Clmrch of United 
Brethren, and have continued faithful and consistent 
Christians until the present. They are also members 
of Live Oak Grange, No. 747, wliieli holds its sessions 
in Norwich township, Politically, Mr. Doolittle be- 
lieves in wiiatever will produce the greatest good to 
the greatest number. 



Mr. Wheeler, father of Mrs. Doolittle, died on the y ' 
5th day of September, 1823, in Halifax. Mrs. Wheeler 
remained east until about 1849, when she came to 
Ohio, residing with her daughter (Mrs. Doolittle), 
until her death, February 2, 1804. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle reached Ohio, they 
had little to begin a life in the wilderness with, ex- 
cept strong hands and willing hearts, but by persever 
ing and well-directed effort they have acquired their 
present competency. 



WESLEY RORINSON 

is the ninth of a family of eleven, the children of 
William and Latitia Coleman Robinson, for further 
data of w horn see sketch of Huriah Robinson in this 
volume. With tire exception of one term at the semin- 
ary in Norwalk, the education of the subject of this 
sketch was acquired at common school, and his life 
work has been that of a farmer. He came with his 
parents to Norwich township, in the spring of 1832, 
who located on the farm he still occupies. He is now 
the owner of four hundred and thirty-five acres of 
land in the second section. His fine brick residence, a 
view of which is given in this work, was completed 
during the summer of 1871, and cost comjdete nearly 
five thousand dollars. 

Mr. Robinson was united in marriage on Ajiril 5, 
1846, to Miss Mary, daughter of Isaac H. and Sally 
Cassady Bennett, of Reed township, Seneca county, 
Ohio, by whom the following children were born: 
William, who was liorn March 30, 1847. He married 
Susan Bennington. Isaac H., who was born Febru- 
ary 8, 1849; married Isadore Bramble. George A., 
who was born Novembei' 20, 1852, married Francis E. 
Eddy; and Daniel Bennett Guy, who was born June 
19, 1855, and remains at home unmarried. The chil- 
dren all reside in Norwich township. Sonie twenty 
years since Mr. Robinson united with the Church of 
the United Brethren, and continues until the present 
a worthy Christian. 

He became a member of Richland Lodge No. 201, 
Free and Accepted Masons, which holds its sessions 
at Plymouth. Ohio, in the fall of 1858, and still 
affiliates there. In the fall of 1870, he became an 
Odd Fellow in Ceuterton Lodge No. 607. He was 
one of the charter memliers of Live Oak Grange No. 
747 of Norwich township. He was elected Master on 
its organization March 23, 18 r4, and now occupies 
that jmsition. Some ten years since Mr. Robinson 
made jiurchase of some American Merino sheep, and 
has since devoted considerable time to the lireeding 
of this fine variety. He has now a tU)ck ot one 
hundred and fifty-two. 

Mr. Robinson is a democrat in ])olities, and in the 
local affairs of the township has filled many imjiort- 
ant offices, among which he is now serving his twelfth 
year as justice of the peace. 



HISTORY 



OF 



Towns and Villages in Erie County, 



SANDUSKY CITY.* 



Ill 1812, tlie Hon. Zalinou \Vildiu;ui, of Daiilniry, 
Connecticut, having an undivided interest in section 
one of Canon township (now Richmond) to which 
had been annexed one thousand seten hundred and 
eighty-three acres of hind ofE the east end of the frac- 
tion lying between town six, range twenty-three (Per- 
kins), and Sandusky bay, to give to tliat section an 
equal average value with all other sections of the 
"Fire-lands,"' located his whole interest in the annexed 
fraction, by proceedings in partition, amounting to 
one thousand two hundred and eighty acres. This 
one thousand two hundred and eighty acres were 
known as "The City Tract". The war of 1812 inter- 
vened. 

PORTLAXD. 

In ISIG, Judge Wildman laid out a small village 
plat on the south shore of the bay, at about the center 
of the tract, and gave it the name of Portland. He 
immediately put up a two-story frame building, which 
was finished early m 181 T. It afterwards was known 
as "the old white store." It stood on ground now 
covered by the east end of "Reber's block." In the 
summer of 1817, William B. Smith l)uilt the first 
dwelling house on the ground, next west of the hotel 
now known as "Scott's American." In the fall of the 
same year, Cyrus W. Marsh put up a section of 
the rear part of what he afterwards named "The 
Steam Boat Hotel.'" It afterwards received the 
name of "Porter's Verandah"', then "Raymond"s 
Hotel", then its present name, "Scott's American."" 
Mr. Marsh was the first tavern kecj)er in the }>lace. 
He came to Sandusky from Greenfield, Huron county, 
Ohio, in which he first settled. He came there from 
Trumbull county, Ohio. The first brick was built, 
also, by William B. Smith, in front of the frame he 
had before i)ut up. It still remains. The first stone 
dwellins: was built l)v the late Eleutheros Cooke in 
1821-2, wiiich is now occupied by Olds & Hunting- 
ton, as a bookstore, on lot two, Columbus avenue. 
This small village was called "Portland," but was, in 
fact, tiie Ijcginning of Sandusky City. The ground 
embraced by the village plat was widely known as 
"The Ogontz Place", in memory of an Indian chief 
of the Ottawa tribe, who had dwelt on the place with 

• By F. D. Parish. 



his tribe, more or less, during tlie latter part of the 
last and fore part of the present century. The 
southern shore of the bay and "Peninsula'", on the 
opposite side, had been occupied at times by several 
tribes, but mostly frequented by the Wyaudots and 
Otto was. 

During the fore part of the eighteenth century the 
French traders were with the tribes, but about the 
middle of that century, they were succeeded by 
English traders. In 1810-12, an American trader by 
the name of John Garrison became the trader there. 
But none of these traders are entitled to the name of 
"pioneer white settlers" of the place. They were 
only "squatters"" for trade purposes. 

The late Judge Isaac Mills, of Xew Haven, Con- 
necticut, setting up a claim to an interest in the 
"City tract", a compromise followed by which he ac- 
quired an interest of an undivided fourtli part. 

SAX HUSKY ([TV. 

In 1818, these joint proprietors laid out a much 
larger plat, and gave it the name of Sandusky City. 
It was bounded: north, by the l)ay: east, by Meigs; 
west, by Shelby; and south, by Monroe streets. To 
this, many additions have been made from time to 
time, designated by as many fancy names, such as 
"Western Liberties,"" "Southwark," etc. The city 
having broken over all these additions, the bounds of 
the city, in 1872, were extended to the original limits 
of the fraction, between the north line of Perkins 
township and Sandusky Bay, five miles in length 
and about two miles in width, containing aljout four 
thousand acres. The whole area is generally level and 
unbroken. The part covered by the original plat of 
Sandusky City was mostly prairie, with clusters, or 
small islands, of small second growth of timber of 
various kinds, luit mainly of oak and hickory and 
hazel bushes. Tiiei'c is a \ery gradual ascent from 
the bay shore to the central park, to an elevation of 
thirty or forty feet. Here it is nearly an exact level, 
but soon begins a very slight descent to the cast and 
south. The whole fraction constituted the townsliip 
of Portland for many years before it was all included 
in the city. The west part of tlie fraction was iieavily 
timbered; the east portion was mostly prairie, with 
occasional ishnids of timber, mostly of small growth. 

(431) 



432 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



THE SOIL. 

The soil is a rich black loam. A small part, mostly 
embraced m the original city plat, is underlain by 
limestone, at a depth of from a few inches to several 
feet. The stone, at a greater or less dejjth, is to be 
found in all parts of the present city bounds. Within 
the original city plat, and in some parts of the present 
bounds, are found extensive quarries of the limestone 
suitable for building, paving streets and making lime. 
Such as are unfit for these purposes are used in con- 
structing docks. The stone is of a light gray and 
blue. They are found in layers of an inch to several 
feet in thickness, increasing in thickness as the depth 
increases. Both stone and lime are exported in great 
quantities. 

PIOXEEK SETTLERS. 

The first settlers were William J3. Smith, Moses 
Farwell, Cyrus W. Marsh. These were certainly 
there as early as 1817. During 1818, they were re- 
enforced by the following: John Weeden, George and 
Wesley Anderson, Lyman Farwell, Samuel and 
Leicester Walker, Abner Lyman, Ebenezer Ransom, 
Hector Kilbourn, Captain Ezra Wells, Joshua Martin, 

Haskins, Benjamin Grey, Isaac Darling, Nathan 

T. Jennings, William Townsend, William Hull, 

Daniel Newton, demons and his sons, John, 

Andrew, Alexander and Elijah, and Benajah Wolcott. 
Between 1818 and the spring of 1823, accessions were 
made as follows: William Kelley, Wyat and Alfred 
Hartshorn, Darius C. Henderson, John Wheeler, 
James Galoway, Sylvanus A. Cone, William J. Bills, 
Frederick Devoe, John N. Sloane, John G. Gruulief, 
Galen Atkins, David and John K. Campbell, Sarah 
Henderson, Abner Root, Eleutheros Cooke, Milton 
Jennings, Thomas McGee, Amos McLouth and F. 
D. Parish, and probably a few others. 

Tlie first merchant was Zalmon Wildman (by Moors 
Farwell), then followed William Townsend and Jen- 
nings & Darling. McMurry and Wm. Kelly, drug- 
gists. Tavern keepers: 1. Cyrus W. Marsh; 3. E. 
Wheeler and Galloway; 3. Mrs. Sarah Henderson and 
hers on-in-law, Colonel Abner Root. John N. Sloane, 
jeweler. Darius C. Henderson, Joiin G. Grnnlief and 
Colonel Thorp, bakers. Samuel and Leicester Walker, 
and Abner Lyman, carjienters and joiners. Wm. 
Kell\-, stone mason. S. H. Stearns, Samuel Penne- 
well, tanners and curriers. Galen Atkins, shoemaker. 
Milton Jennings and .\lexander demons, cabinet 
makers. Abner Root, saddle and harness maker. 
Sylvanus A. Cone, butcher. 

The first physician was (Jeorge Anderson, who com- 
menced practice in 1818. He was from the State of 
New York, iniving been a iiiijnl of Dr. White, of 
Cherry Valley. He was the only i)hysi(_'ian in the 
place for many years. He died of tlie cholera in 1834. 

Eleutheros Cooke was the first lawyer in the i)lace. 
He liad resided in Bloomingville three or four years, 
removed to Sanduskv in the fall of 1831. F. D. 



Parish followed in the spring of 1833. The next 
accession occurred about 1835-0 — Lucas S. Beeclier 
and John F. Campbell; others api)eured from time 
to time, too fast to admit of enumeration. 

EDUrATION. 

Early attention was given to this subject by the 
pioneers. The first school was opened in a log cabin, 
on lot one, Wayne street, in 1818. Miss Sallie 
Stimijson was the teacher. It was sustained by those 
who furnished the scholars. In 1819 or '30, Messrs. 
Jennings & Darling put up a small frame school 
house on the west end of lot number seven, Washing- 
ton Row, on the south end of which now stands the 
Cooke house. The lot was sold in 1838, and the pur- 
chaser made terms with the owners of the school 
house, and converted it into a dwelling. In the same 
year, Isaac Darling built a similar school house on 
ground now covered by the Episcopal Church. This 
was iised both for schools and religious meetings by 
all denominations, until 1836, when it was removed 
to Mr. Darling's lot, number eleven, on Wayne street, 
where it now constitutes a part of the southern dwell- , 
ing on that lot. Schools up to this time, and even I 
later, were select schools, sustained by such as sent 
scholars. A widow lady, by the name of Boyse, 
taught select schools for many years with great suc- 
cess. 

In 1838, a stone building was commenced by an 
association of individuals, designed for an academy 
and other purposes, as the owners might from time 
to time determine. The builders united in a joint 
stock company, in shares of twenty dollars each. 
Fifty-two persons subscribed for one to ten shares 
each. The building was of stone, three stories in 
height. It remained, however, mostly in'au unfin- 
ished state. In 1834, the first floor at the east end 
was finished into one room, with desks and raised 
seats, and used by the Congregational Church for 
meetings; and it was used, for a time, by Miss Niells, 
for a select ladies' school. In 1838-9, by arrange- 
ment with the stockholders, it was appropriated for a 
temporary court house for the then newly organized 
county of Erie. It was used as such for over thirty 
years, till the jtresent new court house was finished. 
It is now used by the city schools. Soon after the 
erection of this academy building, the schools were 
organized under the State laws, and the schools of 
the city, from i>rimary to the high school, compare 
favorably, to say the least, with those of otiier cities 
in the State. 

1H15I.IC LIHR.VRY. 

As early as 1837, a library association was organ- 
ized, and a small number of books collected. F. D. 
Parish was the librarian till 1840, when the books 
then remaining were transfered to the Sandusky 
Lyceum association. Afterwards tlie library passed 
into the hands of the young men's library association, 
and, by the latter, it was transferred to the ladies' 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



433 



library ajsociation. This is now the only public library 
of the city, save those connected with the schools. 

KELIUIOrs AXI) l!EN'F.Vi)LEXT I SSTITITIOXS. 

The pi-o?eut First Congregational Church was or- 
ganized in 1819. by the name of "The Fir-t Ciiristian 
Church of Sandusky." It lias been claimed that the 
Methodist Ei)isciii)al Church was formed in 1818. 
There is, however, no evidence of its formation that 
year. It is plainly inferable, from the fact of its 
being recorded as "The First Christian Church of 
Sandusky." that the Congregational was the Hrst 
organized in the place; that no other Christian church ■ 
then existed in the place. But it is certain that a 
-Methodist Church or class was in existence at an early 
day in Sandusky. The few members of each of these 
churches worshiped together in temporary places, 
until 1830. When there was no preaching, the Sab- 
bath exercises were mostly conducted by Samuel- 
Walker, Congregationalist, and Wm. Kelley, Metho- 
dist. In 1830, the Methodist Episcopal Church 
erected the first church building in the place. ^ It 
was a small, one-story frame l)uildiug, and stood on 
ground now in part covered iiy a still smaller building 
of stone, south of the "Bently" building, now owned 
by the Germans. This small stone edifice was put 
up by the Wesleyans in 18Jrl)-.")0. 

The Fij'st Congregational Church edifice was com- 
menced in 183.3, and finished in 1830. It was of 
stone, forty by sixty feet, with single tower, and occu- 
pied ground uiiw covered by tlie west end of the 
present enlarged structure, built in 1856. The Epis- 
copal edifice was also put up in 1830; is of stone, and 
has been since much enlarged. The present towers 
were added in 1850-7. The church was organized 
in 183o. 

The next church formed consisted of the late John 
Beatty, Esij., and his associates, who seceded from 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, leaving but two 
male members (D. II. Tuttle and Daniel Van Fleet), 
and a few females. The new body was named "The 
Methodist Society," more generally known, however, 
as "Beatty"s Church." The edifice is now owned by 
a German church, on the northwest corner of the 
West block; was put up also in 183G, principally by 
Squire Beatty. The upper \)iirt of it, however, was 
not finished off till 1650, which was done by the 
Bajjtists, who had purchased it. After a few years, 
most of the seceders returned to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, ami the '"Methodist Society'' was 
changed to "Wesleyan Methodist," and occupied the 
basement of the Beatty edifice, till it was sold to the 
Baptists, in 1850. It then built the sm.all stone 
edifice before refered to. 

In 1S52, the First Presbyterian Church was organ- 
ized, mostly by a colony from the Congregational 
church. The church edifice was built in 1854-5. 
In 1854, the Baptist Church was organized, and in 
1850, it purchased the Beatty edifice, and finished off 
and occupied the audience room for several years. 

55 



The edifice was finally sold to a Protestant German 
Church. The Baptists now own the small frame 
building next south of the Episcopal Church. 

In addition to the above, there are five (perhaps 
more) Protestant German churches of different de- 
nominations, each of which has a house of worship, 
mostly of stone. 

There are now two Homan Catholic churches in the 
city, the first having been organized in 1840. In 1848 
its stone edifice on Tiffin avenue was "built, and en- 
larged in 1853. It consists mainly of Irish and a few 
others who choose to have services conducted in the 
American language. That society has put a very large 
and costly edifice of stone on the corner of Columbus 
avenue and Jefferson street, with a parsonage of stone 
adjoining. The second one, consisting of Germans, 
was organized in 1855. Their first stone edifice, on 
the corner of Jefferson and Jackson streets, was built 
in 1856. They have put up a second one, now- just 
finished, the largest and most expensive church struc- 
ture in the city. It stands on the northwest corner 
of the same streets. 

T?:MP£RAXCE socikties. 

The first movement in this reformation was made 
by F. D. Parish. The meeting was held on the even- 
ing of January 1, 1831. A constitution and pledge 
of abstinence from ardent spirits were adopted and 
signed by Isaac Darling, Rev. William Runnels, Sam- 
uel Peunewell, R. J. Jennings, John Beatty, Isaac 
Booram, Moors Farwell, F. D. Parish, John N. Sloane, 
John Davis and James Forman. First officers: F. 
D. Parish, president; Farwell, Sloane and Darling, 
vice presidents; Samuel Pennewell, secretary. Other 
names were soon added. The enterprise has met with 
various and signal success, and the struggle still con- 
tinues. Other societies have since been formed ex- 
cluding all liquors that produce intoxication. 

SECRET SOCIETIKS. 

What are known as secret societies are too numerous 
in the city to admit of enumeration, or to be named. 
They generally claim to be benevolent societies, but 
the public being excluded, that character is not gen- 
erally conceded to them. A Masonic society existed 
in the place as early as 1822. The original members, 
as remembered, were Hector Kilbourne, (Jcorge An- 
derson, William Hull, William Kelly, William P. 
Smith, and Leicester Walker. After the occurrence 
of the Morgan affair in the State of New York in 
1826, the society was not known lo have meetings for 
twenty years or more. Others have greatly multiplied 
since that time. As understood by the writer, these 
secret clubs have no valid claim to the character of 
benevolent organizations, certainly not outside their 
membershii). 

There has been organized a truly benevolent society 
called the "Calvary Hospital," or some similar title. 
It is understood to have originated by the Rev. Mr. 
Farr, lati' rector of tirace chuicli. Yet it is said not 



434 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



to be of sectarian origin or character. Other benev- 
olent societies exist in the different Christian churches. 
In 1833 the late Major John G. Camp and 0. 
Follett, of Buffalo, New York, and Thomas Neill, of 
Maryland, by purchase, became joint proprietors of 
one-eighth undivided interest in the then city plat. 
This for a time had a favorable influence in the 
iv.crease of population and in stimulating the business 
of the city. But several years thereafter, there ap- 
peared a conflicting claim of an interest in the whole 
"city tract," by other parties, from which followed a 
litigation in the courts of the State for several years. 
This in some degree retarded the growth of tlie place. 
Tlie controversy was finally compromised and fully 
settled, and the titles in the tract became unquc-s- 
tionable. 

LOCAL TRADE. 

It has been already stated that from the beginning 
there was considerable trade in stone and lime. The 
fish and ice trade had their origin with tlie settlement. 
All and eacli of these branches of trade have kept 
pace with tlie growth of the city, and the improve- 
ments of the country. They have now Ijecome very 
heavy, the different articles being exported to all parts 
of the State and country. There are several firms in 
each branch of tlie trade. The lumber trade has also 
grown into large proportions. There are now five or 
six different yards, wliere all descriptions of lumber, 
principally pine, to any amount and variety wanted, 
can be obtained. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad is 
doing an extensive transportation trade of coal and 
iron ore, from the upper lakes and the south, to and 
tlirougli the city. 

MAXUFACTLRIXG. 

The manufacturing interests of the city have not 
received the attention their importance demands. 
There are, however, in active operation, several 
establishments in which are made almost every kind 
of articles, composed mainly of wood. 

Messrs. James and Chester Woolworth have one for 
the making of handles for almost every article of 
which handles necessarily constitute a part. 

Messrs. Woolsfey & Son (successors to Hubbard, 
Pierce & Woolsey) make principally hubs and spokes 
for carriages and wagons. The Sandusky ^^'heel 
Company also produce the same articles, and all other 
parts of carriages and wagons. 

W. F. Converse, and others, manufacture various 
kinds of agricultural implements, and some other 
articles, with a foundry connected. 

Tiie Sandusky Tool Company make carpenter and 
joiner's tools of all descriptions, and have recently 
added other articles, such as agricultural implements, 
including a patent hoe of extra excellence and value. 

The export trade of these establishments is very 
extensive, extending, not only to all parts of our own 
cour.try, but to foreign lands — to Europe, Asia, Africa, 
Australia, etc. 



Mr. J. C. Butler also manufactures window frames, 
sash, doors, etc., and does a large and thriving busi- 
ness in this line. He has a planing machine in con- 
nection. There are other planing machines in suc- 
cessful operation. 

George Barney (successor to Klots & Kromer) has 
a very extensive foundry and machine manufactory, 
of large proportions, and is doing a heavy business in 
his line. There is, also, a file factory, by Mr. Byer, 
of some importance. 

Some years since, a very large, substantial frame 
building was built in the southwest part of the city, 
near the railroad depot, adjoining the track of the 
Lake Shore railroad, and all necessary machinery and 
other fixtures of every description required for the 
manufacture of steel, rails, etc., known as the Liliken 
Steel Works. All tlie work is of the most substantial 
and durable character. Liliken steel rails were made 
for some time, but in lSI'3-4 the works were sus- 
pended, and are still idle. The works were put 
up by a company from the State of New York. 

It may be proper here to state, that the city, within 
a few years jiast, constructed works to supply the 
whole city with water. The water is taken from the 
bay into a stand pipe, by a powerful engine, located 
in the eastern part of the city, at a cost of between 
three hundred thousand and four hundred thousand 
dollars. They are regarded as the best works of the 
kind in the State, perhaps in the country. 

BANKS. 

There have been five banks in the city: three still 
exist. The first was established in 1S34. William 
Towusend was tlie first president, Robert Whitney 
the first cashier. The majority of the stock was 
owned in the city of New York and in Albany, New 
York. Those in the city of New York were agents 
there of the bank. The institution did a large and 
successful business for some years. The second presi- 
dent was Oran Follett: second cashier. W. W. Weth- 
erell.' Finally, Mr. Dan. Higgins, one of the stock- 
holders and directors, secured the proxies of the foreign 
stockholders, and officered and managed the bank to 
please himself. At the same time, his indel>tedness 
to the bank largely exceeded the amount of his stock. 
Some of the stockholders and officers of the bank, 
knowing Mr. Higgins well, and his connection with 
the bank, expected a failure under his management, 
and sold their stock, resigned their offices and retired 
from all connection with the institution. The failure 
soon followed. 

The second bank was known as the City Bank of 
Sandusky. S. W. Torry was the first president. — 
Flint, cashier. Mr. Torry failed and retired. The 
concern finally fell into the hands of a Mr. Roljinson, 
then manager of the Sandusky, Mansfield and New- 
ark railroad, and the late John G. Camp, Jr. Fuder 
their management a failure soon followed. 

Immediately after the present system of natimial 
banking was authorized. Mr. A. H. Moss and others 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND EIJIP] COUNTIES, OHIO. 



435 



started the First National bank of Sandusky: ami L. 
S. Hubbard and others originated the Second National 
bank. A few years since Mr. L. Cable and his asso- 
ciates established the Third National Ijank. The 
most of tlie stock of this bank is owned by Germans. 
Tliese banks are still in successfuJ business, and are 
sound beyond all reasonable question. L. S. Hub- 
bard deceased a few years since and was succeeded by 
his brother, K. B. Hnlibard. 

COM.MKRiE AND TUAVEL. 

From the first settlement of PorthuRl, succeeded 
by Sandusky City, an active commerce opened with 
other lake ports, and more especially with Detroit. 
The territory of Michigan was then first settling, and 
so large and rapid was the immigration into that re- 
gion that its products fell far short of the liome de- 
mand. That, for a tune, was the principal, if not 
the only, market for the surplus products of Northern 
Ohio. Small crafts soon began daily trips to Detroit. 
The two first schooners engaged in this service were 
built in the east: one at Schenectady ("The Fire- 
fly"), and the other at Saybrook, Connecticut, ("The 
Sylph"'), both of thirty or forty tons. Each was 
taken u}! tlie Moiiawk to Rome, thence through a 
two mile canal into Wood creek, tlii-ough Oneida lake 
and down Oswego river to the falls (now Fulton), 
from which they were transported to Lake Ontario, 
uj) that lake and Niagara river to the falls, drawn 
around the falls, and then up the river and Lake Erie 
to Sandusky bay. In er.rly times merchandise and 
goods followed the same route. For several years so 
constant and pressing were the demands for provisions 
in the territory that, in the winter, when the ice was 
of sufficient strength, sleighs often passed up the lake 
ami river to Detroit from Sandusky. One heavy mer- 
cantile firm of Detroit (Levi Cook & Brother) estab- 
lished a branch at Sandusky, which was continued 
for several years. 

This early trade, with concurrent causes, directed 
the travel to this point when bound to tlie interior of 
tills State, to the south and to Washington City. The 
entrance to the bay, by nature, was open to crafts of 
all sizes on the lake. Tiiis travel became so large, 
constant and increasing, that the first tavern keeper, 
Cyrus W. Marsh, in the spring of \8'i'i. put on a line 
of public conveyances from Sandusky through Milan, 
N(jrwalk and Mansfield to Delaware, where it con- 
nected with a line to Columbus, south, east and west. 
Constant Barney, of .Mouroeville, was for a time as- 
sociated with Mr. Marsh. It will be remembereil that 
at tills period the whole country was new and the 
roatls much in a state of nature. • There was little or 
no travel iiy wheels. All was done u|ion horses. The 
conilitioii of the country and the state of the roads 
are plainly indicated in the advertisement of the new 
stage line, the only one from Northern Ohio to the 
s(nitli, found in the Sandusky Clnrinn, volume ime, 
number fifteen, .Inly 31, IS-''^. This first stage line 
carried the United States mails southward once a 



week, and is described as follows: "Leave Portland 
[then often so called] each Monday, 8 a. m., arrive in 
Mansfield Tuesday, 4 p. m., Delaware, Thursday, 10 
a. m., where it will meet the stage from the south 
which will convey passengers to Colnmbus the same 
evening. Returning: Leave Delaware Thursday, 2 p. 
m., reach Mansfield Friday, in a. m.. and Portland 
Sunday, 11 a. m." The plucky proprietors, full of 
hojie of growth and success, continued: "Being an 
infant estalilishment, and fostered only by an infant 
))atronage, the snl)scribers have chosen to consult 
rather the strength and efficiency of their carriages 
than their elegance or beauty. As the country grows 
older, and the patronage increases, they pledge them- 
selves to improve Ijoth in the expedition of traveling 
and the style of their establishment." The writer 
takes pleasure in tjeariug testinnmy to the fair fnlfill- 
nu'iit of this pledge to improvements. The sound of 
the tin horn at " 11 a.m. Sunday" is still ringing 
in liis ears. 

The travel did increase considerably from year to 
year, but not very largely till the completion of the 
New York canal in 18-^5-6. The travel, as well as 
commerce, did very materially increase from that 
noted event. The travel through to Cincinnati and 
south then became so wonderfully stimulated that the 
proprietors of other principal hotels in Sandusky, 
Colonel A. Root and others at Urbana and along the 
line, about 1836-7, put on a line of stages from San- 
dusky, through Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), 
Tiffin, Urbana and to Springfield, connecting there 
with the line from Columbus to Cincinnati. This 
was through a still more newly settled region and un- 
improved roads. It was nevertheless kept up for 
several years, till the travel and business were diverted 
to a different point and a more easy mode of travel. 

MERCHAXDISE, ETC. 

The transp(U-tation of merchandise to tiie interior 
of the State and south ilid not increase very largely 
till the opening of the New York canal. From that 
date the increase was very marked. Sandusky was 
then the only point on the southern shore of the lake 
at which merchandise and property for the interi(«- 
and south, was, or could be landed. So manifest 
was this sudden infiux of freight for Cincinnati, and 
further south, that two business men of that city, 
tiill & Gregory, came to Sandusky at once, put up the 
large stone block on the comer of Water street and 
Jai'kson street slip, built a dock, and did a large share 
of the forwarding business. The condition of busi- 
ness in Sandusky in 1828 is well set forth by a corre- 
spomlent in the city, in an article published in Kil- 
bourn's Ohio Gazetteer, published in 1829. Having 
described the situation of the town, he proceeds: 

"In the town are seven common mercantile stores, 
a drugstore, a printing office, besides the usual me- 
chanics, good i)ublic houses, etc. Here is also a ship 
yard where sliiji-building is carried on to a consider- 
able extent. .Vlso. an extensive rope w;ilk. Here, 



436 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



also, are eight or niue wharves, alongside of which 
steamboats aud other vessels, navigating the lake, 
load and unload, as this is the great point of landing 
and embarkation between the Mississippi country aud 
the State of New York; and as the several steamboats 
navigating Lake Erie between Buffalo and Detroit, 
regularly stop here to land and receive passengers; 
and also, as it has the best harbor on the southern 
shore of Lake Erie between Butfalo and Detroit, it 
has become a town of considerable importance. By a 
statement in the newspajier printed here, it appears 
there were four hundred and thirty-nine arrivals of 
vessels at this port during the year 1828; aud during 
the same period one thousand six hundred and 
twenty-three large wagons averaging a ton each, were 
loaded by the commission merchants here, with drv 
goods and groceries, for merchants in the interior of 
Ohio, for Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Alabama, Arkanas and Missouri." 

The writer fully indorses the substantial accuracy 
of this statement in tlie Gazetteer, aud adds several 
particulars. 

L During all this time, Sandusky Bay and tlie 
entrance into it were wholly in their natural condi- 
tion. Not a dollar had been expended for their im- 
provement; while tlie mouths of the rivers, for most 
part of the time in the l)usiness season, were closed 
up by sand bars, which, at times, were so high and 
compact that loaded wagons often passed across them. 

2. The writer remembers to have frequently seen 
boxes of goods, marked for different places in the 
interior, aud southern portions of this State, and the 
several States mentioned by tlie correspondent of the 
Gazetteer. 

3. Scores of large, wide-tyre wagons, with four to 
six horse teams to each, arranged for the night on the 
public parks and vacant lots around the parks. 

4. The ship yard referred to was first established bv 
Capt. William Jones, from Black River, witli his 
sons. He built several large schooners and steam- 
boats. He continued the business until the Ohio 
canal was so far completed, and the mouth of the 
Cuyahoga river, so much improved that Clevelaud 
became the point of landing goods, designed for the 
interior and the south, when Captain Jones left 
Sandusky, and carried on the same business in Cleve- 
land. Ship building has nevertheless been carried on 
at Sandusky, more or less, by Captain Dibble, Stewart 
Bell, Captain Monk and others. The travel to and 
through Sandusky has been largely increased by the 
attractions in the islands in Lake Erie, and the pen- 
insula on main land, as places of summer resort ior 
health, and for holding religious meetings aud con- 
ventions of various kinds. Tlieso health and pleas- 
ure seekers began, many years ago, to visit the is- 
lands. Mr. Kelley first built a house of entertain- 
ment to meet tliis demand. But the tide set so 
rai)idly to Put-iu-Bay Island, that tlie enterprising 
hotel keeper, Mr. West, soon constructed a large 
commodious public house on that island. To him. 



doubtless, belongs the credit, more than to any other 
one man of attracting large companies of visitors. 
He took the lead, and others followed. Mr. West 
now keeps the Junction hotel at the Shelby Junction, 
the Put-in-Bay house having been burned down, and 
not yet re-built, thongh the Beebe house is still in 
blast, and accommodations are extensive. The de- 
lightfully fitted up, of what is called " Lake Side," 
on the peninsula, also attracts large parties for pleas- 
ure and health, but this is used mostly for holding 
religious and Sabl)atli school assemblages. 



GKOWTH AND POPl'LATIOX. 



The growth of the place, in wealth and population, 
has not been rapid, but generally quite slow, yet con 
staut. This is really unaccountable, in view of its 
many superior natural advantages; but the cause is 
easily explained. It is attributable mainly to a single 
and notable occurrence, which constitutes a very im- 
portant part of the historical record of the city. 

Sandusky City, as already stated, is located on the 
south shore of Sandusky bay, on ground gradually 
rising from the shore to the distance of sixty to sev- 
enty rods, to the central parks, wliere the ground is 
level for some distance, and then very slightly descends 
to the south and east, without a single obstruction to 
the opening of streets, or the erection of buildings, 
to any desirable distance, even beyond the enlarged 
bounds of the city. The bay is eighteen miles in 
length, furnishing ample room for the safe and con- 
venient anchorage of all the water craft that could 
ever be required for commercial and naval purjjoses, at 
the same time, without being crowded; with easy en- 
trance and egress from and to the lake, and also afford- 
ing space for cheap and convenient wharfage for a 
distance of three to four miles, and even further, if 
needed. There was no other natural harbor within 
the State, on the shore of the lake. It had no possi- 
ble natural rival. 

Had all these natural advantages, and facilities for 
all branches of business remained as nature left them, 
Sandusky, beyond all question, would liave been at 
this day, equal at least in population and business to 
those of Clevelaud and Toledo united. What, then, 
occurred to interrupt and frustrate this naturally in- 
evitable event ? To the general public of the present 
generation the question is unanswerable. Let us, then, 
make inquiry. . 

As early as 1820, the subject began to be agitated 
of connecting the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio 
river by a canal. As a result, the mind of the people 
generally became fixed upon a single route, the central 
one, as manifestly presenting the shortest, the most 
directj and the least expensive. That was, therefore, 
the only one thought of, by all intelligent citizens, in 
all parts of the State. 

At length a law was passed authorizing a survey 
for this purpose, and commissioners were appointed 
to procure a survey and estimate, and report. Alfred 
Kelly, of Cleveland, Micajah T. Williams, of Cincin- 



on, ■ 

on- ■' 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



437 



' iiati, (botli members of the State Senate) and 

Buckingham, of Putnam, opposite Zanesville, were 
api)ointed commissioners. Tiiey first employed the 
, services of James (jeddes, a distinguished engineer, 
P of the State of New York, to make the proposed sur- 
vey, estimate, etc. By direction, he made surveys 
and estimates of three routes. First, what was known 
as the central, from the mouth of Scioto river, up the 
valley of that river to the summit, and down the San- 
dusky river to the lake. Second, the route which the 
Ohio canal was tinally located. Third, that known 
as the Miami route, from Cincinnati to the iliami of the 
lakes, or Maumee. The report of this engineer was de- 
cidely in favor of the central route, as the most di- 
rect, the shortest, and the least ex))ensivc: the sum- 
mit of which was also several hundred feet lower than 
those of the others. This report was not satisfactory 
to the commissioners, especially to Kelly and Wil- 
liams. It was well understood by these puljlic officers, 
that as nature had arranged it, the northern termina- 
tion of the route of the carrying trade between the 
lake and the river, was as sure of being at Sandusky, 
as the daily rising of the sun. The termination of 
the canal there, would be only following the lead of 
providence, and add to the already decided advan- 
tages then existing. Therefore, something most de- 
cisively efficient must be done to change the order of 
nature, by fixing the northern termination of the 
main canal at the mouth of Cuyahoga river, and there- 
construct artificial works in place of a harbor. The 
first step towards the accomplishing of that object, 
must necessarily be the discharge of Judge Geddes, 
who, doulitless, was unwilling to ruin his character 
as a civil engineer by a compliance with the wishes of 
the commissioners. Geddes was, therefore, dismissed, 
and another engineer from New York State. Judge 
Bates, was engaged to aid in their scheme of fraud. 
The report of the commissioners the next year, recom- 
mended the construction of two canals instead of one. 
One to commence at Portsmouth, thence up the 
Scioto valley to a point eleven miles below Columbus, 
thence a diagonal route leading over two summits, 
instead of one, and terminating at the mouth of Cuy- 
ahoga river; and the other, the Miami route, termi- 
nating at Cincinnati, and the Miami of the lakes. At 
the same time, they recommended the improvement of 
the Muskingum river, by slack water navigation 
from its entrance into the Ohio, up to Zanesville. 
All this was by agreement of the commissioners, by 
which the residence of each officer would be especially 
benefitted. To accomplish their purpose, it will be 
noticed, it was made the interest of the rei)resenta- 
tives of the counties throug^^ or near which one or 
the other of the canals was to pass, and the votes 
of the old counties on tlie Muskingum river, were 
secured by the work on that river. To make sure, 
also, of the vote of {•■ranklin county, and the influ- 
ence of the capital, a feeder was to be opened from 
the point of divergence from the Scioto valley, up to 
Columbus, eleven miles. ■ 



REASONS OIVEX. 

As already stated, there was a sufficient numl)er of 
votes in the legislature, by fixing motives of interest in 
them, _yet it was deemed necessary and expedient, to 
place on record some reasons for this unexpected and 
extraordinary change and measure. Several reasons 
were set forth in their reports: 1. The first and prin- 
cipal pretext for the abandonment of the most direct, 
the shortest and least expensive route was, ''insuffi- 
ciency of water on the summit of that route." This 
was obviously a mere pretext. Water was as abun- 
dant on that route as on either of the lines adopted. 
Reservoirs were indispensable on all the routes, and 
on the Cleveland route two were necessary; and the 
reservoirs on both the lines chosen were to cost double 
of that on the central route. 

2. To fortify their claim of want of sufficient 
water on the Sandusky route, they were very particu- 
lar to enumerate all the sources of waste of water 
from the reservoir, such as "leakage, soakage, absorp- 
tion and evaporation." These causes of waste, un- 
doubtedly, exist to a greater or less extent, in all 
artificial bodies of water, but the commissioners 
did not feel bound to mention the fact that the 
reservoir on the central route would be wholly 
exempt from waste of water from all the causes 
mentioned, save the single one of "evaporation." 
The subsoil of the gravel to be covered by the 
reservoir, would be an "impervious blue clay;'" 
but this important fact was carefully concealed by the 
crafty commissioners. They also failed to report that 
the reservoir on this route 'would necessarily be upon 
prairie lands, no timber to rot and deca)-, to produce 
diseases in the neighborhood, as on the other routes. 

3. Another reason assigned for the opening of two 
canals through the State, in place of one was, that a 
much larger number of farmers would be benefitted, 
a canal being thereby brought "to every man's door," 

4. It was reported that an ample harbor could be 
constructed at the mouth of Cuyahoga river, at a 
moderate outlay of, sav sixty thousand dollars. This 
amount is given by memory: it may fall a little short 
or be a little in excess. 

But, as before stated, the mcnilicrs of the assembly 
were not influenced by any of these fictitious reasons. 
The scheme had been carefully and shrewdly arranged 
to fix and make sure votes enough to carry out the 
plan. The votes were given to promote their own 
interests, and those of their constituents. The large 
minority of the people were to be made to pay for 
their own loss, and build up the waste places of the 
State. No argument was needed on the floor of eitiier 
house. The requisite votes were jiledged outside. 
The character of the transaction was fully discussed, 
and pointed out, at the time, in the Sniidiisi-y Clarion, 
by the editor and correspondents. The writer remem- 
bers that, in one of his own communications on the 
subject, it was urged that the scenes enacted on the 
pa.s8age of the bill were only the exhibition of what 



438 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



had been in rebearsal for weeks or months before the 
exhibition, which was emphatically true. 

Thus the State was involved in a debt of millions 
and millions of dollars, in amount three or four times 
larger than what the single central route would have 
cost; and this enormous debt, after the lapse of over a 
half century, is dill unpaid, to the amount of six mil- 
lions. And, at this time, the State is in utter per- 
plexity what to do with its two long canals, neither of 
which has ever paid the interest on its cost. The 
wisest of our public men are unable to determine what 
can be done with them, t^ome advising to wholly aban- 
don them as entirely worthless, and waste no more 
money upon them. Instead of the sixty thousand dol- 
lars, the State has expended from ten to twenty times 
that amount, and the general government has con- 
tributed thousands to the same object; and yet it is 
not in a condition to answer the demands of the busi- 
ness unnaturally brought there; and the narrow river, 
all around the " Ox Bow," wholly inadequate to meet 
the wants of commerce, every craft that enters must 
either had- out, or warp around with line or other- 
wise. To remedy the still existing insufficiencies, the 
general government is, from time to time, making 
large appropriations to make additional improvements 
and to aid in constructing an artificial harl)or in the 
open lake; and, even with that addition, the whole 
works will not be equal to the natural advantages and 
facilities existing at Sandusky. 

Now. it is evident to all, that, had the central 
route alone been opened, terminating in Sandusky 
bay, Sandusky City, at this moment, would have been 
much larger in population and in all kinds of busi- 
ness than Cleveland now is, and probably larger than 
Cleveland and Toledo united; aiul the State and na- 
tional government would have been exempt from the 
heavy contributions to create artificial facilities for 
making a city, contrary to the ordinance of nature, 
and to provide unnatural commercial jirivileges for it. 
At Sandusky there would have been no call for State or 
national aid to any considerable amount, and no neces- 
sity for burdening the citizens with large contributions, 
or with heavy taxes, to grade high bluffs to get to and 
from the place of commercial business and travel, 
to fill uj) valleys, ravines or swails to make suitable 
ground for streets and buildings, or to extend the 
bounds of the city, or yet, for the construction of via- 
ducts, the enormous figures of two and a half millions 
of dollars, nor, indeed, for any other improvements 
by way of sui))dying the deficiencies of nature. 

KAIMiOAIiS. 

Avery large part of the tiirough travel and carry- 
ing trade having been tiius diverted fi'om Sandusky 
by opening the Ohio canal, the citizens and the in- 
habitants of tiie westerly parts of the State turned 



their attention to railroads. Charters were secured 
for two, one for a line from Sandusky to Dayton, 
first called the Mad River and Lake Erie, (now the 
Cincinnati, Sandusky and Cleveland), and the other 
from Sandusky to Newark, known as the Sandusky, 
Mansfield and Newark (now the northern division of 
the Baltimore and Ohio). Both of these terminate 
at Sandusky. The northern division of the Lake 
Shore Road passes through the city. The road to 
Newark was first built only to Monroeville, and was 
constructed by bedding large logs in the ground, 
hewed fiat on the top. and scantling spiked to the 
logs. Light coaches were moved by horse power — 
two horses in single file. A few years sufficed to fin- 
ish up this device. 

The Mad River line was commenced in 1835. 
Abut 1839 it was finished to Bellevue, and a stage line 
put on from that point to Columbus, which was trans- 
ferred to Republic and Tiffin respectively as the road 
progressed. As the line was extended, it drew an in- 
cueased amount of travel and freight business. When 
completed to Dayton, much the largest part of the 
business to the south was reclaimed from the Cleve- 
land line. The opening of the line toward and to 
Newark had a similar effect. This re-division was so 
manifest and complete, that the Cleyeland Herald 
earnestly called the attention of the business men of 
that city to the fact, and admonished them that with- 
out a railroad from their city to the south, the travel 
and carrying trade would inevitably be done through 
Sandusky. This produced the desired effect. A 
railroad was made in quick time to Columbus, con- 
necting there with tlie Little Miami road to Cincin- 
nati. Instead, however, of locating it on the most 
direct course to Columbus, it was shrewdly given a 
southwesterly course to Crestline and Gabon, with 
the purpose of cutting off business from Sandusky 
and carrying it to their city. The intended end was, 
in fact, secured by the plan, and Cleveland was saved 
from a (|uick and ruinous decline, and-again checked 
the prospects of the more rapid growth of her only 
rival city. All this time, the rapid increase of the 
prospects of the growth of Cleveland had attracted 
the attention of capitalists, and rescued that city from 
threatened disaster, and it has grown to its present 
dimensions and splendor. 

The present inhabitants of Cleveland are not ac- 
countable for the monstrous fraud committed, or the 
wrong done to Sandusky, to the whole of the central 
north of the State, and, indeed, to the whole State, 
but they are enjoying their present [irosperity as a 
direct result of the original stupendous fraud of Kelly 
and Williams, and liav^ hitherto, and are still, de- 
pendent upon the State and Nation for aid in build- 
ing uj) their city, in spite of the vastly sujierior 
advantages in every respect of a neighboring city. 



HllSTOKY OF liUUON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



439 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 




F. I). PARISH. 

F. D. Parish (Francis Drake) was boru in Naples 
(then Middletown), Ontario county, New York. De- 
cember "20, 1796: second son of Elishaand Lois Wilder 
Parish. 

During his early infancy his parents removed to a 
new farm in the central part of South Bristol, the 
town next north of Naples, in the same county. 
Upon this farm he grew to manhood, assisting in its 
improvement and cultivation. 

In the spring of 1S2<I, he emigrated to Columbus, 
Ohio, entered the law office of a near relative, in 
■which he read law for two years. In May, \S2'i, he 
was admitted to the bar, and in the same month he 
settled and opened a law office in Sandusky t'ity, then 
in Huron, but now in Erie county. That city was 
his post office address for over a half century: during 



the greater portion of that time he was engaged in the 
practice of his profession. In 1852, however, he re- 
tired from the practice, mostly ou account of a grow- 
ing disease in the throat, though it did not prove to be 
as serious as was at first apprehended. After that 
date he passed most of his time upon a farm near the 
city, and upon which he resided from 1860 to 1875. 
In the fall of that year, having rented his farm, he 
removed to Oberlin, Lorain county, Ohio, where he 
still resides. 

Though the throat complaint mentioned is not en- 
tirely healed, it was greatly relieved and benefitted by 
his exercise in the open air: and doubtless he has pro- 
longed his life for many years by leaving the profes- 
sion, and by his outdoor exercise. His health is other- 
wise good, anil the vitality and vigor of body and mind 
are continued to hiuL 



VERMILLION. 



This township was named after the principal river 
emptying into the hike through its territory, and is 
bounded on the north by Lake Erie; south by Flor- 
ence and Berlin townships; east by Brownhelm town- 
ship, Lorain county; and west by the township of 
Berlin. The surface of the township is level in the 
northern portion, while in the south part it is broken 
with alternate sandy ridges and low lands. The soil 
is variable, and embraces sandy loam, gravel and clay 
marl. Numerous stone quarries abound in the town- 
ship, which jjroduce an excellent quality of stone. 
Iron ore has also been found in payirtg quantities. 

STREAMS. 

These are the Vermillion, La Chapelle, and Sugar 
creek. The first and largest of these rises in Ash- 
land county; runs north through the eastern part of 
Huron and western part of Lorain counties, emptying 
into Lake Erie near the east line of Vermillion town- 
ship. It was named by the Indians, in consequence 
of a paint which they found along its banks. Sugar 
creek was so named from the fact that a mound stood 
at its mouth which resembled a sugar loaf, and also 
that the Indians made sugar from the extensive sugar 
orchards along the stream. La Chapelle rises in 
Huron county, and passes through the townships of 
Wakeman, Florence, and Vermillion. 

ORIGIXAL OWXERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader is 
referred to the history of Wakeman township: 

VERMILLION', TOWN NTMBER SIX, IN RAN(;E TWENTY. 
Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Oriyiiiiil Grantees. 


••In 


•t Loss. 


Classified bij. 


Am 


( Classed. 




S 


s. 


d. 




t 


s. 


d. 


Simon Wolcott 


1083 


9 


1 


Guy Richards 


5.50 


11 


9\i 


Giles JIvimford 


44 








" " 


44 








Briilget Han-is 


34 


19 





" 11 


19 


16 





Ge<.)rtre Neweomb 


•138 


1 


9 


" ' 


95 


4 


9 


Elizabeth Plumb 


lor 


19 





" " 


98 


19 


6 


Guv Richar.ls & Sons 811 


8 





" li. 


365 


2 


7 


Ani.is Lester 


la 


11 


9 


.« I. 


12 


11 


9 


EdKeconib Lee 


48 


4 


7 


" " 


48 


4 


7 


James Young 


13 


a 





*' " 


6 


11 





Lydia Avery 


157 


12 


I 


.. .. 


78 


16 


OH 


Widow Nelson 


63 
Foi 


10 
ting of CI 


assifieation No. 1, 


a4 


9 


0^ 




£;.344 


7 







Classification 


No. a, Section 2. 








Original Grantees. 


An 


■iLc 


.«. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. ' 


David Bryne 


.3.3B 


4 


7 


Guy Richards 


336 


4 




Jeremiah Brown 


144 


9 


5H 


" " 


124 


9 


1^ 


Lodowiuk Chamnlin 11 


9 


10 


.1 ti 


11 


9 


Nathaniel Coit, Jr. 


15 


15 


10 


i. It 


15 


IS 


10 


Jrwenh r)Hsbon 
Sarah Ediuond 


ino 


1 





1. t> 


100 


1 





iO 


2 


6 


.. it 


20 


2 


6 


Jolin Crocker 


34 


13 


a 


" " 


34 


13 


2 


Nathaniel Harris 


3 


5 





" " 


3 


5 





John Harris 2d 


3;! 


1 


11 


.. t> 


33 


1 


11 


Walter Harris 


17 


15 


10 


" ■' 


17 


15 


10 


Graee Harris 


■J9 








• > .1 


29 








Diodate Little 


■m 


5 





ti 11 


207 


5 





Rii hard Lattiraer 


20 


19 


8 




20 


19 


8 


Lewis Minor 


71 


7 


4 




7) 




4 


Christopher Prince 


512 


4 


3 


" ** 


312 


15 


lOH 



FootinE of Classification No. 2, £1,314 



Original Grantees. 

Widow Nelson 
Roper Gibson 
William Coit 
Joseph Harris, Jr. 
Stephen Colver 
.John Gordon 
Jonathan Colfax 
Robert Manwaring 
Samuel Belden 
Amos Rogers 
Henr.v Deshon 
Henrv I'eshon 
Walter Welch 
Eliza Seabury 



£ 

63 

884 

44 



Am't Loss, 

s. d 

10 
18 6 
17 10 

15 

16 
16 3 

11 3 



3 

1 

15 

21 

1771 

31 

900 



15 
1 





59 



Classified by. 
Guy Richards 



Am't Classed 
£ 



39 
358 
26 



15 



R. Manwaring's h'rs 21 



Fred Stanley 

John Prentice 
Daniel Hershaw 
Guy Richards 
Eliza Seabury 



322 
31 

288 

ass 
1 

40 




9 
8 



II 
3 
8 
8 
8 
8 
8 

11 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,314 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 

Christopher Prince 
Joseph Plumbe 
Green Plumbe 
Stephen Rougette 
Benjanun Rogers 
William Skinner 
Adam Shapeley 
Robert Smith 
Daniel Tinker 
John Ward 
Lucretia Wolf 
James Thompson 
Speary Douglass 
Simon Wolcott 



Am't Loss. Classified by. 



Am't classed. 



£ 

5ia 
■u 

43 
37 
9 
15 
20 
24 
.■>.^ 

17 

4 

350 

8 

1083 



Guy Richards 



£ 

199 

24 

43 

■37 

9 

15 

20 

24 

22 

17 

4 

350 

8 

532 



d. 



"!^ 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1.S44(: 



SETTLEMENT. 



The following is principally from the sketches pul) 
lished in the Pioneer by William H. Crane and Hon. 
Benjamin Summers: •" William Haduy came in 1808; 
William Austin, George and John Sherarts, Enoch 
Smith, and Horatio Perry in 1809; Almon Buggies, 
Solomon Parsons, Benjamin Brooks, Barlow Sturges, 
Deacon John Beardsley, and James Cuddeback in 
1810. Peter Cuddeback and others in 1811. They 
came with teams principally.'' 

Captain William Austin located about half a mile 
west of the mouth of Vermillion river. 'Tis said 
that he often held Commodore 0. H. Perry on his 
knee when a baby. Captain A. was a man of energy, 
and built one of the first boats lauuehed from these , 
shores, and sailed her before and during the war of | 
1812. He died many years .<ince. Tiie children were: 
John, George, William, Jedediah, Sally, Betsey, 
Nancy, and Pollv. 

George Sherrats was from Pennsylvania, ami located 
some lialf a mile west of Captain Austin's. He was 
esteemed as industrious, honest and pious, and an ex- 
cellent citizen. The children were: Christina. Betsey, 
Catharine, George, Jr., Polly, Rebecca, Jacob, John, ' 
Hannah, Rachel, Barbara and Sopliia. 

John Siierarts and wife, Elizabeth, located on the 
lake shore, about half a mile west of the river, wlu re 
they remained until 1818, when they removed from 
the township. The children were: Mary, Betsey. 

(440) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



441 



Cathariue, David, Caroline, John, Jane and An- 
geline. 

Enoch Smith settled on the ridge where Henry 
Todd now lives (lot three, section two). He after-» 
ward* removed to Florence township. The children 

»were: William, Rebecca, Lanra. Lyman, .Vnianda, 
Henry and John. 

Horatio Perry came from Cleveland and settled on 
the farm next west of Captain Anstin's. He married 
Miss Prentiss, who died young, leaving a daughter, 
Sophia. When thirty years of age, he became so 
broken down with liard work that he was compelled 
lo cease farm lalior. He married Miss Smith and re- 
moved to Elyria, Lorain county. 

Hon. Almon Ruggles, who was the surveyor of the 
Fire-lands, settled on the lake shore, midway between 
^'ermillion and Huron rivers. In 1S(I8, he married 
Miss Annis Dibble, of Brookfield, Connecticut, by 
whom one child (Rebecca) was born previous to lo- 
cating in Ohio. .Judge Ruggles for many years acted 
as land agent for the proprietors of the Fire-lands. 
After the organization of Huron county, he was its 
first recorder. This was in 1809. He was apjiointed 
associate judge of Huron county in 1815, State sena- 
tor in 181(3, and re-elected in 1818. In 18"24 he was 
elected representative. Judge Ruggles was not famous 
P as an orator, but possessed good, practical aliilities, 
and in all positions of honor, trust or profit filled by 

I him, lie gave general satisfaction. He built a mill 
for the proprietors in 1809. This was near the south 
line of Florence township, on the Vermillion river, 
and was soon carried away by high water. In 1811- 
12, he built a mill near the northeast corner of Flor- 
ence township, on La Chapelle creek, which was a 
great benefit to the settlers for many miles around. 
His wife died in 1815, leaving two children, Rebecca 
and Betsey, and he married Mrs. Rhoda Buck, by 
whom two children were born, Charles and Richard. 
Judge Ruggles died July 17, 18-iO, aged seventy years. 
His second wife died in 1851. 

Solomon Parsons came with wife and children from 
Delaware county, New York. He was advanced in 
life, and Mrs. Parsons died early in 1812. The chil- 
dren were: Levi, Burton, Ira, Sarah and Pheba, who 
resided in Vermillion for many years, the sons hold- 
ing many offices of responsibility lioth in the town- 
shij) and county. 

Benjamin Brooks, with a family, consisting of a 
wife and three children, settled on the farm next 
east of George Sherarts", afterwards occupied by a 
son. Mr. Brooks was a captive amongst the Indians 
for many years in his younger days, and well ac- 
quainted with their manners, customs and traditions. 
He died a few years subsequent to locating in \'er- 
million, leaving three children: .loiiathan. .Idscph 
and Betsey. 

Captain Barlow Sturges and wife, Eunice, with a 
son, Frederick, and his wife, Charlotte, settled at the 
mouth of the \'ermillion river, where they ojiened a 
hotel and established, a ferry. Captain Sturges died 

56 



a few years subsequent to settlement, and the son in 
1818. They were seafaring men, of good abilities 
and generous impulses. 

Deacon Joiin Bcardsley settled on lot number twelve, 
in the second section. He was a good and useful man, 
and fully devoted to his Christian duties. He first 
introduced religious meetings into the different neigh- 
borhoods round about, by holding reading meetings, 
which he conducted by singing, prayers, reading a 
sermon, etc.. and which, in the absence of regular 
clergy, was very beneficial in keeping up the form, 
and, to some extent, the spirit of religion, and steady- 
ing the ark of the Lord in the wilderness. 

Deacon Beardsley died of lockjaw, in the year 
1831. His children were: Philo. Joseph Sniitli and 
Clement, Sophia, Joseph Smith the second, Harriet, 
Seth, ilaria, John and Irene. .James Cuddeback set- 
tled half a mile west of the river. He was indus- 
trious, prudent and an honest citizen. He died many 
years since; children: Rhoda, Hannah, James, Emily, 
Sarah and Paulina. The son, who was a deaf mute, 
was run over by the cars at Vermillion, in the spring 
of 1862. 

Peter Cuddeiiack and his wife Jane were of the 
Dutch stock of the Mohawk, and settled two miles 
west of the river. Uncle Peter and aunt .Janey were 
noted far and wide for thrift and unbounded liospi- 
tality. Although their children, to the number of 
near a dozen, were usually at the family board, scarcely 
ever did they fail, for a meal, to also supi)ly tlie want 
of visitors, travelers, immigrants, or any others who 
would partake of their good cheer. They had enough 
for each and for all: and it seemed to be the peculiar 
delight of aunt Janey to cook for and wait on her 
friends, and she counted all strangers and new-comers 
as such, as well as those of longer standing. Peter 
Cuddeback died in 18:53. The children were: James 
J., Polly, Sallie, Hiram, Fanny, Nathan, Norman, 
Jane and Permilla. 

Rufus Judson located in Vermillion in 1811 or 1813. 
He was a blacksmith and farmer. He had four sons: 
Charles P.. Wakeman, Eli S., and George. Mrs. 
Judson. an excellent woman, was lost on the Lake 
while returning from Buffalo. 

The foregoing are all who may lie strictly consid- 
ered pioneers. Among later settlers are: About 1815, 
a man named Wilcox built a cabin on the north half 
of lot number two in the second section, where he re- 
mained a short time. . Jonah Barton, and his son, Jo- 
nah, Jr., built a cabin about the same time, near the 
center or lot number eleven, in the same section. 
The old gentleman went, sonic years after, to reside 
with his children in Milan, and died there. Jonah, 
Jr., married Hannah Allen, and became a resident of 
the ridge, just cast of the cemetery, where he died in 
1833. leaving several children. 

\ man named Burroughs made an ojiening and 
raised a house in the southeast corner of lot number 
one: He left the county in 1818. Samuel and Jesse 
Sanders settled near where Sugar creek crosses the 



U2 



HISTORY OF HUKON AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



north ridge, as early as 1815 or 1810, and Benjamin 
Durand, a little farther west on the .same ridge. 

Almon Keeler and wife, Mahitabel, were from 
Newtown, Connecticut, and settled next east of Rufus 
Judsou, about 1816 or 1817. He was killed by the 
fall of a tree about 1821 or 1822, leaving a wife and 
fonr children. 

In the spring of 1817, Eli Winton moved into the 
house built by Wilcox. He was a miller. During 
the winter of 1817 or 1818 he moved to the block 
house on lot number three. The children were seven 
in number. About this time John Miller, a sailor, 
from Connecticut, settled on La Chapelle creek, 
about a mile from'the lake. He had two sons: John 
and Isaac, who were mighty hunters. A daughter, 
Ann, married Joseph Brooks. 

In Novemlier, Marlv Summers, also from Xewtcwn, 
located in the township. His wife was Dinah Bots- 
ford. He was possessed of sufficient mechanical 
genius to make anything in wood and iron, from a 
nail to rifle, gun, lock, stock and barrel, and from 
a rake tooth to an old-fashioned bull plow. His wife 
died in 1842: he, in 1855, aged ninety years. Children: 
Sally; Benjamin, who succeeded Esquire Wells in 
the justiceship for six years, was. for a few years, as- 
sociated judge of the district, before and at the time 
Erie was set oS, and twice represented the Fire-lands 
district in the lower house of assembly; Betsey and 
John. 

Philo Wells, Esq., was from Dutchess county. 
New York. His wife was Hannah Lewis, from 
Connecticut. Settled in the township in 1818. He 
is still living. His wife died m 18-18, and he married 
for his second, Mrs. Smith, also from Connecticut. 
The children were: George, Lewis, Wheeler, Eliza 
and Emeline. Lewis is at present in the mercantile 
business at Vermillion village. 

Joel Crane, Esq., first settled in Florence, near the 
south line of Vermillion, and subsequently in this 
township. His wife was Olive Mitchell. The children 
were: Simeon M., Ann, EdAvard and William H., wliO 
married Harriet Chandler. Joel Crane died in 1844, 
and his wife in 1857. 

Captain Harris and his wife were aged when they 
located in Vermillion. The four children that came 
with him were: Amos, who became a [ihysician, set- 
tled in Milan, nuirried Miss Goodrich, reared a fam- 
ily, and died in 1843; Abagail, who married Rev. 
John Monteith, afterward connected with Elyria 
schools; Abraham, renn)ved westward; and Delplia, 
who married Rev. Mr. Burbank. 

Jesse Ball first settled on the lake shore. He mar- 
ried Susan Gilbert. Eleven children were born to 
them; Horace, Orissa, Sally, Susan, Jesse, Jr., Eli, 
Julia, Ann, Harriet, Eliza and Emily. 

Benjamin Munn and wife settled on the North 
ridge, near Sugar creek. He died a few years later, 
and his widow returned East. 

Amason Washburn married Sallie Whitney, and 
located in Vermillion townshij) in 1819. He united 



blacksmithing and farming, and by persevering in- 
dustry and frugality -obtained a competence. The 
children were: AVheeler, David L., who married Irena 
* Beardsley; Charles, who married Sally Ball; Marietta, 
who married Benajah Butler; Benjamin S., who nuir- 
ried Sarah Brobcck: Betsey, who married James Mor- 
doff; Delplia, who married John Harrison; James, 

who married Webster, and Amason, Jr. 

Capt. Josiah S. Pelton located in Vermillion in 
1818. He was originally from near Hartford, Con- 
necticut, but had removed to Euclid, Cuyahoga 
county (where his wife died), previous to finally set- 
tling in Vermillion. He had been in the West India 
trade as captain of a trading vessel. He was far ad- 
vanced in life, and ill prepared to begin life in a new 
country, although he was possessed of fine talents, 
and quite extensively read. The oldest son, Josiah 
S., Jr., became the manager and main sui)i>ort of the 
family, and being a good financier, became compar- 
atively wealthy. He married ilrs. Sophia Leonard, 
of Buffalo, New York. The remainder of the chil- 
dren are: Allen, who married Fanny Cuddeback: 
Sylvester A., who married Eunice Sturges; Austin, 
who married Sarah Sturges; Franklin, wlio married 
Eliza Davis: Pho?be, who married Anson Cooper; 
Charlotte, who married Levi Parsons; and Lucy, who 
became tlft' wife of John Miller. Of later settlers, 
Moses Tod came from East Haven, Connecticut, to 
Vermillion, arriving May 28, 1835. He purchased 
the farm first owned by Enoch Smith. Mr. Todd 
died December 22, 1848. aged eighty-three. Mrs. 
Todd died in 1857, aged eighty-nine. The children 
are: Sarah, Woodward, Henry, Charlotte D., and 
Isaac and Kneelaud (twins), who are all yet living. 

FIRST EVEXTS. 

The fii^t white child born in the township of Ver- 
million was John Sherrats, in 1809. He grew to man- 
hood and removed to Van Bureu county, Michigan. 

The first couple married was Catherine Sherarts to 
Bud Martin, in the spring of 1814. Both are now 
dead. 

The first death was that of a stranger — name not 
known — at the house of Barlow Sturges, in the win- 
ter of 1810-11. The following year the wife of Solo- 
mon Parsons died. This was the first death of an 
actual settler in Vermillion. 

The first house in the township was erected in 
1808, by William Hoddy. It was of logs, and stood 
on the lake .shore, near the mouth of the river, and 
the second by Captain William Austin, a short dis- 
tance Avest. 

Peter Cuddeliaek built the first frame house, in 
1818. In 1821, Captain Austin Iniilt a stone house, 
the first in the township, and to Horatio Perry be- 
longs the honor of having erected the first brick 
house in the township. 

Through the efforts of Judge Ruggles, a post office 
was early established in Vermillion. Judge Ruggles, 
it is thought, was the first commissioned postmaster. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



44:3 



The mails were carried on foot, first, l)y a Mr. Leach. 
The present postmaster is Henry Baxtinc. 

The first orchard was phmted in 1812. by Peter 
Cuddeback, on the farm afterwards occupied by his 
son, J. J. Cuddeback. 

Captain William Austin opened the first public 
house, says Wm. H. Crane, at or near the mouth of 
the river. At present (1879) there is but one hotel 
in the township. This is the "Lake House." located 
in the villat;e. W. I. Irish, proprietor. 

C. P. .ludson put in the first stock of goods. His 
store was located in the village. At present the 
business houses are as follows: Lewis Wells, and 

i Delker & Eiiglebrccht, dry goods, etc.; Ed Kane 
iuid John King, gmceries: Dr. F. C. McConnelly 
and others, drugs: a hardware, furniture, jewelry 
and several millinery stores, with a nunihrr of boot 
and shoe an<l blncksmith shoiis. 

I 

ORii.VXIZATlOX. 

The first record of an election bears date .\\n-'\\ 0, 
1818. It was held at the residence of Hon. Almon 
Ruggles, who was elected township clerk. Peter 
Cuddeback and James Prentiss were judges of the 
election, whicii resulted as follows: Francis Keyes, 
John lieardsley, and Rufus .ludson, trustees; Peter 
Cuddeback, treasurer; Jeremiah Van Benschoter and 
Horatio Perry, overseers of the poor; Peter Cudde- 
back and Francis Keyes, fence viewers; Peter Cudde- 
back, lister and appi'aiscr; Stei)hen Meeker, a[i])raiser; 
George Sherrats, t\-ancis Keyes, William \'an Ben- 
schoter, and James Prentiss, supervisors. 

Mr. Cuddeback seems to havecai'ried olT the honors 
of office on this occasion, probably with great o])posi- 
fion. as the emoluments were nothing and the public 
crib empty; in fact, it was soon after resolved tiiat all 
township officers |)erforiu tlicii- duties free of t'xpense 
to the township. 

The township officers for 1879 are: Joliii II. Far- 
ber, Jesse Ball, and S. A. Pelton, trustees; Otis H. 
Tilden, clerk; Franklin Pelton. treasui-er; David Ha- 
ber, iissessor; Conrad Nuhm, L. W. Champney, and 
L. P. Walker, constables; Otis II. 'J'ilden. M. J." Trin- 
ter, and Lemuel (ioldsmith, justices of the peace; and 
eight supervisors. 

cinKniKs. 

The tirst religious meeting was held at liu- Imuseof 
Captain William .Vustin in the spring of 1810, by the 
Rev. Joseph Badger, who was one of the earliest mis- 
sionaries in northeastern Ohio, and identified with 
the churches during the first twenty-live years of set- 
tlement. The first church organized in the township 
was the Congregational, February 2<), 1818. The first 
meeting house was built near the center of the town- 
ship in the spring of 1828, ami on the 22d day of 
May, the same year, the tirst pastor. Rev. Harvey 
Lyon, was installed. The first class of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church was formed in the fall of 18;jl. 
Members: John .Myers and wife, Miss Zuba Jack.son, 



and subsequently Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Julia Sum- 
mers,_wife of Hon. Benjamin Summers. John My- 
ers was the leader of the class. Rev. Henry 0. 
Sheldon and Jldward Thompson were the first min- 
isters. There are at present, in addition to the above, 
four German churches, but of these we have no sta- 
tistics. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school house was built on the lake shore 
in the spring of 1814. Miss Susan Williams taught 
a term of school, the first in the township, the sum- 
mer following the erection of the school house. 
Among her scholars were: J. J. Cuddeback, Jacob 
Sherarts and Joseph Brooks. 

The village school district was made a special dis- 
trict at the March meeting of the board of education 
in 1851, and was re-organized in 187.3, April 14th 
of which year it was decided to erect a school build- 
ing. Work was begun as soon as practicable, and the 
building was completed in 1874. It is a substantial 
brick structure, and cost, with grounds and furniture, 
some eighteen thousand dollars. 'J'lie school com- 
prises three grades, primary, intermediate and gram- 
mar, and employs four teachers. 

The present board of education is comiiosed of the 
following: J. C. Gilchrist, president; Otis II. Tiklen, 
clerk; H. G. Delker, treasurer; William Mctiraw 
ami (r. W. L.ivoo, directors. 

SOCICTIKS. 

Ely Lodge. No. 424. F. au.l A. Masons. The 
charter of this body was issued November !•, 18G8. 
On September 7, 1870, the building was burned in 
which the lodge convened, and with it the charier, 
records, jewels and furniture. The luesenl charter 
was issued October 22, 1870. ami contains the follow- 
in f names: Dr. F. C. JIc(yoiuullv. K. II. Anders, 
Thomas W. Green, Steiihen \aii Winkle, Homer 
Durand, R. Case. James Nichi)ll and Alfred Smith. 
The oflicers on charter were: E. II. Amlciv. W. M.; 
Dr. F. (!. McConnelly, S. W.; Thomas W. Green, 
J. W. The sociely has a present membership of 
thirl v-live. and is in a ])rosperous condiiion. It 
meets on the first and third Wednesday of each 
month. The olficers for 1870 are: Dr. F. C. Mc- 
Connelly. W. .M.; M. M. IVltun. S. W.; J. J. 
Patchet, .L W.; C. B. Summers, secretary; L. Body, 
treasurer; H. Sturdevant. S. D. ; B. Parsons, J. D. ; 
William Bolams, tyler; W. S. Irish and Royal 
Harris, stewards. Dr. McConnelly was the founder 
of this lodge, and has occupied his present position 
the greater jwirt of the time since its formation. 

Ko'ing Lodge No. .■)4;i, 1. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
November 2.'>, 1872. with the following charter mem- 
bers: J. M. King. N. Fischer. V. Gerlach. Charles 
Leimbach, .lobn Englebrecht, J. Krapji. A. Trinter, 
Charles Nagle, M. Herman, C. Bachman. L. Body, 
A. Heusner. .L Englebrecht, J. Schadeaii<l J. Miller. 



444 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



The officers ou organization were: J. M. King, X. 
G. : V. Gerlaeh, V. G. ; J. Krapp, P. Sec. : Charles 
Nagle, E. Sec, and X. Fischer, treasurer. Present 
membership, twenty-one; meetings. Tliursdaj- evening 
of each week. The officers for 1879 are: A.Trinter, 
N. G.; J. Gerlach, V. G.: C. Bachman, E. S.; John 
Englebrecht, P. S., and J. M. King, treasurer. 

Temperance societies have several times effected an 
organization iu the township. Xoue are now in 
operation. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first to represent the medical profession in Ver- 
million township was Dr. Strong, who came very 
earl}', but of him we have no record. 

Prominent among physicians of a later date was A. 
E. Merrell, at j^resent probate judge of Erie county. 

F. C. McConnellj, M. D., began his practice in 
Vermillion, immediately after receiving his degree, in 
1851. He soon acquired an extensive and lucrative 
practice, which still continues. Two other physicians 
reside in the township at present: B. F. Bond and A. 
McMillan. 

INDUSTRIAL PL'RSLITS. 

George Sherrats Ijuilt, in the years 1809-10, the 
first flouring mill iu the township. This was pro- 
pelled by hand, and commenced to grind wheat in 
the spring of 1810. Shortly after, Peter Cuddeback 
built a similar mill, and for three years or more the 
inhabitants of this, and some of adjoining townships, 
patronized these mills e.xtensively. Xo other grist 
mills have been built in the township. 

The first saw mill was erected by Job Smith, on 
La Chapelle creek, in 1819. 

In 1830 or '31, Messrs. Ford, Sanford. Tracy and 
others, of the Geauga Iron Company, put in operation 
at Vermillion village the Huron Iron Company. This 
grew to be an extensive business, and was iu opera- 
tion until 1855. 

It was succeeded by the Vermillion furnace, under 
the ownership of Philo Tildeu,. who was afterward 
associated with D. R. Paige. Some fifty thousand 
dollars were invested in the business, and an average 
of sixty men employed. The furnace ceased business 
in 1865. 



Two cheese factories have had an existence in the 
township, and one is still in operation. This is what 
is known as the Switzer factory, is located on lot 
number three, in the second section, and began 
business in April, ISTT, with a patronage of one 
hundred cows. Christopher Bauman is the manu- 
facturer. The milk is made into one cheese daily, 
and these, when cured, are marketed in the cities of 
Xew York, Philadelpliia and Chicago. Fischer & 
Company have a sash, door and blind manufactory in 
the village. 

VEEMILLIOX VILLAGE, 

situated at tlie mouth of Vermillion river, was -incor- 
porated by a special act of legislature, in 1837. The 
first record of an election bears date April 6, 1839, 
when the following were elected: Joseph B. Clarke, 
mayor; William B. Andrews, recorder; Xoah Loomis, 
treasurer; Chris. Grover, A. W. Melsheimer, A. B. 
Smith, Charles Burr and Bai'low Sturges, trustees. 
The officers for 1879 are: Charles B. Summers, 
mayor; Otis M. Tilden, clerk; Franklin Pelton. 
treasurer; David Xewbury, Henry Jackson, A. A. 
Edsou, Charles JIartiu, George Krapp and J. C. 
Gilchrist, councilmen. 

SHIPPING INTERESTS, ETC. 

It was many vears after settlement before anything 
was done toward improving the harbor at the mouth 
of the Vermillion river. Action was finally taken by 
the government, and, in about 1841 or 184"^, Major 
Borns came on and built a pier and dredged the chan- 
nel, and several years later a light house was con- 
structed and further dredging i)erformed, giving some 
fourteen feet of water in the channel. 

The first boat of any kind was built by Captain 
William Austin, as early as 1815. She was named 
the "Friendship," and was of, perhaps, thirty tons 
capacity. We have no knowledge of her subsequent 
career. After the harbor was im}iroved, siiip build- 
ing was extensively prosecuted. Alva Bradley, now 
of Cleveland, was, without doubt, the largest builder, 
and, in company with Ahira Cobb, constructed many 
sail and steam crafts. 



FLORENCE. 



ORIGIXAL OWXERS. 

For exphuiatioii of the following table tlie reader 
is referred to the history of Lj'me township: 

FLOREXCE, TOWN NUMBER FIVE, RANTrE TWENTY. 

CLiSSlFICATION NO. 1, SECTION 1. 

Oriffinat Grantees. Am' t Loss. Classified by. Ain't Classed. 

£ s. d. £ s. d. 

Abigail Armour 6 C Isaac Bronson 6 

Reuben Coe 3;! 16 4 i " " 33 16 4 

Jonathan Coe I " " 40 10 B 

Humphrey Denton " " 73 19 10 

Isaac Davis " " 15 Ifi 

Sylvanus Ferris " " 42 14 4 

Josiah Ferris " " 80 3 4 

Moses Ferris " " 6 

Ezra Finch ' " " 86 

Pack Ferris " " 6 10 

Charle^i Green 197 IS 4 4 116 

Abel Gould 113 10 9 Jesup Wakeman 34 10 6U 

Joseph Wakeman 167 3 8 '• •• 167 3 8 

Abigail Huhbel 176 13 4 " " 176 13 4 

Jabez Thorp 147 18 " " 120 11 7W 

Charles Green 197 12 4 Isaac Bronson 168 10^ 

Nathaniel Beneilict 359 13 3 Ebenezer Jesup. Jr. 46 3 6J^ 

John Gregory, Jr. 221 11 " " 176 1 

Benj. Isaacs" heirs 406 8 9 " " 90 6 4 

Col. Steph'nSt. John713 6 7 " " 33 10 lOy 

Footing of Classification No. 1. £1,344 7 



Classification No. 2, Sectio.n 2. 
Original Grantees. Ain't Loss. Classified by. 



£ 

147 

254 

412 

713 



Jabez Thorp 
Jonathan Darrow 
Samuel .Squire 
Col. Steph n St. John 
Ann Seymour 6 

Timothy Whitne.y 
Jarvis Kellogg 2 

Desire Sisc^ 8 

Mary Loekwood 2 

Cyrus Bis^rj- 12 

Sarah Ever'sley 26 

Stephen G Thatcher 13 
John Richards 7 

Gershom Pritchard 
Capt. Phin. Hanford 
Ezra Waterbury 
Hannah Gregorj' 
Daniel Sturges 
John PhiUow 
Daniel Webb 
Nathan Burrill 
Betty Jarvis 
John Eversley 
Thos. Fitch's" heirs 
Charles Green 
Joseph Huhhy. Jr, 
Nathaniel Hu'sted 
William .laoibs 
JO'hua Knapp 
Jonathan Knapp 
Israel Loekwood 
William Loekwood 
Andrew Marshall 
Caleb Mead 
Thomas Mesnard 
Jesse Jlead 
Henry Mead 



11 
415 
197 

25 



18 
5 

15 
6 

17 

17 
3 

8 

16 

13 

1 

6 

13 

14 

6 

3 

15 

15 

10 

17 

8 

1 

3 

12 

16 



Jesup Wakeman 



Am 


t Classed. 


£ 


s. 


d 


27 


13 


4« 


2.54 


5 


a 


222 


4 


1 


119 


•2 


3M 


6 


17 


a 




17 


6 


a 


3 


9 


8 


7 


6 


a 


8 


6 


12 


16 


3 


26 


13 


5 


13 


I 


5 



51 



10 



105 



31 

26 

11 

13 

1 

1 

1 

O 

2 
11 
32 

•a 

25 
41 
60 
125 
26 
51 
13 
2« 
33 
6 
22 
41) 



6 
13 
4 
6 
3 
15 
15 
10 
17 
8 
1 
11 
19 
16 


9 
9 
4 
19 
14 
17 



8 
4 
6 
.1 

HH 

5 
5 

3 

10 
2 
3 
7 



Footing of Classiflcation No. 2, £1,344 



Classification No. 3, Sectio.n 3. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


a. 


d. 


Samuel Squire 


412 


15 


4 


Jesup Wakeman 


190 


11 


3 


Ann Hull 


64 


16 


B 


t. .1 


«4 


16 


6 


Solomon Sturges 


319 


3 


9 


" " 


39 


18 


« 


Francis D. Swords 


3 


3 


6 


i. .1 


.3 


3 


A 


John Wilson 


5 


4 





• 1 (. 


5 


4 





Hezekiah Sturges 


5;J2 


8 


3 


(1 .> 


200 


9 


*H 


Henry .Mead 


105 


4 


a 


Isaac Bronson 


64 


16 


(1 


John .Hesnard. .Ir. 










6 


II 





James Moe 








(1 <i 


32 


I) 


o 


Henry Marshall 








i( ti 


:» 


12 





Angus McCall 








•1 II 


13 


2 


7 



£ s. d. I £ 

Elkana Mead | " " 

John Mysuard I ** " 

Theophilus Peck, Jr " 

Soli>mon Purdy " *' 

James Phillips '* " 

Thomas Rich i " " 

Jonathan Raynolds ' " " 

Oliver Fairchild I " " 

John Parrott " *' 

Thos. H. Wakeman 239 6 10 ] " 

Thomas Fitch s heirs 415 3 i Ebenezer Jesup 
Hannah Fitch's heirs 141 2 7 •' " 

Stephen and Hooker 

St , John 31 1 6 1 " 

Fountain Smith 158 18 10 " " 

Mathew Benedict, Jr. 218 7 4 " " 

Samuel Benedict, Jr. 7 16 8 " " 

Nathaniel Benedict 4 10 8 " 

Phillip Corbon 10 14 5 " " 

Josepii Gun 4 8 8 " '* 

Benj. Hitchcock 9 14 4 " 

Alexander Stewart 5 17 4 ** " 

Nath'l Taylor, 'id 15 5 " " 

Mathew Taylor 'Xi 19 6 

Preserved Wood 3 9 4 i " " 

Elijah Wood 3 7 i 

-Matthew Willis 3 4 4 1 " " 

-Matthew Benedict 176 16 5 
Daniel Hickok B 4 3 

Ebenezer Havtt 76 15 6 " " 

Daniel Haytt 9 6 | " 

Footing of Classiflcation No. 3, £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Sectiox 4. 



d> 



7 


10 





14 








50 


6 


4 


Si 


18 


9 


20 








45 


15 


y 


18 








8 


10 


8 


86 


9 


8 


17 


13 


9« 


Jr. 6 


19 


Wl 


13 


8 


8 


4 








103 


15 


10 


60 








7 


18 


« 


4 


10 


8 


7 








} 


10 
10 






4 

















12 








3 








2 








3 


9 


4 




16 





3 








76 


15 


B 


6 


9 


■IIM 



Original Grantees. 


All 


't Loss. 


Classified by. 


.,4 m 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


rf. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Daniel Haytt or Da 
















vid Haytt 


9 





6 


Ebenezer Jesup, Jr 


. a 


10 


6^4 


Ebenezer Jesup, two 
















rights 


286 





9 


" " 


286 





9 


Jabez Hubbel 


32 


16 


9 




17 


17 


3 


Enock Benedict 


84 


I 


8 


t< II 


29 


13 


'4 


Hezekiah Sturges 


532 


8 


3 


Joseph Wakeman 


36 


3 


Ehjah .A.bel 


V19 


4 


4 


" '• 


46V 


19 


6 


Thos. H. Wakeman 


239 


B 


10 


Isaac Bronson 


221 


13 


OU 


John Perry 


6 


17 







6 


17 





Aaron Jennings 


100 








" " 


100 








Nathan Beers 


145 


1 





" 


175 


12 


7 



Footing of Clsiiflcation No. 4. £1,344 



NAME. 



Tlie name of the town.ship was originally Je.suji, 
after Ebenezer Jesup, one of the original proprietors 
of its soil. From some dislike of the gentleman, the 
name was subsei|uently, at a meeting by the inhabi- 
tants, changed to Florence. 

PHYSICAL FEATL'KES. 

The surface of the town.ship is generally rolling. 
The soil is a sandy loam, with a more clayey soil in 
some portions. Sandstone underlies a considerable por- 
tion of the township, and several quarries have tieen 
opened. The King quarry, on lot numl)er three, in 
the third section, and one on the Vermillion, in tiie 
first section, are the only quarries now worked to any 
extent. The former is owned by Joseph King, and 
was opened some thirty years ago. Grindstone were 
formerly (|iiito e.xtensively made from this quarry. 
The principal varieties of native timber were white- 
wood, white oak, hickory, black walnut, chest nut, 
beech, maple, cherry, ash and basswood. 

The principal stream is the Vermillion river, wiiieli 
lieads in a little lake of the same mime in Ashland 



44G 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



county. The origin of the name is not known, but 
it is thought by some to have been derived from a 
red claj' found in many places along the banks of the 
river. The stream flows through the eastern part of 
tlie township, its general course being north, and 
empties into Lake Erie. La Chapelle creek, the only 
other water course in the township worthy of men- 
tion, rises in Townsend, and, entering Florence from 
Wakeman about a mile and a i[uarter east of the west 
town line, flows through the west part of the town- 
ship, and finally into Lake Erie. 

UAME. 

For a number of years after the arrival of the first 
settler in Florence, deer, wolves, wild turkeys, and 
smaller game too numerous to specify, were found in 
great abundance. Bears, though not infrequently 
seen, wei^ not so numerous as in more marshy town- 
ships. The honor of killing the first bear naturally 
fell to Richard Brewer and Christopher Shaeifer, two 
of the best shots in the county. Shaeifer was out 
with his gun one evening, when a bear suddenly loped 
across his path a short distance in front of him. Just 
as he raised his rifle to fire, a little snow dropped 
from the branch of a small tree above him upon tlie 
barrel of his gun, obscuring the sight, and the bear 
got awav. The next morning lie obtained the assist- 
ance of Brewer, and with two good dogs tliey tracked 
the bear into Berlin, where they found iiiiu in a marsh. 
The bear ran to a big, which lie had no sooner reached 
than Brewer fired, lint only wounding, not killing. 
him. The report of the gun was the signal for the 
onset of the dogs. They seized the animal as he tried 
to escape, but were being badly worsted in the en- 
counter, when Brewer gralibed tlie bear liy the fur 
and plunged a hatchet into his head. He released 
the dogs, rose upon his hind legs, gave one piercing 
howl, and fell over on his back dead. The bear was 
an unusually large one, the flesh on his sides, it is 
said, measuring six inches. Shaeifer subse(|uently 
killed a bear in Florence, the only one ever killed in 
the township. He lias probably killed more deer 
than any man in the county, often following them by 
day and by night. He killed by actual count one 
thousand deer, after which he kept no record. The 
last year that he hunted, and when deer were less 
numerous than formerly, he sliot seventy. One 
method of his hunt at night was to fix up a torch of 
some kind which would attract the deer within range 
of his gun. 

SETTI.ICMEXT. 

The first family that settled in tlu' township was 
that of Ezra Sprague. .Mr. Spragne was born in Al- 
ford, Berkshire county, .Massachusetts, March 37, 
1785, and emigrated to Ohio in 1807. Tiie same year 
he married Harriet A. Griswold, of Windsor town- 
shi)>, Aslitaliula county, and resided in the vicinity of 
Grand River until thesijringof 1800, when, with his 
wife and one child, he came to this township. He 



settled where his daughter, Laura, now lives on lot 
number thirty-eight in the fourth section, and resided 
on his original location until his death. He died 
January 6, 1856. Mr. Sprague was a man of strong 
traits of cliaracter. He was the first justice of the 
peace in the township, and afterwards held the posi- 
tion of associate Judge of Common Pleas for fourteen 
years. In the early years of his oificial duties he rode 
to court on horseback with a blanket doubled up for 
a saddle and strips of basswood for ptirrups. 

Mrs. Sprague died January 2.3, 185.3, aged seventy- 
one. They had a family of seven children, only two 
of whom are living, viz: Mrs. H. F. Merry at San- 
dusky City, and Laura Sprague in this township on 
the old homestead. The sons, Simon H. and Solo- 
mon G. Sprague, were well known residents of this 
township for many years. The former was the oldest 
of the family, and was born prior to their settlement 
in Florence. He died January 17, 18T4. His widow 
still resides in the township. Solomon G. Sprague 
was born May 0, 1816, married Mary Collins Decem- 
ber 15, 1857, and died Jaimary 27, 187C. His family 
still reside in Florence. 

In July, 1809, Eli S. Barnum and his sister, Rachel, 
Rufus Judsoii and family, Charles Betts and Jose])h 
Parsons, arrived from Danbury, Connecticut. Bar- 
num located on the southwest corner of what is now 
called Florence Corners, and was tlie first settler at 
that ]ilace. He subse(|iiently married iliss Root, tlien 
of Henrietta, sister of Mrs. Calvin Leonard. He 
was tlie jiroprietor's agent for tiie sale of the lands of 
tjiis towushij), and was a justice of the jieace and 
postmaster at Florence Corners for many years. He 
finally removed to Cleveland, where he ilied.^ 

Rufus Judson, afti'r a residence for a few years near 
Florence Corners, moved to the lake shore, as did 
also Judge Meeker, who, for a short time, lived in 
Florence. Charles Betts took up liis abode in the 
soutii part of the township, where he lived alone for 
many years, being a bachelor. His brothei, Isaac, 
finally came out, and occujiied tlie house with him. 
One day, while Charles wa- sitting at the table, eating 
his meal, Isaac, im|ielled by a desire to secure his 
property, struck him upon the head with tlii' shar]) 
edge of a post ax, cutting through his skull, and kill- 
ing him instantly. He then concealed the body under 
the barn, where it was, a short time after, discovered. 
The murderer was sent to the penitentiary, and died 
there. 

Joseph Parsons settled a short distance west of 
Ezra Sprague, afterwards called Sprague's corners. 
He kept liachelor's hall there a number of years. His 
wife could not be induced to exchange the old home 
for a life in the woods of Florence, and she always 
remained in Connecticut. His son subseijuently 
came out with his family, and occujiied the house 
with his father a number of years, when they all re- 
moved to the lake shore. 

In 1810, John Brooks, Sr. , Josejih Sears and 
Jeremiah Wilson, and their families, were added. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



447 



Mr. Brooks located at Sprague's corners, on lot 
thii'ty-seven. He was a soldier in tlie Revolution, 
and was in several im[iortant enrragenients, amongst 
others those of White Plains and Muninouth, and 
was twice wounded. He died at the age of ninety- 
one. His sou. John Brooks, Jr., married Adeline 
Squire, and settled a short distance south of Florence 
corners, on the east side of the road. They are both 
deceased, and the last of the family moved to Kansas 
a short time since. Joseph Brooks, another son, 
married a daughter of Eli S. Bariuun, and settled 
across the road from his brother John. 

In 1811. Town Clark with his widowed mother, 
with several younger children, and George Brooks, 
her son-in-law, and his family of wife and child, 
moved in from Onondaga county. New York. The 
Clark family bought and settled where ilrs. Solomon 
G. Sprague resides. Seven years after, Mrs. Clark 
married a Mr. Downing, and removed to Michigan. 
Mrs. John Hill, aged seventy-six, is the only member 
of the family now living in the township. George 
Brooks settled in the south part of the township. 
In 1836, he removed to Micliigan, and afterwards 
started fo'r California and died on the way. 

These were the only inhabitants of the township 
until after the war. They were among the earliest 
settlers of the Fire-lands, and their situation was one 
i)i complete isolation, shut oif by woods from neigh- 
l)ors in every direction. To obtain their grinding, 
they had to travel on foot through an unbroken forest 
to Newburgh, near Cleveland. Ezra Sprague, when 
making such a journey, on one occasion lost his way 
near where Elyria now is, and lay out in a storm all 
night. He had been sick with ague for some time 
previous, but, it is said, after the drenching he re- 
ceived that night he never suffered another shake. 

Although the pioneers of Florence never suti'ered 
for provisions to the endangerment of life, yet they 
were compelled to live in the simplest manner, 
(irated or "jointed" corn, potatoes and milk consti- 
tuted the only articles of food thuy had for weeks at a 
I time. A wild onion givw aliundantly on the river 
bottoms, ;ind other wild but hardly edible vegetables 
were frequfntly gatiiered. and gave, at least, variety 
to the meal. All kinds df provisions were high dur- 
ing the early years of scttleiuuut of the township, and 
they could not be procured short of Huron or San- 
dusky. Pork sold for twenty dollars per barrel, tlour 
for sixteen dollars, tea two dollars and fifty cents per 
pound, and salt ten dollars per barrel. Joab Si[uire 
once carried two hundred pounds of nuiple sugar to 
Sandusky, wiiich he exchanged for two barrels of 
salt, the triji rei|uiring three days. At another time 
he went to Huron and bought twenty-five pounds of 
bacon at twenty-five cents per pound, and luggeii it 
home on his back. 

There v.as scarcely any money in circulation, and 
exchanges were made principally in the products of 
the soil. The first specie currency which circulated 
amonir the settlers of Florence, was what was called 



"cut money." A silver dollar was cut into ten or 
twelve pieces and passed for shillings, a kind of in- 
flation that was popular with all. The first paper 
money which the settlers were unfortunate enough to 
possess, was the notes of the Owl Creek bank, in the 
denominations of six and a fourth, twelve and a half, 
thirty-seven and a half, and fifty cents. The bank 
was of the wildcat description, and soon collapsed. 

Perhaps the greatest hardship endured by the first 
settlers was in the matter of necessary clothing. 
Common factory cloth was worth fifty cents a yard, 
for which one bushel of wheat was usually exchanged. 
Home-made woolen cloth was four dollars per yard. 
Flax was raised, and summer clothing manufactured, 
but suitable material for winter wear was not so easily- 
provided, sheep being difficult to raise in the new 
country. The masculine portion of the inhabitants 
depended almost entirely on buckskin for clothing 
material, and although it answered very well the pur- 
pose of wear and tear in the woods, it was anything 
but comfortable to the Avearer. After a wetting and 
drying, the garments would be as stiff as if made of 
sheet-iron. 

During the progress of the war the inhabitants 
lived in almost constant fear of Indian massacre. 
1811, the settlers joined in the erection of a block 
house, just north of the present residence of Mrs. 
Solomon Sprague. It was used as_ a dwelling by Mrs. 
Clark and her family, Init was the fortress to which 
the inhabitants lied for safety in the hour of danger. 
Whenever a report of the approach of Indians reached 
the settlement, the settlers would remove their fami- 
lies to the block-house, and they would all remain 
there for days at a time. On one occasion, while a 
man was going with his family to the fort, a circum- 
stance occurred, which creited the greatest excite- 
ment. A young man, with a gun, was sent some 
distance ahead of his family to keep a look-out for 
Indians. When within half a mile of the block- 
house, the report of a gun was heard, and the young 
man came running back with the intelligence that he 
had seen two Indians, one of whom shot at him, at 
the same time showing a bullet-hole in his coat. The 
alarm spread rapidly, and all the inhabitants collected 
at the block-house, and made every prei)aration tiiey 
could for an attack which, they expected, would be 
made that night. The women and children were sent 
into the room above while the men with guns, jiitclr 
forks and clubs, awaited below the expected assault. 
During the night the alarm was given by the occu. 
pants of the second story that Indians with fire-brands 
were approaching in tiie direction of a small building 
that stood near the house with the evident intent of 
setting it on fire, which would communicate it to tiie 
fortifie<l building. Thus amidst the greatest excite- 
ment tiiey spent the night, no one in the house show- 
ing any disposition to sleep, except the individual 
whose coat had been pierced with a bullet the evening 
before, which fact was regarded as significant, and no 
savages appeared. As the morning dawned, the fact 



448 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



also began to dawn upon their minds that they were 
the victims of a cruel hoax, and that the said indivi- 
dual liad shot the bullet through his coat to give the 
appearance of credibility to his story. This sus- 
picion proved to be correct, but what punishment, if 
any, was inflicted upon the otfender we are unable to 
record. The alarm of Indians carrying fire-brands 
grew out of the fact that sparks and cinders were 
carried by the wind in the direction of the block- 
house from a burning log heap. When the surrender 
of Detroit occurred, the settlers removed their fami- 
lies to Cleveland. The men remained in the town- 
ship, all working together, with their guns close by, on 
a single farm to be the better prepared for any attack 
that might be made, while one of their number was 
stationed as a sentinel to watch the approach of 
danger. But the enemy had not tlie temerity to come 
within range of their guns. 

After the close of the war, the township settled 
more rapidly. One of the first families that moved in 
was that of Lambert Shaeffer, formerly from Scho- 
harie county, New York. He came to Ohio in 1812, 
stopping at Painesville, where he carried on black- 
smithing until the war was over, when he removed to 
this township, arriving in February, 1815. He set- 
tled on the Vermillion, in the first section, where Mr. 
Graves now lives. He moved into a cabin which 
stood on his purchase and formerly occupied by Jere- 
miah Wilson, who left at the lireaking out of the war. 
Shaeffer died at the home of his son Christopher, in 
this township, about twenty-six years ago, his wife 
previously. They had seven children, one of whom 
died in the east. Three are yet living, viz: Mrs. Rich- 
ard Brewer and Christopher Shaeffer in this town 
ship, and Elias in Illinois. 

William Blackman moved in about this time. He 
was originally from Connecticut, but removed to To- 
wanda creek. New York, in 1803, and, before the war, 
settled near Buffalo, wliich he saw burned bv the Brit- 
ish. After his arrival with his family in this township, 
he lived for a year in the block-house with widow Clark 
and family. He then purchased and settled in the 
third section, on what is now known as the Mason 
place, but afterwards changed his location to the Ver- 
million, ill the first section, where, in connection 
witii Harley Mason, lie established a saw-mill. Meet- 
ing with some reverses, he went to New London, and, 
later, to Indiana. He finally returned to Florence, 
and died at tlie house of his daughter, Mrs. Deiinian. 

One of tiie prominent jiioneers of Florence and a 
resident of the township for fifty-two years was Joab 
Squire. Mr. Squire was born in Fairfield county, 
Connecticut, November 2, 1777. In 1799 he married 
Mary Buckley, and in 1815 emigrated to the West. 
During the most of this time his life was upon the 
sea. For several years he commanded a vessel of 
wliich he was the owner, engaged in the coasting trade 
from Boston, Massachusetts, to Charleston, South 
Carolina. Once, while jiassiiig around C;ipe Cod, liis 
vessel was wrecked in a storm, on Nantucket Siioals, 



and Captain Squire and his wife narrowly escaped 
drowning. The loss of his vessel was a serious re- 
verse to him, but he secured an interest in another 
and continued on the sea until the war commenced. 
In April, 1815, he started with his family for this 
township, where he had previously purchased a tract 
of land. After a tedious journey, most of the way by 
water, he arrived at Cleveland in July, 1815, which 
was then a place of a few small buildings, giving lit- 
tle promise of the splendid city it has since become. 
He came from Cleveland by lake to the mouth of the 
Vermillion, and thence by land to this townshiji. He 
settled on lot number twenty-nine in the fourtli sec- 
tion, where he resided until his death. When he ar- 
rived here his family consisted of his wife and nine 
children, the youngest less than a year old. Babies 
had to be rocked then as now, and having no cradle, 
Mrs. Squire rocked hers in a sap trougli. Mr. Squire 
was twice married and was the father of sixteen child- 
ren, all but one of whom lived to adult age. He died 
March 31, 1867. and was buried in tlie family burying 
ground on the old homestead. Five of the cliildren 
survive, as follows: Mrs. William Tillinghast, former- 
ly of Berlin, now of Toledo: Julius, in Ottawa coun- 
ty; Julia (a twin sister of Julius), now wife of Ed- 
win A. Denton, of Florence; Joab, a practicing phy- 
sician at East Toledo; and Benjamin B., in Wakeman. 

During the year 181G several accessions were made 
to the settlement. One of these was Daniel Chandler, 
who came in from Orange county. New York. He 
was then unmarried, but in October, 1818, he married 
Sally Summers, daughter of Mark Summers, who 
settled in Vermillion the year previous. After his 
marriage, Mr. Chandler settled down where his widow, 
still resides, half a mile west of Birmingham. He 
died there, October 21, 1869, aged sev'enty-eiglit. 
Mrs. Chandler is now eighty-one. They liad thirteen 
children, ten of whom are living. 

Jonathan Bryant, the same year, settled in the 
second section, a sliort distance south of the Harrison 
burying-ground. He soon after moved to Birming- 
ham, and resided there the remainder of his life. 
Mr. Bryant was, for many years, a justice of the peace 
of this township. 

John Denman, .a native of England, came to 
Florence from Sullivan county. New York, in 1816. 
making the journey afoot, with his knapsack on his 
back. Three years afterward, he married Marinda 
Blackman, and settled on lot number seventy-cigiit, 
in the first section, erecting his cabin where the apple 
orchard now is, southeast of the present frame liouse. 

That orchard he planted from seed that lie brought 
from the East in his knapsack. Mr. Denman died on 
liis original location, March 23, 1878, within two days 
of eighty-seven years of age. Mrs. Dennnin still 
occui)ies tiie old homestead, aged seventy-six. They 
had a family of fifteen children, who lived to mature 
age, and were married'. Twelve are now living. 

In the .same year, Harley Mason, and his brother 
Chauncey, with a one-horse wagon and a few tools. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



449 



<-ame in. Hurley was a millwright, alid had started 
for Ciiicinnari to obtain work at his trade. When he 
got to Florence, he found William Blackmail engaged 
in the erection of a saw mill mi the Vermillion, and 
he went in |iartiier.-liii> with him. .\fter the mill was 
built, he traded his interest in it to Blaeknian, for 
the farm now occupied by Hiram Smith. l>ecember 
29, 181 K. he married Susan t'ahoriii. daughter of 
Wither C'aliooii. a pioneer of the township of Avon, 
Lorain county. Mr. Mason was one of the active 
business men of the township. He was much engaged 
in milling, and was also a large owner of land. He 
died in February, 1851. His widow still survives, 
and lives with a son, a short distance north of the 
place on which her husband first located. Tliere 
were twelve children, five of whom are living, viz.: 
Wilber T., Norman and Lodema, wife of John Foyer, 
in this township : Charles, in Clyde, Ohio; and 
Huldah (Mrs, John Marsh), in Iowa. 

Chauncey Mason, who came m with his brother, 
Harley, lived on rented land for a number of years, 
and then removed to Michigan. 

Ill the fall (if 181(i. Huweii Case came to Florence, 
from Auburn, New York, with Aaron Parsons and 
family. Parsons settled where Jol) Fish now lives. 
He finally moved to Wakenian, and his widow now 
resides there. Mr. Case married, December 2o, 1829, 
Amanda Brumdadge, of Vermillion, and settled half 
a mile north of Florence corners. He resided there 
until twelve years ago, when he moved to the corners, 
where he has since resided. He is now aged seventy- 
four, and is living with his second wife. 

Tiie first settlers at Birmingham, formerly called 
Mecca, were Perez Starr and Uriah Hawley, who 
settled there in I^^IO. Starr came fruiii Portage 
county, and his brothers, William. Jared and Dudley, 
came in about the same time. Hiram, a son of Perez 
Starr, occupies the place on which his father settled. 
Hawley located on the ])lace now occupied by Charles 
Bristol. He subsec[neutly moved to Brownhelm, and 
fiaally to Iowa, where he died. Starr and Hawley 
were both active business men, and some of their 
enterprises are elsewhere mentioned. 

Isaac and John Furman and their families came 
into the township in 181T. The former settled a 
siiort distance east of Sprague's corners, and always 
lived there afterwards. John settled on the river, but 
finally moved to Richland county. 

In the fall of the same year, Richard Brewer and 
his brother Peter, and his family, moved in from 
Delaware county. New York. Peter Brewer located 
where widow Harrison now lives. Richard married 
Nancy Shaeifer,, daughter of Lambert Shaeffer, and 
liegan pioneer life on the hill just north of his brother. 
He now lives west of Birmingham, on the road to 
Florence corners, aged ninety years — one of the oldest 
residents of the township. 

A.saliel Parker and family settled near where Mrs. 
James Wood now lives, in the year 1818. He died. 

57 



many years ago, and his son William W., residing in 
Florence, is the only survivor of the family. 

In the summer of 1818 William Carter and family 
moved in from New York and settled at the '"forks 
of the river," above Birminghain. He died there in 
1853. 

Jedediah Higgins and .several sons and their fami- 
lies came into the township in 1819 and settled in t he 
same locality. Aaron Higgins established a tannery 
there at an early date, but subsei|uently moved it 
down the river to Birmingham, where he afterwards 
erected a large frame building and carried on shoe 
making in connection with his other business. The 
works were finally destroyed by fire. 

Chester King and family emigrated to Florence 
from Hartford, Connecticut, in 1819, the journev, 
which was made with a horse team and wagon, con- 
suming six weeks. Mr. King first settled on the 
present location of the Mason family burying ground. 
A few years afterwards he changed his location to 
Cliapelle creek, where he subsequently had a saw mill 
for a number of years. He soon after moved to tiie 
place now occupied by his son, Joseph King, and 
there spent the remainder of his days. In the early 
years of his settlement -Mr. King was much of the 
time at work in his mill, and often remained at work 
there until late into tiie night. Once, when returning 
home with a jhece of venison, he was pursued by a 
pack of wolves, the hungry animals crowding so 
closely upon his footsteps that he was com])elled to 
abandon his meat and run for dear life for his home. 
Mr. King was liorn in Hartford county, C'Dnnecticut, 
in 1TS4. He married Jemima Smith, of Lyme, Con- 
necticut, and was the father of seven cliildren. He 
died in Florence in March, 18'Jl, and his wife in Feb- 
ruary, 1854. Four of the children are now living, as 
follows: Chester C, in Vermillion; Hiram, at Hills- 
dale, Michigan; Rosanna E., married John E. Fuller 
(deceased), and resides at Norwalk: Joseph, living in 
Florence on the old homestead, married January 1, 
1850, Melona Masters, of Berlin. They have two 
children living and one deceased. 

In 182-1, Jacob Shoff came int'^ the townshi]) from 
Guildhall, A'ermout. January, 1829, he married (his 
first wife having died in \\'rmoiU) Sally Haise, whose 
father, John Haise, settled, about the year 1826, a 
mile north of P'lorence corners. Jlr. Shoff settled on 
the farm adjoining that of his father-in-law on the 
north, where Jeremiah Baker now lives. He resided 
here until about thirty years ago, when he moved a 
little west of Birmingham, where he lived until his 
death. May 9, 1859, Mrs. Shoff survives, aged 
seventy-two. There were five children, four of whom 
are living, and three in this townshij). Horatio N. 
Shot! is tlie proprietor of the Sliolf House, on the old 
Russell stand, in Birmingham. He erected the build- 
ing in 1872, the former building oecujiying the same 
site, having burned down the fall before. 

George W. Clary has resided in this township for 
nearly forty years. His father. Colonel Klihu Clary, 



450 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



wa.s among the earliest pioneers; of tlie Fire-lands, 
being the first settler of Peru township, Huron 
county. Mr. Clary was married to Eliza Chandler in 
1844, and resides a mile south of Birmingham. 

John Hill, a native of England, emigrated to the 
United States in 1810. He resided in Cayuga county, 
New York, until 1834. when he removed to Florence, 
having, the year before, purchased a farm on lot 
forty-eight in the fourth section. He died on this 
place March 5, 1879. His first wife died in 1842, 
and he subsequently married the widow of Henry 
Bishop, formerly Miss Clark, whose widowed mother 
came to Florence in 1811. 

Silas Wood was a resident of the township for a 
number of years, and was prominently identified with 
its industrial interests. He came to Ohio from Penn- 
sylvania, with his parents, in 1824, who settled in 
Greenfield, Huron county. He soon after began work 
for Seba Mather, who was, at that time, operating a 
fulling factory, on Huron river, east of Greenfield 
Center. 'Mr. Wood continued in his employ until he 
was twenty-one years of age. He then entered into 
the employ of Hawley & Whittlesey, proprietors of a 
clotliing factory at Terryville, and a year afterwards 
became a partner. Tliat wm in the fall of 1826. In 
1827, he married Hannah Ennes, whose parents had 
come to Birmingham a few years previous. After 
continuing in the clothing factory some six years, he 
sold and removed to Berlin, where he lived on a 
farm for a year, and then purchased and settled in 
Henrietta, on the Calvin Leonard farm, where he 
resided about twenty years. He then took up his 
residence at Birmingham, where, the year before, he* 
had estal)lished a store in connection with L. S. 
Griggs. He soon after erected the present stone 
grist mill at Birmingham, and subsequently the saw 
mill, having previously disposed of liis store. A year 
or two after the completion of the mill, he sold a half 
interest to Hiram Arnold, and a few years later the 
rest to a Mr. Bartlett. He then i-e-engaged in trade 
at Birmingham, in which he continued until his death. 
He died suddenly, with goods in his hands, October 
30, LSCC. Mrs. Wood died on the 22d of November,. 
1873. 

Mr. Wood was a man of great energy of character, 
and acquired a fine property. He was the father of 
five children, four of whom are living, viz: Mrs. 
Althida .Vrnold and (JeorgeS. Wood, at Birmingham, 
and ilrs. Hannah A. Kline and Mrs. Sarah A. Strauss, 
at Oberlin. 

David L. Hill settled where he now lives, (lot num- 
ber eleven, section three), in 1832. The country was 
still (|nite new in that quarter, and lie iiad nothing to 
begin with in the woods but his ax. He has labored 
hard all liis life, and his industry and economy have 
been rewarded by the acquirement nf a fine property. 
He was born July 22. 17!»1, and was a soldier in the 
war of 1812. His first wife died December 18, 1875, 
and he married for his second wife, December 31, 
]877, Mrs. Hall, widow of Aaron Hall, with whom 



lie is now livfng. Mr. Hill is the father of eight, 
children, three of whom are living. 

KARI.Y EV?:XTS. 

Caroline, daughter of Ezra Sprague, was the first 

white child born in the township. The date of her 

j birth was May 13, 1810. She became the wife of H. 

F. Merry, of Sandusky City, (now deceased). Mrs. 

Merry is now living with a daughter at Sandasky. 

The first marriage was that of Thomas Starr and 
Clementina Clark. They were married in the spring 
of 1814. by Esquire Abijah Comstock. The ceremony 
took place at the residence of the bride's mother, in 
the old block-house. It is said that every body in the 
tow'nshij) attended, and the house was not crou'ded 
either. The next couple married was John Brooks, 
Jr., and Adaline Squire. They were married bv Rev. 
Nathan Smith, the first minister in the place. The 
date of the marriage the writer is unable to state, but 
it probably occurred in 1815 or 1816. 

The first person that died in the township, wa-: tlie 
mother of Judge Meeker, the date of which is not 
known. She was buried on the banks of the La 
Chapelle. The second death was that of Sally Brooks, 
daugliter of John Brooks, Sr. She died in 1813. 

The first burying ground was on Uriah Hawley's 
land, a short distance south of his house, where he 
buried his wife, September 18, 1818. Ten or fifteen 
persons were subsequently buried there, but as there 
was no road leading to the ground, the present burying 
place was selected, and the bodies removed there, from 
the old burying ground, in 1825. 

A man by the name of Wolverton started the first 
blacksmith shop, which was of rather a unique char- 
acter. He had his anvil on a stump, and rigged his 
bellows up between two trees. He frequently changed 
his location, so that, it is said, his shop was co-exten- 
sive with the township. A traveler passing along one 
day, lost a shoe from his horse's foot, and ini|uired of 
a man he met if there was a blacksmith shop near by. 
" Yes," w-as the reply, "you are are in it now. but it 
IS three miles to the anvil." Wolverton also ojiened 
at Florence corners the first public house. He was 
succeeded, a short time afterwards, by J. Baker, who 
kept a tavern at the corners for many years. He 
built the large framed building there, on the southeast 
corner, which he formerly kept as a tavern, now 
occupied as a dwelling by his son. At Birmingnam, 
Charles L. Russell kept hotel, where the Shotf House 
now stands, for many years. 

EARLY SCHOOLS. 

The first school house was built at Sprague's Corn- 
ers on land owned by John Brooks. Sr., lot number 
thirty-seven, section four. Thefirst teacher was Ruth 
Squire, daughter of Joab Squire, and afterw-ards wife 
of Erastus French, of Wakeman. The school derived 
its support from the ]iarents of the scholars, who paid 
in proportion to the number sent. The school l)Ouse 
was subsef|uently taken down, and rebuilt on the 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



451 



south side of tlie ro.id. Adaline Squire, a sister of 
Rutli. who afterwai'd.-; became the wife of Jolin 
Brooks, Jr., wa?; also one of tlie earliest teachers. 

The secouil school house built iu tlie township was 
located half a mile west of Birmingham, and Rhoda 
Root kept the tirst school in it. Her practice of 
0])ening the school with prayer was the cause of some 
displeasure to a certain individual, and a school meet- 
his was held on one occasion, to consider his srriev- 
auce, which resulted iu the teacher being sustained. 
A few }-ears after, a school house was erected in the 
village of Birmingham. 

('Hl"K(_HES. 

The earliest religious meetings were held at the 
house of Eli S. Barnum. at Florence C'orners, at 
which itinerant iireachers otficiated. 

The fii'st religious society organized was of the Con- 
gregational order. The meeting was held at the house 
of Mr. Barnum, a missionary by the name of Loomis 
officiating on the occasion. The society included 
members from this township. Vermillii>n. Wakemau, 
and Clarkstield. The present Congregational church 
at Florence corners was organized .January 7, 1833, 
by a committee of the presbytery of Haran. consist- 
ing of J. B. Bradstreet. Xenophon Betts, and Samuel 
Dunton. The following are the names of the mem- 
bers who joined at the time of the organization: 
Charles Whittlesey and wife, David Shaver and wife, 
Simeon Crane and wife. Uriah Hawley, Mrs. Marv 
A. Baker. Mrs. Tryphena Leonard, Mrs. Ruth Hiues, 
Mrs. ilary Barnum, Mrs. Sarali M. Dunton, Mrs. 
Alice Olds, Mrs. Hannah Haise, Mrs. Betsey Thomp- 
son, Joiin Phillips and wife. Uriah Hawley was 
chosen clerk. 

The church building was completed in 184"-.', cost- 
ing two thousand and twelve dollars, the lot for which 
was donated by Jessup Wakeman. The church for 
several years after its organization was supplied by 
preachei's from neighboring towns. The tirst regular 
pastor was the Rev. Eldad Barber, who was called 
October lU, lS4-.i. He officiated as pastor of the 
church for nearly thirty years, and his labors ended 
only with his death, in the spring of 1871. He was 
followed by Hubbard Lawrence, who continued until 
April, 1878. Rev. Mr. Hale then preached for the 
church until August of the same year, since when 
Rev. Mr. Wright has officiated as j^astor. The pres- 
ent memi^ership of the church is fourteen. Thomas 
A. McGregor is church clerk. 

The First Congregational church, iu Birmingham, 
was originally of the Presbyterian order, and was or- 
ganized in the year 18.38, by a committee consisting of 
Pliilo Wells and Mr. Xenophon Betts, of ^'ermillion, 
and Joseph Swift, of Henrietta. The members were: 
Pliilo Wells and wife, Calvin Leonard and wife, 
Joseph Swift and wife; Xeiiodhon Betts and wife, and 
a few others whose names are not rememliered. In 
February, 1845, the church, Ijy amendment of its 
charter, adopted the congregational form, but con- 



tinued under the care of the presbytery until Jan- 
uary, 1874. wlieu it withdrew therefrom. Eldad 
Barlier was jirobably the first preacher. Rev. Good- 
ell and Carlisle preached at a later date, after which 
Mr. Barber again officiated. The last pastor was Rev. 
C. C. Creegan, of Wakeman. The membership at 
present is about twenty-tive. Charles Graves is clerk 
and A. Lawrence, deacon. The society do not hold 
regular services at present, and their building is occu- 
pied by the Methodist Episcopal society. Rev. Mr. 
Royce officiating once in two weeks. The Sabbath 
school numbers aliout sixty scholars. David Leonard 
is superintendent. 

The Methodists held meetings at the old log school 
house, one mile south of Florence corners as early as 
1816 or 1817, at which Rev. Nathan Smith, the first 
preacher in the township, usually officiated. There 
are now two societies of this denomination in the 
township, one at Florence corners and another at 
Birmingham. The writer is unable to give the facts 
of their organization, although applying personally 
to nuiny who were supposed to be able to furnish the 
necessary information. And a letter, with postage 
enclosed, addressed to the tiastor of the church at 
Florence corners, who is said to have the early records 
of both churches, fails to elicit the courtesy of an an- 
swer. 

A Baptist church was organized in 1818, at the 
house of Luther Norris, by John Rigdon, a minister 
from Richland county, and their meetings were held 
alternately at tin; house of Mr. Norris and at Florence 
corners. About the same time, a Baptist society was 
formed in Henrietta, Lorain county, where meetings 
were held in the school house about a mile east of 
Birmingham, and the Baptists in Florence subse- 
(pieutly united there. In July, 1837, by resolution 
of the church in Henrietta, a branch was organized 
at Birmingham, consisting of the following members: 
James and Catharine Daly, Henry and Mary Howe, 
John and Aim Blair, Richard and Catharine Laugh- 
ton and Hannah Brown, and the society was called 
the ••Henrietta and Birmingham Baptist Church." 
In yiay, 184(>. the branch at Binuingliani organized 
iudependently. 

The Disciples church at Birmingham, was organ- 
ized in 1845, with about forty members. It continued 
prosperous, under the labors of able men, the mem- 
bership increasing to aljout seventy, when Sidney 
Rigdon, one of its preachers, emljraced the doctrine of 
Mormonism, and drew off about one-half of the 
church. A house of worship was erected the same 
year, in which the society was organized, costing 
about twelve hundred dollars. '.Vlniou Andress. now 
of Birmingham, was the first elder of the church, and 
has continue<3 as such for nearly fifty years. Jonathan 
Bryant officiated in the .same capacity for some time, 
and Silas Wood was deacon. N^o regular services 
have been held for some time. 

The Evangelical church, in the the first section, was 
formed about twenty years ago, at the scliool house 



452 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



just east of Mr. Clary's, with a membership of aLout 
tweutj'. In 18G6, the present house of worship, on 
the county line, was erected, and cost about nine 
hundred dollars. The membership at present num- 
bers about what it did originally. Rev. George Has- 
senflug is pastor. 

POST OFFICE. 

The first mail route througii the township extended 
from Cleveland to the old county seat on Huron river. 
The post office was at Florence corners, and Eli 8. 
Barnum was the first postmaster. He kept the office 
in his dwelling, and continued postmaster for many 
years. His successors have been William F. Perry, 
Jeremiah Baker, and George P. Baker who continues 
to hold the office. 

Cyrus Butler was the first postmaster at Birming- 
ham. G. W. Chandler is the present incumbent.- 

TOWXSHIP ORItAXIZATIOX. 

Florence was organized as an independent township 
April 7, l!^17. The first election for township officers 
was held at the log school house one mile south of 
Florence corners. Joab Sipiire was elected clerk; 
Eli S. Barnum, John Brooks, Sr., and Isaac Furmau, 
trustees; Ezra Sprague, Justice of the peace. The 
number of votes polled was seventeen. 

The township officers elected on April, 1879, are as 
follows: W. J. Rowland, clerk; E. B, Peck, George 
Taylor and A. B. Denman, trustees: John H. Poyer, 
treasurer; Charles A. Heale, assessor; H. G. Thoniii- 
sou and N. G. Taft, justices of the peace. 

MILLS AXU MAXIFACTIKES. 

In the summer of 1809, Almon Ruggles and his 
brother, in fulfillment of a contract with the propri- 
etors of the township, erected a grist mill on the 
Vermillion near the south town line. The mill was 
no sooner put in operation, than a sudden freshet 
swept mill, dam and everything before it. In 1811, 
the Messrs. Ruggles began the erection of another 
mill, on the La Chapelle. near the north line of the 
township, which was conipleted the next year. Tiie 
mill j)roved a great convenience to the settlers not only 
in this, but in adjoining and more distant townships, 
as no grinding could be obtained short of Newburg 
or Cold creek. The proprietors subsequently added 
a saw mill. A number of years afterwards, the mills 
were bought by Harley Mason, wiio also built another 
saw mill on the same stream, a short distance above. 
Tlie first saw mill in the townshij) was built by Eli 
8. Barnum, on the La Chapelle, in the summer of 
1810. On the same creek a saw mill was built, at an 
early date. I>y Job Smith. Smitli was an early settler 
in Berlin, but afterwards removed to Brownhelm. 
The mention of his name recalls the following story: 
He is said at one time to have purchased a stock of 
goods in New York, for wiiicii he agreed to pav the 
owner five hundred coon skins, "taken as they run," 
bv which tiie merchant natiirallv understood an aver- 



age lot. But it appears that Smith attached, in this 
instance, at least, a very different meaning to the 
phra.se. The skins not being delivered, the dealer 
came on to investigate the matter, and inquired of 
Smith when he would fulfill Ms contract. "Why," 
said Smith, "'you were to take them «*• they run; the 
woods are full of them, take them when you please I" 

The mill built by Smith, was afterwards owned and 
run for many years by Chester King. In 181 G, 
William Blackman erected a saw mill on the Ver- 
million, above the forks of the river, where the stone 
quarry now is. Before completing it, Harley Mason 
came in and purchased a half interest. Soon after it 
Avas finished. Mason sold his interest to Blackmail, 
receiving in exchange a farm of eighty acres, now 
occupied by Mr. Hiram Smith. This proved a for- 
tunate transaction for ilason, and equally unfortunate 
for Blackman, for shortly afterwards a freshet carried 
away the dam. mill and all, leaving the owner without 
a dollar in tlie world. He then removed to New 
London, where he bettered his fortunes. 

In 1816, Perez Starr, and his brother Dudley, 
erected a saw mill, and the next year a grist mill, on 
the Vermillion, on ui- near, the site of the present 
grist mill at Birmingham. Perez bought his brother 
out shortly afterwards, and carried on the business 
for a number of years, when they were bought out by 
Cyrus Butler, who operated them until his death. 
The next owner was Ahira Cobb, who sub.sequeutlv 
traded them, with other property, to a man of the 
name of Dunham, of Cleveland, for property in that 
city. The mills burned down while Dunham owned 
them, and the mill-seat was afterwards purchased by 
Silas Wood, who, at the time, owned a stone grist 
mill farther ui) the river, built by Wines & Walker. 
This he then took down and moved to Birmingham, 
and erected the present grist mill, having, the year 
previous, m 1854. built a saw mill there. These 
mills are now owned l)V G. H. Arnold. 

EARLY STORES. 

The first store in the township ap})ears to have 
been opened at Birmingham, Ijy Erastus Butler. In 
the county assessor's list of merchants and ti'aders. 
with their assessed capital, in Huron county, for the 
year 1826, he is the only trader mentioned for this 
township. The amount of his capital as given was 
eighteen hundred dollars. In 1828, liie name of Cyrus 
Butler ap])ears with only a capital of five hundred 
dollars. In 1829, Ferris & Wood, of Florence Cor- 
ners, were assessed on seven hundred and fifty dollars. 
In 1830, J. V. Vredenburg with six hundred dollars, 
J. L. V.'ood, six hundred dollars, and Charles P. 
Judson, seven hundred dollars, are mentioned. 

Cyrus Butler, a j>ionecr merchant of Florence, and 
at one time the owner of ihe old mills at Birming- 
ham, iiad, at one time, a forge, a short distance below 
the mills, and manufactured bar iron for a few years, 
the ore for which was ol>tained in ^'ermillion. The 
works finallv went off in a freshet. An ax factory 



IIISTOHV OF HURON AND EIJIK C'OU.X'l'IKS, OHIO. 



453 



was foniii'rly ean-ieil on tliere. for a slidrt time, bj' ii 
mail by the luinie of Pratt. 

Birmingliani, a.s we liavc seen, from tlie mention of 
.some of it.-s early eiiterpris^es, was once a place of con- 
siderable business activity. It had, among its busi- 
ness men, such men as Perez Starr, Ahira Cobb, 
Uriah Ilawley, Silas Wood and others, — men of great 
energy, business experience and property. The vil- 
lage neglected the opportunity, once presented, of 
securing a railroad and its glory has long since de- 
parted. And at Terryville, where once was he.ird the 
busy hum of industry, is now a collection of only a 
few old houses. 

Birmingham is now a place of some two iuindred 
and lifty inhabitants, with three churches, two school 
houses, one grist mill, one saw mill, one hotel, one 



drug and hardware store, one general store, one gro- 
cery, one millinery and fancy goods, one furniture 
shop, two blacksmith shops, one carriage shop, two 
wagon and repair shoj)s. one coopei shop, one cigar 
fiictory, one meat market, one tailor shop. 

At Florence Corners there are two ciiurclies, one 
school house, two general stores, one harness shop, 
two blacksmith shops, one shoe shop. 

At tiie present time there are three saw mills in the 
township, viz: Wilber T. .Mason's on the LaCiiai)elIe, 
Edwin Botsford near Florence Corners, and Eli 
Grave's southwest of Birmingham. 

There are two cheese factories — those of (ieorgi' P. 
Baker near Florence Corners, and George Van Fleet 
at Birmincfham. 



GROTON. 



This townshij). which is number five, in range 
twenty-four, is bounded on the north by Margaretta, 
south by Lyme township, Huron county, east by Ox- 
ford township, and west by the townships of York 
and Townsend, in Sandusky county. It was origi- 
nally a part of Wheatsborough, called so in honor of 
the gentleman who owned tlie greater part of the 
land Contained within its limits. 

I'HYSHAL FEATURES. 

The surface of the township is level, almut one-half 
l)eing prairie, while the northern portion is covered 
.with small timber. The soil of the south half is a 
Mack muck, slightly mixed with sand and very ju'o- 
iluctive. In tiic remaining portion of the townsiiip a 
limestone soil prevails, and here is found limestone in 
considerable ([uaii titles. 

Only one stream of water is found in the township. 
This is Pipe creek, which rises in Lyme township 
aod flows in a general northeasterly direction across 
Groton and into Oxford. The stream was named by 
the Indians, l)y reason of a soft stone found in its 
bed from which pipes were formed. 

ORIGINAL OWNERSHIP. 

The following is a list of the original pro}»rietors of 
Groton township. For explanation, see geneial liis- 
tory. 



Ii ROTO X, TOWN NLMIiEK I IVE, RANUE TWEXTY-KOIR- 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original Grantees. 

Latham .A-very 
Thankful Avery 
Amos Avery 
George Averv 
Ruth HolliilaV 
Elizabetli Latham 
tzekiel Bailey 
Alexander Kidil 
Daniel \^'illiams 
Christopher Wood- 
bridge 
Benajah Lester 
Samuel Chester 
Daniel Eldridge 
BenjainiTi Avery 
Jason Chester 
John Hix 
Elizabeth More 
Nancy More 
Rebecca Minor 
.Mary More 
John (or Jonathan) 

Latham 
James Bailey 
Captain Edward La 

tnam 
Thomas Starr 
Experience Ward 
Benjamin Chester 



£ 
103 
3153 

la 

8 
43 

l.i 



Mi 



Ami Loss, 
s. d. 
a 6 
IB 8 



Classified bij. Am't classed. 



44,> 
Elisha Prior 34 

Nathan (or Nath'l) 

Seabury 3 

Elizabeth Seabury 177 
Thankful Averv 203 



H 
14 
19 
16 

8 
10 
10 

G 
13 

IS 
10 

8 
1 

I'J 
3 



IK 
11 
16 



Latham .\very 



5 I 

OH 

■»H 
II 




8 



Starr Chester 
Jephania Pratt 
James Deiinison 
Elisha Prior 



£ 
103 
183 

12 
8 

43 

15 



10 
4 
3 

20 

(J2 

30 

1 

10 



4 

1 
•> 

147 
147 
147 
34 



5 
8 
2 
8 
11 

la 

19 
5 
13 



6 
14 
19 
18 

8 
10 
10 



18 
10 



Nathaniel Seabury 3 18 
Elizabeth Seabury 137 .1 
Ebenezer Lester 80 8 



(i 





9 

11 
6 

U 




ti 
^ 
8 
8 
8 
11 


10 




Footing of classification No I. £1,.!44 



Oritjtnal Grantees. Am't Loss. 

£ s. d 

John Deshon 1,177 il 2 



Classification No. 2. Section 2 
Classified tiy 



Eliphalet Harris 20 
John Deshon & Co. 550 



12 



l.'i 



■int't Classed. 

£ s d. 

Samuel W'lieat, of 

New London 1,177 i; a 

20 12 16 

146 8 5 



Footing of Classification No. 2, £1,344 



L 



454 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Classification No. .3, Section- 3. 



Original Grantees. Am't Loss. 



Classified by. Am't Classed. 



Isaac Moseby 



£ 
500 



Elizabeth Westcole 87 
Joseph Hurlburt 985 







Alexander Reed 60 

Guy Richards & Son 811 

Isaac Champlin 142 

Gershani Thorp 9 

Joseph Lyon 31 

Gershani 'Banks 14 

Simeon Couch 3d '227 
William Batterson 



16 



18 
8 
S 

15 
15 
9 
3 



Mary, wife of Job 
Tabor 



Samuel H. P. Lee, 
New London 



I Mary S., Enoch T, 
I and Samuel H. 
Parsons, children 
'; of Enoch Parsons, 
I Esii.. Middletown, 



500 

8r 

114 

114 
oS 
128 
, 4? 
9 
31 
14 




6 




19 




15 
15 



Footing of Classification No. 3. £1,344 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 



Original Grantees. 


An 


7 Loss. 


Classified by. 




.4 m 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


1 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Alexander Reed 


60 


18 


1 


1 Samuel H. P. 


Lee 


t) 


18 


11 


Jabez (or Jos.) Minor 


7 


10 


7 


;; 




7 


10 




James Culver 


8 


9 


1 




" 


8 


9 


1 


James Matthews 


29 


19 


2 


<» 


«' 


29 


19 


a 


William Brooks 


65 


11 


6H 


" 


" 


65 


11 


614 


Joseph <!>wen 


75 


18 


6 


'■ 


" 


75 


18 


6 


James Pitman 


145 


8 


4 


" 




145 


8 


4 


John Champlin 


IW 


8 


5 


" 


" 


104 


8 


5 


Percy Beers 


8 


17 


o 


" 


*' 


6 


17 





Anthonv Mitchell 


23 


11 


6 


" 


" 


23 


11 


6 


John Tilley 


6 


12 


6 


'* 


" 


6 


12 


6 


Stephen Hempstead 


70 


6 


1 


" 


t( 


52 


14 


6H 


Lvdia Beebe 


24 


5 





" 


" 


12 


a 


6 


Abigail Bell 


6 


11 


9 


" 


" 


3 


5 


lOH 


John Springer 


17 


19 





" 




8 


19 


6 


Lvdia Johnson 


21 


15 





" 


" 


10 


17 


6 


Marv Newbury 


14 


5 





" 


" 


7 


2 


6 


William Stark 


17 


9 


10 


(1 


" 


8 


!4 


11 


Nathaniel Dickerson 


13 


1 





•' 


• ' 




10 


6 


Joanna Holt 


35 


:3 





" 


" 


17 


16 


6 


Mary Lewis 


5 


12 





'• 


*' 


o 


16 





SteiJhen Hempstead 


70 


r, 


1 


H'rs Sam'l Tabor, Jr 


. 17 


11 


6M 


Lvdia Beebe 


24 


5 





" 


" 


12 


2 


6 


Abigail Bell 


6 


11 


9 


" 


" 


3 


5 


Wii 


Johii Springer 
Lydia Johnson 


17 


19 





" 


" 


8 


19 


6 


21 


15 





" 


" 


10 


17 


6 


Maiv Newbury 


14 


5 





" 




7 


._» 


6 


William Stark 


17 


9 


10 


" 


" 


8 


14 


11 


Nathaniel Dickinson 


15 


1 





" 


'* 




10 


6 


Jonathan Holt 


35 


13 





»* 


" 


17 


16 


6 


Mary Lewis 


5 


12 





" 




2 


16 





Joseph Hurlbutt 


965 


8 


3 


" 




114 





10 


J.jhn Deshon ,S: Co. 


556 


10 





Sam'l Wheat, 


Esq. 


410 


I 


7 


Bethia Talmon 


63 


5 





John Lord 




51 


o 


10 


John Spencer 


58 8 
Footing of C 


George Chap 
iassification No 


nan 


.t8 


8 







. 4, £1,343 


16 


7,^ 






SETTLl 


:mext. 











The tir8t .settlement iu Grotoii township (then 
Wlieatsborough) was made on Pipe creek by Jonathan 
Sprague, Squire Riche}', and others in 1809. In ISll, 
Captain Seth Harrington, for many years one of the 
most prominent men of his township, moved in from 
Couneant. Oliio. with his family. He was originally 
from Rhode Island, but settled in Pennsylvania a few 
years prior to 1800, when he removed to Conueaut, 
where he resided until his departure for the Fire-lauds. 
He raised a familv of ten children, of whom one daugh- 
ter (Rhuda) became the wife of Bourdett Wood. 
Among other early settlers may be named the follow- 
ing: Hiram Blackman, George Furgerson, Alexis 
Jackson, William, James, and John McCord, Thomas 
Jlorris, Israel Putnam, Samuel Spry, Nathaniel Cow- 
an, Phineas Dunham, and others. 

ORGAXIZATIOX. 

An election was held at the house of AVilliain Mc- 
Cord June 2, 1834, and on that day the first officers 
of the township were elected, viz. : Nathaniel Chap- 
man, Bishop Stebbins, and Nathan Strong, trustees; 
Hiram Deyo, clerk; Stephen Crippen, treasurer; 
Stephen Crippen, justice of the peace; Joshua Lace, 



constable; Elaphall Toppen, George Cook, and Orange 
Potter, fence viewers: James Bemiss, James More- 
craft, jtoor masters. There are but seven men living 

j in the township at present who were here at the time 

j of this election, and who were old enough to vote. 

] They are the following: Pierson Magill, Madison S. 

1 Harrington, Harvey Wood, Ephraim Hastings, Dr. 

j John P. Deyo, Samuel Nims, and WorthingtonNims, 

FIRST EVENTS.* 

The first white child born in the town,<hip of Gro- 
ton was Ann, daughter of George Furgerson. She 
grew to womanhood, married a man named Phillips, 
and removed to Michigan. 

The first death was that of Standish Wood, and 
the liody was interred m a coffin made of boards from 
a wagon box. "After the wagon boxes were gone, 
George Sprague and Seth Harrington made several 
coffins from puncheons dressed down with an ax to 
something like boards." 

Squire Riehey felled the first tree, and built the 
first log house in the township. The first frame 
house was built by Seth Harrington, in 1817. 

It was necessary, in early times, for convenience in 
making change, to cut a dollar into four, six or 
eight parts. 

The first settlers received their letters and mail 
matter fi'om Cleveland post office, and the first mail 
route from that point to Detroit passed through Gro- 
ton, at or near the center, east and west. John Pax- 
ton carried the mail in 1814. 

The first orchard was planted by Jonathan Sprague. 

Dr. George Hastings located in the township, and 
commenced practice as early as 1810, and remained 
many years. He died in October, 18G4. 

The first justice of the peace was S(|uire Riehey, 
who was elected in 1816. 

The first store was opened at Pipe creek, at one 
time quite a village, by Joliii Wheeler, of Sandusky, 
in about 1830. There are at present two stores in 
the township. 

A post oflce was not established until about 1854, 
previous to which time the residents of Groton town- 
ship received their mail at Bloomingville. Rev. Zai» 
Patch, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal 
denomination, was the first commissioned postmaster. 
This office is now located at the center of the town- 
ship. A. J. Hastings, postmaster. 

The "seven mile house" is the first hotel, and only 
one in the township. It is located on lot number six 
in the second section, and was constructed liy John 
Powell, in 1831 or '32. 

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

Religious meetings were early held in the dwellings 
of the settlers, by Rev. Mr. Gurley and others. The 
pioneer church organization was that of Methodist, and 
met iu the northeast corner of tlie township, where is 

*A portion of this history is taken from the Fire-Lands Piont<r. 



HISTORY OF IlUl;o\ AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



455 



now the churcli edifice. Thi.s is situated on hit num- 
ber twelve in the second section, and was erected 
some twenty years since. Anotlier cliiirch is located 
on lot number thirty-tive in section third. 

The first school was taught liy Elijah F. Flinney, in 
1818, who was paid at the rate of fourteen dollars jier 
month for his services. Among the scholars were tiie 
Harringtons. McGills, Paxtons, etc. Groton town- 



ship has now ten school houses, nearly all of which 
are new. 

I.N'DLSTlilAL IHliSlITS. 

Early in the settlement a grist mill was built on 
Pipe Creek, by Eli and Edward Ford, and a distillery 
just above it on the same stream. A tannery was 
also built on the same stream, by Truman Bonney; 

and there was at one time a cabinet shop of aniph' 
proportions. 



PEEKINS. 



This townsliip. whicli is described as number six in 
range twenty-third, is bounded on the north by Port- 
land township, wiiieli it formerly embraced; south by 
Oxford townshiji; east by Huron township, and west 
by the township of Marfaretta. It was named in 
lionor of one of its largest owners, Hon. Elias Per- 
kins of New London. Connecticut. The following 
sketch is prepared from matter published in tiie Fire- 
lands Pioneer, by F. D. Parish, Esq., and others: 

PHYSICAL GEOfiRAI>HY. 

The township is generally level, though in some 
parts it is gently undulating with slight ridges of 
sand. The principal one extends from about the 
cental- of the east line, in a southwesterly direction, 
through the first and part of the fourth sections, into 
the northeast part of Oxford to Bloomingville. Near 
the line dividing those sections there is a curve grad- 
ually to the west. It is also broken occasionally by 
narrow depressions or swails. Its soil is of great fer- 
tility and consists mostly of black alluvial eartli. Lit- 
tle clay is found. The ridges, as before st"ated, are 
mainly composed of sand. ' Perkins ranks among the 
most productive in the county. 

STREAMS. 

There are no marshes or waste land in the townsliip 
and no considerable streams of water. Two small 
streams, however, are found in the northwest part. 
Pike creek flows from Margaretta townshi]i, entering 
Perkins near the soutiiwest corner of section three. 
It flcfws a generally northeasterly direction and emp- 
ties its waters into the bay just west of Sanduskv. 

Pipe creek enters the south part of the townshij) on 
section four. Its course is in a northeasterly direc- 
tion. During the wet )portion of the year these streams 
drain the township effectually, l)ut in the dry seasons 
little or no water is found in either. 

ORKilN'AI. OWNERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader is 
referred to the historv of Wakenian townsbii); 



PERKINS, TOWN XUMUEl! SIX, RAXfiE TWF.NTY-THKEE. 



Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Oriyiilal Granteva. 


Avi't Loss. 


Classified by. Am 


( CktHsed. 




£ 


s. rf. 


£, 


s. d. 


Nathan & Thomas 










Shaw 


->834 


.5 


Nahan'l S. Perkins, 
Tho's S. Perkins, 
Lucretia W. Per- 
kins and Ellen E. 
kins 944 


15 


Jonathan Douglass 


i44i; 


14 r 


Elias Perkins 39T 


3 5 


Bridgret Harris 


24 


HI 


5 


3 


Michael Melaliy 


'.14 


4 7 


" '* 7 


li 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1,344 



Classification No. 2, Section 2. 



Origiiud Cfrantees. 


.4(11 


t Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


; Cki 


■ised. 




£ 


s. 


rf. 






f 


s. 


d. 


Edward Hallum 


1(1 


IC 





Edward Hallum 


10 


16 





Edward and John 


















Hallum 


310 


9 


H 




" 


284 


12 


■i% 


John Hallum 


417 


111 


II 


Edward 
by H. 
Mary 


John, Ab 

Eliza A. 

F. Hallum 


a33 


4 


I 


John Hallum and B. 


















Harris 


31 HI 


U 





" 




250 


U 





Benjamin Harris 


19 


9 


.5 


" 




16 


4 


e 


El. enezer Doufrlass 


17 


!l 


4 


" 




14 


11 


iH 


Peter Robertson 


SI 


12 


'2 


•■ 




68 





i« 


Rosman Lawrence 


.54 


II 


II 


'* 




45 








Thomas Jones 


40 


4 


111 


" 




33 


10 


m 


William Higgins 


4 


11 





•' 




3 


1.5 


10 


Lydia Green 


12 


111 





'* 




10 


13 


4 


Sam'l Laftinier 


24 


7 


i; 


" 




20 


l> 


3 


Amasa Larned 


IS 


1 


II 


" 




15 





10 


Jlichael Love 


23 








" 




19 


3 


4 


Joshua Potter 


8 


14 


5 


" 




7 


5 


4 


Nathl Thorp 


3 


13 


5 


•' 




3 


1 


2 


Judah P. Snooner 
Edward ana George 


21 


12 









IK 
























Hallum 


21.5 












191 


2 


■-■^4 



Footingof Classification .No. 2, £1,344 



OK. 



Classification No 3, Section 3. 

Originid Orantees. Am't Loss. Clas.'iified by. 

£ s. d 
Nathaniel and Thos. 
Shaw 28.34 5 



Ain't Chtssed. 
£ s. rf. 



Mary S. Woodbridge, 
Lucretia M. Wood- 
bridge and Nath'l 
S. Woodbridge l.'i44 



Footing of Clas-iiflcation No. 3, £1.1^ 



Classification No 4, Section I. 



Original Grantees. 


Am 


tLoss. 


Classified by. .Am 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


rf 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Nathaniel and Thos 














Shaw 


28.34 


5 





MaryS. Lucretia M. 
nn"d Nath'l Wood- 
briilge ,545 


3 


10 


John Hallum 


n7 


10 





Edward. J.ihn.Abby 
II Eliza A. and 
Mary Hallum 11 


14 


3 


Joseph Hurlbllt 


iiiifi 


8 


3 


Haiinali Patten 471 


I 


11 


•lohn Penwest 


22:) 


S 


11 


Oliver Champion 223 


S 


1! 


Michael Mulally 


94 


I 


7 


Samuel Green 80 


18 


7 



Footing of Classification No. 4 .i'l,:i44 !) 



456 



HISTORY OF HUKOIS AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



SETTLE mi; XT. 

The first permanent settler in Perkins township 
was Thomas James. He located here in 1810, in the 
south part of the fourth section. James was of Irish 
hirth, and came to America a few years prior to the 
above date, first settling in New England. He pur- 
chased bis land in Connecticut, and it jiroved to be a 
valuable tract. He was accompanied by Jolui Beatty, 
Esq., another Irishman, whose object was to explore 
the country, with a view to purchase. They traveled 
through the State of Pennsylvania, in which State 
resided James For.syth. a bi-other-inlaw of Beatty, 
who came with them to Ohio, locating in Oxford 
township. This company left Northumberland, 
Pennsylvania, June 3, of tlie above year. They passed 
through Pittsburgh, and thence to Cleveland, where 
they arrived on July 3. Of this, the beautiful "Forest 
City," Mr. Forsvth says: "The town was small, 
there was not a good looking house in it, and but few 
of any kind." The same historian continues: "After 
some trouble, we crossed the Cuyahoga river. John 
Beatty remained behind to settle the ferryage, and in 
crossing in a canoe, he fell out and narrowly escaped 
being drowned." They crossed the mouth of the 
Vermillion and Huron rivers on sand bars. While 
Forsyth and Beatty went with Wright and Ruggles, 
prospecting. James went directly to the lands he had 
already purchased, which lie reached the same month 
(July). Perhaps a )nonth previous, two or tiiree 
families had sijuatted on lands in the same neighbor- 
hood. They were but transient settlers, however. 

In 1813, four families, refugees from Canada, which 
they left rather than take the oath of allegiance, came 
into the township and settled'near each other in the 
northeast corner. Their names were: Christian 
Winters, John Freese, Stephen Russell and David 
Cummings. They all lived many years in the tijwn- 
sliip, some of them during life. 

The largest colony of settlers came in the fall of 
1815. John Beatty, before mentioned, made a large 
investment of lands in Perkins township, including 
nearly all of section one, and removed thereto this 
year. He was accomjianied by the following persons 
and their respective families: Julius House, Joseph 
and Jesse Taylor, Eleiznr Bell, Plinney Johnson, 
Harvey Covell, Roswell Eddy, Roswell Hubbard. 
Holsey Aikens, and Richard P. Christopher. Two 
single men, William Robinson and William R. Bebee, 
were also of the comjiany. Eleazur Lockwood, who 
came from Canada, ssmie years before, and resided 
elsewhere, settled in Perkins the same year. Then 
settlers came from Connecticut, mostly from Hartford 
county. They came the whole distance by ox teams, 
fourteen in number. All who came with Beatty, as 
well as Eleiznr Lockwood, ])urchascd land of him and 
located in the same neighborhood, on or near the 
sand ridge before descril)ed as passing through sec- 
tions one and four. Beatty located near the east line 
of the town.ship. Of the settlers. Bell and Robinson 
(lied at an earlv dav. 



Soon after 181.5 tlie following families located in 
the same neighborhood: Asa Wickham, .Thomas Ir- 
vine, Hojie Tucker, William Dickinson. Roger and 
Alva Fox, and others. 

In the spring of 181T Watkins came on with 

his familv, and located on land he bought of Mr. 
Beatty in section four. The fall following, Justus 
Allen arrived with a large family, and built a hewed 
log house. The next year he built a frame barn, and 
opened a hotel. He died in the fall of 1820. 

In the sjn'ing of 1819, Rogers came from the 

State of New York with his family, and moved into a 
log house built by Mr. Sprague. near the sulphur 
spring. Himself and four children died the suljse- 
quent fall. 

In 1821. Hubljard HoUister and Lodowick Brown 
arrived in the township, and Cajitain H. W. Bush 
came in 18i.5 or '26. But the i)rincipal settlement in 
the township for many years was that on the ridge 
before mentioned; and, in honor of one of the most 
prominent citizens, it obtained the name of "House's 
settlement." Because of the origin of the people, it 
was called the " yankee settlement;" and yet again, 
owing to the abundant ])roduction of an indisi)ensa- 
ble vegetable, it was sometimes designated as the 
" potato settlement." 

FIRST EVENTS. 

The first birth in the township, or, at least, among 
these settlers, was that of Ciiristopher, son of Plinney 
Johnson.- in 1817, and the second was a daughter of 
Harvey Covell, afterward the wife of Dwight Buck. 

The first marriage was that of William Robinson to 
Rhoda House, and it occurred in 1817. Both are 
long since deceased. The next was that of William 
R. Bebee and Miss Minerva Bell. 

The first post office established within the town- 
ship was in 1817. John Beatty, Esq., was-postmaster, 
and distributed the mails from his log cabin. A dry 
goods box, with some shelves added, was used to con- 
tain the letters and papers. It is said he never re- 
ported to the department, and declined to make any 
returns. He was removed and the office discontinued 
in perhaps 1818 or 'lit. The inhabitants received 
their mail at Sandusky. An office was established on 
the Bloomingville road, with Ralph Borders, ])ost- 
master. This was discontinued many years since. 

The first dry goods store first opened in this town- 
shij) was by John Beatty at his dwelling at a very 
early period; and second by Julius House, Es(j., who 
opened a very limited assortment near his residence 
at the corners. Neither of these were continued very 
long. 

The first public road laid out and opened through 
the township, was douljtless that to Bloomingville, 
and on to Fremont; second, from Milan to Sandusky, 
and third, from Bloomingville to Sandusky. 

The only mill erected in the townshij) was a saw- 
mill on Pike creek, a few rods below the present 
crossing of the road from Sandusky to House's settle- 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



•457 



meiit, near the county poor house. It was built by 
John Beatty in 181? or "18. 

OKCfAXlZATIOX. 

hi the .sjiring of ISIT. the settlers voted at Bloom- 
ingville. In October following, an election was iield 
in tlie log school iiouse near Jesse Taylor's. John 
Freese, Julius House and Eleazur Lockwood were 
judges, and John Beatty and Richard P. Christopher, 
clerks. In the sulisequent spring the townslii)) elec- 
tion was lield at the same place. John Beatty was 
elected clerk; Eleazur Lockwood, Joim Freese and 
Julius House, trustees: William 1!. Bebee and Ros- 
well Hubbard, constal)les: John Dillingham and Har- 
vey C'ovell, fence viewers. The first justice of the 
peace was Julius House, who otKeiated for many 
years. 

CHURCHES. 

The first sermon preached in the townshiji was by 
Rev. Mr.* Montgomery, a Methodist minister, then 
residing in Cleveland. This was in 181G. Many of 
the colony that came in the fall of 1815 were of the 
Jlethodist faith, and a class was organized, it is 
thought, tlie same fall. This has been continued 
without interruption from that to tlie present time. 
Among the preachers of an early day who occasionally 
visited the settlement were: William Gurley, True 
Pattie. James Mclntyre, and Harry 0. Sheldon, of 
the Methodist, and Alva Coe, the noted misjjonary 
among the Indians, who was of the Congregational 
church. It is believed that no religious denomina- 
tion other than the Methodist have ever had an or- 
ganization in the township. 

The first Sabbath school was organized in about 
18.30 or 18.31 by Judges Moors, Farwell, and F. D. 
Parish, of Sandusky. 

SCHOOLS. 

The next winter after the arrival of the colony, a 
log school house was put up near the present corners, 
and a school was kept in it that winter by Dr. Rich- 
ard P. ChristojDher, a graduate of Yale college. His 
compensation was sixteen dollars per month, which 
was paid liy the patrons of the school in proportion 
to tlie number sent by each family. The next sum- 



mer the school was taught by Mis? Ann Beatty, who 
afterwards became the wife of James Johnson. 

To the credit of this yankee colony it should lie 
recorded that schools have been kept open eight 
months in each year from that time to the present. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first to settle in Perkins township was Dr. 
Richard P. Christopiier, who was one of the company 
that came from Connecticut in 181.5. as above related. 
He was a man of liberal education, being a Yale grad- 
uate in the class of 181-t. Among the graduates of 
that class were many men of mark in after life. 

Dr. Christopher acquired a wide and lucrative prac- 
tice. He died many years since, in the neighljorhood 
where he first settled and practiced. 

SHIP BUILI>IX(i. 

Elizur Bell, one of the colony of 1815, was from 
Middlebury, Connecticut, and was a ship carpenter. 
In the township of Huron, some two miles west of 
the river, lived a man named Montgomery, and with 
him. Abijah Hewitt. These men conceived the idea 
of building a small schooner, and ajiproached Mr. 
Bell to build it for tliem. It was proposed to I)uild 
it near Montgomery's house, about one and one-half 
miles, in a direct line from tlie lake shore. And it 
was finally constructed, wdiere desired, during the 
winter and spring of 1810. The craft Ijeing ready 
for its destined element, the (piestion of jiressing im- 
portance recurred, how shall siie attain to her desti- 
nation. To avoid obstructions lying in the way, it 
became necessary to convey this boat, which was of 
some seventy-five tons burden, a distance of about 
four miles, to the bank of the lake, to do this, run- 
ners were atWxed to the craft, rollers were pi'epared 
to place under tlie runners, forty yoke of oxen were 
attached, twenty yoke to eacli runner, and in due 
time the lake was reached and the "Polly," named 
in honor of the wife of the master builder, safely 
launched upon its placid bosom. What ultimately 
became of this craft is not definitely known, except 
that she was, in 1818, seized l)y the United States 
collector, at Sandusky, for alleged l)rcacl» of tiie rev- 
euue laws, and lay for some montlis in tlie cove of 
Sandusky Bay. 



58 



MILAN. 



Milan is town mimber five in range twenty-two. 
It is bounded on tlie north by Huron, east by Berlin, 
south by Xorwalk, and west by Oxford. Its surface 
is moderately even, except along the river, where it is 
rolling and affords a fine variety of landscape. The 
streams are the Huron river and several very small 
tributaries. The river fiows through the township 
diagonally from the southwest to the northeast corner. 

ORIGIXAL OWNERS. 

Following is a cojjy of tiie original drawing of the 
land in ^lilan township, showing who were the first 
owners of the soil and also the original owners of tiie 
sutferer's claims here compensated: 



( 


i^LASSI 


FICA 


noN 


No. 1, Section I. 






Original Grantees. 


Ait 


'f Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. d. 


Phiilip Allvn 


' 9 


13 


5H 


Guy Richards et ai 


4 


ir 8-?4 


Walter Beebe 


9 


9 


8 


>• i« 


5 


3 m 
o' 


Thomas Gardiner 


ii 


2 





11 ii 


13 


David Gardiner 


11 








>i II 


6 


Abigail Holt 


IS 


n 


o 


a u 


11 


Jas. JIcEver's heirs 


rm 


a 





ii li 


36» 


Gurdon Saltonstall 


1+40 








(> •( 


878 


8 


Cor Is Cunningham 


6-3 


14 


-^H 


„ 


58 


19 8W 



Footing of Classification No. 1. £1.344 
Classification No. 2, Section 3. ' 



Original Grantees. 




4 m 7 Loss. 


Classified by. 


.4"! 


■t Classed 




£ 


s. 


rf. 




£ 


s. 


rf. 


Elaiii Luddington 


408 


6 


7 


Samuel Hughes « 


408 


G 




.\bigail Huglies 


37 


13 


5 




37 


13 


5 


Sanuiel Bird 


43 


2 


5 


i. u 


42 


2 


5 


Tim'thy Bontioon. Ji 


. 13 


8 





.. .. 


13 


8 





Henry York 


4 


4 


10 


.. 


4 


4 


10 


Levi Pardee 


3 


15 





u .. 


3 


15 





Anius M*>rrison 


1 








" 't 


1 








Joseph Hutts 


1 


5 





• I It 


1 


5 





Elenor Hoy 


1 


17 





4» 11 


I 


17 





.Alice Miles 


.i 


8 





.. .1 


5 


8 





Stephen Brown 
William .\lley 


19 


3 







8 


10 





9 


4 


4 









() 


Xehemiah Smith 


9 


13 







4 


10 




.\doiiijab Sherman 


39 


15 





" 


13 


16 


1 


Elijah Painter 


14 


n 







U 


9 





.Matthew Oaks 


19 


6 


4 


.1 .1 


8 




8 


Jonah Jli.v 


15 


19 







7 


o 


6 


Jal.ez Johnson 


1.3 


9 


4 


.. .. 


l> 


4 


10 


Elijah Hills 


10 


11 


6 




7 


10 





William (ireenongh 


37 


14 


I) 


I. .. 


11 


19 


8 


William Mansfield 


47 


17 


9 


William Mansfield 


47 


17 


9 


Nathan Mansfield 


3 


10 


B 




3 


in 


li 


Johie! Forbes 


173 


13 


1 


Johiel Forbes' heirs 


173 


13 


I 


Daniel Lyman 


368 


7 


8 




184 


3 


10 


Rev. MfWilliston 








Committee 


31 


8 


1 


John Whitney Esq 


158 


16 


3 


I. i> 


79 


15 


n 


John Woodward, Jr. 


740 


19 


11 


.. 


833 


18 


8 



Footing of Classification No. 2. £1,344 
Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. 




Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed 




£ 


s. 


rf. 




£ 


s. 


(( 


Cor'l's Cunningham 


63 


14 


r\4 


Guy Richards * others 3 


14 


11 


Joanna Beebe 


3:i6 


.1 


t; 


Ebenezer .Wery, Jr 
















and others 


59 





7W 


Joseph Cheels 


75 


11 


6 


t( 


45 


li 


'i 


Ruth Harris 


63 





n 




38 


S 




Ann Hancock 


140 


3 


6 


ti It 


46 


14 


6 


Owen Neal 


91 


14 


6 


.1 .. 


91 


u 





Bathsheba Skinner 


18(1 








i. >. 


60 








James Stewaii 


13 


18 


6 


i> 11 


8 


7 


ll^ 


James Tdley 


1583 


10 


3 


.1 • ., 


328 


12 


Rebecca Church 


32 


i: 


10 


ti n 


28 


18 


T' 


Matthew (iriswold 


10 








I. •• 


5 


4 


Elizabeth Hulzwortl 


46 


8 





II II 


2« 


17 




:.'athl H.-iiipstead 


7 


1 


10 




3 


3 


10 


Thankful smnlon 




8 


9 


1. II 




7 


o 


Roswell Saltujisiall 


18(Hi 








John Kinsman 


81 


13 


i« 


Joanna Short 


376 


14 





Juaiuui Shi.it 


15 


15 


Robert tialluj) 


11 


6 


6 


Robert Gallup 


11 


a 


6 


John Barnes 


84 


6 


"'4 


Benjiiinin Trumbull 


50 


12 


f4 


Jeremiah Miller 


2533 


18 


i«| 


JohuS. Miller 


444 


7 



Classification No. 4 , Section 4. 



Footing of Classiflcatiou No. 3, £1.AH 



Original Grantees. 

Sarah Harris 
Jeremian Miller 
Ephraim Minor 
Seth Sears 
Rufus Avery 
.Amos Ledyard 
Amos Prentice 



£ 
177 
2335 
:}4S 
13 
132 
142 
566 



Ani't Loss, 
d. 
5 



10 
4 

4 

10 
6 



Classified by. 

Sarah Harris' heirs 
John S. Miller 

Heirs of Seth Sears 
Committee 

Robert Latham 



Ain't 

'45 

348 

13 

50 
142 

506 



Classed, 
s. d. 



1 
17 
19 
11 



4 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,344 



ANCIENT REMAINS. 

When and liy whom the strange earth-works and 
fortifications, scattered tiirougii America, were made, 
will ever be a na;itter of conjecture, but from their 
nature and the fact that there are, or were, no Indian 
traditions concerning them, it has becomes common 
belief that they were the work of a superior race, 
which lias passed away and left no other sign of its 
existence. They have, tlierefore, the interest of the 
romantic, and to everv mind form a more or less 
faacinating subject for reflection and wonder — a sub- 
ject upon which nothing can be known, and which is, 
therefore, rich in suggestion for the imagination. 

In the township of Milan there were three clearly- 
defined fortifications when the first settlers came into 
the co'untry. and they are still not entirely leveled by 
the jilowshare. All three were upon the high banks 
of tlie Huron; the first in the second section, near 
the north line, and on the west side of the river: the 
second in the first section, on the east side of the 
river, and the third in the fourth sectioji, on the 
Daniels farm, more lately occupied by Mrs. ilorrill. 
F. W. Fowler, one of the pioneers of Milan, describes 
these earth-Works, as first seen by him, to have been 
from two to four feet above the surface of the ground. 
Large trees were growing upon some of these em- 
bankments. Near these forts were mounds or hil- 
locks, wliicii were fouml to contain iiuman bones, 
promiscuously thrown together, as if a large number 
of bodies had been burieil at one time. Tlie skull 
bones, when found entire, were shown by measure- 
ment to be larger, upon the average, than those of 
the present race, and all exhibited marks that would 
■indicate thtit life had been taken in deadly combat. 
Scattered among the skulls and vertebra:', and arm 
and leg bones, were stone pipes and fragments of 
burnt clay. Other than these poor mortal remains, 
and the few trinkets, three was nothing in theancient 
sepulchres to testify of the nature of the vanished 
race. 

THE INIUANS AND .MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES. 

'* What tales, if there be tongues in trees, 

These giant oaks could tell 

Of beings born and buried hei"e." 

The fertile lands along the Huron afforded subsist 
ence to the Indians long before the advent of the 

(458) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



450 



^vhite man. The ourly settlers speak of liavino; found 
title fields free from timljer all along the river, and 
say that the underliush was so cleared from the forests 
that the deer, as they bounded along, could l)e seen 
\^ half a mile otf through the steady vistas. The gi-inci- 
jial Indian village was wliere the town of Milan was 
j since located, but there were smallei' settlements ex- 
tending from the north line of the tdwushiji as far as 
Ridgefiold. There were, undoubtedly, a thousand 
red men in this group, i)rincipally of the Delaware 
and OttawHS, — the latter commonly called Tawas. 
Here, to a greater extent than in most other localities 
where the Indians have Ijeen known to have had 
permanent villages, they followed in a rude way the 
arts of peace during the intervals between their ex- 
tended hunting journeys: here was to l)e seen the 
domestic side of the savage nature; here Inirned the 
council fires of the chiefs, and iiere were celebrated 
the religious rites of a race that is now scarcely 
known, except through scanty historical savings, and 
the vague, often unreliable traditions of the early 
whites, transmitted through the generations of their 
descendants. 

To this village and its imtlyiiig settlements, lying 
upun the liigh liauks of the Huron, and surrounded 
by charming natural scenery, more beautiful, then, 
than now, came the Moravian missionaries in 1787. 
Their old mission stations upon the Tuscarawas and 
]\Iuskingum rivers being br(jken up by the persecu- 
tion of tlie white settlers, they had wandered from 
one place to another, and finally a few of them under 
the guidance of the Rev. Christian Frederick Dencke 
.started a new mission on the spot where Milan now 
.stands. The Indian name of the village was Pequot- 
ting, and the mission was regarded as a branch of the 
Gnadenliutten mission. The mission house was upon 
the lot adjoining that, on which the Presbyterian 
Church was afterwards built. The chapel, sur- 
mounted by a l)ell, stood near l)y. Indian David oc- 
cupied a iiouse in the immediate vicinity, and there 
were fifteen other houses belonging to those interested 
in the mission, — the Christian Indians. The Rev, 
Christian Frederick Dencke who had charge of this 
mission, has been described by those who knew him, 
as a man of great learning and most thoroughly de- 
voted to the cause in which he labored. He taught 
ins followers the rudiments of education as well as 
the tenets of his religion. According to all accounts, 
he was a very kind, warm-hearted man, courteous, 
generous and hospitable. He was a native of Iceland, 
and his father was a missionary in that country. 

The Indians who belonged to this mission, it should 
be borne in mind, were only a small part of the num- 
ber living in the settlement. Comparatively little 
seems to have Iteen accomplished in making converts 
among the mass of these savages, though some of 
them were christianized. Doubtless, many more 
might have been added to the little flock, had it not 
been for the disturbing influence of the white man's 
arrival. The Indians, shy always of their pale faced 



brother, though treated here with the utmost friend- 
liness, began to leave the settlement when the pioneers 
came, in the year 180'.). and Ity the following year only 
a verv few remained. Those belontfins; to the missicjii 
removed to Canada. 

There w'as tilso another Moravian missionary, with 
a small Iniiid of Indian followers, in the township 
from 1787 to 1793, Their settlement was upon the east 
side of the Huron, about three-quarters of a mile 
north of the old county seat, and was known as New 
Salem. David Zeisberger, of whose life and works, 
as well as those of Dencke, much is said elsewhere in 
this history, was the missionary in charge of this 
settlement. 

THE i'lON'EERS AXD THE WAR OK 181','. 

Two years after the survey was made, David 
Abbott bought a tract of eight hundred acres of land 
lying in section number two, and upon both sides of 
the river, .lared Ward became the first resident of 
Avery, now called Milan, settling upon this tract of 
land ill the same vear. and immodiatelv Ijegirining 
preparations for farming upon the Indian bottom. 
.John Walworth, of Cleveland, purchased the same 
year a large tract of land, which he soon after sold to 
Charles Parker, who moved in with his family in 1810; w 
Seelick Coinstock came the same year. A nuinl)er of 
families located as squatters upon the lands that had 
been occupied and in a measure tilled by the Indians. 
Three of them — Starr. Laughlin, and Biirdue. after- 
wards Irought lands in Berlin towiishij). but most of • 
them moved away during the war, not to return. 
Three settlements were formed which made the points 
of a triangle, of which Milan afterwards formed the 
center. Another settlement was commenced in 1811, 
in the northwest corner of the township, by Thomas 
.Jeffrey. Josiali Smith, Dydimus and Elijah Kinney, 
and George Colrin. These settlements filled uji rap- 
idly, so that prior to the war of 1812, the number, 
including unmarried men, was not far from two hun- 
dred and twenty-five. Following are the names of 
those who were heads of families, as given by the 
Hon. F. W. Fowler, of Milan. In section one: Hos- 
mer Merry, Reuben Pixley, G. Harvey. Section' wo: 
David Abbott. David Barrett, Jared Ward, Elijah 
Pollock, James Leach, Nathaniel (ilines. Alexander 
Mason, A. Collins. Section three: Thomas .Jett'rey, 
Josiah Smith. William Smith, Phineas Tillottson, 
George Colvin, Dydimus Kinney. Elijah Kinney, 
Stephen Kinney, David Smith. Section four: Charles - 
Parker, Winslow Perry, James Payne. W, Hubljard, 

James Gutlirie, William Howard, A. Wilson, 

Eldridge. With a lieautiful location and a fertile 
soil, an unusually large number of settlers, and nearly 
all of them of the class (pialified to make the commu- 
nity one of good cliaracter, the pioneers naturally 
looked forward to a pleasant and profitable residence 
in their new iiomes. But their hopes were blasted by 
the declaration of war on the part of Great Britain, 
wiiich caused the wildest alarm and utmost anxiety - 



40(1 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



throughout the spai'sely settled frontier, ami created 
grave apprehensions- in the older settlements, more 
remote from the probable scene of the strife. 

But little need here be said of the incidents of that 
war, for a ehajiter elsewhere is devoted to the subject. 
The wild and hurried flight of the jieople from Milan 
township, and all of the country adjacent and noith- 
ward, though from a false alarm, was none the less 
terrible, for the flying people had every reason to be- 
lieve they were pursued by the British soldiers and 
their red allies. After Hull's surrender the red coats 
were seen landing men upon the lake shore, and im- 
mediately those wdio saw this sight, becoming panic 
stricken, fled through the country southward, carry- 
ing with them the terrible tidings. Tlie flight was 
instantaneous and universal, all going in the direction 
of Mansfield. By the time they reached the State 
road, leading south, the only one then open, night 
had come on. The company had increased to such 
an extent that the road was thronged for half a mile. 
Many had left without sufficient clothing, or food for 
their needs, abandoning everything, that they might 
save life. About midnight tlie panic was arrested by 
the appearance in tlie rear, of men carrying packs but 
not armed. It was not long before they were discovered 
to be HulTs surrendered and disarmed soldiers, who 
by the terms of the capitulation were landed that they 
might return home. In the morning, after consulta- 
tion, a greater part of the crowd who had left their 
homes continued u})on their way to Manstield, and 
the remainder, returning to Avery, (Milan), secured 
their effects the best way they could, and tlien passed 
down the lake to Black River and other points. The 
men then made up a company and returned to Huron. 
Josepli Qnigley, of Black River, was elected captain of 
this company, and David Barrett, of Milan, lieutenant. 

After the arrival of some scattering companies and 
the main army. General Perkins established Camp 
Avery on the east side nf the Huron river, on lands 
owned by Ebenezer Merry. Those among the soldiers 
who lived in the immediate vicinity, were then dis 
banded that they might attend to their home duties, 
though it was conditioned that they should still re- 
main subject to call in case of need. 

The soldiers remained at this camp until the fol- 
lowing winter, a company of rangers also being 
stationed at a block house that was built in section 
four, of Milan township, upon the farm of Charles 
Parker. They had the double duty to perform of 
protecting themselves from tiie British soldiers and 
the property in the vicinity from tlie roving plun- 
derers, who were mostly Indians who had formerly 
lived in the vicinity. Many times the settlers had to 
abandon their homes and take shelter in the fort. 
Once a portion of the army wasdisi)atched after the 
enemy to the jieninsula. They found and attacked 
them there. It was in this engagement that Alex- 
ander'Mason lost his life, as did also Mr. Ramsdell 
and Daniel Mingus. 'l^wo men, by the names of Sey- 
mour and I'ixley, who went out from Parker's block 



house one morning, to cut down a bee-tree, were over- 
whelmed by Indians who lay in ambush. Seymour 
was killed and his companion taken prisoner. He 
afterwards said that most of the Indians had been 
amoiig the residents of the village. Indians were 
constantly lurking about, and danger was present 
upon every side. The settlers were in constant 
anxiety, and every unusual sound was feared to be 
the signal for a terrible onslaught and massacre. 
Fortunately there was no such general attack, though 
almost every day there was some minor evil deed 
committed, or some occurence to cause alarm. When 
peace came it brought such a sense of relief that most 
of those who had remained away, during the war, re- 
turned to this favored locality of their adoption. 
Other settlers came in from the east, society was 
formed, religious organizations sprang into being, 
a village was laid out, industry progressed in old and 
found new channels, too. Then began the period of 
Milan's prosperty. The growth and developme"nt of 
the farming interests were as rapid as was usual in 
other townships, and the progress of the village its 
and manufacturing and commercial interests some- 
thing quite phenomenal. 

FIRST KVESTS. 

There is reason to Ijelieve, Init not positive knowl- 
edge, that the first white child born to any of the 
permanent settlers of Milan, was a daughter of 
Lazarus Young, afterwards the wife of Amherst Mil- 
liman, of Townsend. Huron county. 

The first physicians were Doctors Goodwin and 
Guthrie. Before their arrival in the settlement, people 
in need of medical attention were obliged to send to 
Clevpland, from which place a Dr. Long frerpiently 
came to Milan. 

The first military company upon the Fire-lands, 
was formed in the fall of 1811, and met for its first 
muster on April 1st, following, at John B. Flem- 
mond's. David Barrett, of Milan, was elected captain 
of this militia organization. 

Two deaths occurred in the township in the summer 
season of 1811. Both were children, one from the 
family of George Miller, and the other from that of 
David Barrett. 

The first log house was built Ity a party of young 

men, Barrett, Nathaniel Glines, Seth Hayes, 

Ebenezer Hayes, F. W. Fowler, Stephen Worthington 
and L. Duraud, in 181U, and was located in section two. 
This was the first improvement by white inhabitants 
in the township, except the beginning made on the 
opposite side of the river, by Jared Ward. 

The first framed building was a barn built by David 
Abbott. The first framed dwelling was also built by 
Mr. Abbott. This is also said to have been the first 
residence, other than a log caliin, ujion thf Fire-lands. 

olitiANIZAllON. 

The township of Avery was oiiginally connected 
I with Huron, and included under that name. The 



HISTORY OF IlUnOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



4i;i 



first election was held at .luliii 15. Fleinair.s (or 
Flemmond's), on the east bank oftlie river, and about 
two miles from the lake. Jabez Wriglit and David 
Abbott were elected justices of the iieaoe: F. W. 
Fowler, constable, and Alniou Ruggles, recorder. 

TUK OLD COI^NTY SE.\T. 

The legislature passed, February 7, 1809, an act 
authorizing the erection of Huron county — embrac- 
ing all of the Fire-lands. Upon the 29th of Janu- 
ary, 1811, the legislature appointed as commissioners 
to ti.\ the seat of the county: E. Quinby, of Trumbull 
county, Stephen Clark, of Geauga, and Solomon 
Griswold, of Ashtabula. They were ordered to make 
returns or reports, of the action they had taken, to the 
court of common pleas, to be held in Cuyahoga 
county, and, in jnirsuance to this order, they, ujion 
June 1.x 1811, repoi'ted that they had fixed upon 
Avery township fur tiie seat of justice. The exact 
location was at Camp Avery, about a mile below tiie 
site of Milan village. The first court was held at 
I this point, or at the residence of David Abbott, in tlic 
fall of 181.5 (in which year the county was organized). 
Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed by those 
who attended this court, because there was no good 
water procurable, and it was suggested by someliody, 
familiar with the country, that there was a fine ridge 
running through Norwalk township, and that, in all 
probability, good water could there be found. Thus 
was begun the movement that resulted in the removal 
of the county seat from Milan township, which was 
accomplished in 1818, by a process similar to that by 
which it was originally located. [It is needless to 
say anything further upon this subject, in the history 
of Milan, as the facts are fully set forth in the chap- 
ter upon Norwalk. ] 

A court house was was commenced in 1817, upon 
the Abbott farm, but was never finished. It stood 
for many years. 

UELIIiKlfS. 

The earliest religious meetings in Milan otiur than 
those held by the Moravian missionaries were irregular 
gatherings at barns and jirivate houses addressed by 
various itinerant preachers. Among them was the 
Rev. Milton Badgei' who j)reached in the Abbott 
settlement before the war, and was chai>lain at Fort 
Avery during the war. The Methodists organized a 
class in the Jeffrey neighborhood as early as 1810, 
and Thomas Jeffrey was its leadei'. The Rev. Father 
Gurley, Rev. Manger, the earnest and eccentric 
James .Mclntyre, Rev. Mr. Tillott-son, "who spoke 
under the influence of spirits — from a bottle", were 
among the early preachers of tliis denomination. 

The I'resbyterian Church was organized under the 
name of the First Congregational Church of Huron, 
April 'is. 1818, in a log house at Spear's corners, the 
preachers presiding u[)on that occasion being the Rev. 
William Williams and Rev. Alvin Coe, of the Con- 
necticut Missionary Society, The first members of 



the church, all cf them deceased many years ago, 
were AA'illiam Spears and his wife, Love, Gilbert Se.\- 
ton and his wife Deborah, William and Philo Adams 
and their mother, Eleanor. In 1819, the church re- 



ceived 



Himber of accessions. Religious services 



were held every Sunday, alternately at the houses of 
Mr. Spears and Seth A. Adams, and later at the log 
houses built in the neighborhood. In 1823, the 
church remo\'ed from Spears' corners to ililan, and 
changed its name to the First Congregational Church 
of Milan. The first officers — two deacons — were ap- 
pointed in 182-1. They were Henry Buckingham and 
Joseph Demond. In the following year, the church 
changed the form of its government to the Presby- 
terian, and elected three ruling elders: William Spears, 
Joseph Demond and David Everett. At this time 
there were thirty-seven members. After the removal 
of the church to the village, meetings were held in a 
school house which stood on the lot now occupied by 
the town hall, and subscfiuently in the yellow school 
house. The call for services was the blowing of a 
horn. An era of unwonted prosperity dawned iijion 
the church in 1829, beginning under the preaching 
of Rev. Everton Judson. A new impulse was given 
to the church which had lapsed somewhat from its 
jiast prosperous condition, and a strong feeling of 
interest was awakened in the village which had, then, 
about four hundred inhabitants. 

In 1828, the legislature incorporated the First 
Presbyterian Society of Milan, but no movement was 
made to erect a church until 1835, when a few citi- 
zens convened at the suggestion of N. M. Standart, 
Esq., to devise measures to secure this object. The 
result was the completion, two years later, of the 
present substantial house of worship, the expense 
being about eight thons.and dollars. The first minis- 
ter who labored with this congregation was the Rev. 
Lot B. Sullivan, who preached at .Spear's corners and 
in the Adams neighborhood. For some time after, 
the church was destitute of a pastor, and was sup- 
plied with occasional ju'eaching by Revs. Alvin Coe, 
Caleb Pitkin, J. Seward, Alfred H. Betts, Wm. San- 
ford and J. Treat. The next regular pastor was the 
Rev. Thomas L. Shijiman. Those who followed 
were Isaac S. Demund. W . M. Adams, Everton Jud- 
son, Newton Barrett, J. .M. Hayes, Alanson Hart- 
pence, and the present pastor. Rev. J. II. Walters, 
who was installed October 7, 1856, although he began 
preaching to the society as early as May, 1855. The 
Rev. Everton Judson, who began his labor with the 
church in 1829. continued Uis relation until removed 
by death in 1848, and his services were very largely 
instrumental in building up the church to a condi- 
tion of prosperous and active life. 

The ilethodist Episcopal Cluirch was organized in 
1830. and the house of worship erected in 1845. The 
church has increased to a meml)ershi]i of alioiit one 
hundred and fifty persons. 

St. Luke's Episcopal Church was organized in lS4ti, 
and a year later a house of worsiiip wasi'recled, which 



462 



HISTOKY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



was destroyed in 1867 by fire. A new building was 
immediately erected upon the site of the old one. 

Tlie Roman Catholic Church was built in 1866. 
More recently there have been formed two other 
churches in the township, the Lutheran and Re- 
formed Society of Friends. All of the churches ex- 
cept these two are in Milan village. 

The first Sunday school in Milan, and one of the 
earliest in the Fire-lands, was organized at Spear's 
corners in the spring of ISIS, and was afterward 
under the superintendency of Philo Adams. Sunday 
schools have been regularly maintained in the village 
since 18.30. and also throughout the townshii) durino- 
a portion of each year. 

£.\KLY SCHOOLS. 

The tirst school in the township was undoubtedly 
that in the Abbott settlement, taught, before the war. 
by a Miss Gilbert, from Xewburg. afterward Mrs. 
Di'. Goodwin. 

Ill the winter of ISIT. a school house was built in 
the Spear settlement, and a school was held in it l)v 
AlarsluiU Miller. 

The first school in Milan village was opened in the 
spring of 1819. in a new barn owned by Ebenezer 
Merry, and was taught by Miss Susan Williams. In 
the fall of the same year, a school iiouse was built 
upon the spot where many years later the Eagle tavern 
was located, and where the town hall nov,- stands. 
In 182-4. the old yellow school house was built. 

HUHOX IXSTITLTE. 

Huron Institute, which owed its existence to the 
extensive revivals of religion in the churches of Huron 
Presbytery in the years 1830 and "31, was incorporated 
by act of the legislature in 183"-J. It was proposed to 
raise four thousand dollars at the start for the pur- 
pose of securing a site and erecting a building for the 
use of the institution, and the people of Milan, on 
condition that the school should be located in their 
village, promised to give one-half of this amount. 
Tlie pledge was fully realized, and the expectation of 
the friends of the movement was more than satis- 
fied, for the school became a very thriving concern. 
The people being anxious that the scliool should be 
established at once and it being impossible that the 
institute building could be finished before the fall or 
winter of 1832. the first term was opened in April, of 
that year, in tlie office of J. Smith, Esf^. Six stu- 
dents were present at the opening, and before the 
quarter was finished, twenty-five were enrolled. The 
Rev. E. Barber was made principal. The second 
quarter began with thirty-six pupils, and before the 
year was ended, over ninety names were upon the roll 
— forty-six nuiles and forty-four females. During the 
third year, the building having before that time been 
furnished and ample accommodations thus afforded, 
the number of students was as high as one hundred 
and twenty-seven. It was the desire of the the trus- 
tees of the institute to place education within the 



reach of all who would avail themselves of it. and in 
this they succeeded as nearly as was possible. The 
tuition was fixed at four dollars per quarter in the 
classical department, and at three dollars in the Eng- 
lish and female department, and the principal took 
it upon himself to furnish instruction from the avails 
of the tuition bills. Board was furnished by many 
of the best families in Milan at merely nominal rates. 
No student was ever refused admission or dismissed 
because too poor to pay his way ih the institute. 
Rev. Mr. Barber's assistant, during the first year, 
was Henry Ballentine, afterwards a missionary to 
India. Benjamin .Judson succeeded him, and re- 
mained in the institute until 1835. Mrs. C. B. 
Stuart and Mrs. E. A. Hubbard were also connected 
with the school during this period. In the summer 
of 1835. Mr. Barber resigned, on account of sickness, 
his position as principal, and S. C. Hickok was ap- 
pointed in his place. He remained in charge until 
1839. Henry W. Williams was elected principal in 
18-43, and Rev. Lemuel Bliss in 1848. Two years 
later, Robert Bliss, a Boston gentleman, was chosen 
to this place, but he resigned in a few days, and T. 
S. Bradley, of Auburn theological seminary, became 
the manager of the school in his stead. He was fol- 
lowed liy Nathan Barrows, Dwight Sayles and .John 
McKee. In 1858, the trustees leased the building to 
Rev. Asa Brainard and S. F. Newman for the jnir- 
pose of a normal school. The school was successfullv 
conducted by these gentlemen in partnership, and 
after Mr. Brainard's death, by Mr. Newman alone, 
until ISTl, when it came under the management of 
the present teacher, Miss Delia Palmer, who now has, 
in the old building, a fiourishing school. 

A very valuable work has been accomplished by the 
old institute, and many have cause to look back to it 
lovingly and thankfully, as the Ahiia Mater which 
well prepared them for the world. At the time it 
was established it was the only school on the Reserve. 
west of Hudson, where young men could be prepared 
for college. 

THE IXIOX SCHOOLS 

were established in 1840. under the law passed in 
that year, and the fdllowing lioard of educatinn was 
elected: Daniel Hamilton, .James H. Kennedy, trcorge 
Barney, Hiram McMillan, S. F. Taylor, Harry Chase. 
The first superintendent was C. F. Royce. The main 
school building, still in use, was erected in 185(), and 
the "old yellow school house,'" built before that time, 
was moved to its jn-esent location and remodeled. 

ROADS. 

The first wagon road was cut out and cleared by 
Ebenezer Hayes and F. W. Fowler in tlie winter of 
1810-11, from the mouth of the Huron river on the 
east side, up the river to the Al)bott farm, and thence 
southerly, past the farms of Ebenezer and Hosmer 
Merry and Gundin Perrin, to the north and south 
section line of Norwalk. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



463 



L'Ik' ('iiliiiiiliia ru:nl was (i|i(.'iiO(l thi' saint' winter, 
fi'om the east side of the nioutli of the nwr to the 
east line of the Fire-lands, wlieie it joined a road 
from Columbia townshij), Lorain county. 

In tlie spring of 1811, another road was laid out in 
the western part of the township l)y Jabez Wright, 
.Tared Ward and Charles Barnnm. It lead from the 
lake shore, west of the mmirh of the river, southerly 
past the farms of Wright and Ward, to the residence 
of Charles Parkeij in the fourth section of Milan' and 
thence n\) the river to Moiuoeville, and from that 
jioint southerly to New- Haven, on nearly the same 
line that is traveled to-day. 

.MILAN VI LLA(iE. 

In 181G, say several accounts, (bnt in 1817 as shown 
by the records in the court house), Ebenezer Merry, 
who came into the township in 1814, laid out the 
town of Milan, originally known as Beatty after the 
first owner of the land. He also began the same year, 
or perhaps the previous year, in company with Isaac 
Tupper and Job C. Smith, the erection of the first 
grist mill in the township, upon thn site of the pres- 
ent mill. Before the mill was con'ipleted he pnr- 
chased his partners' interests and thus became sole 
owner. Previous to the building of this mill, people 
had to go a great distance for their grist, or grind it 
by some rude method at home. The mill brought 
people to this locality from all directions and was 
reallv the nucleus around which grew the village. 
The location of the village, too, was a )ileasant one, 
and peoi)le being (piick to appreciate this fact, and to 
e.xpect a fast growth, the lots were soon sold off. By 
the vear 1810 quite a number of houses had been 
l)uilt. The first stock of goods was brought in the 
same year by .James Williams, P. R. Hojikins and 
David W. Hinman. A large distillery w-as built by 
William B. Mason and Moodey Mears. F. W. Fowler 
liegan keejiing a public house — the first one built — in 
ls-^1. Joseph M. Clioate set in operation a carding 
machine and fulling works. Needham Stamlart, af- 
terwards of the firm of Staiulart i<: Hamilton, opened 
a store in which he did a large Ijusiness for years. 
Ralph and (ieorge Lockwood, who were doing busi- 
ness in Norwalk township (Oibbs* Corners), o])ened a 
store in a large double dwelling house. Mr. Raljih 
Lockw<iod liecame postmaster of Merry's Mills, as the 
jilaee was then called, and renuiined seventeen years 
in that office. Henry Lockwood Ijcgan the hatting 
liusiness in 1824. The Lockwood block, afterward 
burned, was built as early as 18-27. In 1833 thei'e 
were ten stores in the place. The Eagle tavern, 
which occupied the present site of the town hall, was 
opened in 1824. 

These facts afford something of an idea <if what 
.Milan was during the first few years of its existence, 
but there are others, relating to the vessel building, 
to the great grain trade, and in her commerce, that 
make a still more favorable showing of her importance. 



COMMERCE — THE M1L.\N CANAL. 

A meeting of the citizens of Milan, and the town- 
shij) adjoining, was held at the house of F. W. Fowler, 
as early as 1823, to take into consideration the project 
of building a harbor at the mouth of the Huron, for 
the safe entrance of all lake craft. As a committee 
to examine into the feasibility of this plan, the fol- 
lowing men were appointed: George W. Choate, 
Philo Adams, X. P. Mason, Schuyler Van Rensselaer, 
David Gibbs, Frederick Forsyth, N. M. Standart, 
James Williams and Ralph Lockwood. A meeting 
was subsequently held, at which this committee made 
a report favoring the project, and a company was 
regularly organized to prosecute the work. Five 
directors were elected, as follows: Jabez Wright, 
Philo Adams, H. N. Jenkins, N. M. Standart. B. N. 
Adams. The work was begun in 1824, under the 
superintendence of Charles Wheaton. of Milan, and 
when he died, the following fall, Zebulon Stevens, of 
Huron, was elected to his place. The work was 
carried on until the company's money was exhausted, 
and shortly after the national government took it up 
and completed it. 

"We have been thus particular to speak of this 
enterprise, because, though not strictly belonging to 
Milan township, it, nevertheless, was a project in 
which, as shown above, Milan people were interested, 
and one which did much to develop the town and 
bring about other improvements. 

Vessel building was commenced in .Milan in 182T. 
In that year Benjamin N. Abbott built tlie schooner 
Mary Abliott, and in 1829 loaded her with produce, 
which he took to New York city, by the way of the lake 
to Buffalo, and thence by the New York and Erie canal. 
He returned with a cargo of merchandise. This was 
the first vessel to make the trip, and the only one. 
About the same time H. N. Jenkins built the schooner, 
Louisa Jenkins, at Lockwood's landing, and upon her 
maiden trip took a load of wheat to Buffalo. 

The legislature at its session of 1828 granted a 
charter for the formation of a company to build a ship 
canal from .Merry's mill pond to the navigable waters 
of the Huron, and a tow iiath on the bank of the 
river to its mouth: the commissioners, named in the 
charter, for receiving subscriptions being Jabez 
Wright, Elienezer Merry, Rali)h Lockwood, George 
Lockwood and Timothy Baker. In the summer of 
1831, books were oi)ened at Milan for subsciptions to 
the Milan Canal Company's stock, and a sufficient 
amount was immediately secured to warrant the per- 
fection of the organization. At a meeting held at 
F. W. Fowler's house August 27, 1831, the following 
five directors were elected: Ebenezer Merry, Ebenezer 
Andrews, George Lockwood, Daniel Hamilton and F. 
W. Fowler. The work was commenced in 1832, but, 
for want of means, was not completeil until 1839, 
The Fourth of July of that year was a gala day for 
Milan, for it was so realized by the passage of the 
first boat through the canal. Karly in (he morning 



464 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



the schooner Kewauue, Captain Moran, arrived in the 
canal basin, and was moored at the dock." She was 
saluted with the firing of cannon. Later the people of 
the village assembled in front of the Presbyterian 
Church, and forming in a column, with a band of 
music at the head, marched through the village and 
down the hill to the canal wharf where the Kewaune 
lay. Captain Moran was saluted in behalf of the 
ladies of .Milan, by Miss Maria Butmau, and presented 
with a national flag for his vessel. The citizens then 
went aboard the Kewaune and her lighter, the Water 
Witch and the two boats with flying colors, bauds 
playing, and cannon firing, sailed down the canal to 
the river. Upon their return a procession was again 
formed, and all went to the Eagle tavern, then kept 
by Jennings & Kline, where they partook of a dinner, 
and drank toasts to the future prosperity of Milan 
and the canal. 

The completion of this canal caused Milan to 
become a great point for vessel building, and 
made it the market for all the wheat and other 
products that the country did not need for home con- 
sumption. A great impetus was given to all in- 
dustries. In the autumn, farmers thronged all of 
the roads leading to Milan, bringing in their grain. 
Many came from a distance of seventy or eighty 
miles south. The roadway down to the warehouse 
was often blockaded with teams, and the square 
packed. Some of the wagons had in them loads of a 
hundred bushels of grain, and were drawn by four or 
six horses. Six or seven hundred wagons have arrived 
in one day. As many as twenty sail vessels have been 
loaded in a single day. and as much as thirty-five 
thousand bushels of grain put on board. The total re- 
ceipts from canal tolls were one hundred and two thou- 
sand dollars, and the dividend to stockholders, was 
twenty thousand dollars. The value of exports in 
1844, was eight hundred and twenty-five thousand 
dollars, mostly in wheat and flour. The value of 
imports, for the same time, was six hundred and 
thirty thousand doUai's. In 1853, there were three 
thousand seven hundred barrels of salt imported. In 
1855, stoves were shipped to the number of eight 
hundred and seventy-eight thousand. In 1856, 
four hundred and ten thousand' bushels of grain 
were shipped, and the aggregate of grain shipped in 
eleven years, from 1853, was nearly five million 
bushels. 

Railroads began to draw away the business of 
Milan in 1850, and in 1854 the C. & T. (now the L. 
S. &M. S. R. R.), tapped all of the thoroughfares 
leading in from the south. Thus, was Milan practi- 
cally ruined, as a business town, though still, from its 
loveliness of location, neatness of keeping, and good 
character of people and institutions, left a desirable 
place of residence. Its growth was greatest between 
the the years 1S4() and 1850, when it rose from a vil- 
lage of five hundred inhabitants to one of over thirteen 
hundred. Fifty or sixty houses were built in 1849 
and the following year. 



INCORPOR.^TION. 



The village came into being as a municipal corpo- 
ration, in 1833, the act of the legislature being passed 
February 23d, and the first election held April 6th. 
George Lockwood and John S. Butman were judges, 
and William S. Hyde, clerk. The following is a 
transcript from the poll book : 

■'The said election was held open until three o'clock, on said 6th day 
of ApFil, when the votes were counted audit was found that John Smith, 
(tanner), had received a plurality of all the votes for mayor, and that 
the other officers elected had been as follows: Trustees, Ebenezer 
Merrrj-, Henry Lockwood, Giles Chapin, John Smith, (carpenter), Phi- 
lander Wilber; Recorder, Nathan Jenkins." 

The first ordinance passed was for the assistance of 
the Milan Canal Company, and it was voted that 
twenty bonds, each for one thousand dollars, be issued 
for this purpose. 

THE F,\M1LIES OF f;i5EXEZER AND HO.SHER MERRY. 

The Merry families, of Milan, were among the 
most prominent of the eaidy settlers and most con- 
spicuously identified with the growth of the township. 
Ebenezer Merry, the elder of the brothers who came 
to Milan, was born in East Hartford, Connecticut, 
July 21, 1773, and his family removed soon after to 
Kinderhook, New York. In 1792, he went to the 
'•'Genesee country," and five years later made another 
advancement into the wilderness, stopping in Mentor, 
(now in Lake county), where he began clearing land. 
In 1801), he returned to western New York, and there 
married Charlotte, daughter of Aaron and Sarah 
Adams. She was born in Tinmouth, Vermont, on 
the 17th of August, 178(1, and had removed to York 
State at the age of fourteen years. The young couple 
immediately set out for their western home, accom- 
panied by Hosmer Merry, a brother of Ebenezer, and 
made the wedding trij) in twelve days, following the 
Indian trail and sleeping in Indian wigwams, upon 
the ground; or, if they were fortunate enough to find 
them, in tiie cabins of the white settlers. They 
arrived in Mentor, May 26th. Of the three families 
then in that place, two, those of Jared Ward and 
Charles Parker, afterward removed to Milan. After 
a residence of fourteen years, Mr. Merry moved to 
this township, then called Avery, and located upon 
the Huron river, about two miles below^ the present 
village of Milan. This village, as related already, 
was platted by Mr. Merry, and its rapid and substan- 
tial improvement was attributable almost entirely to 
his energy and judicious management of affairs. 
Himself and wife here led a happy, busy life. Mrs. 
Merry was, in all that the term can possibly imply, a 
true help-meet to her Inislxind. She never failed, on 
her part, but met every duty and everv danger bravely, 
anil tliruugli all the vicissitudes of a pioneer's life was 
the true wife, the loving mother and tlie kind friend. 
Whether in the rude log caljiii, upon the farm, or in 
the more commodious (piarters at the village, wliither 
they moved in 1819. she was equally at home, ei(Ualiy 
active, efficient and cheerful. Nine children were the 



\ 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



465 



fruit of this union, viz: Sarah (Mrs. Merrill), now 
ill Mihiii: yiary (Mrs. Jacob Stevens), also in Mi- 
lan: Julia (Mr.;. Rugglo.s), died October 11, 1874: 
Martin, in Iowa; Samuel, in Milan: Lucy (Mrs. J. 
B. Pier), in Texas; Elizabeth, in Milan; Ebenezer, 
auditor of Eric county, and Charlotte, who died. 
.Vugust 1, 18-2.5. 

Mr. Merry died in 1846, at the age of seventy-three 
years. Clark Waggoner, of the Toledo CommerciaJ, 
speaking of him in the article which appeared in Feb- 
ruary, 1879, in regard to his widow's death, said in- 
cidentally: "It is due to Mr. Merry, to say that his 
remarkable capacity as a business man, was always 
pervaded and directed l)y a clear conscientiousness 
and recognition of the rights and interests of others, 
fully Justifying Rev. Everton Judson, pastor of the 
Presbyterian church, in the choice of his text, for a fu- 
neral discourse, to wit: Proverhs xxii. 1: 'A good name 
is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving 
favor rather than silver or gold." His repeated elec- 
tions to a seat in the Ohio legislature and two elections 
as associate judge (which latter he declined), indi- 
cate his standing with his fellow citizens."' 

Mrs. Charlotte INIerry attained the great age of 
ninety-eight years, five months and twenty-two days. 
She died on the morning of February 8, 1879, and 
her funeral took place upon the 11th. The sermon 
was preached, on this occasion. Ijy the Rev. ,J. H. 
Walter, and from the same text which, thirty-three 
years before, had formed the subject for the funeral 
discourse over her husband. 

Hosnier Merry, a younger brotJier nf Ebenezer, 
though nut so widely known and not taking as active 
a part in public affairs, was a man of sterling worth 
of character. He was born at Kinderhook, New 
York, in 1793. He came, as heretofore stated, to 



Mentor, with his brother. He was then seventeen 
years of age. He returned to Genesee county when 
twenty-one, and there married iliss Sarah Frost, who 
was born in Watertown, Connecticut, October 28, 
1787. He came to Milan in 1810, and rem'(K;ed his 
family there in the following year. He located tipon 
a farm one and a half miles below the village, and 
here remained most of the time during the war, and 
was engaged, among others of the township, in the 
army, for a considerable time, most commonly acting 
as teamster and transporting goods. He was one of 
the first to visit the American vessels after Commo- 
dore Perry's victory. He used to relate that, on 
arriving near the fleet, and being uncertain whether 
the battle had terminated favorably to the American 
or British vessels, they ceased rowing, and upon being 
assured that Commodore Perry had won the fight, an 
old revolutionary hero, by the name of Harvey, sprang 
to his feet and, swinging his hat, shouted, "Row, 
boys, for God's sake row."" 

Mr. Merry moved to Oxford township in 1833. 
His first wife died in August, 1825, leaving six chil- 
dren, viz: Ebenezer 0., now in Bellevue; Henry F., 
now deceased; Fanny, in Indiana; George, in Michi- 
gan; William, in Indiana, and Betsey, now deceased. 

ilr. !Merry married, in 1826. Sarah Reed, who, 
upon his death, married Hon. F. W. Fowler, of Milan. 
By her he had two eliildren: ilary Ann, now in Find- 
ley, and Stephen, deceased. 

Mr. :\Ierry died in Oxford, August 23, 1835, at the 
age of fifty-two years. He was a man well liked, and 
one who did much for the settlement and improve- 
ment of the localities in which he lived. He was 
justice of the peace in Oxford township at the time 
of his death. His son, E. 0. Merry, is at jn'esent a 
justice of the peace for Lyme township. 



59 



OXFORD/^- 



TowxsHip number live, in range twenty-three, is 
bounded on the north by Perkins township, on the 
south by Ridgefield, east by Milan and west by the 
township of Groton. The surface of the township is 
level, except along the course of the streams. The 
soil for the greater part is a black loam, which is lich 
and productive. In the east and northern portions a 
sandy soil predominates. 

STREAMS. 

The only stream of importance touching this town- 
ship is the Huron river. This flows through the 
southeast corner of the township from the west. Two 
other small streams are found in Oxford: Pipe creek, 
which flows through the northern and western part of 
tha township, and Crab Apple creek. The course of 
this stream is through the southeast part of the town- 
ship, emptying into Huron river. 

OKUilXAL OWXERS. 

For explanation of the following table, the reader 
er is referred to the Lyme history: 

OXFORD — TOWX XLilBER FIVE, RAXGE TWEXTY- 
THREE. 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original Grantees 


Ani't Lo.ts. 


Classified bi/. Am 


t Classed. 




£ s. 


d. 


£ 
Ebenezer i Lvdia 980 


s. d. 
11 6 


Titus Hurlburt 


196 3 





1 Goddard, David 




James McEver's h 


i's600 





-1 Ward, Mary Jewit 

1 and Purdon J. 

1 Hurlburt 834 





M, Dumont 


263 10 


8 


Hezekiah Ripley 129 


15 6 



Footing of Classification No. 1, £1.344 
Classification No. •■i. Section 2. 



Original Grantees. 

Stephen Holt 
Ricuaid Deshon 
D.»vid Mumford 
James Rogers 
Daniel Holt 
Eldridi^e Chester 
Daniel Chester 
Thomas Chester 
William Latham 
Samuel Walworth 



Am't Loss. 


Classified by. Am't Classed. 


£ 


8. 


d. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


229 


5 


a 


Stephen Holt 229 


5 


2 


206 


19 


8 


R'h'd Deshon'sh'rs 266 


19 


8 


31S 


3 


9 


D. MumtMi'ds heirs 31S 


5 


9 


455 


16 


5 


James Rogers 453 


16 


5 


32 


.2 


6 


32 


•-i 


6 


6 


11 





Elisha Chester 6 


11 





19 


15 


6 


.. .. jy 


13 


6 




15 


5 




13 


3 


45 


2 


2 


James Mitchell 4 


10 


2Ji 


10 


11 


6 


10 


5 


iH 



Footing of Classification No. 2. £1,441 
Classification No. 3, Section 3. 



Original Grantees. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am 


t Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d 


Abigail Potter. 


5T3 


4 


11 


George Potter 


573 


4 


11 


James .Miller 


93 


s 


6 


.. 


93 


8 


tj 


David Manwaring 


31 


3 





His heirs 


51 


3 





Samuel Belden 


irri 


15 


6 


Samuel Belden 


104 


15 


8 


M. Dumont 


263 


18 


8 


Hezekiah Ripley 


133 


15 


o 


Wiuth'p Saltonstall 1181 


16 


8 


Wiuthn Saltonstall 301 





3 


Elisha Morgan 


7 


13 





John ^Irjrgau 
Charles Chester 


7 


13 





Charles Chester 


6 


19 





6 


19 





Jonathan Haven 


11 


9 





Elisha Chester 


11 


9 





Samuel Walworth 


10 


11 


6 


James Mitehell 




6 


4H 


J ohn Gordon 


1 
Fo 


16 
oting 


3 
of C 


George Potter 
assificatiou Ko. 3, 




12 




£1,344 


7 






• Compiled from the "Memoirs " by F. D. Drake, Esq. 



Classification No. 4, Section 4. 

Original Grantees. Am't Loss Classified by. 

£ s. d. I 
Samuel Belden 1T71 15 6 1 Samuel Belden 



Am't classed 
£ s. d. 
1344 7 



Footing of Classification No. 4, £l:M4 



SETTLE-MEXT. 







The township wa.s fir,<t colonized in the month of 
February, 1810, by six families from C'onneaut, Erie 
county, Pennsylvania. They were: Jonathan Sprague, 
Sr. , a man far advanced in years, w'ho had been a 
lieutenant in the army of the Eevolution, and origi- 
nally from the State of Vermont. He erected a cabin' 
on the east bank of Pipe creek, about one fourth of a 
mile west of Bloomingville. A son, Jonathan, Jr., 
and three families of Dunham's, settled between Mr. 
SiJrague's and the present Bloomingville. Linas En- 
sign settled on the east bank of Pipe creek, about one 
mile southwest of Bloomingville, on the farm after- 
wards occupied by John Paxton. ' 

In the mouth of July of the same year, Thomas 
James, from Xew London, Connecticut, and James 
Forsyth, from Xorthumlierland county, Penn.sylvania, 
moved into the township. James settled on a tract 
of land he had previously purchased, some half a mile 
northeast of Bloomingville. James Forsyth settled 
about one half mile .southwest of Bloomingville, and 
one fourth of a mile west of Pipe creek. During the 
fall of the same year. Nathan, Standish ^and Ruel 
Wood located about half a mile east of Bloomingville. 
The next year Thomas Hamilton. Dr. Waitsell Has- 
tings and John Dillingham settled at Bloomingville, 
and Samuel McGill about one mile southwest of them. 

During the summer and fall of this year, Jabez 
Wright and Almon Ruggles surveyed the township. 
Benjamin Drake was in the county at the time. aii<l 
assisted as chain bearer, and, while so employed, pur- 
chased the farm now occupied by his son, F. D. Drake 
(lot fifteen, section four). There were large acces- 
sions to the colony this year, and many from Con- 
neaut, Pennsylvania, located in Groton township. 

The next year, the war with Great Britain checked 
emigration, and the cowardly surrender of the traitor, 
Hull, at Detroit, shortly afterward exposed the thinly 
scattered settlements of northwestern Ohio to the 
depredations of the Indians. The inhaljitants were 
greatly alarmed, and many of them fled to the older 
settlements for safety. The larger number of those 
who fled from tliis section went to Mansfield, convey- 
ing their provisions and household goods on pack- 
horses and in wagons, driving their stock. Benjamin 
Drake was with this company; the roads were bad 
and progress slow and tedious. The women and chil- 
dren suffered much, during this march, from exposure, 

(466; 



i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



467 



and that animal pest of the new settlements of the 
west, fever :ind ague. This e.xodus was c-ondncted 
with iiiilitarv pi'eeisioii. and the cavalcade duly arrived 
at Mansfield. 

A small ju'oportion of the inhaMtants remained in 
()\f(ird, and in connection with sunie from Cold Creek 
and adjacent settlements erected, in the fall of this 
vear (1812), a hlock house in Blodiningville. This, 
like other structures of its class erected during this 
period at the west, although generally occujjied by a 
few persons, was not calculated to l)e permanently 
garrisoned, but was merely a place of refuge to whicli 
the inhabitants of the neighboring settlements tied in 
case of sudden alarm. Immediately after the battle 
on the peninsula (fall of 181'3), the settlers Ijecame so 
much alarmed that they erected an additional block 
house at Bloomingville, and enclosed both with pick- 
ets, and because of -its greater security it l)ecame a 
place of resort for transient persons and the settlers 
of the surrounding country. 

From the time of " Hull's infamy" until the close 
of tlie war but small additions were made to the per- 
manent settlers in Oxford. Soon after the battle of 
the ])eninsula. Jasper Wood (father of Bourdett Wood, 
of Bellevue), and Worthington Wood, now of Michi- 
gan, moved into the township, and bought out old Na- 
than Wood, who had previously settled a short distance 
east of Bloomingville. Greene Parker, a local Meth- 
odist preacher, settled about one half mile east of the 
present village of Enterprise, on a point of la«d 
formed by the junction of Slate run with Huron 
river. He was the first settler in this jiortion of the 
township. 

The family of Benjamin. Drake wene: Caleb, who 
married Widow Buel (did not locate in Ohio); Charles 
F. , who married ^laria Livingston and died on Ca- 
tawiia Island: Benjamin, who deceased single: Joshua, 
wlio married Charlotte Gibbs, and lives in Livingston 
county, Missouri; Frederick D., who married Eliza 
Smeath. resides on the old homestead, and is the only 
one of the family I'esiding in the townshi)); James, 
wiio married C-'atharine Smeath, and lives in Missouri; 
Sarah, who married Dr. Amos Amsden, is dead; 
Nancy, who married Dr. Daniel Tilden, is dead, and 
Deborah, who married Shepard Patrick. Benjamin 
Drake died December 2'i, 184-t, aged seventy-nine 
years. Mrs. Drake died July -21, 1844. 

I!LOOMIN(;VII,I.E 

is situated in the northwest corner of tlie township, 
and about one-fourth of a mile east of Pipe creek, on 
the line of an Indian trail, that seems to have been a 
favorite camping ground, long previous to tlie settle- 
ment of the country, for Indians and traders, in their 
.)ourneyings between the moutii of Huron river and 
Lower Sandusky, the ground being liigh ami dry, and 
an abundance of wood, water and feed in the vicinity. 
The village dates from 1811, Init was not laid out 
or named until as late as 1817. Tliis was done by 



Abiathar Shirley and Abner Youngs. At one time 

its future was very ))romising. 

FIRST KVKXTS. 

The first store in the townshi[) was opened by 
Nathan Wood, at Bloomingville, in 1811, and after- 
ward, sticcessively by Peter Vanness, and Faley & 
Johnson, In 1818, Samuel B, Caldwell and a young 
man, named Owens, brought on a large stock of 
goods, Owens soon returned east, and Charles F. 
Drake became associated with Caldwell, and the busi- 
ness was conducted by this firm for many years. 

The first post office was established at Blooming- 
ville as early as 1810, Aaron Bigsby was, douljtless, 
the first postmaster. 

The first fruit trees in the township were pilanted 
by Jonathan Sprague, who established a nursery on 
Pipe creek. This was prior to the war of 1812. Many 
orchards in this, and adjoining townships, were formed 
from trees procured at this nursery. 

Abiathar Shirley opened a hotel at Bloomingville, 
as early as 1812. 

The first justice of the peace was Israel Harrington. 
He was elected in 1811, and lived west of Pipe creek, 
in what is now Groton township. 

Owing to the sparsely settled condition of the F^ire- 
lands at this time, election precincts were almost 
boundless. What is now embraced in the townships 
of Oxford, Groton, Perkins and a part of Margaretta, 
was then one precinct, and elections were held at 
Bloomingville, then called Wheatsborough. In 182G, 
Groton effected a separate organization. 

CHURCHES AXD SCHOOLS. 

The first sermon delivered within the limits of 
the township of Oxford, was by Father Gurley, 
who located in the township at an early period. He 
was a Methodist, _ and was zealous in the cause of 
religion. He died but recently. The Rev. Mr. 
Smith was the second minister to locate in the town- 
ship. 

The township has liad no church organization until 
recently. The Lutheran, near Prout's station, is the 
first one, and was formed, perhaps, ten years since. 
This has now a large membershij) and is in a flourish- 
ing condition. Near the same place is also located 
a church of the Catholic faith. 

The first school house in the township was erected 
in 1810, and stood al)out half way between Pipe 
creek and Bloomingville. In this, a term of school 
was kept in the winter of 1811, by Joseph Alby. 
The building was still standing in 1815, and Mr. 
Drake says, "'for a literary institution it looked hard 
indeed." 

SOCIETIES. 

In the year 1870, the Oxford Center Lodge of Good 
Templars was organized by Isaac DcLamater, E.s((. 
This was prosperous and fiourishing for a time, but 
in cousecjuence of the removal of uumy of its most 



468 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



active members, its charter was siirreudered in Feb- 
ruary, 1874. During its existence nearly one hundred 
persons became members of it. 

On January 20. lST"-2, an organization of tliis order 
was effected at Bloomingville, by A. M. Collins, Avith 
W. M. Hills, W. C. T. During the subseriuent 
iSjiring, rooms were prepared in the upper part of 
Mrs. Man- James residence. We understand this 
society has also passed out of existence. 

PHYSICI.\yS. 

The first doctor to locate in the township was Wait- 
sell Hastings, who came, as before stated, in 1811. 
He eventually removed to near Parkertown. in Groton 
township, where he died a few j'ears since. Dr. 
Strong succeeded him, and practiced some years. He 
is now deceased. Dr. Carpenter came next, and was 
the only physician in the township for many years. 
He moved west and died. His son, Samuel B. Car- 
penter, succeeded him. Dr. George Carpenter came 
next. Dr. Isaac Rogers was the first practitioner of 
the botanic school: he lived in the township some 
twenty years. The present physician is M. J. Love, 
recently removed from Monroeville. 

IMPKOVEMEXTS. 

The improvements, if they deserve the name, made 
by the first settlers, were of the most primitive kind: 
a rude, ill-constructed log cabin, covered with shakes, 
as they were called, with stable, etc., of the same or- 
der of architecture, together with a few acres of land 
enclosed for cultivation, did, in most cases, constitute 
the sum total of improvements. The procuring of 
a bare subsistence made a large draft on the time of 
the pioneer. Until nearly the close of the war most 
of the meal (little flour being used), consumed by the 
inhabitants, was transjjorted by water from Cleveland 
to the mouth of Huron river, and thence conveyed 
on pack-horses to its place of destination. Tea, cof- 
fee and sugar were almost entirely unused. 

SICKXESS. 

The early settlers of this part of the Fire-lands 
suffered more from sickness than all other causes. 
During the months of August and September, in every 
year, bilious and intermittent fever, and ague and 
fever, prevailed to a great extent. The change of 
climate, water and mode of living, created a general 
predisposition to disease, and all were affected, some 
years more than others, so much so that long after- 
wards, one year in particular was referred to as the 
sickly season. Whole families would be prostrated at 
the same time, and not one in the house be able to 
give another a glass of water. 

KOSI'ITALITV. 

A sense of mutual dependence, their solitary mode 
of life, and perhaps other causes, produced a friend- 
ship and hearty good will for each other among the 
early settlers, that never exists in the older and more 



densely po^julated settlenaents. The latch-string was 
always out, and the traveler was received with the most 
cordial welcome, and partook of the best the cabin 
afforded, generally pretty coarse fare, "without money 
and without price." The raising of a building col- 
lected most of the men from a wide circuit; and if a 
settler, from sickness or other cause, was unable to 
plow, plant or harvest in season, his neighbors would 
collect and do his work for him; those living six or 
eight miles apart even, were considered as neighbors. 
In all their gatherings, and they were frequent, the 
most perfect equality and good will prevailed. 

MILLING. 

Among the most prominent evils and Ijardships 
incident to the settlement of the Fire-lands, was that 
of procuring bread, even of the coarsest kind. Even 
as late as 1820, there were not mills suflicient to sup-, 
ply the wants of a rapidly increasing population. 
Ebenezer Merry had erected a mill at Milan, Major 
Frederick Faley one at L'old Creek, near the present 
village of Venice, and I l)elieve there was one near the 
head of the creek, and a man named Powers had built 
one on Huron river, in Greenfield township. These 
were all small affairs, with one run of stone. The 
machinery and dams were rude, ill-constructed, and 
out of order a great portion of the time. The roads 
were almost impassiljle for wagons, and even danger- 
ous for a single horse, with a bag of grain and a rider 
on his liack. 

Mr. Drake savs: •'! was of that age when not large 
enough to do a man's work on the farm, but still large 
enough to go to mill, and is was a duty I was gener- 
ally detailed to perform. The following expedition to 
Powers' mill Vill show how it was done. The mill 
stood in the woods, and resembled an old' fashioned 
tan house. The basement, containing the machinery, 
was uuinclosed, the upper story boarded up barn fash- 
ion, and constructed inside with more regard for con- 
venience than bea^ity. The presiding genius of the 
establishment was constructed on the same principles 
— one leg being much shorter than its mate. He was 
old and cross. Millers were then as alisolute as the 
'Autocrat of all the Russias.' T.iere was no appeal 
from their decisions, and as it was a matter of bread, 
if not butter, people were willing to submit to a great 
deal to secure so desirable a consummation. The 
state of the roads and the distance most persons came, 
made it neceasary to spend one night at the mill. 
The night I was there I found some ten or twelve 
others, and we all camped down wherever a vacancy 
could be found among the bags. The regular click- 
ing of the hopper, the surging, gushing sound of the 
water, as it escaped from the mill wheel, the noise of 
people talking and traveling annuul hunting for bags, 
and the singing of mosijuitoe.-, produced a concert of 
discordant sounds that precluded the possibility of 
sleep. Still there was no complaining: it was consid- 
ered as a necessary evil. The next night when I lay 
down at home on a comfortable bed, I could have 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



469 



.said with liouest Sauclio Pauza: ' Blessed is the man 
that invented sleep.'" 

Dr. Carpenter l)ailt a saw mill on Pipe creek many 
years since. A run of stone was subsequently added, 
for the grinding of coarse feed. 

A HAXK — ALMOST. 

No one residing on the Fire-lands at present, when 
all kinds of produce are convertible into cash, can 
form an idea of the vexations and inconveniences en- 
dured by tlie early settlers, for want of a circulating 
medium. Previous to the opening of the Erie canal, 
and the establisliment of commercial relations through 
that channel with eastern cities, there was no cash 
market for any kind of produce. A bushel of corn 
would not buy a j"ard of muslin, coarse enough to 
sift meal through. A man might own a hundred 
head of cattle, an unlimited number of hogs, and 
territory large enough for a German princi])ality, and 
not be able to raise money enough to pay his taxes 
without great effort. 

I think it was in ISIT. that Charles Lindsay re- 
moved from Dayton to near the head of Cold creek. 
He had been an ofKcial in a wildcat institution, that 
issued "promises to pay," never redeemed, under the 
name of the "Dayton manufacturing company." 
The word "manufacturing" was, doubtless, used for 
the same reason that Captain Cuttle always read 
a large book, /. e., because it looked respectable. 
Lindsay suggested to some of the influential inhabi- 
tants, Ithe great benefit that would result to the coun- 
try by establishing a bank at Bloomingville — at that 
time a flourishing village. The move was a pojiular 
one. A meeting was called, the necessary stock sub- 
scribed. Lindsay was employed to engineer things, 
get the engraving done and procnre a charter, while 
Messrs. South, Shirley, Youngs and others, proceeded 
to the erection of a banking house. On rejiairing to 



Columbus, it was found that a law had recently passed 
prohibiting the granting of further Inmk charters for 
the space of twelve months. The bills were already 
printed, but nothing further was done except to sell 
the property and abandon the enterprise. 



Biographical Sketches. 



MR. PERCIVAL B. SALISBURY 

was born at Henderson, .Jefferson county. New York, 
January 'il. 1818. He was educated at Theresa in 
the same county. In 1839, he engaged in teaching 
in Adams, New York, and on March 'l, 1842, he mar- 
ried Miss Stella Willard, of Adams. He engaged in 
mercantile pursuits until the fall of 185-1, when he 
removed to Ohio, locating in Oxford township, at 
Four Corners, where he has been identified with all 
matters of public interest. During the early years 
of his residence in the county, he was a teacher in 
the public schools. During the war he was a thorough 
Union man and a staunch supporter of the govern- 
ment. His family consisted of three children: Newel 
B., who was a member of the One hundred and 
twenty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fell in the 
service ; Brainard W. , who married Miss Jennie 
Todd, and is now connected with the Exchange Bank 
of Monroeville; and Emma A., who married H. G. 
Cowles, and now lives at Big Rock Iowa. 

Mr. Salisbury died March IG, 187'.t. He was a 
gentleman of refined and cultivated taste, and cafly 
in life became a Christian. He was a member of the 
Congregational church at Four Corners, and a faith- 
ful earnest worker. 



HURON; 



I.OCATIOX. 

The town of Huron, situated at the mouth of Huron 
river, fifty miles west of Cleveland, or the mouth of 
Cuyahoga river, and about ten miles east of the mouth 
of Sandusky bay, has probably been settled longer 
than any other town on the Fire-lands. 

The township is bounded oifthe north by Lake Erie, 
east by Berlin township (formerly called Eldridge), 
south by a part of Berlin and Milan townships, west 
by Perkins and Portland townships (now Sandusky), 
and northwest by Sandusky bay. Huron river runs 
through the eastern jiortion of the township, in a 
northwardly direction, till within about one mile of 
the mouth, when the channel takes a northeast direc- 
tion, till it empties into Lake Erie. 

AS A HARBOR. 

Huron has been considered an .important point on 
account of the shipping facilities, by lake navigation, 
which it affords to the surrounding farming counjtry. 
Huron river is one of the best harbors un the south 
shore of Lake Erie. The ordinary depth of water in 
the channel is usually about tifteen feet, and fre- 
quently even greater, and when you get "'inside," 
(as the sailors say), there is room for all the shipping 
on Lake Erie. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

There are about fifteen liundred acres of marsh land 
within the boundaries of Huron township: three hun- 
dred in the Huron river valley, the remainder border- 
ing on Sandusky bay. all of which is irreclaimable, 
from the fact that the land is all lower than tiie sur- 
face of the lake and consequently affected Ijy the rise 
and fall of its waters. 

The land e.ist of Huron river at the time of the 
first settlement of the early pioneers, was covered with 
a dense forest, about half of which was what is termed 
second growth, the balance heavy timber; much of it 
being white oak, has been used for ship timber. 

About two miles west of Huron river is Saw Mill 
creek, a stream of considerable magnitude, the outlet 
of prairie drainage, and which, at a time when the 
waters of the prairies were discharged more slowly, 
previous to the extensive opening of prairie ditches, 
saw mills for the manufacture of lumber have been 
known to run the greater portion of tiie year. But 
since the advantage to farm land of a tliorough sys- 
tem of drainage luis been taken into consideration, 
most of tiie water falling upon the land witiiin twenty 



' By Dr. Geo. Haskins. 



miles of the lake is discharged therein in the course 
of a week. The southwest part of the township is 
mostly prairie. The northwestern part, except the 
marshes bordering on Sandusky Ijay, is timber land. 

ORIGINAL OWSERS. 

For an explanation of the following table the reader 
is referred to the history of Lyme: 

HrRON, TOWX NTMBER SIX, IX RAXGE TWEXTY-T WO. 

Classification No. 1, Section 1. 



Original Grantees. 


Am 


't Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. d. 


Peter Lattimer 


.317 


1 


H 


■) The heirs of Wil- 
1 liam Stewart, 


■.>H4 


4 ■ 7 


John Lester 


.35 


19 


7 


.37 


19 7 


John Welch 


Jfi 


10 





1 late of New 


46 


10 


Joseph Hurlbiit 


965 


8 


3 


London, Con- 


149 


10 


Samuel Brown 


193 


7 


8 


necticut, (de- 


;<!>8 


18 6 


Samuel Lattimer 


(110 


19 


5 


J ceased i 


519 


13 6 



Footing of Classification No. 1, fil.^iW 
Classification No. 2, Section 3. 



Oriyinal Grantees. Am 


■t Lo 


S.S. 


Classified by. Am't Clus^ 


«/. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Jeremiah Miller 2,535 


18 


10 


William Winthrop, 












New York 360 


5 


2 


•' " 






105 


1,3 


•3 


John Ewing 800 








Heirs of " 800 








John Barr 71 


11 


4 


William Gale. New- 












London 71 


11 


4 


Eben Goddard 






Heirs of ■• 7 









Footing of Classification No. :*, £lMi 

Cl-ASSIFICATION NO. 3. SECTION 3. 



Orujinul Grantees. 


Am 


't Lo 


ss. 


Classified by. Am] 


Classed . 




£ 


s. 


d. 


£ 
1 Heirs of Richard 


s. d. 


Joseph Packwood 


817 


5 


4 


1 William Parkin. 817 


5 4 


Bathsheba Smith 


465 


14 


10 


V lateofNe«-Lou-40r 


10 6 


Richard Potter 


382 


■i 


3 


1 don. Connect!- 119 
J cut, (deceased! 


11 2 



Footing of Classification No. 3, £1,341 

Classification No. 4, Sectio.v 4. 



(h-iginal Grantees. An 


7 Loss. 


Classified by. 


Am't Classed. 


£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


Samuel Lattimer 910 


ID 


5 


Heirs of William 
Stewart. New Lon 














don. Connecticut 


341 


5 


11 


Richard Potter 382 


2 


3 


Heirs of Richard 
Parkins, de- 
ceased 


262 


11 


1 


Thomas Bowlav, or 














Boyd 49 


17 


1 


a ,i 


49 


■ 17 


1 


.\nn Hancock 140 


3 


B 




93 


9 





Richard Stroud 23 


15 







S3 


15 





Eben May 15 


1« 


1 


.. .. .. 


15 


Ifi 


1 


Widow Austus Piner 4H 





1) 




48 








Bathsheba Skinner IW 










60 


U 





Jaliob Fenk 130 


,s 


10 




130 


8 


10 


Ichaliod Powers 020 


H 


n 




206 


16 





Jeremiah Miller 2.5-35 


18 


10 


William W inthrop, 














New York 


68 


8 






Footing of Classification No. 4, £1,314 7 
EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The precise date of the first occupation of Huron 
by wiiite settlers is uncertain. It is known, however, 
that the French had a trading post at the moutli of 
Huron river about the year A. D. 1749, but it was 

aliandoncd previous to the Revoliitidii. 

(470) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



471 



The Moniviau missionaries, consisting of a few 
Avliite settlers and Indians, located on a p:irt of the 
soutlieast corner of Huron and the northeast corner 
of Milan townships. Tliey also abandoned tiieir set- 
tlement previous to the war of the Revolution, and 
probably before the French occupied their trading post 
at the mouth of the river, thougli there were a few 
Moravian Indians, with a white preacher and his fam- 
ily in their midst, in 1808. 

Tlie beginning of the present settlement was in the 
year 1805. John Baptiste Fleraoned, or Fleming, first 
came to Huron tiiat ye ir, but Mr. Hosea Townsend, 
of New London, says that Flemoned claimed to have 
come to Huron in 1T90. He was born in Montreal, 
Lower Canada, about the year ITTO, of French par- 
ents. He located on the ea<t h-Mik of Huron river, 
about two miles from the moutii. on lot number fif- 
teen, section first. The land is now owned \>y Mr. 
Simon Knight. He opened a small stock of goods 
for the purpo--e of dealing with the Indians, exchang- 
ing with them for furs and of supplying them with 
such articles of merchandise as their necessities re- 
quired. 

In the arrest, trial and execution of the two Indi- 
ans, Negonaba and Negosheek. at Norwalk, May 31, 
1819, for the murder of John Wood and George 
Bishop. Mr. Flemoned was ona of the most important 
witnes335, interpreter, guide, and one of the execu- 
tioners; The weary pioneer always found welcome 
ho5pitalit\- in his store and cabin, and the early sur- 
veyors, in 1800, found rest and repose. He also as- 
sisted in tlieir second survey. It has been said that 
he died in 1820, l)ut according to the most reliable 
data he died about the year 1837, leaving a wife and 
three daughters: Eliza, Jane and Lydia. His eldest 
married John McCarty. After his (McCarty's) death 
she married John Miller and lived on the old farm 
till about 18.51, then moved to Wood county, Ohio. 
The condition or whereabouts of the two younger is 
not known to the writer. Mrs. Flemoned died about 
twelve years subsenuent to the death of Mr. Flemoned. 

Jared Ward and family came into the township in 
the spring of 1808, lived on a i)art of the Flemoned 
farm, near the site of the present residence of Widow 
McMillen, until the following year— 1809. He then 
bought a part of David Abbott's land, in Avery [now 
Milan] township, near the Hathaway neighborhood, 
where his son, Elam Ward, now resides. Mrs. Betsy 
Collins, late the wife of Isaac Collins and a daughter 
of .Tared Ward, remembered the time when her father 
came to Huron; was then in the fourth year of her 
age. She resided in Milan from tiie time of her i)ar- 
cnts' residence there until 1858. 

Mrs. Collins was born in Painesville, Ohio, in 
1804, was married to Mr. Isaac Collins in Jlilan. 
They moved to Huron in 1858, wliere she resided 
until her death, Septemlier 1, 1877. Mr. Isaac Col- 
lins was in Huron in 1812, but made only a short 
stay; went the same year to Columbus, Ohio; came 
back to Milan in 1818. Hr heli)ed raise the court 



house at the old county seat. He assisted at J. B. 
Flemoned's funeral. Came to Huron in 1858, where 
he now resides. 

Almon Ruggles visited the Fire-lands a few years 
prior to moving his family to Huron in June, 1808. 
Jabez Wright also came to Huron in 1808. The 
same year, these gentlemen commenced the survey of 
the township, laying it off in sections and lots in 
course of that and succeeding years, completing the 
survey in 1810. 

Mr. Jabez Wriglit was born in 1780, near Copen- 
hagen, New York. After he came to Huron, he 
married Miss Taniar Ruggles, a relative of the late 
Judge Almon Ruggles. He located on the west bank 
of. Huron river, about two and a half miles from tlie 
lake, on land now known as Wright's river farm, and 
owned by, his sou, Winthrop H. Wright, and where 
W. H. Wright was born, in December, 1813. 

Mr. Wright was elected justice of the peace for 
Huron township, the exact date is not definitely 
known; he was subsequently appointed one of the 
associate judges of the court of common pleas, for 
Huron county. He was land agent for William Win- 
throp, of New York city, who had acijuired the title 
of the whole township. Mr. Winthrop died about 
the year 183G. when the land, liy Mr. Winthrop's will, 
went to his nephew. Wm. H. Winthrop. 

Mr. Wright moved on to the lake shore in 1815, 
about one mile west of the mouth of Huron river. 
In the year 1833, he built the first brick house that 
was erected in the township. He continued to act 
as land agent for Wm. H. Winthrop until the time of 
his death, December 16, 1840, which was caused by 
falling from the lake bank on a dark night. Judge 
Wright was an exemplary citizen, highly respected, 
and all who knew him sadly mourned his sudden and 
untimely death. Mrs. Wright died in 1840, at tlie 
house of her youngest son, Ruggles Wright. Of 
their five children, there are now three living: Win- 
throp H., the eldest, and Ruggles, the youngest, and 
Mrs. Abigail \'ance, youngest daughter (widow), liv- 
ing in Columbiana county, Ohio. The eldest daugh- 
ter, Lucy, married General John W. Sprasfue; died 
in Tro}-, New York, ilay, 1844. Douglas, the second 
son of Judge Wright, died at the brick house resi- 
dence, January 11, 1850. 

Cyrus Downing and family, consisting of wife and 
two children, came to Huron in November, A. I). 
1800. He located on the lake shore on land now 
owned by W. H. Wright, somewhere near Mr. 
Wright's present dwelling, where he resided until the 
summer of 1813, when lie left and went to Cleveb.nd 
soon after Hull's surrender, where he died the next 
winter. Mrs. Downing afterwards married a Mr. 
Parker, of Milan. The Indians were quite numerous 
about Huron at that time, and somewhat troublesome 
about the first breaking out of the war, but became 
more shy after hostilities commenced. Jeremiali 
Daniels came to Huron about the same time as Down- 
ing. Mr. Daniels carried the mail from Huron to 



472 



HISTORY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Cleveland, making weekly trips. He married Pauline 
Downing in the spring of 1813, and settled on the 
farm now occupied and owned by Mr. William J. 
Hinde, two and a half miles west of Huron village. 

Major Hiram Russel came to Huron in the winter 
of 1809 and 1810; built a log house on land afterward 
owned by Jeremiah Van Benschoter, now owned by 
Mr. Van Benschoter's two daughters, Mrs. Widow 
Stapleton and Mrs. James Paxton. Mr. Russel occu- 
pied his house as a tavern and store, which was the 
first tavern kept in Huron. It was opened to the 
public in 1810. The same year Mr. Russel com- 
menced building a vessel, of about forty tons' burthen, 
near his house. It is said that there was but a very 
small amount of iron used in the building, wooden 
pins being used instead of spikes. Mr. Russel was 
assisted by Jonathan Sprague (father of the late Jon- 
athan 8. Sprague, Esq.), who did what blacksmith 
work was required. The vessel was finished in 1811. 

Jonathan Sprague came into the township with his 
family in 1810. Located on the east side of the river, 
a few rods above the railroad bridge. 

Mr. Russel biiilt another vessel, which he completed 
in the spring of 1813. She was named " The Fair 
American." It is said that this vessel was sold to the 
British government, and delivered to the British 
agents at Buffalo soon after being completed. 

Mr. Russel cleared a field on the farm now owned 
by Mr. William G. Sage. This field was afterwards 
abandoned, and in 184-5 was covered with a thick 
growth of timber. The laud on this farm, like much 
land east of the river in this township, was a light 
sandy soil, and was considered by the early settlers 
nearly worthless. It is now known to be the best 
farm land on the Western Reserve. Russel left Huron 
soon after the war commenced. 

In 1809, Asa Smith visited tlie country in and 
around Huron, and moved into the township in June, 

1810, from Romulus, Seneca county, New York. In 

1811, he was elected justice of the peace, at the first 
election held in the township after its organization. 
Mr. Asa Smith located not far from the present resi- 
dence of W. H. Wright, one mile west of the mouth 
of the river. He was born in Massachusetts; his wife 
in Rhode Island; they lived, for a time, on Long 
Island; afterwards moved to Romulus. New York, 
and from thence to Huimii. They had six children 
when they came to Huron, one of whom, William B., 
was born on Long Island, August 15, i;9(>. Mr. 
Asa Smith died at his residence, in Huron, August 
30, 181.5. His wife died August 30, 1843, in San- 
dusky. 

.loiiatlian S. Sprague, Esq., came to Huron with 
his family in 1810, from Canada. He settled on tlie 
farm now owned by Henry Holsaur. He nuirried 
Miss Mahala Daly. He afterward bought an adjoin- 
ing farm, of Judge Charles Staiulart. Jonathan S. 
Sprague was a man of more than ordinary talents: he 
had not the benefit of a common school education; 
yet he was held in so high estimation bv his friends and 



associates that he was frequently elected to offices of 
trust. He held the office of justice of the peace for 
eighteen years in succession, at the termination of 
which he refused to serve in that capacity any longer: 
his health was very much impaired for several of the 
last years of his life. He died at his house, on the 
Standart farm, on January 15, 1861. Mrs. Sprague 
died at the house of her son-in-law, Mr. Isaac Dur- 
ham, in April, 1872, near the village, at the age of 
seventy-two years. 

In January, 1816, Reed & Sandford, merchants, of 
Erie, Pennsylvania, opened a store of goods at the 
month of the river, on the east side. It was man- 
aged by ;\Ir. Francis Graham, assisted by John B. 
Flemoned. 

Mr. William B. Smith, and his motiier, kept a 
public house at that time on the west side of the 
river. Mr. Smith remembered hearing the report of 
Perry's guns on the 10th of September, 1813, and, in 
company witli his father, started for Put-in-Bay the 
next morning, arriving there the following morning, 
where Perry's fleet, with their prizes, were moored. 
Mr. Smith was married in Huron in June, 1819, and 
moved to Sandusky soon afterward, where he spent 
the remainder of his life. He was always highly 
esteemed as one of Ohio's best citizens by all wiio knew 
him. He was elected treasurer of Erie county in 1840. 
He died in Sandusky, September 25, 1878. Mrs. 
Smith, a most estimable lady, survives her husband. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

It is uncertain when the first post office was estab- 
lished at Huron. A letter from the venerable Francis 
Graham, above mentioned, of Ashland, Ohio, says : 
"I went to Huron in November, '15, (probably 1815) 
where I spent four years of my life. Uncle Sam gave 
us a post office early ill 1817; office on the east side, 
and Asa Sandford postmaster," wiiich was probably 
the first regularly establislied post office in Huron. 

The first public sclioi.il. it is said, was tauglit by 
Calvin Coe, in the winter of 1810-11, and afterward 
by Miss Tamar Ruggles (later Mrs. Jaliez Wright). 
It is said that Mr. Coe was afterward ordained 
preacher of the gospel, and as such was tlie first w!io 
served in that capacity in Huron. 

About the year 1815, ilr. William Chapman ojiuned 
a school near his house, on lot twenty-five, section 
three, and continued for a few years. Mr. Wintlirop 
H. Wright remeinbers attending as a puiiil. 

The first public highway in tlie township was on 
the east side of tlie river, surveyed by Jal)ez Wright, 
beginning at tlie lake shore, near the moutli of tlie 
river, running southward. The survey was made in 
1810. 

William Winthrop, former owner of Huron ti)wn- 
ship, built a saw mill on Saw ^lill creek, two and a 
half miles west of tlie river, in 1819. 

In 1819, N. M. Standart and Cyrus Butler opened 
a store nf dry goods and groceries on the west side 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



473 



of the river. In 1820, tliey parteii. Standiirt went 
to Milan, and Butler went to Norwalk. 

In 18-24, N. M. Standart and Daniel Haniiltun 
built a store in Huron. C'harle.s Standart and I'hilo 
Adam.s served as clerks till 1825. Mr. Adams had 
moved to Huron in the spring of 1824 to Ijoard the 
men working on the liarlior. under the direction of 
the Huron Harbor comjiany. 

In 182."). Piiilo Adams moved on to his farm, wiu-re 
he remained until his death, exeejit a short residence 
in Milan, keeping a hotel. 

In the fall of 182.5. Charles Standart and George 
H. Gibbs purchased Standart & Hamilton's stock of 
goods. The lii-m continued fifteen montlis, when 
Gibbs retired. .Standart continued tiie business till 
1828. when he discontinued the store, built a ware- 
house and dock, and commenced storage .and com- 
mission business. 

EARLY RESIDENTS. 

Judge Standart says that when he first went to 
liurju, iu October, 1824, there was one frame house 
on the west side of the river, occupied by Philo 
Adams, who boarded the men working on the harbor, 
a log building occupied by the Green family, and 
a small cabin on the bank of the lake occupied by 
Captain Reed, the first shipbuilder of Huron. There 
were on the east side other log buildings, occupied by 
different individuals: among whom were Benjamin 
Gould, a catfisherman, .md Jeremiah Van Benscho- 
ter, up the river. There were several other fiimilies 
located in different parts of the township about the 
time Standart came to Huron, which we have not 
heretofore mentioned. E. M. Granger lived on. the 
farm afterward owned by Mr. Standart. (Jeorge 
Downing lived near Granger; Mr. .lohn Ilugiies and 
family near the west line. William Chapman, the 
Everetts, Woolvertons. Swifts, and some other farm- 
ers settled in the township about the same time. 
David Everitt came to the Fire-lands in 1824. He 
lived in Milan a few years; is now a resident of Huron 
township, and about eighty years of age. 

Mr. Tower .Jackson came to the Fire-lands April 
14, A. D. 181'.), and soon after located in Milan. He 
was married November 18, 1822, to Miss Sarah Clock, 
of Monroeville. On the 4th of July, 182'J, he moved 
to Huron. He entered into partnership with Henry 
W. Jenkins, selling dry goods and groceries, continu- 
ing in business with Jenkins for a few years. About 
1830, he went into partnership with Mr. Richard E. 
Colt. The firm invested considerable money in the 
encouragement of various industries; (piite extensively 
in vessel building. They l)uilt the steamlioat Dela- 
ware, bringing her out in 1834. Mr. Jackson re 
mained in Huron till 184t>. when he went to Racine, 
Wisconsin; and two years later removed to Cleveland, 
Ohio, where Mrs. Jackson died, in A. D. 18.")4. He 
is now a resident of Huron, in the eighty-first year of 
his age, where, it is to be hoped by his many friends, 
he will continue his residence. He married a .second 

60 



wife, Miss Lncy Button, previous to returning from 
Cleveland. Mr. Jackson built the Huron House, 
about 183it, on the northwest cornerof Main and Wall 
street.*. In 1840, he built the American House, on 
the corner of Main and Lake streets. The Huron 
House has lieen moved, and is now occupied as stores. 
The American was burned. Henry W. Jenkins came 
in ipiite an early day; the precise time is not known. 
He dealt in dry goods and groceries, invested some in 
vessel stock; built the Ohio Hotel, and was an active 
worker in assisting to build up tlie town. He left 
Huron sometime after 1840, went to Cincinnati, from 
thence to the Isthmus of Darien, and commenced the 
carrying business across the Isthmus, and died there 
about 1850. 

The Ohio Hoiel. above mentioned, stood on the 
southwest corner of JIain and Wall streets, and was 
destroyed by fire on the Fourth of July, 1854. 

Buel B. Jones came to Huron about 1835 or "30; 
sold dry goods and groceries for a few years, after 
which he rented .the Ohio hotel, which he kept for 
two or three years, then moved away. 

Mr. John W. Wiekham (of the firm of Wickliam 
& Company), was Ijorn in Philadelphia, October 13, 
180C; was reared to manhood in Sodus, at the mouth 
of Great Sodus Bay, in the State of New York. He 
came to Huron in the autumn of 1833; commenced 
the forwarding and commission business, buying and 
shipping grain and other fai'm productions. He also 
opened a store of dry goods and groceries. Init after a 
few years discontinued selling goods. The firm are 
now carrving on a very cxteinive fishery; also dealing 
in lumber and buying grain. They give emi)loyment 
to a great number of Huron laborers. Mr. Wiekham 
is one of the oldest pioneers now engaged in mercan- 
tile business. Mrs. J. W. Wiekham is also a Huron 
l)ioiieer from infancy, a daughter of Mr. Schuyler 
^'an Rensselaer, deceased, who was one of the early 
pioneers of Huron county. He came to Huron in the 
spring of 1833. He a.ssisted Mr. Abiatha Shirley in 
making the plat of Huron in A. D. 18-33. 

I'IlYSiriAX.S. 

The physicians were not very numerous among the 
earlv Huron pioneers. Dr. Ansolcm Gutherie was 
the first Huron physician who attempted to locate in 
the town. He came in 1813, and remained until 
1817, when he removed to Canada. It is not known 
whether there were any other resident physicians at 
the mouth of the river for .several years after Dr. 
Gutherie left. 

An old gentleman, called Doct McCrea. from New 
Jersey, located near the west line of the township, 
near the Stone House (so called), doing some medical 
business in that vicinity. We think he went back to 
New Jersey. 

Dr. Charles H. Legget came to Huron in 1830; 
jji-acticed in the village and vicinity till May 2'.t. 1832. 
He was drowned in Huron river, together with his 
wife; sujiposed to have been caused Ijy the accidental 



4T4 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



upsetting of a small boat, near Wrighfs river farm — 
no other person was present when the accident oc- 
curred. It was not discovered till the following 
morning, when the citizens, alarmed at their pro- 
lunged absence, discovered the boat, dragged the 
river, and recovered tlieir remains. 

After Dr. Legget's death, there were a great manv 
physicians who came to Huron at different periods 
with a view of locating, as our Huron marshes and 
their various surroundings looked inviting to the doc- 
tors who aspired to professional notoriety; but in 
time discovered that "all was not gold that glittered,"" 
that the marshes were on a level with Lake Erie, 
and that their pure, glittering waters would not pro- 
duce miasmata worth a cent; or, in other words, 
Huron was a very healthy town, and would support 
only a limited number of physicians. Therefore, as 
there were so large a number of medical men who 
attempted a permanent location and failed, I will 
only mention the few who have weathered the hard- 
ships of a pioneer life, and those who reside here at 
the present time. 

Dr. George S. Haskin, now practwing medicine in 
Huron, was born in the town of Rupert, Vermont, 
August 27, 1805, He came to the Fire-lands in 1831, 
landing at Sandusky; in June, 1832, he came to 
Huron and commenced the practice of his profession. 

Dr. Jose|)li Caldwell came to Huron in the spring 
of 1833. He continued the medical practice till his 
death, which occurred June 13, 1866, in the seventy- 
fifth year of his age, much lamented l)y many friends. 

Dr. J. T. C'ushing, now a medical practitioner, came 
to Huron in 1865 and commenced business. 

Dr. H. E. McXutt, now practicing medicine in 
Huron, commenced in 1874. 

CHURCHES. 

There are now five churcli edifices within tlie village 
corporation limits, and one on the west line of the 
township, which was erected by the late Mr. John 
Graham, assisted by the citizens of West Huron and 
some others. 

John Graham was of Irish nationality. He came 
into the township about the year 1833, and located on 
the Cummings farm, lot number twenty-seven, section 
fourth. His religion is said to have been that of a 
Wesleyan Methodist. His character was that of a 
strictly honest man. He was highly esteemed by all 
his neighbors. He died about the year A. D. 1856, 
in the month of October. Mrs. Graham, a very es- 
timable lady, seventy-three years of age, survives her 
husband, Siie resides on the old homestead. 

Since writing the foregoing we have learned that 
Mr. Graham's ancestors were of Scotcli descent, hav- 
ing emigrated from Scotland to Ireland in the early 
l)art of the eigiiteenth century. 

Of the five churches in Huron, the Protestant 
P^piscopal, called "Christ's Church" (a brick edifice), 
was built in 1838. In 1839, this church edifice, un- 
der the ministry of Rev. Samuel Marks (the present 



rector) was dedicated to the service of Almighty God 
by Bishop Mcllvaine, D. D., D. C. I^. Wardens: J. 
W. Wickham and S. P. McDonald. 

The Presbyterian Church was built in 1853. 

Tiie German Lutheran was erected about 1860. 

The Methodist in 1871. 

The German Evangelical in A. D. 1875. 

The Presbyterians have recently engaged Rev. Mr. 
Snowdon, of West \'ill, Ohio. 

The Rev. Mr. Hassenpflug has charge of the Ger- 
man Evangelical Church. 

The other churches are not under the care of any 
regular established clergynuin. 

THE ('HOLER.\. 

The luitural advantages of the Huron harbor and 
the favorable location for a business town, began to 
attract attention soon after the close of the war with 
England, and when the United States made appro- 
priation for the improvement of the harbor, in 1827, 
immigration rapidly increased till 1834, when a seri- 
ous impediment to business occurred by the appear- 
ance of Asiatic cholei'a, wholly suspending, for a few 
months, all varieties of industry, except the care of 
the sick. That year the emigration from Europe, 
principally from Germany, was a perfect flood, and at 
every steamboat landing the.ie were sick and dying 
in numbers so great as to drive a great portion of tlie 
inhabitants from town. 

Tliere were then five practicing physicians in the 
village, one of whom died of the disease; tliree others 
left. Dr. George S. Haskin only remaining. Finally, 
as autumnal frosts made their appearance, the mon- 
ster disease disappeared, and business increased with 
redoubled vigor, and in a very short time all was life 
and animation. 

Huron village has a population of about one thou- 
sand and five hundred; the whole township, includ- 
ing the village, about four thousand. 

The present board of township officers are: Wm. 
G. Sage, Blake W. Griffin, Geo. W. Harris, trustees; 
Thomas M. Sprowl, township clerk; John W. Wick- 
ham, treasurer; Thomas J. Harris and Levi Peck, 
justices of the peace. 

The officers of the village corporation are: A. H. 
Wiuchell, mayor; J. L. Brooks, recorder ; Jabez 
Wright, John Aicher, Philo JIcMillen, Charles Hey- 
man and Jacol) Gunzevhauser. town council. . 

At the Ai)ril election for the j)resent year — 1879 — 
there has l^een some chr.nge in tlie township board of 
officers. The following were elected, viz.: Wm. G. 
Sage, Blake W. Griffin and Henry Halliday, township 
trustees; J. L. Brooks, clerk; Jolin W. Wickham, Jr., 
treasurer; J. L. Brooks elected as the third justice of 
the peace, in addition to Harris and Peck. 

The officers of the village corporation are tlie same 
as above. 

In reviewing tlie early history of the Fire-land 
pioneers, mentioned in the foregoing sketch, we are 
forced to look with admiration at the stern, manly 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



475 



character of nearly every early pioneer. Their power ! 
of enduring hardsiiii) ami privation, the cheerful j 
and determined fortitude of their onward struggles, 
without a thought of looking back, but always looking 
ahead with unyielding determination, seem to lie al- 
most universal characteristics of the early Fire-lands 
pioneers. 

How hard it wonld seem to any nf our well-to-do 
neighbors of the present day, to be set back into the 
rude log cabin with only one room, eighteen by 
twenty feet, a log fire blazing on the hearth: would 
we be as hajipy as we can innigine the early pioneer 
to have Ijeen when thus situated l-* In our imagina- 
tion we can see a ]iioneer family enjoying the rude 
comforts of such a primitive condition. The family 
consisting of father, mother and half a ilozeii, or 



more, children. The sturdy head of the family sit- 
ting at a rough table, after a hard day's work, read- 
ing from a much-worn old family Bible. The mother 
with knitting-work in hand, and half a dozen, or 
more, children res]iectfnlly listening; and later in 
the evening, we can see the boys climbing uj) the 
ladder on their way to bed in the chamber overhead. 
The- mother hearing the "now I lay me down to 
sleep." and atfectionately tucking up the covering of 
three- or four little fellows in their trundle beds. 
But, oh, how swiftly time flies, and we often feel 
that it nnitters liut little how swiftly. We may re- 
call the pleasant memories of the past and of our 
youth, but seldom find the man who would wish to 
live the same life over again. 



BERLIN.* 



X.VME. 

The original name of Berlin was Eldridge, from one 
of its earliest proprietors. He became unpopular, so 
much so that in 1832 the people [letitioned the com- 
missioners of Huron county to change the name, sta- 
ting as a reason that they did not desire to perpetuate 
the name of an unworthy man. It seems the people 
were mistaken, for those intimately acquainted with 
Mr. Eldridge remember him as a pleasant gentleman. 
He purcha.sed the eastern half of the township as a 
speculation, and the taxes, imposed unei(ually, rested 
so heavily on unimproved lauds, improvements being 
exempted, that he was unable to pay his ta.xes, and 
was ruined l)y owning a half of one of the best town- 
ships on the Fire-lands. Rumors came from Con- 
necticut that he had been guilty of forgery to redeem 
his credit, and possibly the innate hatred the settler 
felt toward the land speculator, was at the root of tiie 
poi)ular sentiment. The petitioners suggested Lyme 
as a desirable name, but as there was already a town 
by the same name in the county, — it then being 
a pari of Huron county, the commissioners objected. 
It was at the time of the Milan-Bjrlin treaty. Noah 
Hill, who always was deeply interested in politics, 
suggested that, a.s the county had Milan, it should 
have Berlin, too. and thus the town was named. 

I'HVSK AI, KEATl'KEs. 

The townshij), as first surveyed, was five miles 
square, but received additions of territory extending 
its boundaries to the shores of Lake Erie. The sur- 
face is level, except the valleys formed liy the streams, 
from the lake to the ridge, where it rises fnmi fifty to 



> By Hudson Tuttle. 



one hundred feet, and then extends southward nearly 
as level as before. This ridge was once undoubtedly 
the ancient shore of the lake. It extends through the 
townsJiip from northeast to southwest, and at the 
'• pinnacle " the base of the bluff is sixty feet above the 
level of the lake, and its slope presents three distinct 
terraces, or shore lines, at the respective heights of 
one hundred, one hundred and fifty and one hundred 
and ninety-five feet above the level of the lake. These 
indicate successive periods of subsidence. 

There are indications of salt in many places in the 
township. There is, in fact, a line of so-called "licks" 
parallel with the ridge. The two most noted 
among early hunters as the resort of deer, were 
located on lands occupied liy Nathan Tuttle and 
Ezekiel Sayles. Between these a deep path was worn 
by the deer. These licks present, during dry seasons, 
a saline efflorescence crusting the surface. That on 
the Sayles land was in the valley of the Old Woman 
creek, and the early settlers dug a pit, into which 
they sank a section of a hollow tree, and the salt 
water came in sufficient ipiantities to allow them to 
make salt in a small way. Salt then being difficult 
to obtain, and costly, this was quite advantageous. 
The belief in the value of this salt spring was so strong 
in the mind of the early proi)rietor, Fosdiek, that the 
surrounding land was withheld from sale for many 
years. At a later day Prof. B. L. Hill, and others, 
made explorations, but without results, the site of 
the old s])ring being obliterated by floods, and they 
were unalilc to find it. However, they obtained salt 
water. 

The surface formation is almost exclusively of the 
drift, and in places boulders, often of large size, are 
thickly scattered. 



476 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



The soil of the iiortioii south of the ridge is sandy, 
mixed with fields of loam running almost into cla)'. 
The western part, below the ridge, is also sandy, 
either yellowish or black, and the northeastern portion 
is cla^'ey, as it is along the shore, wliich is unequaled 
for the production of wheat. There is, thus, the 
greatest variety of soil, and the farmer is enabled to 
grow whatever crop he pleases, having soil adapted 
for all. 

There are two streams or creeks in the township, 
the Chapelle, running through the eastern portion, 
and the Old Woman creek, which has two branches, 
the east and west, arising in Towusend, and flowing 
northward through the central portion, uniting about 
one and a half miles northwest of the heights, and 
emptying into the lake. From this union to the lake, 
the stream is like a canal, with wide and marshy 
borders. The name of the latter stream is said to 
have been given because an old squaw was drowned 
at its mouth. 

There are four small marshes, two of which have 
been reclaimed, and when land liecomes more valuable, 
no doulit but the others will be also. The surface 
was heavily timbered, and the forest presented almost 
an herculean task to the pioneers. Oak was the pre- 
vailing growth, plentifully mixed with ash, elm, 
hickory, basswood, walnut, whitewood, and, along 
the streams, butternut and sycamore. 

VILLAGES. 

There are three small villages in the township. 
Berlinville, on the old State road, in the old times 
of stage coaches, was a busy little centre, with good 
tavern, store, and the only |)Ost office in the township. 
Berlin Heights is the largest, and is the natural centre, 
towards which the people gravitate. It has three 
stores, an hotel, saloon, several manufactories, a saw 
and grist mill, three churches and a fine graded 
■school. It is noted for its intelligence and enterprise. 
Directly north of the Heights, on the L. S. & M. S. 
R. R., is Ceylon, a place that stai'ted up and grew 
rapidly for a time. It has two stores, two saloons, 
an hotel, saw mill and post office. 

.M.\IL F.^CILITIES. 

The mail is carried by hack from Ceylon, on the 
northern divison, via Berlin Heights, Berlinville, 
East Norwalk, to Norwalk, on the southern Division, 
giving all these places the advantage of morning and 
evening mails. The L. S. & M. S. R. R. passes 
through the northern part of the township, and sends 
a spur south to the quarries and gravel bed. The 
advantages of extending this spur to the Heights are 
so apparent, that it certainly will l)e done at no 
distant day. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are six burial grounds in the limits of the 
township — two at the Heights, under the control of 
the township: one at Berlinville: one in the southeast 



part, known as the Chapel ground: one east of Har- 
per's corners, known as the Peak ground: and one 
at the mouth of the Ohapslle creek, directly on th^ 
lake shore, which is being rapidly washed away. 

ABORIOIXAL RACES. 

The Indians were not the aboriginal race. They 
were preceded by that mysterious paople, the mound 
builders. Interesting fortifications, referable to this 
pre-historic race, are found on the farm originally 
owned by Curtis Benschooter, on the summit of the 
high bank of the creek, and this earthwork has great 
interest as having evidently been built to protect 
against incursions of an enemv, who would come 
by water from the lake, and traces of works lower 
down show that at tliat time the water stood at a 
much higher level, and the wide marsh was then a 
bay, opening with a wide mouth into the lake. Tliere 
were mounds on the farm of Ja.sen Thompson, with 
graves, and the present site of the residence of Mr. 
Henry Hoak seenii to have been an ancient sepulcher. 
He has, in making excavations, brought to light sev- 
eral fragmentary skeletons, one of which has especial 
interest from its remarkable state of preservation and 
rare jjeculiarities.' It was bnriel deeper than the 
others, so that it was enveloped in the clayey subsoil, 
and hence had Ix-en better protected than those 
enveloped in the loose sand. The skull of this speci- 
men measures but nineteen inches in circumference, 
which would almost indicate it was idiotic, and is 
remarkably low. The arms are of unusual length, 
the under jaw extremely massive, and the iieight less 
than four feet. Yet the individual evidently was not 
idiotic, as she had attained an extreme old age, which 
the idiot savage cannot do. 

In 185"-i, Mr. H. L. Hill, in cutting an oak, discov- 
ered three hacks, niiide by a small ax. and found that 
there were two hundred and eighteen annual rings on 
the outside of it. This would carry the age of the 
markings back to the earliest French voyageurs, in 
fact, much earlier than has been supposed those hardy 
adventurers penetrated this remote region. Now, the 
farmer, turning with his iron plowshare the mellow 
fields, often finds the flint arrow head, the stone ax, 
the spear point, alike of red man and mound Iniilder, 
and if of reflective mind may moralize over the decay 
of races in that dim past, of which these mute 
weapons only remain. 

THE EARLIEST PIONEERS. 

A party of adventurers built and launched a rude 
boat at the mouth of Walnut creek, Pennsylvania, in 
1808. They were John Hoak. John McLaughlin, 
George Miller, Nathaniel Burdue, Benjamin Pratt, 
Mr. Richie, and Howard. They sailed up tlie lake 
in the spring, bringing provisions, fanning tools ami 
thirty barrels of whisky. They encountered severe 
weather and had to cast overboard tlieir whisky, liut 
when the storm subsided, they crui.sed about and 
gathered it uji again. Wiien they reached the mouth 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



477 



of the Huron river, the sand-bar shut them out, so 
they hiid to dig a canal to get their boat in. Thej- 
selected a field on the Kline and Minus farm, and 
planted eighteen acres of corn; after hoeing it, they 
hired an Indian to guard it, while they went after 
their families. Tiiey returned in the fall in their 
boat, but their families came by land, under the es- 
cort of Henry Hoak, father to John Hoak. He was, 
without doul)t, the oldest of all the pioneers, having 
been born in 174-5. He remained until iiis death, in 
1S3"2, at the age of eighty-seven, with his son, and 
was a most exemplary and pious m;in. The majority 
of this venturesome party settled finally in Berlin, in 
lSlO-11, leaving the Huron bottom lands on account 
of overflows. 

John Hoak, who settled on the Kline farm for two 
j'ears, moved to the farm now owned by his son 
Henry; built one of the first houses, in 1810. Only 
four whites were present at tlie raising of the great 
logs of which it was ej>nstructed, but Silas David, an 
Indian chief, with his trib3, assisted. They were 
forljidden, Ijy him, to taste of liquor until the work 
was done, then they drank and held a pow-wow to 
their heart's content. One was so riotous they built 
a pen of rails around him, covered it over and left 
him till morning. 

Jolui Hoak had ten children, only one of whom, 
Henry, remains in the township. John Hoak, with 
the remainder of his family living, removed to La- 
grange county, Indiana, where he ilied in 1859, at 
the age of seventy-three years. He made a kiln of 
brick, on his farm, in 1813, the first on the Fire- 
lands. 

The first white settler within the limits of the 
township was Mr. John Dunbar, unless a Mr. 
Tillisoii, who owned the land, which afterwards was 
the homestead of Curtis Benschoter, preceded him. 
The Tillison family were very, hospitable, and it is 
said Mrs. Tillison once told a guest if he would not 
stay to supper she would "knock him down." This 
rude hospitality showed itself in ways that would 
offend the more fastidious tastes of the present. One 
night John Thompson was caught at the Tillison 
cabin by a terrible storm. He, of course, did not 
want to face the storm, and Tillison said they had 
no spare bed. Mrs. Tillison was adequate to the 
emergency: "'I say. Till," said she, "Tompk can 
sleep with us," and he did. Another story told of 
this family made many a hearty laugh around the 
blazing hearths of the pioneers. The wIkjIc family, 
with their guests, would sit in a circle, and above 
their heads, suspended by a cord from the rafters, 
was a jug of whisky. This arrangement saved the 
trouble of waiting on any one, for the jug was swung 
round and round, from mouth to moutli. till all were 
satisfied. 

John Dunbar came from the State of New York, 
1809, and purchased the farm afterwards known as 
the Weatherlow farm. His brother, Isaiah, came with 
him. He soon after moved to the center, on tlic place 



occupied by Dr. X. Phillips. The Dunbars disappeared 
and left no trace. 

Perez and Tiiomas Starr came from Connecticut in 

1810, and built a mill on the lands now owned by 
H. L. Hill. In the autumn of that year, Thomas 
Starr built a house on the farm now owned by J. S. 
Lowry. The night before the raising, the snow fell 
six inches deep, and he feared no one would come, 
InU his fears were vain. In those days the neighbor- 
hood extended five miles in every direction, and early 
in the morning, "old Mr. Burdue" made his appear- 
ance, whooping like an Indian, with four gallons of 
whisky, and soon after, the hands came from Florence 
and Milan, and after the job was finished, enjoyed 
the •"old rye" in a way wliich would not be satisfactory 
to the Good Templars. Tlie Starr brotiiers kept bach- 
elor's Rail for a time. In 1813. Thomas was drafted 
into the army, from which he returneil, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1814, married Clementina Clark, of Florence. 
He moved to the center part of the township. Thomas 
Starr was a blacksmith, and used to go to Huron and 
Vermillion to work on vessels. He did the iron work 
on the first deck vessel built this side of Erie. When 
he returned home at night, he carried torches, not 
only to show him the way, but to keep off the wolves, 
which howled around him. His eldest son, William 
Eldridge, born in January, 1815, was the first male 
child born in the township. 

John McLaughlin, who came with the earliest ad- 
venturers, settled on the western border of the town- 
ship, on the lands adjoining McLaughlin's corners, 
where he continued to reside until his death, in 1849, 
at the age of seventy-seven \-ears. His wife died in 
1836. The only survivor of his family, in the town- 
ship, is Milton McLaughlin. 

Nathaniel Burdue, or "Old Mr. Burdue," as he 
was called by everybody, settled near the spring now 
used by the creamery. While living on the Huron 
river, he set out one Sunday, with a piece of soap in 
his pocket, saying he should travel until he found a 
spring of soft water, and there he should locate. In 
the afternoon he came to this beautiful spring, and 
at once decided to make his home by its side. His 
orchard was the first to bear in this section. Apples 
were then scarce, and Mr. Burdue watched his orchard 
with such vigilance that he became associated in the 
minds of the boys with Cloven-foot himself. 

William Fitzgerald came fron; New York in 18I0, 
accompanied by Joel Simpson, and settled on the 
farm now occupied by Henry Hine. None of his 
descendants remain. 

Hieronymus Mingus came from New York State in 

1811, and Aaron Fox and his wife came at the same 
time. The eldest son of Mr. Mingus was killed in 1813, 
in the battle on the Peninsula. The second son, 
Jacob, lived and died on the farm now occupied l>y 
his son, Benjamin. The third son, James, married 
Phcbe Darley, and settled in Townsend, Huron county. 
He was tlif Ninirod of liiosedavs. .Varon Fox and 



478 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



wife reside in the northern jiart of the townsliip, on 
the farm they selected in the wilderness. 

John Thompson came from Pennsylvania at an 
early day, and in 1813 married the widow Hubbard. 
This marriage was, probably, the first in the town- 
ship, although the honor is disputed, it being claimed 
that Lazarus Young and Becky Laughlin have the 
honor. 

In 1811, occurred the first birth and the first death. 
Milan has claimed Mrs. Millerman as the first child, 
but Berlin has that honor. Her father, Lazarus 
Young, was such a moving planet that it is difficult 
to decide, but tliere is little doubt that she was born 
on Berlin soil. The death was accompanied with 
horrible circumstances. The wife of John Dunbar, 
while her husband was absent, in a state of insanity 
threw herself into the fire, made of large logs, placed 
against one side of the house. Her screams brought- 
Mr. Dunbar to the house, and he quickly took her 
from the flames and placed her on the bed while he 
could go after assistance, but she wildly ran after 
him. All that day he shouted for help, not daring 
to leave her, but not until near night did any assist- 
ance come to the terribly afflicted family in their re- 
mote cabin. She died that evening, and was buried 
on the banks of tlie Old Woman creek, where now is 
the township burying ground. Mr. Dunbar then 
lived on the place afterwards occupied by Dr. X. 
Phillips, and the splendid spring which gushes out 
from the hill was long known as tlie " Dunbar 
spring." 

Jeremiah Benschooter was a native of Sempronius, 
New York, as was his wife, Sally Weatherlow, whom 
he married in 1808. He came to Berlin in 1811, and 
settled on lot twenty, fourth section. They had 
thirteen children: Harry, Milo, Ensign, William, 
Curtis, Aaron, Weatherlow, Harriet, Delia, Betsey, 
Jeremiah, Sarah and Mary Ann. Curtis Benschooter 
passed nearly his whole life on his farm, removing to 
the Heights in his declining age. He died in 1877, 
at the age of seventy years. His son, Moses M.. 
resides at Stone's corners, and is one of the most 
successful physicians in the vicinity. 

Othaniel Field came in 1810, and purchased section 
nine, range six, of Samuel White, who had made 
considerable improvements, by way of clearing. Field 
was a Vermont man, and industriously devoted him- 
self to corn raising, so mucii so that the destitute 
new-comers gave liis place the name of Egypt. For 
a long time he kept bachelor's hall, and his eccentric 
ways still linger in the memories of those wlio knew 
him. He, after many years, married, but had no 
children. He died in 1850, at the age of seventy- 
nine, his wife surviving until 1876. 

Stephen Meeker settled on lot ten, section four, in 
1811, where he resided until his death, in 1849. having 
been preceded by his wife by only a few weeks. He 
worked at blacksmithing, and kept a public liouse, 
and for several years held the office of judge. He 
married Polly Piatt, in 179(1. They had seven chil- 



dren: Barney, Hezekiah, Edward, Hanford, Grissel, 
Maria and George T. 

Daniel Butler came to Berlin in ISli, from Cleve- 
land, to which place he came from Massachusetts, in 
1811. Losing his wife, he returned to ilassachusetts 
in 181G, and married Jemima Bishop. They had si.x 
children, and he had two by his first wife. The chil- 
dren by the second marriage were: Amanda, Climena, 
Lucinda, Daniel, Charles and Harriet, none of whom 
are at present living in the township. He was an 
able man, and was the first who held the office of 
justice of the peace, or, at least, the second. For 
many years befoi-e his death, which occurred in 1854, 
in his seventy-fifth year, he had been subject to 
insanity, which had a religious aspect, and caused 
him to take his own life. He received a revelation 
to build a house fifty by one hundred feet, for the 
second coming of Christ, and not being able to build 
the whole, built a quarter, and thus, for years, 
his family lived in this most awkward tabernacle. 
This building lately has fallen in ruins and been 
destroyed. His son Daniel iniierited his father's 
tendencies, and at last put an end to his own life, in 
the same manner, in 1861, at the age of thirty-four. 

Samuel Reed came in 1815. He was five weeks on 
the lake, from Buffalo to Huron. He bought the 
farm now owned Ijy J. S. Lowry, where he lived till 
spring, whn he went to Milan to work on Merry's 
mill, his wife working for the workmen. In 1816, 
he removed to Florence; in 1817, he purchased the 
lot seven, range two of section two. and made the 
first clearing on the farm of Judutlian Cobb, to whom 
he sold it in 18"-2t', and removed to Oxford in this 
county. 

■ Nathan Harris was born in Berrvtown, Connecticut, 
where he arried Betsey Moon, and moved to the 
then far west, stopping at Perry, New York, and 
reaching Berlin in 1815. They had eleven children: 
Thomas, Emma (Mrs. Sanders), Betsey (Mrs. John 
Meeker), Hiram, Nathan, Anna (Mrs. Storrs). Mrs. 
Harris died in 1845, and in 1846, Mr. Harris removed 
to Indiana where he died in 1858. 

The war having closed, and no danger to be appre- 
hended from Indians, the tide of immigration poured 
westward, and the unoccupied lands were rapidly ap- 
propriated. 

Samuel Lewis came from New York, near Seneca 
lake, in 1816. He married Elizalieth Hine, and ])ur- 
chased lot nineteen, section fourtii, which remained 
in his possession until his death, in 1851, at the age of 
fifty-five. He left a wife, now Mrs. Oliver Peak, and 
six children : Lyman, Charles, Baldwin, Luther, 
Clarinda, and Mary (3Irs. Raws), none of whom now 
reside in the township. They had lost four. , 

Lewis Jones came from New York, Bushi/ill, in 
1816, and purchased lot seven, range five, and after 
a few years removed to lot twelve, range six; he, after 
a time, removed to Wood county. His wife, Hannah 
/Ewiliken, was a native of LTlster county. New York, 
They had eight children: Levi, now living in this 





^m 



//4^i^^e^t-<^ 



BENJAMIN SUMMERS. 



S/'t^C^i^^^Z^^'^-Z^^XiS 



Benjamin Summers was of Revolutionary ancestry. Hia parents 
were from Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., where his ancestors had 
lived for three generations. His grandfather, Benjamin Summers, 
was the son of Samuel Summers, and was one of a family of nine 
Bons and three daughters. His ancestor, Benjamin, served with dis- 
tinction in the old French war. He was too old for general service 
during the Revolution, but was actiire in getting recruits; was in 
command of a company of Silver Gray Minute-Men, and was out in 
the service at the time the British were chased to their shipping after 
the burning of FairBeld, Danbury, and Norwalk. 

Mark Summers, the father of Benjamin, was born May 21, 1765, 
at Newtown, Conn., and in 179- fixed his home among the rough 
hills of Middletown. Delaware Co., N. Y. Here his son Benjamin 
was born, May 21, 1801. In his ninth year he was sent back to the 
old family home at Newtown, that he might attend school ; thither, 
also, his parents soon after removed, in order to educate their children. 
They remained there seven or eight years. In the mean time Benja- 
min had acquired **a good common-school education, and a couple of 
years in Latin, mathematics, and surveying." 

In the fall of 1817, Mark Summers and his family removed to the 
West, arriving at their home on the Fire-Lands, Nov. 17, 1817, after 
a journey of forty days in the wilderness, pitching their tent in 
Vermillion tuwnsbip. The land which he had purchased, three hun- 
dred and forty acres, lay in Jessup (now Florence) township. It was a 
little too far in the wuods. and to be nearer to neighbors they bought 
a half-lot in Vermillion, which spot became the permanent home of the 
family. One inducement to buy the half-lot was that there was a 
clearing of two or three acres and a dwelling-house thereon. The 
house was a log hut of one story and one room, and they ** moved in 
with the family already occupying, making in all fifteen in one 
room, and most of the time two hired men in addition." 

Benjamin taught the district school part of the winter of 1819, and 
oocasionally afterward. In the winter of 1824-25 he clerked in a 
store in Milan, and was married to Miss Olive Stevens, of that place, 
recently from Sheffield, Mass. She lived but a short time after their 
marriage. Mr. Summers married his second wife. Miss Julia Burr, 
April 4, 1827. She, also, like his former wife, had had the advan- 
tages of a New England education. 

Mr. Summers' health was never very firm, he being afflicted with 
rheumatism, which partially disabled him for years. He succeeded, 
however, very well in business, and soon became a leading man in 
his community; filled various offices, was justice of the pea^e three 
terms, and in the winter of 1 837 was, by the State Legislature, elected 
associate judge of Huron County. Mr. Summers wa;^ a Whig, aud 
the Legislature by which he was elected was Democratic. The office 
was unsolicited and unexpected by him. Judge Summers took his 
seat at the March term, 18:^7. At the Legislative session uf 18.18-39, 
the Democrats, being iu power, set off to Erie County what is now it^ 
eastern portion, and thus Judge Summers was, as claimed by the 
Democrats, legislated out of office, he, bythe change in county lines, 
being no longer a resident of Huron County. Various legal questions 
were raised; but Judge Summers and Judge Choate, of Milan, whose 
case was similar, continued to act as associate judges of Huron 
County. The case was taken to the Supreme Court, where a difference 
of opinion existed. After some two years a political change gave 
the Democrats a majority in the Supreme Court, and Summers and 



Choate were ousted. At the solicitation of his party friends, Judge 
Summers consented to be the Whig candidate of his district for rep- 
resentative in the Legislature. He was elected in 1844, and re- 
elected in 1845, and was by his friends asked to be a candidate for 
State Senator in 1846, but declined the nomination. It " did not pay" 
in any sense, and he very much disliked the cabaling, intrigue, 
and "tin-pan'" which seemed almost inseparable from, or, at least, 
too much practiced in. political life. From this period Mr. Summers 
was a prominent man (to whom the *' widow and the orphan" came 
for advice and counsel), but preferred private life, was successful as 
a farmer, keeping up with the times in his reading and observation 
of men and things. His health seemed firmer, and he realized the 
ease of competence and the happiness of home. Realizing the benefits 
of an education, he gave to his children such advantages a.o were in 
his power. He was among the early members of the Fire-Lands 
Historical Society, filled various office.s in the same from time to time, 
was one of its efficient supporters, and furnished various contributions 
for its magazine. 

His temperament was nervous-bilious, and be suffered much from 
nervous headaches, which interfered with his labors and literary pur- 
suits. He had a great thirst for knowledge, and read everything within 
his reach ; had a general knowledge on most subjects, without confining 
himself to any one line of thought. His farming wa^ after the style 
of his reading. He delighted in improvements, was fond of intro- 
ducing new and superior fruits, grains, vegetables, ornamental trees, 
etc. He did not confine himself to "Jif production. When his curiosity 
and ambition were satisfied with producing the finest and greatest 
variety of peaches, he turned his attention to the culture of grapes, 
and so on. The money value of a thing was not its chief value to 
him. He was not visionary, however, or reckless, but cautious, and 
commonly succeeded in whatever he undertook. Though not a read 
lawyer, he had a pretty good knowledge of legal principles, and his 
views on legal questions were much respected and sought after by his 
neighbors and friends. He was just, punctual, and forbearing in his 
dealings and intercourse, firm where duty required, but yielding 
where no principle would be sacrificed : hence he was the uncompro- 
mising enemy of slavery and every pretext for oppression, a reliable 
friend, a rather " inconvenient enemy." an accommodating neighbor, 
and kind and indulgent in his domestic relations. For many years he 
was a consistent and active member of a Christian church, but was 
naturally -omewhat skeptical on some points of orthodoxy, and for a 
time seemed to delight in i-ontroversy on these points. In later years 
he disliked this controversy, and earnestly sought to return to the 
faith of his earlier manhood. Advancing years enfeebled the health 
of himself and wife. They sold the ofd homestead and removed to 
Berlin Heights, where they rc.«ided two or three years until the 
decease of his faithful wife, who ha<l been a true helpmeet for forty- 
seven years, on Nov. 19. 1874. By this event his home was broken 
up; his health also gave way. and for ten months he was an intense 
sufferer. These last mimths were spent with his children, " far away 
from the Fire-Lands." and they learned to know him better and rever- 
ence his character more and more as the days of his pilgrimage drew 
to a close. He departed this life, in the full vigor of his intellectual 
faculties, at the residence of his daughter, wife of Rev. G. H. Har- 
tupee, D.D., at Mansfield, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1875, in the seventy-fifth 
year of his age. 



lip; Alvah J., Morris, 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 

1 ; 



479 



township; Alvah J., Morris, Betsey (wife of Captain 
Kelley, of Milan), Polly (Mrs. Green, now of Town- 
send). Gideon, Amos and Hannali. 

Aaron Benschoter and wife came from Xeversink, 
New York, in 181G, with tlieir family. William, 
Daniel, and a daughter who married Oliver Peak. 
They were middle-aged when they came, and lived to 
advanced age. William purchased lot twenty-seven, 
range four, when both he and his wife died, in 1833. 
Their daughter, Esther, married Joel Fox, and is the 
only member of the family remaining in the township. 
Oliver, Alanson and Betsey D., moved to the West. 
Daniel purchased lot twelve, range eight, and soon 
after, losing his wife, married Rebecca, daughter of 
Hezekiah Smith. They had six children: Gardner, 
Leander, Sheffield, Hoffman, Cordelia and Eliza. 
Gardner and Hoffman, only, reside in the township, 
the latter remaining on the old homestead. Mrs. 
Benschoter died in 18TT. 

In 1810, Baswell Wood and James Kellogg came 
from Tolland. Connecticut. James Kellogg settled 
on lot seven, range one. He had three children: 
James, Arlica (Mrs. Keeler), Lydia (Mrs. John An- 
derson). He died in 1821, his wife, Nancy Wood, 
several years later, Baswell Wood settled on lot 
eight, range third, where he resided until his 
death, in 18.51, at the age of eighty-one. He had six 
children : Andrew. Nancy, Sally (Mrs. Nehemiah 
Smith), Margaret and Baswell. Mrs. Wood and her 
youngest child died in 1818. Andrew Wood resided 
in the township until his death, in 18T4. at the age 
of sixty-eight. 

Jared Hiue came in 1816 from Litchfield, Connec- 
ticut, and purchased lot eleven, range eight, which 
he made his jiermanent home. In 1815 he married 
Betsey Miner, of his native town, and the next year 
moved to the fai'-off wilderness of Ohio. His laud 
was first settled by ' Fitzgerald, who sold to Anson 
Fox, who sold to Hubbard, from whom it was pur- 
chased by Mr. Hine. These owners had each made 
some improvements. Yet the country was then wiW. 
enongh, and the first night the young couple stayed 
in their new home they were disturbed by a prowling 
bear. One night, hearing a scream in the forest, 
ilrs. Hine, thinking it was her brother was lost, 
went to the door and blew a horn. Every time she 
stopped the scream answered nearer, until Mr. Hine, 
whom she had awakened, thinking it no luunau 
voice, told her that she had better come in. It was 
a panther; and, althougli they were secure, the night 
was passed anything but pleasantly. Mr. Hiue was 
an energetic man and upright citizen, and held the 
otfice of justice of the peace for fifteen years. He 
was the third chosen to that office. He died in 18-14, 
at the age of fiftv-six. Thev had but one child, 
Henry W,, who still resides on the old homestead. 
In 1817, Jared was joined by his brothers Sheldon, 
Nathaniel and Charles, and, the next year, Sheldon 
returned to Connecticut and married Sally Osborne, 
returning with his brother Amos. 



The journey from Connecticut in those days was a 
greater undertaking than a voyage to Japan would be 
at present, and consumed almost as nuicii time. They 
were forty days on the road, driving ox teams. When 
Sheldon aiTived with his bride he found the log house 
he had left, with all the stores for the coming year, 
had been burned. This, united with ague by which 
he was prostrated, was enough to 'discourage any or- 
dinary man, l)ut these pioneers were heroic in their 
endurance, and by sheer pluck ami iierseverance con- 
quered the wilderness. 

Sheldon Hiue purchased lot eight, range eight, of 
Joshua Poyer, and resided there until his death in 
1854, at the early age of forty-six. He suffered from 
malarial disease of the new country, and his untiring 
industry exposed him recklessly to all kinds of weather. 
He built a saw mill on the Old Woman creek, where 
he worked night and day, and also a cider mill. The 
saw mill was not only a great accommodation to the 
people but of profit to him. He soon became pos- 
sessed of large tracts of land in various parts of the 
township. Mrs. Hiue still survives, enjoying a green 
old age. She had seven children: Lucius A., who 
devoted his life to reform: Horatio S. : Daniel N. ; 
Theodore B., now in Toledo, but still owning the old 
homestead; Lemau H.. now practing law in Washing- 
ton, D. C. ; Julia (ilrs. S. T. Burnham), now living 
in Saginaw; Laura F. (Mrs. Powers), now living in 
Kansas. 

Amos Hiues purchased lot nine, range eight, where 
he lived until his death in 1854, at the age of sixty- 
four years. He Iniilt a saw mill on the Old Woman 
creek, which was a great convenience to the people. 
Before leaving Connecticut he married Polly Allen. 
Theyliad three children: Lorenzo, Allen, and Mary 
(Mrs. Simms). who only survives. Mrs. Hine still 
resides in the old homestead, which she keeps in ex- 
cellent repair. It is an old fashioned Connecticut 
farm house, the first brick house erected in the town- 
ship except Judge Meeker's, on the lake shore, which 
was built first, but before that section became a part 
of Berlin. 

Nathaniel Hine staid only for a short time in Ber- 
lin, removing to Florence where he was drowned iu 
1826, leaving a wife and three children. 

Charles Hine purchased lot eight, range eleven, the 
farm now owned by L, S, Chapin. He was twice 
married, but was ciiildless. He died in 1855, aged 
fifty-six years. His second wife, a few years since, 
married Mr. George Butler, of Milan. 

Oliver Peak was l)orn in Starksburg, Vermont, iu 
1707, and came to Berlin in 1811. He had previously 
married Mary Benschoter, daughter of Aaron Ben- 
schoter. He purchased lot eighteen, section four, 
which he always retained. They had five children: 
Daniel, George, Mary J. (Mrs, George Douglas, now 
of Toledo), and Amy. George is the only one now 
residing in the township, being one of the most in- 
fiuential and enterprising fanners. 

Oliver Peak came into the wilderness with little 



. 



4 80 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



means, but by Industrie and economy amassed con- 
siderable wealtli, and had the satisfaction of seeing 
all his family more than usually prosperous. Hisiirst 
wife died, and he married the widow of the late 
Samuel Lewis with whom he lived till his death. He. 
for many years, was justice of the peace, and was an 
upright, honorable and patriotic citizen. 

Reuben Brooks" came with Mr. Peak from New 
York, and for a time both held the same lot of land. 
He afterwards purchased lot seventeen where he re- 
sided until his death, about 1800. Only one son, 
Absalom, is now a resident of the town. 

Hezekiah Smith was born in Waterford, Conneeti- 
cut, in 1776, and married Rebecca Miner, of that 
place. Their son, Paul^., came to Berlin, and set- 
tled on lot eleven, range two. in 1817, and the next 
year Mr. Smitli with his family came and settled on 
lot ten. range one. He built a frame house which 
was one of the first. He resided on this farm until 
his death in 1839, at the age of sixty-three, and his 
wife died in 183i, aged sixty-three. They had eleven 
children: Paul G., Turner M.. Nancy, Rebecca, Maria, 
Nehemiah, Patty (Mrs. Benjamin Smith), Hezekiah, 
Theodore, Henry and Emeline. Turner M. pur- 
chased lot ten, range two, where he resided until his 
death. Before removing from Connecticut, he mar- 
ried Anne Whiteman. They had three children: 
Gurdon, and Lucas, now residing in Minnesota, and 
Horace who is a progressive farmer, still holds the 
homestead, which he has brought to a high state of 
cultivation, and where he says lie shall remain until 
he dies. He has made a speciality of Herefords, and 
has a splendid herd. 

Daniel Reynolds came from New York in 1817, and 
settled first on lot nine, range eleven, and then on lot 
twelve, range eight, where he remained until the 
death of his wife, Phoebe Thorn, in 18-16, at the age 
of sixty-one years. He had four children: Isaac T., 
Rachel (Mrs. Hiram .Judson), .Jane, and Polly (.Joseph 
Tucker). He died in Milan in 1876. at the advanced 
age of ninety-one years. 

David Walker came from Connecticut in 1817, and 
located on section five, range two. They were indus- 
trious, as they were obliged to be to support their 
family of eleviMi children. As he was located on one 
of the main thoroughfares he opened a hotel, and 
soon after became postmaster. 

Norman Walker, his brother, came two years later 
and bought a farm near David's, but it seems he 
could not witlistand the climate and died. His 
daughter married Elswortli Burniiam, and her inotlier 
resided, until her death, witii tlum. 

Joshua Phillips came from Lima, New York, in 
1817 with his wife (Rebecca Smith), whom he mar- 
ried in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was an elder in 
the Baptist church, and added preaching to his clear- 
ing away the wilderness, farming, and working at 
masonry. He purcha.sed lots ten and eleven, range 
six, and opened the first (piarry. They had seven 
children: Zalumna, Zebah, .Joshua, Rebecca (Mrs. J. 



S. Lowry), Xenophon, Solomon, and Eliza (Mrs. T. 
C. Chapman). Zalumna was thoroughly identified 
with the business interests of an early day, having a 
store at the heights, and for a time held the office of 
judge and sheriff, and was once sent to the legislature. 
This store was built on the site now occupied by 
the town hall. It was then a dense forest, and Mr. 
Phillips paid Prentice K. Loomis seventy-five cents 
to cut down the trees where he intended to build. .J. 
S. Lowry was the builder, and for many years was 
regarded as highest authority in architecture. Xen- 
ophon, for many years, practiced medicine with 
marked success, and acquired quite a wide fame for 
his treatment of climatic diseases. In after years, 
throwing up the practice, he became a voracious read- 
er and enthusiastic disciple of Parker and Emerson. 
It is to his industry that we owe many of the personal 
facts of this portion of the history of our township. 

The story of the trials of the Phillips family illus- 
trate the hardships endured by all early settlers. 
They moved from the log house on the Chapelle creek 
where they stopped a short time, to the house Mr. 
Philliiis was preparing. It was not yet finished. It I 
was ten by twelve feet square, made of chestnut logs, 
split in two through the middle, and notched together 
at the corners. The floor was made of split logs, and 
at one end a wide sjnice was left to build a fire. On 
one side a doorway was cut tlirough, but windows 
there were none, and at that time none were needed, 
for the roof had not yet been laid on. The first day i' 
of January, 1818, a warm sunny day like May. the ' 
family moved into the new house. The tall tree tops 
of the interminable wilderness closed over its roofless 
walls, and in the interstices the stars shone down on 
their slumbers. Before morning a storm came up, a 
cold sleety rain, and the weary father broke his wagon 
box in pieces to make a temporary roof in one corner 
under which his household huddled together till the 
storm had passed. 

Mr. Phillips brought three horses and a cow with 
him, but two of the horses soon died, not being able 
to bear the exposure and coarse food: all they had was 
a coarse grass which grew on the wettish lands in 
branches, and this kept green all winter, and the snow 
rarely ever was deep enough to prevent grazing. 
Sometimes elm and basswood were cut down to allow 
the cattle to feed on the tender branches. After the 
death of tlie horses, the one left and tiie cow mated, 
and it seemed that they were so lonesome in the wilds 
that their affection for each other was affecting to be- 
hold. 

One day when Mr. Phillips was on the prairie 
working at masonry to earn the wheat to feed his fam- 
ily, the mother sent Zalumna and Zebah for game. 
They were gone until late in the afternoon, returning 
without the least success. The former says he never 
can forget "the disappointment of his dear mother, for 
they had nothing but jiotatoes, and she baked some 
for their supper and they ate them with salt. 

In 1817, X'oali Hill came and purchased lot seven. 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



481 



riinge seven, of Nathan Smith, a Methodist preacher. 
He returned to Tioga, Pennsylvania, for liis family, 
and the next year came and made a jiermancnt settle- 
ment. He was of Connecticut birth, as was his wife, 
Snkey Butler. They have liad eleven children: 
Horace L. . Edwin I.. Elihn P.. Benjamin L. , Mary 
Ann. Rachel, Henrietta. Hester C. George S.,Noah, 
Sarah C. and Sterling U. It can be said that this 
widely connected family, by their s.turdy New England 
ways, industrious habits and liberal ideas, have made 
a deep impress on the character of the township. 
Noah died early, and Sterling was killed at the age of 
twelve years by the falling of the old Parmenter 
bridge. Edwin and Horace are farmers, and Elihu 
has retired from his farm and is living at his ease. 
He served one term as State senator, in 1852-3. 
Benjamin was an eminent physician, a professor in 
the Cincinnati Eclectic College, and author of stan- 
dard works on surgery. He was State representative 
for one term, and died in California, where he had 
gone for his health. (Jeorge is a successful physician. 
Noah Hill, for many years, was justice, and was 
well known tor his integrity of character. Before 
coming here, he worked at ship building, and helped 
build the brig "Commerce," which the famous Cap- 
tain Riley lost on the coast of Africa. He early saw 
the evils of intemperance, and for the last thirty years 
never tasted a drop of any alcoholic drink, not even 
indulging in lemonade, which, he used to say, he 
refused out of spitv. When the old Congregational 
church was sold, he purchased it by subscription, and 
refitted it, making of it a "Free Discussion Hall," 
and by that noble act making the future character of 
the towns-people. This hall was destroyed by fire, 
but not before the people saw the necessity of a free 
place of meeting, and the town hall, in 186T, took its 
place. He died in 18G4, at the age of eighty years. 
His wife still survives, at the age of ninety-five. 

Timothy Tennant came from Auburn, New York, 
in 1818, and settled on lot three, range seven, where 
his son-in-law had began improvements the year pre- 
vious. His wife was Temperance Pomeroy, of 
Connecticut, and he was born in Lyme, in the same 
State. They have had twelve children: Sophia (Mrs. 
Soper), Charles P., Daniel, Sterling, Henry, Lucy 
Ann (first wife of Edwin I. Hill), Fanny J. (wife of 
H. L. Hilli, Caroline (wife of. R. M. Hansom), Cla- 
rissa (Mrs. Glenn), and Eliza. 

Daniel Tennant came intu Berlin, in 1810, when 
fifteen years of age. He carried the mail, soon after, 
from Berlin to Fremont, weekly, — Wolverton, the con- 
tractor, bringing it from Cleveland. He married, in 
1833, Caroline Bennett, by whom he had two children. 
Charles, the only one living, resides on the old home- 
stead, which is one of the premium farms. His wife 
dying, he married, in 1858, Mary Ann Blain, of New 
York, and in 1873 retired from the farm to the 
Heights. Mr. Tennant was a blacksmith, and brought 
his anvil with him. His rule of business was never 
to disappoint a customer. He died in 1845, at tiu' 

61 



age of seventy-five, and Mrs. Tennant, *ho survived 
him eight years, died while on a visit to her daughter, 
Mrs. Glenn, m Tiffin. 

Thomas Stephens settled, in 1818. on lot eight, 
range four, where he resided until his death, in 1835. 
He was the second justice of the peace, and a good 
teacher. He taught in the old log school house at 
the Heights. He left a wife and two children: Lu- 
cinda (Mrs. Steen), and Polly, the first wife of Wil- 
liam Poyer. Out of school he was the premium 
swearer of the town, but in school, nothing would 
bring swifter or severer punishment than an oath. 

Nathaniel Thorp came from Hebron, Connecticut, 
in 1818, with Moses R. Burnham, and in 1822, pur. 
chased lot eight and nine, range one. He has been 
twice married, by his first wife having four children, 
only Jeremiah is now living, residing on the old 
homestead. -Mr. Thorp had the reputation of being 
the hardest working man in the township. He died 
in 1854, aged sixty-two years. Moses and Elsworth 
Burnham purchased lot three, range six. 

John Wetherlow and George Whitney came, in 1819, 
from Seneca county, New Y'ork, and jMirchased lot 
ten, range seven. This w^as the lot on which the 
first improvement in the township was made, by John 
Dunbar. Mr. Weatherlow died in 183T. leaving a 
wife and five children: Lucy (ilrs. A. Halbite). Car- 
oline (first wife of Cajitain L. Case), Samuel, William 
and John. 

Jonathan Cobb came in 1810, from Tolland. Con- 
necticut, and Ixnight of S. Reed, lot seven, range 
two, where he resided until his death, in 1837, at the 
age of thirtv-six years. He made, for the time he 
lived, great improvements; built the first framed house 
— yet standing. — a mill, and was an energetic business 
man. He left a wife and three children: Ahira, 
Ralph L., and Sally (Mrs. Elihu P. Hill). 

Oliver Pearl came from Connecticut in 1819, and 
settled on lot two, range two, and resided there until 
his death in 1835, where his widow, now in her 
eighty-sixth year, still resides with their son Addison. 
They have had ten children, five of whom are now 
living: Oliver, Ancil H., William, Emeline. Albert, 
ilarilla, Addison, Harriet; and Jerome. 

Thomas and Titus Daniels came from Chenango 
county in 1819, the former settling on lot three, range 
two, and the latter on lot three, range three, on 
which they remained. 

Cyrus Call came in 1819 as a jjioneer Baptist mis- 
sionary, and Contracting to settle as resident i)astor, 
retained that i)osition for ten years. In 1820, he 
moved his family from Lake county, and purchased 
lot seven, range five, where he resided until his death 
in his eighty-eighth year. His wife was Sally Cross, 
whom he married in New York State. They had 
nine children: Polly (Mrs. .Midilleton), Essex, Sally 
(Mrs. Hanes), Jo, Carlo. Harriet, and Dana C. 

David Butler came to Delaware county from Len- 
nox, Massachusetts, in 1805, and in 1820 to Berlin. 
His wife was Abigail Barr, of Massachusetts. He 



482 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



purchased lot five, range twelve, whei"e he resided 
until an advanced age. 

Hiram Judson came from Woodbury, Connecticut, 
and jjurchased lot seven, range eleven, in 1821, a val- 
uable tract reserved on account of the supposed salt 
spring. In 1825 he married Rachel Reynolds, and 
has since remained on this farm. They had three 
children: Elizabeth, Marv, and William. The latter 
remains on the old homestead. Mrs. Judson died in 
1861. Mr. Judson is well preserved at seventy-nine 
yeitrs. 

David Butler settled on the western limits of the 
township in 1822. He had a family of twelve chil- 
dren, none of whom now reside in the township. 
George, for many years, was a farmer, and well known 
as a farrier. He now resides in Milan, — his daughter, 
Mrs. William E. Squire, remaining on the homestead. 

Cromwell Tillinghast and wife came to Berlin in 
1827, purchasing the tract of land on which they 
have since remained. They liave four children : 
Mary (Mrs. Leman Hine, of Washington, D. C); 

^ (Mrs. Fred. Otis, of Chicago); Oliver C, who 

married Miss Lizzie Reynolds, and remains on the 
old homestead, and Charles, residing on the Otis 
place. Two other brothers came from Connecticut 
at nearly the same time, George and William, and 
the Otis family came the same year. Joseph Otis 
purchased the farm of John Thompson, built a saw 
mill above the Parmenter bridge, and added greatly 
to the business of the section. Of liis family, the 
three sons, James, Frederick and Edwin, after farm- 
ing for some years, removed to Chicago, where they 
have become identified with the business interests of 

that city, and the daughter, (Mrs. Sherman), 

resides in Norwalk. 

Eliphalet Harris may be ranked with the pioneers 
of Berlin, although he first settled near Portland, 
now known as Sandusky. He was born in 179.5, at 
Fhishing, Long Island. He came, with his wife, a 
native of Glastenburg, Connecticut, in 1816, to the 
present site of Sandusky, then a marsh, covered with 
ducks and geese. He established the first tannery in 
the county of Huron; taught the first public school 
and singing school in the county, and assisted in set- 
ting up the first press, from which the Chirioit was 
printed for many years, and as deputy sheriff, assisted 
in the first public execution — that of three Indians. 
He. was a hard-working man, as the clearing of two 
farms testify, and the story of his struggles with 
privations and hardshijos, would make a volume 
stranger than fiction. On his first farm, near the 
city, he was one day briskly chopping. His large 
family were destitute and hungry. There was no 
meat, and little bread. He could do nothing for 
them, and chopped away with harder blows to over- 
come his feelings. Suddenly, he saw a large bear 
mount a log in the clearing and look at him. It 
was but the work of a moment to seize his ready gun, 
and a lucky shot laid Ijruin dead. Bear steak was 
tlu' lirst meal the Harris faiiiilv ale in Ohio. Mr. 



Harris had a family of twelve children, only two of- 
whom are residents of the township, William and 
Daniel. He died at Berlinville, 1857, aged sixty-two. 
Mrs. Harris died at Norwalk, Ohio, 1876, aged 
seventy-six. 

Nathan Tuttle came from Sempronius, New York, 
in 1832. He married some ten years previously, 
Moriah Monroe from Massachusetts. He purchased 
a portion of the '•'fraction" and of portions of contigu- 
ous lots, about a mile directly west of the Heights. 
They are still living at the ages of seventy-nine and 
eighty years, well preserved after the hardshijis they 
have endured. Of their four children J. M. is at 
Norwalk, having an elevator there; Lucy is the wife 
of Henry Hoak; David is in Wakeman, and Hudson 
resides on the homestead. He married in 1858, Miss 
Emma D. Rood. They have three children: Rosa, 
Carl and Clair. 

Robert Douglass came from Scotland to Canada, 
where after residing eighteen years, he removed to 
New Y'ork, and after three years, in 1833, he came to 
Berlin, purchasing a tract of land on the shore, 
where he resided until his death. His family con- 
sisted of eight children: Agnes, Margaret, George, 
Mary, Isabella, James, Betsey and Letitia. George 
became an active business man, and for some years 
before his removal to Toledo, where he now resides, 
handled a large amount of real estate in this adjoining 
townships. James is now the only member of the 
family in the town. He married Cornelia King in 
1857, and resides on a farm adjoining the old home- 
stead, a part of which he also owns, and is a leading 
farmer and fruit grower. In 1>;7-1:. he ran for state 
representative on the democratic ticket, and although 
the ticket was lost by two hundred and forty majority, 
he was elected by thirty-three votes, and re-elected 
against about similar odds in 1876. 

L. B. Chapin came from Connecticut in 1841, and 
purchased a part of the Mulinick lot. He was a man 
of culture, and had practiced law. He set a good 
example by his thorough farming, and well kept farm. 

He died in . Leonard resides with Mrs. Chapin 

on the old homestead, and L, S. on the farm once 
owned by Charles Hine. Leonodus, the only other 
surviving child, resides in the west, and is actively 
engaged in railroad building. 

TO \V N S H I'p ( ; O \- E R X M E X T. 

On the first day of April, 1817, the first town 
meeting was held in Thompson's mill. A strange 
assembly of only thirteen rough men in grotesque 
costume, patched and mended until the fabric could 
not be distinguished, or of enduring buckskin, with 
coon skin caps and fawn skin vests. They had con- 
cluded that the township needed a government, and 
they did not wait for the State to supply them, liut 
felt fully competent to make such a government 
themselves. The judges were not troubled to count 
the votes, as every voter was elected to office, and 
some luid two. The following is the list of Iown>lii|) 



I 



^ ..a! 




^-•^ •<?? '•.' 




MILTON LAUGHLIN. 



Mils. MILTON LAUGHLIN. 



MILTON LAUGHLIN. 



The gr:iinl|iarents of Mr. Liiu;;hlin c:ime frniii Ireland, with thoir 
fiiniilj of eleven sons, junl settled in (jeorgctown, Pa. The date of 
their inuuigiatioii is uncertain, liut it must have been over a century 
ago. John, one of tlie ulde.^t of this large family, married Elizabeth 
JIuak, sister of Jnhn Iloak, and after a few years joined the party of 
adventurers who left Walnut Creek, Pa., for the Huron Kiver. lie 
removed from tlie bottom-land? of the river to Milan, then an Indian 
village, anii remained there two years. He became greatly attached 
to the Indians, and they to him. He was an excellent hunter, and 
they admired his dexterity. His children played and were one with 
the Indian children. When his little son, Benjamin, was taken sick 
he was doctored by the Indian medieine-man, and, when he died, was 
buried by the Indians after their cu.-stom. 

Mr. Lauglilin was fortunate in maintaining the most friendly 
relation with the Indians, and never but once broke with them. Once, 
while hunting, he .-^hot one of their d<igs for a wolf, and narrowly es- 
caped the \ engeancc of its owner. 

In ISIO he built a small log house on Lot S, wliich has since been 
known as the Lauglilin place, and moved there with his family. 
It was a desperate struggle for existence ; want and disease were con- 
tinually near at hand. The children, unacclimated, were the greatest 
sut!"crers. 

Henry, one of the oldest, succumbed to fever, and was buried on the 
iiigh bank of Huron River. While here news came of Hull's sur- 
render, and tiie settlers fled for their lives, expecting the Indiana 
would rush down u])on theiii. Mr. Laughlin and family started 
for the old home in Pennsylvania, with sueh provisions as they could 
carry, and on fioniehfick or on foot pursued their way through the 
interminable forest cm Mansfield. Hisr///ewas his dependence for 
support, and they camped wherever niglit overtook them. Soon after 
they reaehed their destination, on Christmas day, 1813, the weary 
mother gave birth to a son, who is the subject of this sketch. After 
two years the family returned. 

In 18It they built a Itemed iwj hnntte, near the Corners, (m the same 
farm, where lie resided until his death. He was passionately fond of 
hunting, and very pious ; a quiet, taciturn man, who shrunk not from 
labnr. There was no fruit except wild ciab-apjtlt« and /ros(-f/rapc» ; 
turnips were used for fruit, and sometimes the children would go 
intu the woods and search for yrouttd-uiits or wild potatoes for their 
dinner. 

Their only sugar was made from the maple, and queer tastes wore 
established by familiarity with Indian diet. They cooked their tnetit 

in thr syrup. 

This section was heavily timbered. Oaks which made seventy-fivo 
rails to the cut, and four hundred years of age, wore common. Ver- 
min abounded. In one fall Mr. Milton Laughlin killed sevonty- 
fi\e opossums, several hundred squirrels, and twelve deer, besides 
wild turkeys and coons which he ilicl not count. Where the school- 
house now stands his father killed a bear. The children in this in- 
teresting family were as follows, —Katie, Henry, .John, Nancy, Benja- 



min, Annie, Betsey, Milttm, and Belinda, As corn was pounded into 
meal in a mortar made in a stump hollowed out by fire, the feeding 
of sueh a family was no ordinary task. 

Milton Laughlin was cradled and bred under such conditions 
and surroundings. He became a hard-working, persevering, deter- 
mined man, with a good bit of the silent, undemonstrative habit, as 
would be expected from such conditions. He married, Xi>v. 28, 1837, 
Mary B. Krom. of Ulster Co., Pa., formerly of New York City. In 
consideration of paying certain debts, his father gave him a part of 
the old furm. These debts amounted to more than the land was 
worth, but he struggled thri)Ugh. When he moved tVom his father's 
house he carried his househ<»ld goods on a wheelbarrow. He workeil 
on his farm during the summer, and in the ship-yard at Milan during 
the winter. He was a sawyer, and helped to saw the timber for thu 
locks on the canal. He often made $4.40 per day, while the avcrngo 
wages were but $l.oO per day. His efforts were admirably seconded 
by his wife, and, by perseverance, industry, and attention to business, 
ho has gained the title of West Berlin banker, though he says ho 
never had a ihdlar given him. 

The fruit of this marriage are Ransom, born June 0, 1839, married 
Sarah Springer, Aug. 8, IHGO, resides in Milan township; Naney T., 
born June Ifi, 1842, married, April 14, 1868, to Wm. Squire, of Milan, 
died April 19, 187.^ ; Jane, horn Jan. 23, 1843, married George llimper, 
and resides in Michigan ; William F., born Feb. 5, 1S4*J, died a soldier, 
in South Carolina, March 2, 1865; Willis, horn Juno 29, 1859; and 
Bertha E., b<irn March II, 1868. 

Of his father's family, he is the only surviving son. It is said of 
his sister Nancy, now Mrs. Sands, when a small girl she went after 
the cows, and while gathering wild grapes, too tempting to pass, 
became lost. She was so comiilctoly turned around that, when she 
was told the right way by a man she met near Old Woman Creek, she 
would not believe him, and kept on her own way. The neighbors 
hunted for her all night without success, but the next day Henry 
discovered her track on the bank of the oreck, and followed It, finding 
her in Florence, eight miles away, where she found shelter in a rude 
cabin. 

Mr. Laughlin was reared a Methodist, but is now ecfcvtic in re- 
ligion, and from remarkable phenomena in his own liouse became a 
believer in Spiritualism. In 1S53 he built a large brick residence, 
and is now prepared to enjny the fruits of his long and patient toil. 
He has been an eye-witness of the numberless changes of sixty years, 
which have converted the trackless wild intolields la«ien with harvest ; 
instead of deer and bear, the horse, nx, and sheep ; instead of bla/.ed 
trees to mark the line of travel, good, broad highways; streams have 
been bridged : towns, villages, and beautiful homes have been built. 
In short, the "desert has been made to blossom like the rose." 

Some faint idea of this change maybe seen from this fact : in 
1827, John Laughlin paid ?270 for his one hundred acres of land, 
and paid a lax on the same that year of $3.10. The same land is now 
valued at $10,000, and in 1876 the taxes wore $85.96. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



483 



officers. Jiiliu L;iughliii. Samuel Rt.'ed :iik1 ,Iu1ui 
Thompson, trustees: Henry Bradj-, clerk; Jolm Hoak, 
treasurer: Daniel Butler, constalile: Lybeus Storrs, 
lister and api)raiser: Cliristnplu'r Bruhaker and Thos. 
Starr, path masters: John Hoak and 8. S. Reed, 
fence viewers: Heironynuis Mingus and ('liristo]iher 
Bruliaker. poor masters. 

The new government was afraid of the poor tax, 
and at once proceeded to ••warn Rachel Taylor to de- 
part the townshi]! of Eldridge. " Who Raciiel was, 
or when she was expected to go in the wilderness, is 
not stated, nor whether the officers were satisfied with 
a show of authority and allowed her to remain. 

The population rapidly increased, so that, when in 
IcS'^O, the trustees first divided the town into school 
districts according to the law passed the preceding 
year, there were eighty-nine families tiu'ii in the farm 
districts. 

FIRST EVEXTS. 

Tiie first postmaster was Jeduthan Cobb, in 16'iO. 
The mail was then carried on horseback from Cleve- 
land to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, by Robert 
Wolverton. He afterwards rail a sort of coach or 
hack, carrying the mail and passengers. 

After Walker built his hotel, or tavern, as it was 
tiien called, Mr. Beebe secured the contract for carry- 
ing the mail. lie ran a line of stages through on the 
telegraph road, and the coining and going of these 
]ionderons vehicles was quite an event in the monot- 
ony of the life of those days. 

The wide territory to the north of Berlinville, 
which has now two post offices, then had none, and it 
was a great convenience when an office was granted at 
the center. This office gave the present name to the 
jilace, for, as there were so many Berlins, some other 
name had to be given to avoid confusion, and Berlin 
Heights was suggested by the high lands, overlooking 
the lake, on which it was sitnated. 

Elihu P. Hill was the first postmaster, succeeded 
by William Pearl, and by Jesse S. Davis, who has 
retained the position for the last twelve years. 

The first hotel was built by David Walker, on the 
old Walker farm. The second was erected at Berlin- 
ville. on the site of the present one, by David Coulter. 
It was built of hewn logs. He sold to Geo. Roberts, 
father of George Roberts of .Milan, who sold it to 
Ilarrv Walker. Eaeli owner adilcd improvements. 

The next was built near, or on, the site of Mr. 
(irumman's house and store, of logs, l)y Calvin Hig-' 
gins, who started a tannery, the first in the township 
and the last. 

The first hotel at the Heigiits was tiie present Davis 
House, erected by Mr, Jesse I. Davis in 1855, and 
occupied, exce])t for a short interval, by him since 
that time. 

The first school in tiie township was taught by 
.lohii Leland, in the winter of 1811-12, in a house on 
the Fitzgerald farm, now Henry Hine's. It would 
prolialilv be a great curiosity at the present time. 



This school was soon suspended on account of the 
war, the people leaving with their families for places 
of safety — Cleveland or Pennsylvania. It is said that 
the panic was so great, that in January, 1814, only 
j four families resided in the township. And yet the 
Indians were always friendly, and no instance of their 
'depredation is recorded in the township. 

The second school house was built of logs, covered 
with " shakes,"' on t!ie farm of Daniel Butler, in 1815, 
and the school was first keiit by Sophia Case, and 
afterwards by Mr. Brady and Mr. Dunn. 

The third school house was Ijuill near the Bunlue 
spring, east of the Heights, in 1818, This house would 
now be a great curiosity. It was sixteen feet by twenty, 
and the logs of which it was uuilt were of all lengths, 
some running out many feet beyond others. The roof 
was shakes held down by heavy poles. The floor was 
made of logs split through the middle. The seats 
were made of the same, without liacks, and the writing 
desks were of the split slabs, supported by pins driven 
into the log wall. There were three windows, but as 
there was no glass, strips were placed across the open- 
ings and greased news])apers placed over them. The 
fire place occupied the whole end of the building, and 
the only limit to the size of the sticks was the 
strength of the boys to bring them in. There was 
not a board or a nail in the liouse. This school was 
opened by Thomas Stevens, who received ten dollars 
a month, paid in work on his farm or produce, and 
by way of grat'uity, an occasional •• bee" of chopping, 
hoeing, husking, etc. From this small beginning, 
the township has made great advance in the interven- 
ing sixty years. The central district, in 18T4, erect- 
ed a school building at a cost of thirteen thousand 
dollars. This school is graded, and the higher grade 
has been taught from the lieginning by Mr. Job Fish, 
whose popularity has never waned, but constantly in- 
creased. There are now ten school houses in the 
townshij), valued at twenty-six thousand four hun- 
dred dollars, and the annnal expenditure for school 
purposes is three thousand six hundred and eighty 
dollars. The central district supports, besides the 
main school, one at the "East End,"' at a cost of one 
hundred and seventy dollars per year, in a building 
costing five biiiidred dollars. 

C'lIl'KCHES. 
THE FIltST rHfU< II. 

The Methodists held class meetings even earlier 
than 18r2, in jjrivate residences, and had occasional 
preaching from Nathan Sinilii, .Mr, Westhieh, Dennis 

Goddard, Walker, and later, William Pattee. 

At one of these meetings the following resolution, 
which is a most excellent article of faith, was 
adopted : 

'• WiiEKEAS, Our lots, by Divine Providence, are cast 
in this wilderness land wjiere we are ilestitute of the 
preached word, destitute of an able shepherd to take 
us by the liaiid. and believing it is (uir duty, as pro- 



484 



HISTORY OV HUKOK AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



fessed followers of Christ: and also, feeling it to be 
our desire, and esteeming it to lie our highest privi- 
lege ou earth to do all we can to tiie declarative glory 
of God, the advancement of the Redeemer's cause in 
the world, and the good of souls: and believing that 
it will most conduce to this glorious end to form our- 
selves into a conference state, in brotherly compact, 
and thereby mutually strive to maintain the glory of 
God, keep the Christian Sabbath, watch over one an- 
other in love, and be helps to each other in our pil- 
grimage journey, and finding ourselves to be in union 
in sentiments: we, therefore, the undersigned, do 
hereby this day agree to unite in brotherly compact, 
in the best of bonds, for the purpose above named. 
March 4, 1818." 

This document is in the handwriting of Joshua 
Phillips, and is signed by him, Robert Wolverton, P. 
G. Smith, Levi Fuller, Fanny Smith, Rebecca Smith 
and Luther Harris. 

In the following October, some of these met at the 
residence of Perez Starr, in Florence, with others 
from that township, and wei'e organized by Elder 
Warner Goodale into the Baptist Church of Berlin. 
This organization held its meetings at private resi- 
dences in Berlin and Florence. Elders French. Hart- 
well, Hanks, Tucker, Abbott. Rigdon, and Call, 
preached occasionally. 

The first settled minister of the gospel in the town- 
ship, and in fact between Cleveland and the ■' Indian 
Land," was elder Call. He settled on the farm where 
he always resided, lot seven, range five, in 18'2U. He 
married, before moving from New York State, Miss 
Sally Cross. Their family consisted of nine children 
and, including great grandchiklreu, his descendants 
number one hundred. lie died in ISGl at the age of 
eighty-eight, and his death was soon followed by that 
of his wife at the age of eighty. 

The Congregational Church was organized by Rev. 
A. H. Betts and S. B. Sullivan in IS'iS. with nine 
members. A. H. Betts preached occusionally until 
1829, when Evertou Judsoii preached one-third of the 
time for two years: then E. Barber preached for one 
year, Joseph Crawford for two years, and in 1840 was 
succeeded by J. C. Sherwin, who remained until 18.51. 
He was very active and successful, and was dearly be- 
loved by all the community. He was succeeded for a 
short time by James Scott, who was followed in 1852 
by G. C. Judson, who remained about one 3'ear. John 
Parlin followed until 1854, when F. A. Demming was 
installed and remained until 1857. He was then suc- 
ceeded by E. M. Cravath, who remained until 1803, 
when he entered the army as a chaplain. T. B. Pen- 
field occupied the desk for 1864, and George Caudee 
from 1805 to 18(59. Sidney Bryant remained but a 
tew months, and J. C. Thompson took hia place and 
remained one year, and was succeeded by Henry 
Br(jwn. whose ministry was very short. In 1871 Levi 
Loring accepted of the call and remained until 1874. 
A. D. Hail followed, remaining until 1878, when he 
dejiarted to Jaimn as a missionary. N. S. Wright is 



the present stated supply. Nathan Chapman was the 
first clerk of the church. Francis West retained that 
office for thirty years. This church, from its forma- 
tion, was congregational, but for reasons which, in its 
infancy, were thought best for union and success, it 
became united with the presbytery and remained in 
such union until 1865, when it withdrew and united 
with the Ohio N. C. Association. Since its first or- 
ganization, about three hundred have united with the 
church, but death and removals have reduced the 
number to about sixty. The first deacons were John 
Fuller and Jonas Matthews, elected in lii35. The 
present edifice was erected in 1845. 

The Baptist Church was really founded and sus- 
tained until 1833, by Elder Joshua Phillips, when at 
his own request he was dismissed. In 1833, Elder 
Algood was secured to preach one-half the time.- in 

1837, Elder Wood pre-aeheil one-half the time, and in 

1838, Elder P. Latimer was secured. In 1839, he 
became a settled minister. Under him the first great 
revival occurred. In 1840, H. C. Sylvester took 
Latimer's i)lace, and was suct-eeded in 1842 by Elder 
Warren, under whose ministry aided by Elder Weaver, 
a celebrated evangelist, the most wonderful revival, 
ever witnessed in the township, took place. It was 
not only the greatest but the last, and all efforts ap- 
pear to have no apprecialjle efEect in producing like 
results. In 1844^ Elder Blake was called by the 
church. In that year the first Sabbatli school was 
organized. Blake was succeeded in 1845, by Elders 
Storrs and Bloomer: followed in 1847. by Henderson; 
1848, by Wilder; 1851, by Willoughby. During his 
yearly ministry the church struck on the rock of 
slavery. By a vote of seventeen to two, it declared 
that it withheld tiie hand of fellowship from all slave 
holders. Since that time it has not wielded the in- 
fluence of its early years. 

The Methodists built a chapel in the eastern part 
of the township in 1837, and in 1850 one in the 
western. This division was a great inconvenience, 
and the western was sold for a school house, and, in 
1870, a brick edifice erected at the Heights. Ou ac- 
count of the itinerant system adopted by that church, 
it would be difficult to give a list of preachers who 
have occupied the puli)its of that sect. 

I'HVSIIIAXS. 

The first physician was Dr. George G. Baker, who 
came from Connecticut in IS'i'i. He remained liut a 
short time, removing to Florence, and from thence 
to Xorwalk, where he remained and became identified 
with the interests of that important town. He was 
very successful in treating the malarial fevers, whicli 
were not well undoistood by the early practitioners, 
and his ride extended over a wide territory. Tiie 
early settlers still speak of liim in terms of heartfelt 
gratitude, and perhaps no physician has since attained 
as strong hold ou the confidence of the community. 

Phvsicians from neighboring towns came at the 
early call of suffering, and as it ever is, in new coun- 



I 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



485 



tries, the quack flourished apace. Among the names 
of tlie early doctors of medicine, a fuller notice of 
whom belongs to the history of other townships, are: 
Drs. Guthry, Ilurkness and Fay. Oaniel Butler al.so 
practiced, and David Butler dealt in roots and herbs. 

Xenophon Phillips began practice in , and for 

uumv of years held almost a monoi)oly. He was a 
gentle, unassuming man, and had remarkable success 
in malarial fevers. His methods were not orthodox, 
a combination of electrician. Itotanic, Thomi)sonian, 
■.md common sense. 

Berlin is noted for its healthfulness. and physicians 
have a proverbial hard time within its limits. After 
Dr. X. Phillii)S retired, Prof. B. L. Hill and Dr. 
Geo. S. Hill gained a wide practice. At present 
there arc three physicians in the township: M. M. 
Ben?choter, at Stone's corners, began practice in 1862, 
and recently, Dr. Eldridge, Allopath, Dr. Collier, Ho- 
meopath, have established themselves at the Heights, 

Lawyers never received a fat living in Berlin. T. 
C. Chapman has, for many jears, transacted the legal 
business of the communinty. 

THE FIRST 14RIST MILL. 

The sufferings for the want of mills to grind the 
corn and wheat were not the least the pioneers were 
called upon to endure. The nearest mill was at River 
Raisin, and thither, in boats, they carried their grain. 
It is related that in one of their expeditions they 
stopjx'd for the night at one of the Sister Islands. 
The wind was very high, and the boat broke from its 
moorings and drifted far out into the lake. It was 
a terrible prospect for those hardy men, left alone on 
desert island, and the entire yearly supply for their 
families irretrievably lost. Some of them sat down 
and wept like children. The wind changed, and in 
the morning the boat drifted back, and they went on 
their way rejoicing, but they always referred their 
deliverance to the hand of a merciful providence. 
Such long journeys were not often undertaken. The 
primitive Indian method of pounding grain in a mor- 
tar, was adopted, or, at best, hand mills used. This 
was followed, in Milan, by a horse-power mill, and at 
length the proprietors of Berlin, — Eldridge, Fosdick 
and Miner, — through their agent in Cleveland, J. 
Walworth, to improve their property, Ijuilt a mill, in 
1810, just aljove the Parraenter bridge on the Old 
Woman creek. It was the first grist mill on the Fire- 
lands. This mill was twenty In" twenty-five, built of 
logs, and had one run of stone. Tolhe pioneres, who 
had so long beaten their grain in mm-tars. or ground 
it in hand mills, no mill could make better Hour. The 
Starr i5rolhers and Mr. Seymour luiilt it, and soon 
after its completion. .John Thompson, wlio built the 
old Parmenter house, the second frame liouse in the 
township, purchased it, and was patronizeil by a wide 
territory. The stream, dammed in its forest fast- 
nesses, tiien ran the mill nine months in the year. 
The rain-fall was no greater than at present, Init now 
I lie forests are removed, ditches opened, and the I 



stream sweeps down in almost irresistible floods, and 
scarcely for a single moment in the year is there 
water sufficient to turn the mill wiieel. 

This John Thompson was a character. He was a 
giant in stature; had been a wild youth, but had re- 
formed. His fingers were drawn up and he could not 
straighten them. When the boys came into the mill, 
to wonderingly gaze on the strange wheels while their 
bags of corn were being ground, they would ask him 
how his hands came so fashioned. He would say to 
grab toll, and dlustrate it by taking out of the hopper. 
"Old Man Burdue" and his family were very super- 
stitious, and Thompson delighted to make them be- 
lieve he was a wizard. The mill was locked with an 
old padlock that needed a key, for the trouble was to 
make it keep together, but in his hands it became bur- 
glar proof, for he had made believe it was bewitched. 
The Burdues and many others were often iuilf ter- 
rified when Thompson would walk up to the mill 
door, make three waves of his hand, muttering to 
himself, then shout "oiten." as he struck the door 
with his fist, and the lock would fly ai)art. Burdue 
had bought a new scythe, and one day while using 
it Thompson came along. He wanted to Iniy it, 
for a new scythe was difficult to obtain. The old 
man would not sell. " Very well," said Thompson, 
"it shall never do you any good." Soon Burdue laid 
down his scythe and went to another part of the field. 
Thompson seized the opportunity, and with his knife 
cut the edge completely oft'. The old man returned 
and resumed his mowing. The scythe would not cut. 
He used the whetstone over and over again, but it 
would not cut the grass. Then, in despair, he threw 
it down, crying, '-just as I knew it would be. Thomi)- 
son's speird it!" 

The difference between the millers of our day and 
this pioneer, is as great as between the steam mills 
they run and the old log mill witli its rude wooden 
water wheel. 

If Burdue was superstitious, he was a strong and 
determined man. A good story is told of him and Mr. 
Eldridge. He had i)urchased a lot of land, wiiere now 
the creamery stands, of the latter, made a partial pay- 
ment, and Ijound him to give a deed when he reeeivfd 
one hundred bushels of wheat, then worth two dol- 
lars ]K'r l)ushel. The next year when Eldridge came 
to look after his lands. Burdue was ready with his 
wheat, wiiith thirty-seven cents perl)usliel. and eager 
for his deed. Eldridge exjdaiued that it would be 
ruinous, and eiuleavored to put him off. But the "old 
man" was not to be thwarted. He told Eldridge that 
he " must make up his miml to give him the deed, or 
he would never leave town alive." Thosi- who knew 
him were sure that he would keep his word, and El- 
dridge became so fully assured that he made the deed 
and left tlie almost worthless wiieat. 

liKKMX lN'l>rsTUli;s ANIi I'KoDL'CTS, KTC. 

The first ipiarry was opL'iied liy .Inshu.i I'hilliiis (in 
the land now owned l)v .1. M. Stulil. He liad sold 



486 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



tlie land to Eldridge, reserving the use of the quarry 
for one year, in order to get out stone for himself a 
house. Elder Phillips made that j-ear a busy one, 
for he quarried stone, and had teams haul them out, 
and for many years, had stone to supply the demand- 
It was not, however, known that the ledge of sandstone 
which crops out northeast of the Heights, and forms 
a grand escarpment, was one of the most valnable in 
the State. It remained for George A. Buillie to de- 
velop this fact. The enterprise was a great one for 
one man to undertake, as the strata dip from the es- 
carpment, and over twenty feet of strippings had to 
be cleared from a wide area before the desirable qual- 
ity of stone could be obtained. The wonderful 
gravel-bed contiguous, tempted the Lake Shore Rail- 
road to extend a branch from a point east of Ceylon, 
overcoming the heavy grade by skillful engineering, 
into the very heart of the quarry. 

The stone has been found everything to be desired. 
It is practically inexhaustible, and the strata are from 
six inches to eight feet in thickness. By General 
Gilmore's tests it will bear a crushing force of 14.350 
per squaee inch, and E. E. Myers, the well known 
architect, says: ''He regards it as one of the best sand- 
stones he has ever seen or used. It withstands the 
strongest acids; heat and cold, and grows harder, and 
of finer tone by age and exposure. Mr. Baillie ship- 
ped in 1878, four hundred car loads, mostly to New 
York. 

Mr. J. S. Lowry began a few years since, working 
anew the quarry on tlie farm originally of H. Ham- 
mond, and with sutheient outlay this, too, will furnish 
an inexhaustible supply. 

In an early day grindstones were manufactured to 
a considerable extent, and a wide local demand sup- 
plied, but although the grit is good, the business has 
long been discontinued. 

DAIRY PRonrcTS. 

Berlin has not been devoted to dairying, and little 
attention was given to the factory system established 
in townships on the eastern portion of the Reserve. 
Under the inlluence of ilelvin Stone, the Berlin 
creamery was established in 18T7, with a patronage of 
two hundred and fifty cows. It had the advantage 
of an abundant spring of water which flowed from 

the earth at a temperature of . This factory 

brought the art of butter making up to a higher 
standard than possible to be obtained even by experts, 
with the conveniences which a farm house supplies, 
and of coarse a higher price is obtained for the article, 
ranging from seven to fifteen cents per pound. Tiiis 
increase in price more than covers the entire cost of 
manufacture and sale. The patronage of tlie cream- 
ery for 1878 was three hundred and forty cows, an 
increase of ninety, and notwithstanding low prices, 
the business was entirely satisfactory. 

The Berlin fruit box manufactory was established 
in 180.3, and has been a leading interest. It was fii'st 
run in connection «"itli the sorghum business, began 



the year previous, and which was continued until 
1866. In the year 1864 ten thousand gallons of sor- 
ghum syrup were made. The manufacture of apple 
barrels was also a part of tlie liusiness. In 1866, six 
thousand were made. In 1868, the box business had 
so largely increased that all other interests were closed 
oat. Additions and improvements in buildings and 
materials have been constantly made and the product 
increased until now eighty thousand feet of timber are 
annually required, and employment given to twenty- 
five persons. Samuel Patterson has been connected 
as leading partner and business agent with the firm 
from the beginning, and its success is due mainly to 
his enterprise and inventive genius. 

FRUIT GROWIXG. 

The pioneers at an early' day were determined to 
have orchards, and began to plant trees before the 
ground was cleared of the forest. Canada was the 
nearest place where apple trees could be obtained, 
and, m 1813, John Hoak and Mr. Fleming, of Huron, 
crossed the lake and returned with a boat load of 
trees. Some of these are still growing in the orchard 
of Henry Hoak and the old Burdue farm. Three 
pear trees on tht; farm of Mr. Hoak from this ship- 
ment are of monstrous growth and still vigorous, 
being quite unlike the weakly stock we now endeavor 
to keep alive by constant doctoring. One of them is 
seventy feet in highth. and measures eighteen inches 
above the ground, eight feet seven inches in circum- 
ference; another, somewhat less tall, measures over 
seven feet. They rarely fail to bear, and yield from 
thirty to fifty bushels of pears each. Some of the 
old apple trees are still vigorous, and one of these 
measures over nine feet in circumference. From this 
small beginning, Berlin has become famous for the 
perfection of its various fruits, and the skill of its 
horticulturists. The proximity of the lake prevents 
danuiging frosts, and the soil is well adapted for the 
apple, peach and grape. 

C'OM.MUNISM. 

Berlin Heights, at one time, became widely known 
on account of a socialistic or Free Love society organ- 
ized there. Only a single citizen of the township be- 
came identified with tiiis movement, this agitation 
being drawn from widely remote States. Tiiey added 
to their restlessness and impatience with existing cus- 
toms and usages, more than ordinary intelligence. 

It was some time after the first gathering that a 
community was established. The first, called Point 
Hope Community, was commenced in 18G0, had 
about twenty members, and lasted less than a year. 
The second, called the Industrial Fraternity, com- 
menced, in 1860, with twenty members, lived about 
six months. The third, the Berlin Ciimmunity, or 
Christian Republic, commenced in 186.5, had twelve 
adult members and six children and lived about one 
year. 





HUDSON TUTTLE. 



MRS. HUDSON TUTTLE. 



HUDSON TUTTLE. 



Tlio city which decorates n park with fine gtatiinry Joes more to elevate the 
Btaiutnnl of inibiic morals and correct tisto than dors the erection of a score 
of costly cliurchos. The life of one nincorely honest, pure, and consistent 
man in a community, who is not an idolater to utamnion, and who has a heart 
to feel and an intellect t<» work for public weal, with the moral coiirafxe to 
combat error on all occasinns and under sill circumstances, does more to educate 
mankind up to higher planes of thought, and modes of life and culture, than 
doi'8 the endowment of a public school. Such a man is the subject of this 
sketch. He was born in l!s:iG, in a log cabin on the farm where he now n- 
piides, and whcrr he has always lived. His parents came to Ohio in ISIJO, pur- 
chased a tract of woodland, and from the forest carved out the home now owned 
by Mr. Tuttlr. 

His opportunities for acquiring an education were exceedingly meagre. IHs 
entire school-days did not reach quite fourteen months, and his school attend- 
ance was interrupted by sickness and long vacations incident to country 
schools. At the age of sixteen he became a nierlium. His mfdiumship began 
witli moving of tables and other objects, but rapidly culminated in a highly 
sensitive and impressioiial state, in which he always writes and usually speaks. 
He w!is a frail, sensitive, and reticent boy, and even now shrinks from notoriety 
or prominence. Brief as were his school-days, frail as was his boylic»o(l, sensi- 
tive and reticent as was his youth, modest and retiring as is his mature man- 
hood, few men of his age and opirartunities are so widely and favorably known 
in this Country, and among the scludars in Kurope. His fii-st work, " Life in 
the Spheres," was written and published while he wju* yet in his teens. 

While the public was wondering over this strange story of the " Beyi>tid," ho 
was preparing the tirst volume of the "Arcana of Nature." We are told that 
the manuscript for thin volume was three times written and indexed before it 
wjui acceptable to the intelligencea dictating it ; and each time he was instructed 
til burn it and try again, he unhesitatingly obeyed. 

Though weary with physical toil, when his guides came he was at once re- 
freslied, elastic, happy, and wrote far into the night. The tirst volume of the 
" Arcana of Nature" was published in isno. Two eilitions were soon exhausted. 
It was at once translated into German, and the advanced minds of that country 
saw in this work a solution of the problem for which the thinking world had 
been so long looking. In the preface of this work IMr.Tuttlo says, with charac- 
teristic modesty : 

" For years I have been led through the paths of science by invisible guitles, 
who have manifested the earnest zeiil nl a father for a feeble and truant child. 
. . . From these invisible authors I draw the concealing veil, an<l to them 
dcdiaite this volume." 

The writer well remembers how the world stood aghast when this work ap- 
peared. All who knew or had seen this country boy were amazed. Some 
praised, but more ridiculed and condemned. A farmer boy, without books, 
educjition, apparatus, and witli none of tiie appliances of the schools, nor even 
cultivated surroundings, launches upon the world a work at once philosophical 
and profound, commencing with the construction of the atom, and ending with 
the laws of spirit-life. 

The ideas it contained of evolution anteilated Darwin by two years, and his 
ideas of force were greatly in aiivance of the science of the time. The second 
volume of the " Arcana" soon followed, anil in 18GG he published "Origin and 
Antifpiity of Man," said to be a work of great merit. 

About the same time, in conjunction with his wife, he published "Blossoms 
of our Spring," a poetical work contaiinng, us its title implies, thoir early i)oems. 

His next works were "The Career of the ('hr^^t Idea in Histoiy," "Career 
of the God Idea in History," and "Career of Ileliaiious Ideits ; Their Ultimates 
the Religion of Science," which followed each other in quick succeBslori. Next 
camo tlie " Arcana of Spiritimlism," a manual of spiritual science and philoso- 
phy, wherein he condensed the study and best comtnunieationa of fifteen years 
«if niediunir<liip. 

In 1HT4, Mr. Tuttle and wife published a volume of "Stories for our Chil- 
dren," supplying Ihem with mental food free from thetdoglcal dogmatism. 

Among the many tracts ho has written, the most notable are, perhaps, 
"Revivals, their Cause and f'ure," and " Origin of the Cross and Steeple." 

To all this literary labor must be added his editorial duties and continuous 
contributions to the i)ress, both reform and secular. For years he ban written, 
on an average, one review each week. He has never entered tin- field as an 
itinerant lecturer, yet calls from the various societies fully occupy his lebture 
time. All this literary work has been accomplished oulsido of the ordinary 
routine of biiNiness. 

He has a productive farm of between two and three hundreil acrcH, witli 
orchards and vineyards, which receives his personal supervision. Fr-w men in 
this country raise better crops, or have a better knowledge of suils, and the best 
methmls of culture. Tin* farm, of course, must receive his attention during 
the day, anrl his liteniry labor is mostly iM-rftirnied at night. 

In IR'tT ho was united in marriagi? to Miss Kmma I>. Rood, a lady of raro 
poetic and artistic talent. They are bound together by the ties of a common 



beliiif, and, in the higliest and best sense of tlie word, are helpmeets to each 
other. Tlieii- home is a centre of refornuitory inlluenco in Northern Ohio. 
Their generous and cordial hospitality seems utLboundcd. 

Mr. Tuttle is yet a yt)ung man, comparatively, and only the initial chapter 
of his biography can be written. His has been a strange education, and one 
of special signiticance to those who accept Spiritmilism. 

The writei- of this biography luis quoted largely fioin a sketch of the life of 
lilr. Tuttle in the " World's Sages, Infidels, and TluTikers," and be regrets that 
the space allotted in this history will not justify a moro extended o!ie. 

Mrs. Emma Tiittlk, (he subject of this sketch, was the daughter of John 
Rood, Jr., and Jane A. Miller. She was born in Braceville, Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
in 1839, on the faini where her mother jiassed her childhood. 

Her father was a native <>f East Canaan, Conn., and came to Ohio in 1836. 
ller mother was a native of Ohio. She was educated at the Western Reserve 
Seminary, at Farmington, Ohio,— a Methodist institulion. She was reared in 
that religious faith, and was a member <)f the church in her native town until 
just previous to her marriage, when she witlidrew her connection wiih that 
body, having embraced the doctrines of Spiritualism. 

The public literary labors of Mrs. Tuttle commenced in the cause of her 
new faith, but in later years have witlened and become more general, as the 
versatility of her powers developed, and her dramatic work has been entirely 
of a literary character. 

She is the author of two volumes of poems, " lllossoms of our Spring." an 
r'arly production, as the title implies, and " Cazelle," a story of the Iteln*llion, 
piibiished anonymously. " The Lyceum (Juide," a book for the use of Sunday- 
schools organized after the plan u{ Andrew Jackson Davis, was edited by her, 
and she was the principal contributor. It was a work of great merit, and 
has been universally praised by critics who comprehended the system taught. 
It had a wide sale. The i)lales of this work were destroyed in the " lioston 
fire," but the demand for the book is such that it will soon be republished. 
Theilemand for a work of this kind, for the use of lyceums, is, wo are infonued, 
about as staple as the machinery for an ordinary Sunday-school. 

Mrs. Tuttle is deeply interested in children's progressive lyceums, and says 
that a working orpinizati(m of this kind is one of the most charming places 
for instruction for both old and young. With its orchestra, banners, niarcliing, 
calisthenics, recitations, discussions, and lectures, it is never monotonous, and 
cannot fail to interest and instruct. She has been a faithful and zealous worker 
in this field of labor, and says she has received great benefit personally. 

Mrs. Tuttle is, perhaps, better known to the general public in Ohio through 
her songs and her dramatic readings. Her lyric compositions havo been set 
to music by eminent composers, among whom are James (J. ('lark, of New 
York; Prof, Bailey, of Michigan; Kelix Schilling, of I'hitadelphia; H. M. 
Higgins, E. T. Blackmer, Miss Emily B. Tahnage, of Chicago; and Dr. K. L. 
Peiry, of Milan, (ihio. .\nuing the more popular ot these compositions are 
"My Lost Darling," "The Unseen City," and "Beautiful Claribell." 

She has rare poetic genius, and ia a constJint contributor to alt the leading 
reformatory journals, and frequently to thi' secular press. She has had a 
Ihorougb education as an actress and dramatic reader, having ftnisheil her course 
nmler the renowned I*'^>f. T. K. Leonard, in Boston. Critics say of her: "Sho 
has no superior In her rendition of ' The Maniac,' by Lewis; nor in the heroic 
compo8iti<ins of Macaulay, as ' Iloratius at the Bridge,' and the tragic story of 
'Virginia,' which she gives in Roman dress. Comic and serio-comic she renders 
with equal creilit, but sho does not fully relish them. 

Her intensely, morbidly, sympathetic nature is, undoubtedly, the secret of 
her versatility an<l complete adaptability to the charactois sho roproHenta. 
With the ni'cessary study for presentation, she so completely enters into tlio 
subject iL«* to become in spirit tho person she represents. 

Desirable as is this quality, it is not without its tortures,— in her case, at least, 
for she informs us Jliat it attends her in ovi-ry-ilay life as well as on the stage. 
The suffering or abuse of either human beings or animals is often the cause of 
serious illness, because of her sympathy, which she cannot quiet or luit away. 
She is a zealous advt)rate of kindness to animals, as all who havi' ever shared 
the hospitality of this family well know, and she says she will never submit to 
any abune of ibiin on the Tuttle farm. No servant can remain with them who 
will ignore their needs and rlghlH. It is a part of her religion to regard tho 
wants and needs .ifanimals, and, aside from the real pleasun< it gives, she saya 
"it pays well." With her own hatnis she often ra res for the needs of her 
dumb friends, and takes s(di«l pleasure in their grateful friendship. 

Her life is one of continuous activity an<l usefulnej-s. Her charities, Hke her 
sympathies, are on a generous scale, and hor hospitalities are measured only by 
her physical strength. It woulil be our pleasure to write a more extended 
biogmphy of this cultivated ami gifted lady if our space would justify. 

Throe bright and promising children crown the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tut- 
tle,— Rose. Carl, and little Clare; and the more sacred duties of mother are not 
neglected by Mrs. Tuttle, amid all her literary and domoatic cares. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



487 



So far as testing commuuisui was eonceraed, the 
attempt was an utter failure. The drifting to this 
section of so many indivitluals. wlio, to use their own 
phrase, were "intensely individualized," and who re- 
mained after tiie complete failure of their schemes, 
has had an iulluence o' the character of the town. 
They engaged in fruit growing, have multiplied the 
small farms, and added to the prosperity and intel- 
lectual life of the people. From the beginning their 
honesty never was questioned, however mistaken 
their ideas. 

.Johnson's C'yclojtedia makes a strange lilunder, 
when it says that a Nourishing community of Spiritu- 
alists is located at Berlin Heights. It refers, of 
course to the socialistic society, which was not spirit- 
ualistic in any sense of the word. Spiritualism does 
not teach communism in any form, and some of the 
most zealous opposers of the socialists were among 
the spiritualists. It is true that some of the social- 
ists claimed to be spiritualists, and others claimed to 
believe in various church doctrines, and some were 
atheists. 

The Berlin people are noted for tolerance, but it 
may be presumed that the socialists, with their 
strange ideas, did not alwa^'s find their paths strewn 
with ruses, and the citizens still retain fresh in their 
memories, how, when Francis Barry attempted to 
mail a number of the obnoxious Age of Freedom, 
twenty Berlin women siezed the mail-sack in which 
he had brought it on his shoulder to the otEce, and 
made a bontire in the street. The following jour- 
nals were successively started by the socialists and 
ran brief careers: Social Reruhdionist, conducted by 
J. S. Patterson, 1857; Age of Freedom, commenced 
in 18.58, Frank and Cordelia Barry and C. M. Over- 
ton, editors; Good Time Coming, 1859, edited by J. 
P. Lesley and C. M. Overton; the 2\'ew Republic, 
1862, edited by Francis Barry: The Optimist, and 
Kingdom of Heaven, 1869, Thomas Cook, editor; 
The Principia, or Personality, 1808, N. A. Brown, 
editor; the Xew Campaign, 1871, C. M. Overton, 
editor; The Toledo Sun, moved from Toledo to Ber- 
lin Heights in 1875, by John A. Laut. 

Besides these, two local newspapers were published 
for some time: The Bulletin, by W. B. Harrison, 
commenced in is;(i; ami the Indr.r, by F. .J. Miles, 
commenced in IS','>. 

In 1851, the .Vrk of Temperance was establislied in 
Berlin, and perhaps nothing e.xcited a greater and 
more permanent influence over the morals and intel- 
lectual culture of the people. The Sons of Temper- 
ance excluded women, and hence failed. Mr. S. 0. 
Kellogg conceived the happy i<lea of establisiiing an 
order wherein the sexes should be ei|ual. The result 
of his thinking was the "Ark," of which the Good 
Templars is a faint imitation. The movement was a 
great success. .The organization at one time num- 
bered over eight hundred members. The grand ark 
Ijegan estal)lishiiig subordinate arks, ami had the mat- 
ter been pushed there was no reason wiiy it iiad not 



become as wide as the country. For many years the 
ark at the Heights was maintained, and to the attrac- 
tions of the impressive ritual was added not only 
social, but a high order of intellectual life. 

SOLDIKRS OF BEKLIS. 

The following is a complete list of the soldiers who 
are dead, furnished by Berlin in the defence of the 
country, and from it something may be learned of the 
sacrifice of life and money made in the holy cause of 
liberty by this township: 

Revolution — Orley Benschoter, Hicrononuis Min- 
gus, Aaron \"an Benschoter. 

War of 1812 — Russell Ransom, Nathaniel Griffin, 
Ephraini Hardy, Prosper Carey, George Whitney, 
.Joshua Phillips, P. T. Barber, Jacob Mingus, Na- 
thaniel Burdue, H. Dunbar, T. Miller. 

War of the Rebellion — Wm. Lowry, Sam. McGur- 
kin, Richard Mulleneaux, Curtis Mullenaux, Myron 
Rice, George Burgess. L. L. Hardy, D. D. Stage, W. 
A. Keith, Spafford Penny, J. Woodward, Osro J. 
Lowell, J. Hall, J. Daniels, Elisha Jenkins, W. 
Swartz, Diodot Ransom, George Johnson, S. .Seeley, 
C. A. Graves, E. Huffman, E. Hardy, Fred Huntley, 
James Smith, P. K. Loomis, Geo. L. Fowler, Horace 
Hill, John Laughlin. J. Smith. H. Smith. Darius 
Smith, Charles Elwood, Henry Elwood, Aaron Hall, 
Lucius Smith, Dan'l Weatherslow, Oliver Benschoter, 
Frank Bemis, William Bellamy. 



Biographical Sketches. 



HON. ALMON RUGGLES. 

Few. if any. of tiie early pioneers of this country, 
are more deserving a place in history, and none filled 
more prominent and imi)ortant positions, or had more 
varied and interesting experiences, than did the subject 
of this sketch. He came to this countrv from Dan- 
bury, Connecticut, to survey the '"Sufferer's Lands,'' 
so-called, in 1805. His first surveys were made under 
orders of his principal, and proved unsatisfactory to 
the committee, and he was then chosen by the com- 
mittee as chief, and the survey was made the second 
time, to the satisfaction of all concerned. In this 
survey he called to his aid Judge Wright, of New 
York, who had charge of one Ijranch of the work. In 
addition to his salary, he was ])ermitted to select one 
inile sciiuire anv where on the lake shore, within the 
limits of the Fire-lands, at one dollar per acre. He 
.selected the land, — a portion of which is now owned 
by his only surviving son. Richard Ruggles, on the 
lake shore, in the township of Berlin. The bi-autifiil 
grove, known as " Ruggles' (irove," was sjiared Ity his 
order, and is now a fit monument to his memory, and 
in sight of which his ashes repose. 



488 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



He was an expert swimmer. When it became 
necessary to cross a stream he could not ford, he 
would tie his wardrobe into as small a bundle as pos- 
sible, cross the stream with them, and return for his 
compass. 

His father was Ashbel Ruggles, a descendant of one 
of three brothers who came from Scotland, but just 




■■''■■■ ';'irmmm/y-'i;-'i--^ ■■■■■,'(■■. -V*''%' 





'/y?i-^ir/(yt 



what year is not known. His motlier was a Bostwick. 
Almon was a twin. His brother Alfred died in infancy. 
His father was in indigent circumstances when he 
was a boy, and he went to live with an uncle, who 
was a Presbyterian deacon, and very parsimonious. 
He refused to give young Ruggles an education, or to 
even give him an opportunity to acquire one. He 
obtained liis first book by catching wood chucks, 
tanning the skins, and braiding them into whip-lashes 
for the market. As Providence lielps tlie man who 
helps himself, so this young man was prospered. Six 
months was the sum of his school days, yet by appli- 
cation, he fitted himself for teaching, and taught in 
aD academy for some time. The very obstacles to be 
overcome, gave him that energy and strength of 
character which ever after characterized his public 
and private life. He was a self-made man in the best 
sense of the word. His own early struggles with 
poverty, gave liim active sympathies with the poor 
pioneers of this country. All regarded him as a 
friend, and many of them depended on him for sup- 
port in all emergencies. He had a store of general 
merchandise, and trusted all those who could not pay. 
It is said of him that he might have been very rich. 



had he been disposed to grind the face of poverty. 
He preferred to live more unselfishly, and merit the 
confidence and respect of his fellows. He not only 
encouraged the early settlers with material aid, but 
with cheerful looks and kind words. He was always 
Jolly, and enjoyed fun, and all enjoj-ed his society. 
He represented this senatorial district in the State 
legislature in 1816-1T-19, when the district consisted 
of the counties of Ashtabula, Geauga, Portage, 
Cuyahoga and Huron, and in 1820, when it consisted 
of Cuyahoga and Huron. He was associate judge for 
sevei'al years, under the old constitution. His ability, 
his integrity, his knowledge of the country and people, 
eminently qualified him for the places he filled, and it 
is said of him, tliat in all his public life, no official 
misconduct stained his record, or cast a shadow on his 
character. He was an earnest worker in the whig 
party, and a personal friend of General Harrison. 

He was twice married. His second wife was a wid- 
ow, Mrs. Rlioda Buck me Sprague. He has two 
living children: Mrs. Dr. Phillips, of Berlin Heights, 
and Richard, who married Miss Eleanor E. Post, of 
Berlin. He lives on the homestead. Charles married 
Miss Mary Douglass for his first wife, and Miss Julia 
Mallory for his second. He was a member of no 
chur<;h, but was equally liberal with all, opening his 
meetings and for the entertainment of 
ministers. He was too large a man for wrong- 
doing, and too liberal and kind to treat any with 
incivility. Such a life never ends, so long as grate- 
ful children and grandciiildren walk in its echoes. 
Such men can walk fearlessly and confidingly down 
into the great future to meet whatever awaits them 
there. He passed in to the '"Beyond,"' July 17, 184(>, 
in the sixtv-ninth vear of his ase. 



dwelling for 
the 



REV. PHINEAS BARKER BARBER 

was born in Greenwich, Wasliington county, Xew 
York, June 'II, 1T93. At the age of nineteen, he en- 
listed as a soldier in the war of 1812 with Captain 
Cook, in the New York militia, and was honorably 
discharged. The command of Captain Cook did effi- 
cient service, and suffered much. At the time of his 
decease he was drawing a pension for service rendered 
during that war. 

In 1815. at tiie age of twenty-two, he purchased 
his first farm in Lock, Cayuga county, New York. 
June 3, 1819, he was united in marriage with Orpha 
Morse, daughter of Judge Morse, of tiie same county, 
by whom he hid seven children, five of whom are 
living. 

In 1830, he came to Ohio witii his family, and set- 
tled in Bei'lin, where he lived until his decease. June 
20, 1830. liis wife died, and, on the 20th of June. 
1837, he married Roxana S. Heath, who survives him. 
He was converted to Christianity at the age of twenty- 
three, and entered the ministrv of the Methodist 



I 




p. B.B/ARBER 




/VfRS. P. B.BARBER. 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



489 



Episcopal Church, at the age of twenty-six, and from 
that time until his death was a zealous worker in the 
vineyard of the church. 

His ministry conimencod in Oiiio, at a time when 
he could stand in his own door and slioot deer and 
<itlier game, which he frequently did. In those days, 
lie traveled through the woods on foot to fill his ap- 
pointments, and preached in churches, school houses 
and private dwellings. He preached in nearly every 
townsliip in Erie and Huron counties, and had two 
or more preaching places in each townsiiiiJ. 

To the fulfillment of his duties as a minister, he 
brought a cultured and cheerful mind, rare energy of 
charactei', industry, economy and hospitality. His 
lii)erality knew no bounds Init an empty purse. 
These traits of cliaracter were crowned with love for 
<Tod and humanity. His piety and courage, as well 
as his faith and hope, are conspicuous at every stage 
of his history. During the fifty-eight years of his 
ministry, he never received a dollar for preaching, 
and he supported his family by hard labor on his 
farm. He was unflagging in his energies and untiring 
in his labor of love. No embassador of Jesus Christ 
ever sounded forth his messages with more faithful- 
ness or fervor. 

His endurance was wonderful. He preached every 
Sunday, and his appointments were from five to 
twenty miles apart. He also attended, on an average, 
three funerals each week, and uniformly suffered with 
the sick headache after preaching. He pressed for- 
ward, sowing the seed for future harvest, in obedi- 
ence to what he conceived to be his duty. He planted 
in the morning, and in the evening witliheld not his 
liand — exerting a wide influence. 

It is said of him, that he married more coujiles and 
administered spiritual consolation to more of the sick, 
and preached more funeral sermons than any other 
man who ever lived in his field of labor. He lived in 
the affection and conridence of his people and neigh- 
bors. He held various offices of trust, and, at one 
time, lacked Imt ten votes of being elected re]iresenta- 
tive of his county in the State legislature; and, on 
line occasion, was nominated for State senator. He 
improved and beautified liis home with his own liands, 
built his own house and barns, and assisted in build- 
ing the old Berlin Chapel, in 18.35, and various other 
ciiurches. 



He was a Christian gentleman, never trifling, yet 
always cheerful, and fond of relating pleasant anec- 
dotes. He was a great reader, and had few equals as 
such in the general literature of his time. His doc- 
trinal habits and modes of thought followed liim to 
the end. Tiie character of this war-worn pioneer was 
one of the purestMnd brightest history records. In 
short, his life presents an instance of self-sacrificing 
devotion to his conviction of right and duty, of which 
history has but few psirallels. His long and useful 
life was full of labor and adorned with' love. 

On the 'Id day of May, 1877, at the age of eighty- 
four, he escaped tlie thraldom of his earthly body, 
and entered upon the spiritual inheritance i)rovided 
for all the redeemed. 



ROXANA S. BARBER 

was born in March, 1810, in Kingwood, New Jersey, 
on the Atlantic coast. Her father was Richard 
Heath, light horseman. In those days of military 
ambition, the New Jersey militia powdered their wigs 
and presented a gay appearance. She came to Gene- 
seo. New York, in 18'i7, and to Florence, Ohio, in 
18.35. The family landed at Huron in November of 
that year. There being no mode of conveyance in the 
country at that time, they walked from Huron to 
Florence, where they purchased a farm. June 27, 
1837, she was united in marriage to Rev. Phineas B. 
Barber, with whom she lived until his decease, a 
period of forty years, enduring the hardshij^s of a 
pioneer life, and doing double duty, while her hus- 
band was from home, in the work of the ministry. 
The wives and mothers who suffere<l the hardsliips of 
pioneer life, who faced danger, want and sulfering 
with such unfaltering trust and christian fortitude, 
will never, can never, be appreciated, not even by 
grateful children, until they put on the glorious robe 
of immortality, and their reward will not come until 
they enter the glories of the upper sanctuary. Two 
children were the fruit of this union. Carrie C. mar- 
ried Newton Andress in 1803; lives at Berlin Heights. 
Phineas B. deceased in 1809. Mrs. Barber resides 
with her daugiiter, Mrs. Andress. 



62 



MARGARETTA.* 



Margaretta is the northwest township in the 
county, and is bounded on the north by Sandusky 
bay, on the east by Sandusky City, Perkins and Ox- 
ford townships, on the south by Groton, and on the 
west by Sandusky county and the bay. Rgjige 
twenty-four, township six. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface features of the township, as a whole, 
may be called level, although some parts of it are 
high land and some gently rolling. The west half of 
the first section is rolling and thinly timbered, and is 
what is" generally known as "oak openings," with a clay, 
sandy, or limestone soil, or some combination of these, 
and sand, gravel and limestone ridges occasionally. 
The northeast part was heavily timbered and level 
having a muck soil with clay subsoil, very rich and pro- 
ductive. The second section was heavily timbered 
laud, except the south part, which was oak openings 
with a gradual descent to the north. The third section 
is mostly prairie with some strips of timljer. It used to 
be called a marsh, but by making a channel for Cold 
creek, buiding the railroad, and making several large 
ditches through it, has made it gOod farming and 
grazing land. The fourth section is "openings" land, 
excei^t the northwest corner, which extends on to the 
prairie. The "openings" were timbered with oak and 
hickory, with occasionally a walnut, ash, elm and 
basswood. The timbered land was covered with 
white, black, yellow, swamp, pin and burr oak, black 
walnut, hickory, black and white ash, elm, basswood 
and some chestnut, butternut and maple. Limestone 
ridges crop out in some places on the openings, so as 
to make the land difficult to cultivate, but, generally 
speaking, the soil produces a good quantity and a 
very superior quality of wheat, oats and jjotatoes, 
with average corn, clover and timothy, while the 
heavily timbered land is superior for grass, corn, 
wheat, when ttnder-drained, and other heavy crops. 
There is a fraction of land along Sandusky bay, from 
one to two miles wide, that is north of Sandusky 
county, which belongs to Margaretta, and forms the 
northwest part of the township. The east half is 
timbered, the west half prairie and marsh: when the 
lake is high a portion of it is overllowed with water; 
when not under water, it jjroduces a coarse grass of 
bXit little value. 

There is a small stream called Pike creek (from the 
pike fish which are found in it in early spring floods), 
which enters the township near the southwest corner 
of section one, and runs in a northeasterlv course 



" By Rev. Hiram Smith and the late Harvey Fowler. 
F. Fowler. 



Revised bv R 



tlirough this section and into Perkins township, 
emptying into Sandusky bay, about a mile west of 
the city, and this is known as Mill's creek. Quite a 
large area of territory is drained by this stream, 
which, in time of high water, afforded sufficient 
power to run a coui)le of saw mills, in an early day, 
one of which has been but recently torn down. There 
are two smaller streams which rise in the northern 
part of section three and empty into Sandusky bay. 
Their waters are strongly impregnated with some 
mineral, generally supposed to be sulphur. 

The most important stream in the township is Cold 
Creek (so called from the fact of its water being cold ), 
having its source a little west of the center of the 
township, runs about forty rods in a southwesterly 
course, then turns north, and empties into Sandusky 
Bay. Its whole length in a straight line would be 
about three miles. In its natural channel it ran 
through a piece of flat land or prairie heretofore 
mentioned, converting several hundred acres into a 
quagmire and muskrat garden. It now runs nearly 
its whole length through an artificial channel or mill 
race, and affords sufficient power to run two grist 
mills of four, and one of six run of stone. Cold 
creek rises north of the ridge, Ijoiling up from a great 
depth in a large voltime evidently from crevices in 
the limestone rock. About a half mile north of the 
head of this stream, formerly there was a small, nar- 
row stream (which one could stej) over without any 
efEort), that came u\) in the form of a spring after 
the erection of the first mills at the head of Cold 
creek. By raising the water at its fountain head, this 
small stream was greatly enlarged, and excavated for 
itself a basin forty feet in diameter, and what, seems 
most unaccountable, exposed to view large trees m a 
IH'ostrate position at the bottom of its bed. How 
•these trees came there in that iJositiou we leave for 
savants to answer. As the waters of this stream 
(w^hich now assumed the name of Little Cold creek) 
increased those of Cold creek proper, decreased, 
which led irresistibly to the conclusion, that there 
was a subterranean connection between the two. so 
that in order to secure sufficient water for the mill on 
Cold creek proper, this stream was dammed uj) to 
bring their waters to a level. Afterwards it was 
deemed advisable to connect the two springs by a 
channel so as to bring the water from this si)ring to 
the mill, but when done, the water ran the wrong way, 
and the larger stream emjjtied into the smaller instead 
of the smaller into the larger, as w'as intended, which 
necessitated building the mill where it now is at the 
lower spring, making one stream of the two. Tlie 
waters of these springs are strongly impregnated 

(490) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



401 



with mineral substances, and wheueTer the water 
drips ou to anything, it is quickly coated over with a 
sul)Btance which becomes hard as, and assunws the 
character of, limestone in all manner of singular and 
grotesque shapes and forms which are much prized as 
curiosities. 

A spring called Rockwell spring, similar to Cold 
creek, but much smaller, rises in the northwest corner 
of section four, near the base of a limestone bluff, and 
runs in a westerly direction and empties into Pickerel 
creek, in Sandusky county. It affords sufficient 
power for a flouring mill with two run of stone. The 
water, to an ordinary observer, is precisely like that 
of Cold creek. 

Margaretta belongs to the same limestone forma- 
tion as Sandusky, Kelley's Island, and Marblehead; 
the whole of it is underlaid with the rock, and it 
crops out in many places in the southern part of the 
township. A soft limestone is found in several places 
in section one, which, when burned, made a superior 
quality of lime, and formerly, when wood was plenty, 
was burned in large quantities for home consumption, 
and sent to the counties south of here quite exten- 
sively. 

TROUT RAISING. 

In the fall of 18T0, Mr. .John Hoyt, proprietor of 
tiie Castalia ]iaper mills (sinced burned i, procured a 
couple of thousand eggs of the brook or speckled 
trout, made hatching troughs, and thoroughly tested 
tiie practicability of raising trout in Cold creek, and 
was entirely successful in his venture. The following 
year he went into the business more largely, and as a 
result, from one end to the other the stream is now 
well stocked with tine trout. Some salmon have been 
put in by the State, but very few of them have been 
seen. The Castalia Sporting Club, a company of gen- 
tlemen from Cleveland, have leased the fishing privi- 
leges of the lower end of the stream, from Mr. R. 
Heywood, so far as he controls it. The State built a 
tish hatchery house, but were unsuccessful, from some 
canse unknown to the author. The upper portion of 
the sti'eam, including the two ponds, has been leased 
for twentv vears bv some of the citizens of Marga- 
retta and the adjacent townships, and some from 
Sandusky, who have incorporated a stock company 
to protect and propagate trout to stock this and other 
streams in this locality. The name of the organiza- 
tion is the "Cold Creek Trout Club." 

OKIGIX.\L OWNERS. 

For explanation of the following table the reader 
is referred to the history of Lyme township: 

MAKG.\RETTA, TOWX NUMBER SIX, RANGE TWENTY- 
FOUR. 



C'LASSIFICATIO.V NO. I, SECTION 1. 



Original Grantees. 
Isaac Scudder 

Job Bart ram 
John Rich 



Am'tLots. 
£ s. d. 
661 16 



976 

72 



Am't Claused. 
£ s. d. 



Classified by. 

Jesup Wakeman & 

Eben'zr Jesup.Jr. 330 18 

•'^ fl76 7 

His heirs . . 7 



£ 


s. 


d 


1 ^ 


Abraham LoclJ-wood 2 


Vi 





1 Jesup Wakeman « 

Eben'z'r Jesiip. Jr. 2 
NathlRaymi.nd. Jr. 1 


Josinh Wentworth 151 


16 





Nath'l Street 33 


l-J 


a 


Sam'l Middlebrook 32 



12 
10 

11 



d. 



914 



Footing of Classification No. I, £l,»H 



Original Grantees. 
Hezekiah Hanford 



C'LiSSIFICATION" No. 3. SECTION 2. 

Ani't Loss. Classified by. 



£ 
328 



James Fitch, Jr. :M3 
Isaiah Marvin 158 

Col. Stephen St. .lohn 713 
.\sa Hciyt 381 

Ebenezer Lockwood S2 



rf. 



Ani^t Classed, 
d. 

8 



Ebenezer Jesup, Jr., 
Edward .Jesup A 

Jesup Wakeman 328 3 

S43 8 o 

100 0, . 

142 13 3H 

381 17 0,^ 

48 1 6H 





Footing 


of Classification No. 2 


£1,344 


7 


n 


Classification No. 3, Section 3. 










Original Granties. 


Am't Loss. 


Classified by. 




Am't classed. 




£ 


s. 


d. 






£ 


s. 


d. 


Ebenezer Lockwood 


82 





2 


This whole class is 


33 


17 


IH 


Thomas Fitch 


387 


14 


5H 


classified by J 


esuc 


77 


10 


lOH 


Tlios. Fitch's heirs 


415 


3 





Wakeman, Ebene 


31 


12 


1?^ 


Hannah Fitch's h'rs 


141 


2 


7 


zer Jesup, Jr. 


am 


10 


14 


Stephen * Hooker 








Edward .lesup 


, saj 








St. John 


.■JO 


1 


6 


Jesup Wakeman 


4 








John Rich 


21 


3 





one-half 4 the 


oth 


21 


3 





Joseph Beers 


90 


17 





er half by Ebenz'i 


11 


1 


10^ 


Widow Eunice More- 








Jesup, .Ir., au( 
ward Jesup. 


lEd 








house 


68 


7 







68 


7 





Gruman Morehouse 


6 


11 


6 






6 


11 


6 


Solomon Sturges 


319 


3 


9 






279 


5 


9 


Jos. Sturges' heirs 


3:59 


15 


2 






203 


7 


3 


Ebenezer Bulkley 




7 


2 








7 


2 


John Hicklin 


20 


H 


9 






20 


8 


9 


Daniel Jennings 


32 


2 


1 






32 





1 


Jesse storehouse 


16 


6 


2 






16 


6 


2 


Hannah Morehouse 


33 


18 


8 






•33 


18 


8 


Joseph Wakeman 


4 












4 








Francis Bradley 3d 


2 


10 


6 






2 


10 


6 


Cornelius Straiten 


] 


5 


3 






1 


5 


3 


William Thorp 


3 












3 








Ruth Burr 


3 


19 


6 






3 


19 


6 


Hezekiah Sturges 


5.32 


8 


3 






15 


13 


5K 


David Jennings 


27 


18 


10 






13 


11 


4 


House of Peter Bulk 


















ley i Jos. Sturges 


91 












91 








Ebenezer Morehouse S3 


s 


3 






83 


8 


3 


Jeremiah Jennings 


196 


12 


11 






1% 


12 


11 


Francis Forgue 


1.51 
Foo 


m 1 

ing of Classification No. 3 




78 





7 




£1,344 


" 





Classification I 


lo. 4, Section 4, 










Original Grantees. 


A 


n't Loss. 


Classified by. 




Am 


t Classed- 




£ 


s. 


d. 






£ 


s. 


d. 


Abigail Wynkoop 


59 


13 





Jesup Wakeman 


38 


19 


5 


Hezekiah Stnrnes 


583 


8 


3 


• ( 




118 





% 


Andrew Wakeman 


207 


14 


•2 


.4 .( 




307 


14 


2 


Isaac Jennings 


281 


1 


4 


" *' 




281 


1 


4 


Ebenezer Bartram 


144 


10 


3 


,. .. 




72 


17 


»\6 


William Dimon 


625 


8 


1 


William Dimon 




625 


8 


1 



5 

OH 



Footing of Ossification No. 4, £1.344 7 

In ISU, Messrs. Jesup and Wakeman sold, by 
contract, the township to Major Frederick Falley at 
seventy-five cents per acre. Major Falley sold several 
farms, and introduced many settlers while the town- 
ship was in his possession, Ijut failing to raise the pur- 
chase money, he surrendered it to the proprietors in 
1820. They appointed the late Hon. Jabez Wright 
their agent, and he sold several farm.s. About 1837, 
Ebenezer Jesup became sole proprietor of the town- 
ship, and his son, Ebenezer Jesup, Jr., resided there 
from IS'^O to July, 1831, and in connection with 
Judge Wright sold about seven thousand acres of land 
to settlers at from three to five dollars per acre. Ou 
the 25th of July, 1831, the remainder, thirteen thou- 
sand acres, was sold to R. H. Heywood and the late 
John G. Camp, at one dollar per acre. At this time 
there was but a small portion of the township under 
cultivation. It was generally supposed tliat the oak 
openings were wortiiless, and tlio land between that 



492 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



and the bay too wet for cultivation. A few opening 
lots had been sold the year before by Mr. JesuiJ and 
small improvements begun, but Calvin Smith, who 
knew their value as wheat land, bought two lots at 
two and a half dollars per acre, put in a large crop of 
wheat, and the result was surprising to manv, and 
gave the land value, with the exception of a few hun- 
dred acres of prairie used for grazing. The land is, 
at this writing, 1870, all in the hands of farmers, and 
under a high state of cultivation, much of it being 
owned by small farmers, who are mostly Germans. 

NAME. 

Margaretta was first called Patterson, on the map 
issued by the Fire-lands Company, soon after their 
lands were surveved. It was so named for Hugh 
Patterson, a British Indian trader, who talked of 
purchasing the township. Rev. Joseph Badger, a 
pioneer missionary of the Western Reserve, who 
labored among the Wyandot Indians most of the 
time from 1805 to 1810, speaks of him as exerting a 
most pernicious influence in trying to prejudice them 
against the United States government and the mis- 
sionary, by telling them falsehoods, and trying to 
persuade them to join the British against the United 
States. He says: "On the 2Sth of July, 1805. the 
head chief, Crane, sent for me, to write for him. 
After we had taken supper, one of the women made a 
candle of beeswax, and I seated myself on the floor, 
beside a bench, and wrote as dictated by the old chief, 
through an interpreter. He addressed the governor 
at Detroit, giving an account of one Williams, and 
requested that Williams, and Hugh Patterson, and 
one other person, be removed from among them 
without delay, as they were constantly contriving mis- 
ciiief. and troubling his people." 

At a meeting of some of the early settlers of the 
Fire-lands, at Huron, on the -Ith of July, 1812, after 
contemplating the glorious union, and the stirring 
events of the American revolution, they resolved, 
unanimously, that it was wrong for a township on the 
Fire-lands to bear the name of so vile a man as Pat- 
terson, and it was referred to Major Frederick Falley 
(who held a contract of purchase for the township at 
that time) to find another name. He replied that 
his mother, his sister, and several neices were named 
Margaret, and that the name of the township should 
be Margaretta, and it was accordingly so named. 

IXDIAXS. 

We do not know of there having been any Indian 
village or settlement, to any great extent of recent 
date, in this township, but we have seen corn hills 
wliieh would indicate that some of the land here was 
cultivated by them, and the mounds and forts indi- 
cate that at some period Margaretta was largely pop- 
ulated by Indians, ilr. D;m Putnam, of Iowa, in- 
forms us that Major Falley told him that there were 
forty pack horses cut off by the Indians at the spring, 
one mile northeast of the head of Cold creek, and that 



the horses belonged to some meii who came there to 
trade; but he does not state at what time nor sive any 
particulars. 

Upan Hull's surrender in August. 1812. the people 
all left the township, some going south, others east. 
William Andrews was preparing a field of one hun- 
dred acres for wheat, just east of the burying ground, 
at the time, and left it, but some of them returned in 
time to put in forty acres of it. Mr. Pollock says 
they harrowed in the wheat carrying their guns on 
their backs. 

Some time in May, 1813. sixteen Indians, in three 
birch bark canoes, landed at Pickerel creek, some ten 
or more miles west of Cold creek, headed by the 
chief, Pontiac, on a war excursion. They looked 
about the settlement until the second day of June, 
when a favorable opportunity jiresented itself for the 
accomplishment of their jjurpose. There were at 
this time but three families and two young men, whn 
kept bachelors" home, in town, numbering twenty- 
nine, men, women and children all told. There were 
three houses at Cold creek at the time: Mr. Snow's, 
a little below the head of the creek, on the right bank: 
Mr. Butler's, on the opposite side of the stream, 
twelve rods or so east; Mr. Putnam lived one-half 
mile down the creek on the prairie near where the C. 
S. & C. railroad crosses the creek. On the day men- 
tioned all the men were at work in different places, 
remote from any house and from each other. Dan 
Putnam and Horace Markham were plowing east of 
where the burying ground now is. Mr. Uriel Put- 
nam and his two sous, Uriel and Ira, and Mr. Snow 
and his two sons. Alanson and Henry, were planting 
corn one mile and a half south of the place last men- 
tioned. Richard Fowler, Samuel Markham and Wm. 
Pollock were planting corn one mile northeast of Cckl 
creek (now Castalia), and Henry Grass, an apprentice 
to the tanner trade, was at w«rk near the present res- 
idence of Dr. Luce, a little north and west of the 
head of the creek. While the men were thus em- 
ploved, and in no position for defence, the women 
and children, twelve in number, were assembled at 
the house of Mr. Snow. About four o'clock in the 
afternoon, says Mrs. Putnam, the first she saw was 
the house full of Indians, one of whom seized her by 
the hair and led her out of the door, while another m 
like manner seized ]\Irs. Butler. Mrs. Snow, who 
was confined to her bed by illness, and near to ac- 
couchment, was pulled out of the house in the same 
rough manner as the others. They were then asked 
if they would go, and they replied that they would. 
Mrs. Putnam says: "I was then satisfied that they 
would not kill any one who could travel." Three 
Indians then came in with Henry Grass, taken while 
at work as stated before. His account was that the 
first he knew he was in the hands of three Indians. 
The children were at play out of doors, and when 
they saw the Indians they tried to secrete themselves, 
but were soon driven from their hiding places and 
drove off with their mothers. They took tiieir pris- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



493 



oners down tlie creek, perhaps forty rods, aud crossed' 
oil a mill dam. Immediately after crossing the creek 
two boys. Charles Butler and Robert Snow, about two 
years old and the youngest of the families, were killed 
and scalped, their bodies stripped of clothing and 
thrown into a bunch of hazel bushes at the foot of a 
black oak tree. A few rods farther on Julia Butler, 
four years old, was killed. From there they took a 
southwesterly course, and came out near what is 
known as the Moorecraft place, where they killed Mrs. 
Snow on account of her inability to travel. Smith 
Butler was also killed, but his body was not found 
until the next fall, anri we have not learned the ex- 
act spot nor his age, but he must have been ten or 
more years old. The Indians designed to keep him a 
captive, but he tried to escape from them and was so 
turbulent that they killed and scalped him. 

The jiarty that pursued them, the next day knew 
that young Butler was killed, for they found his pan- 
taloons, which had been handled with bloody fingers. 

We will now go back to the house from which the 
cflptives were driven. After the women had been 
taken out, a few Indians collected all the clothing and 
other property, including a side-saddle, emptying the 
beds on the floor for the sake of the ticks, and broke 
the crockery on the floor. They took all they could 
carry, compelling Henry Grass to carrv a pack load, 
and left for their canoes at Pickerel creek. Meantime 
at the house of Mr. Putnam, a half a mile down Cold 
creek, were Mary Putnam, aged twelve years; Ezra 
Putnam, ten: Frank Putnam, eight: and George 
Butler, eight. About an hour after the attack they 
came up to Snow's house, saw the situation of things 
and went immediately to the field where Dan Mark- 
ham and Horace Putnam were at work, and told them 
that tiie Indians had been at Snow's house, plundered 
it, aud taken all the inmates captive. Markliam went 
with the children to tlie place where Mr. Putnam and 
Snow were at work with their sons, while Putnam 
hunted up Fowler, Pollock and Sam Markham. Both 
parties impaired immediately to the ])lundered house, 
aud saw the ruins. It being about sunset they imme- 
diately went to Pipe creek, the nearest settlement, five 
miles southeast, and gathered all the available force 
to pursue the Indians the next day. In the morning 
the party having been increased by Captain Seth Har- 
rington, Capt. Sam Magill, James and John ilcCord. 
and three or four more, proceeded forthwith to follow 
the trail and found the Ijodies of the murdered ones 
as above described. After passing the high l)lnfE near 
the line oT Sandusky county, and getting into the 
woods they took a northerly course and came out on 
the Bay shore, near the mouth of Pickerel. There 
they found that the Indians had put their booty and 
captives aboard their canoes and taken to the water, 
.so that they could do nothing more in pursuit, and 
returned to perform the painful duty of burying their 
slaughtered friends. The bodies of tiie killed were 
stripped of clothing, their heads broken in by the 
tonialiawk, and scalped. 



The captives were hurriedly driven along, and those 
who were not able, as has been said, were killed; they 
were quietly taken one side by an Indian, aud dis- 
patched, so that the survivors should not be witnesses 
of the scene.* At Pickerel, after they had put their 
plunder and captives aboard, they crossed the bay to 
a point which is a mile and three-cjuarters from Port- 
age river or one of its branches. Here the whole 
party disembarked, the canoes unloaded and carried 
overland to Portage river. It took six Indians to 
carry the three canoes, and ten were employed in 
driving thecaptives, and carrying the plunder. This, 
says Mrs. Putnam, was the hardest part of the captiv- 
ity, for she was obliged to run and carry her boy. 
This was about daybreak on the third of .June. The 
names of the captives were Mrs. Mary Putnam, aged 
fifty years; Mrs. Butler, thirty; Henry Grass, eighteen; 
Hannah Page, fourteen: Electa Snow, fifteen; Laura, 
ten: Willard Snow, six; Orlin Putnam, four. The 
last named, the youngest, would, doubtless, have been 
killed had it not been for the resolution of his mother 
in keeping him with her, and the assistance rendered 
by Grass in helping to carry him. On the arrival of 
the party at Portage river, the canoes were launched, 
and they went down the river to the lake, and up the 
lake some distance where they landed, and the Indians 
cooked food, and ate, offering some to their captives, 
which was refused. They also stretched the scaljjs 
taken, on wooden hoops, and hung them in the sun 
to dry, remaining there over night. In the morning 
they took to their crafts, aud went to Maiden, and 
from thereto Detroit where thecaptives were deliverd 
up to the British Indian agent by the name of Iron- 
side. They suffered no violence from their captors, 
except to travel much faster than was comfortable. 

After leaving their liomes, they were three days on 
their way to Detroit, and during that time, took no 
food. They were asked by the agent how they fared, 
and whether they had been given anything to eat; 
they replied that they had eaten nothing, though 
food had been offered to them; '•Ah," said he, "if 
you had Ijeen with them a month, you would eat with 
tiiem; you have not been long enough with tliem." 
After their arrival at Detroit, they fared well, and 
staid there until General Harrison moved his army on 
to Maiden in the fall, which oi)ened conimnuication 
with Detroit, and then Snow, Putnam and Butler 
went after them, and all the captives returned safely, 
except Henry Grass, who being a Canadian, went to 
his father's home iu Canada. The friends of the 
prisoners frequently heard of them by deserters who 
left Detroit, but they could not communicate any 
thing to them, as Detroit was iu the hands of the 
British. 

In the spring of 1819. .lohn Ward, of Margaretta, 
and George Bishop, of Daubury, were trapping in 
Danbury, in the vicinity of the two harbors. They 
had collected a few skins, and lay down, in their 
temporary hut. for the night. Three straggling 
Ottawa Indians, to obtain their little [littance of furs. 



49i 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



laid tlieir plans to kill the trappers. After complet- 
ing their arrangements, the two oldest, Ne-go-sheek 
and Ne-gou-a-ba, armed with clubs, singled out each 
his victim, and with a well directed blow upon the 
head they despatched their innocent vrctims. They 
then forced their younger companion, Ne-ga-sow. to 
beat the bodies witli a club (as he had been merely a 
spectator to the tragedy), that he might think that 
he was participator in the crime, and so refrain from 
exposing them. With the assistance of some other 
Indians, they were arrested in a few days. The two 
murderers were convicted, and hung at Norwalk, 
June, 1819. The youngest was acquitted. Ward 
left a widow to mourn his untimely fate. Bishop 
was a single man. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Docartus P. Snow, a native of Vermont, we think, 
came from the State of New York, to Margaretta, in 
the spring of 1810. He felled the first tree and built 

the first log house, settling on lot in the third 

section. It is said (we suppose it is true) that the 
proprietor of the township donated to him one 
hundred acres of land, in consideration of his build- 
ing a grist mill, on Cold creek, in those early days. 
He died in 18'-J9. His widow (being his second wife) 
married Philip S. Cowell, and still resides on the lot 
which Mr. Snow took up. Four of his children are 
dead, namely: Henry, Alanson, Electa and Laura. 
Where his other two sons reside I do not know. 

Uziel Putnam came into the township in 1810 or 
1811, from the State of New York. He lived on Cold 
creek, below Mr. Snow's, lifter the return of his 
wife from captivity, he lived on lot number twenty- 
three, section one. About two years afterward he 
bought fifty acres of land on the east side of Cold 
creek, where he lived several years. In 1821, he 
moved to Sandusky county, and was killed by being 
thrown from a sleigh, in 1833. His wife survived 
him but a year or two. His sons now live in the 
western States. Horace and Samuel Markham came 
here with ilr. Putnam, and afterward, with their 
father, settled in Groton township. 

Thomas Lord came to Margaretta from Coiincaut, 
Pennsylvania, in 1810, built a log house on lot twenty- 
three, ^rst section, in 1811, and returned to Conneaut 
in 1813. 

Israel Harrington built a log house on lot twenty- 
tliree, first section, in 1812, and moved to Lower 
Sandusky the next year. William Andrus built a 
house on the south side of the head of Cold creek, in 
1811, and began preparations for putting in one 
hundred acres of wheat, but he and his men were 
driven off by the surrender of Hull, and he did not 
return. Charles Butler came to Margaretta in 1811 
or '13, located on the bank of Cold creek, near the 
head of the Venice mill-race, and moved to the head 
of the creek iu the sjn-ing of 181.3. Richard Fowler 
lived, temporarily, in Margaretta in 1813. He came 
from Massachusetts, and returned there. Cliarles | 



Wilson, a carpenter, was herein 1811. From whence 
he came, how long he stayed, or where he went, 
we cannot learn. William Pollock was here in 1811, 
'12 and "1.3. The three last were unmarried. In 
181-4, Mr. Fitch built a house east of the head of Cold 
creek, and commenced the dairy business with "one 
hundred cows, but did [not succeed well. He had 
sickness in his family, and lost a little girl. He left 
the same year, and it was understood that he was from 
eastern Ohio. 

James Vanness, from the State of New York, settled 
on lot one. section one, in 181-4, and lived there until 
about 1830, when he left, and died in Fremont about 
1849. 

Ebenezer Hartwell came to Margaretta from Can- 
ada, June, 1815; settled on lot seven, section one. He 
died about 18.50. His sons, Richard, John, and Hen- 
ry, now reside in Iowa. Two of his daughters, the 
wife of Hiram Barnes and the widow of Stephen Rog- 
ers, now reside in the township. One of his daugh- 
ters, the wife of Isaac Smith, lives in Indiana. 

Abram Townsend came here from Canada in 1816^ 
settled on lot fifteen, section one. He sold to James 
Duncan, and moved to Townsend, Sandusky county, 
in 1818. 

Andrus Parker came to this township from Con- 
neaut, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1815, and lived 
on the bank of Cold creek at the head of the Venice 
mill race one year. He then moved to lot sixteen, 
section two, and returned to Pennsylvania in 1838. 
His son Elihu now resides on lot twenty, first section. 
His other sons, Andrus, Washington, and Greene, 
have gone west. ■ 

Philip Sutton settled on the northwest corner lot 
of the township, and moved from thereabout 1821. 
Peter Dunham settled on lot two, section two, in 
1810, and died in 1830. Two men, named Shipy and 
Spencer, were early settlers iu that vicinity. Jonas 
Lewis, same place, from 1817 to '33. Eli Hunt and 
John Hugh settled near the saw mill west of Venice. 
Thomas Morris located on lot thirty, first section, in 
1816, and left for Indiana in 1833. Dougal Campbell 
located on lot thirteen, first section, in 1816, and died 
in 1853; some of his children still reside here. L. F. 
Allen, now a resident of Black Rock, New York, re- 
sided in Margaretta from March, 1818, to 1833. Har- 
vey Fowler settled on lot twenty-four in section one, 
in the fall of 1818, and resided there until his death, 
February 18, 1875. Ira Barnes came here in 1818; 
located in the northwest part of the township. Henry 
Cole came liere in 1815, and died in 1830. Thomas 
McColoiigh came in 1817, and died in 1850. A. M. 
Porter came in 1817, and died in Sandusky. Samuel 
Walker settled on lot seven, second section, in 1816, 
ami died in 1831. Pliny Brown located on lot seven 
in section two, and lived there all his life; he died in 
December, 1800. His wife died three or four years 
after. George R. Crittenden came here from Detroit 
in 1814, and left for the west part of Michigan in 
1838. 3Ir. Curdy located on lots twenty-two and six- 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



495 



teen, first section, in 1S18, and James Duncan on lot 
fifteen, same section, at the same time. Tiiey both 
left for Indiana about 1821. 

Richard Falley located on lot twenty, section two, 
in ISIS, and died there in 1835. A young man by 
the name of Coolige came here in 1810 and died in 
1817. John Cowell located in the northwestern part 
of the township in 1818. and lived there until his 
death, in the summer of 1871. Philip S. Cowell 
came about 1820, and located at Castalia, and lived 
there until his death, in 1869. Major Frederick 
Falley erected a frame for a house and raised a large 
barn in 1818, the first frame building built on farms 
in the township. Both were standing until quite re- 
cently. 

Joshua Pettingill and his son Samuel came here 
about 1816, and about half a mile below Mr. Snow's, 
; on Cold creek. They were natives of Vermont, and 
lived on the Cove east oi Sandusky during the war of 
1812. Both died in Townsend, Sandusky county, 
several years since. 

Of these first settlers, the following took part in 
the Revolutionary War and IS12: Major Frederick 
Fallev. when but eleven years old, accompanied his 
father as tifer in the company of which his fatlier was 
captain, and was in tlie battle of Bunker Hill. . After 
General Washington came into the command of the 
army, he returned home with his father, who was em- 
ployed by the government in the manufacture of fire- 
arms during the war. He died in Margaretta, July 
3, 1828, aged sixty-four. 

Samuel Drew, a Revolutionary soldier, came to 
Mai'garetta about 1820, and resided here several years. 
He was a pensioner and died some years since. Cap- 
tain Andrus Parker was in the army at the taking of 
Burgoyne. 

Thomas Caswell served in the war of 1812, on tlie 
frontier, in the State of New York, and died here in 
1853. 

Henry Jones served one camjtaign in the State of 
New York, and died here a few years ago. 

John L. Wilner. who was an early resident here, 
was in tlie army at Fort Meigs in the war of 1812. 

Elihu Parker served eighteen months at the close 
of the war of 1812. He still resides here. 

FIRST EVENTS. 

Roijcrt Snow, son of D. P. >now. was doubtless the 
first white child born in Margaretta. He was born 
in 1811. Charles Butler was born the same year, but 
whether here or in Canada we cannot say. 

The first marriage in the township was that of 
Charles Butler and Clarissa, daughter of Capt. An- 
drus Parker. The ceremony was performed by Wil- 
liam Richey. Esq., of Groton township, in the spring 
of 1810. The second marriage w'asthat of Dan Put- 
nam and Louisa Ensign, of Groton, at which cere- 
mony the same justice officiated. 

The first deaths were those murdered by the Intli- 
ans, June 2, 1813, a particular account of which has 



been given. The second death was that of Mrs. 
Butler who never recovered from the eSects of her 
captivity by the Indians. We do not know whether 
or not there were any religious services at tiiese 
burials. 

The first house was built of logs at the head of Cold 
creek, section three, by D. P. Snow, in 1810. 

The first stone building was built by Thomas S. 
Thomas, near the head of Cold creek, about 1822, 
and is now, 1879, occupied by V. Palmer. It was a 
small dwelling bouse. 

A weekly mail route, from Sandusky City to Lower 
Sandusky, was established in 1825. The mail was 
carried on horse back, by Cyrus W. Marsh, and Sam 
B. Carpenter was the first i)ostmaster in Margaretta. 
Carpenter was succeeded by Elisha A. Hubbard (now 
of Newport Center, Johnson county, Iowa,) in 1827. 
He held the office until 1842, and was followed by 
Daniel P. Russel. The name of the first post office 
established was Margaretta, and was changed to Cas- 
talia. in 18-12. In 1810, Cleveland was the nearest 
post office. In 1811, one was established at Blooming- 
ville, Oxford township, which was the nearest one 
until 1825. T. C. Adams is the present incumbent, 
May, 1879. 

In 1811, Maj. Fred. Falley, (who had been trading 
for five years at different points on the Reserve), got 
his effects together at Cold creek, and started the 
first store in Margaretta. trading principally with the * 
Indians. He soon after went into the service of the 
government as a contractor to furnish supplies for tiie 
army. In 1816 and 1817 the village of ^'euice was 
built on the Bay shore, at the moutii of Cold creek, 
and several stores were established. About 1824-, 
Chapman & Amsden, of Bellevue, opened a small 
store at Cold creek, and operated for a year or two. 
In 183-4, Burr Higgins commenced trading here, and 
continued until 1855, when he sold out to Samuel 
Ainslie, who brought in a good stock and did a re- 
spectable business. 

In 1839, Davidson, Hadley & Company opened a 
small store at Cold Creek, and did Inisiness about a 
year. Russell & Burton, II. and F. Vandercook, 
Cleveland & Rice, Rol)ert Whitney, Harley Long. 
J. W. Barnum. William Bardsliar, W. C. Baker, 
William Grove, and others, too numerous to mention, 
have done business at Cold Creek. 

Numerous drinking saloons have been iloiiig a 
thriving business from an early day, of which our 
graveyard has made a record. 

Very little money was in circulation in the early 
settlement of the country. Skins and furs were the 
principal articles of exchange. The community liere, 
as well as elsewhere, suffered by the worthless banks 
chartered by the State after the war, and the large 
amount of shinplasters (shilling bills) issued by irre- 
sponsible parties. Change was made by cutting a 
dollar into ten shilling ]>ieces, to some extent. Fi'om 
1812 to '15, the people in tliis section of the country 
had no saw or grist mill, and the meal had to be made 



496 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



bv poimdiug the com in mortars, or grating it. They 
had a hand shell mill at Cold Creek, which was used 
in General Wayne's army for grinding corn. From 
1831 to '26, the inhabitants suffered for want of a 
market for their produce. Grain would not buy goods 
at any price, so that it was with the greatest difficulty 
that the settlers could clothe their families. Deer 
skins were used for men and boys, and he that had a 
whole suit of cloth was far in advance of the times. 
Ladies then thought it no disgrace to spin wool and 
flax, and home-made goods were the order of the day. 
In 1821, Captain Andrus Parker put up twenty bar- 
rels of pork and shipped it to Montreal, for which he 
never received one dime. Moses Kimball, Esq., who 
resided in Venice, in 1818, and was afterward, for 
several years, auditor of Huron county, in 1821 
invested one thousand dollars in pork and took it to 
Montreal, and in five years afterward recovered one 
hundred and thirty dollars, after paying an attorney 
sixty of it for collection. 

The emigration which commenced in 1825. and the 
sale of the government lands to the southwest of us, 
brought some money into the country, and made a 
limited demand for the surplus produce, but until the 
opening of the Erie canal, there was no regular cash 
market. Goods were enormously high : coffee, forty 
cents per pound ; a common wooden pail, one dollar 
and a half, and shirting, fifty cents per yard. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Margaretta was organized with Daubury (north of 
the bay), December, 1815, by Nathan Cunimings, 
Frederick Falley and Bildad Adams, commissioners of 
Huron county. Danbury had a separate organization 
two years after. The first election for township offi- 
cers was held in December, 1815. at a house occupied 
by a man named Hughes, and situated one-half mile 
above Venice on the north side of the race, but we 
have no record of the officers elected then. The elec- 
tion for justice of the peace was contested, set aside, 
and none was elected and qualified until ISIT, when 
J. Hughes was. We do not know the number of 
Votes cast at the election, nor any of the official acts 
of the first magistrate. The following are some of 
the early magistrates and the dates of their commis- 
sions: M. Whitman, June 24, ISlii; Alex. M. Porter, 
July 27, 1822; A. B. Youngs, August, 1822; Charles 
Lindsley, May, 1823; Harvey Fowler, April, 1824; 
Pitts Brown, May, 1825; Harvey Fowler, April, 1827;. 
Henry Cole, May, 1828; Josej)h Wilson, February 7, 
1830; Cliarles Lindsley, March, 1830; Wm. McCart- 
ney, February, 1833; Ilarley Long, January, 1833. 
Present officers, 1879: Danin] Loverin and William 
Jones, justices of the peace; L. Billings, W. H. Neill 
and Charles Heimlich, trustees; L. M. Coughenour, 
clerk; Henry .Moore, treasurer: \V. IT. II. Sluirran, 
assessor. 

CIUKCHES. 

We are unable to say when or where the first reli- 
gions meeting was held, or who preached the first 



sermon. The first religious organization was a Meth- 
odist class, on Muscash, in the northwest corner of 
the township. In January, 1819, a Presbyterian 
church was organized in Margaretta and Grotou by 
Rev. .John Seward, who had no stated ministry. Its 
priucij^al members soon removed from this vicinity, 
and in a few years it became extinct. A small IBap- 
tist society was organized in or about the year 1823. 
Its members resided in Margaretta, Groton and 
Oxford. This was the only church which sustained 
regular Sabbath worship in the township for several 
years. It had preaching only a part of the time. 
Deacon Richard Falley was the most prominent mem- 
ber, and it was mainly through his persevering efforts 
that the church was sustained through years of dark- 
ness, shedding its moral influence upon all around. 
After a few years its members became scattered, Dea- 
con Falley's health failed, and after his decease most 
of the remaining members united with the Congrega- 
tional Church, which was organized about the year 
1835, by Rev. Hiram Smith, from Westfield, Massa- 
chusetts. The first members were Mr. and Mrs. J. 
Fowler, Mr. and Mrs. Plinny Brown, Mrs. Amanda 
Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Fowler. Revs. Brown, 
Keep, Miller, senior and junior, were among those 
who first preached to this society, but the Rev. Hiram 
Smith was with them a good portion of the time up 
to 18G5, and his influence was widely felt, for he had 
the respect and love of all, without regard to sect or 
class. He was ever ready to share their joys and sor- 
rows, and by his self-sacrificing spirit endeared liim- 
self to every one. A pure and conscientious chris- 
tian, his everyday life consistent with his calling, he 
will never be forgotten by any who knew him. He 
has retired from the ministry, and now resides in 
Hillsdale, Michigan. This society occupied the stone 
chapel for quite a time and afterwards their present 
churcli, both of them located in Castalia. 

Rev. W. S. Sprague is the present pastor. About 
1850, two years after the building of the present Con- 
gregational church, the Methodists built a frame 
church at Castalia, which flourished for a short time, 
but run down gradually and no regular services 
were held after 1860. Recently it has been sold and 
converted to other lises. 

CASTALIA UNIVERSALIST CHVRCH. 

This society was organized by the Rev. George R. 
Brown, October 12, 1862, with the following mem- 
bers: Mrs. Thomas Caswell, Mrs. B. H. Rogers, Mrs. 
J. D. McKim, Mrs. E. D. Graves, .Mrs. George 
White, Mrs. Elizabeth White, Mrs. Ann Graves, Mrs. 
Stephen Rogers, Daniel Rice, Leonard Drake, Stephen 
Rogers. R. H. Rogers, Mrs. Daniel Rice, Mr. and 
Mrs. Daniel McDougal. The following officers were 
chosen: D. McDougal, S. Rogers and D. Rice, trus- 
tees; Mrs. George White, treasurer; R. H. Rogers, 
clerk. In 18G7, the society erected a neat and com- 
modious church building, on land donated by Wil- 
Graves, on lot thirty-one, section one, at a cost of 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



497 



four thousand two liundred dollars, and wui* ded- 
icated Febi-uaiv 2. 18i>8. at which time sutScient 
funds were raised to clear the church of debt. Jlr. 
Brown was pastor at this time and for several years 
afterward, and was their pastor at the time of his 
death, some years since. B. F. Eaton was the i)astor 
in ISrS. 

CHL'KCH OF OL"K KEDEEMEH, AT VEXK E. * 

The first permanent organization of a parish, was an 
election of wardens and vestrymen in June, 18(JG. At 
a meeting of the vestry. July 5, 18G6, the Rev. 
Charles Ogden was invited and accepted a call to take 
cliarge of the parish. On the 17th day of July, ISGG, 
ground was broken for the present stone edifice, and 
tiie corner stone laid by the Rev. Dr. Brousou, assisted 
l)y the Rev. Charles Ogden, on the 21st day of August, 
1860. The parish duly organized was incorporated 
under the State laws, on the 13th day of October, 
18CG, and admitted in union with the diocese of Ohio. 

The Church of Our Redeemer was consecrated, by 
the Right Rev. Bishop Mcllvaine, June 3, 1SG7. 
The church was erected by Russell II. Heywood, as a 
memorial to the departed of his family, at a cost, in- 
cluding the iron fence, of twelve thousand dollars, 
■which, with a glebe of fifteen acres, was deeded to the 
wardens and vestry ou the day of the consecration. 
■On the Sth day of July, ISGT, the Rev. Charles 
Ogden resigned his position as rector, and is now in 
the diocese of Vermont. The Rev. G(?orge S. Chase 
accepted a call to the rectorship of the parish Septem- 
ber "iT, 18GT, and resigned, on account of his health, 
November 1.5. 18G8, and is now Warden of the theo- 
lio^ical seminary at Fairabault. Minnesota. On the 
5th day of October, 18T4. the Rev. George Bosley 
accepted a call as rector, and on the '^(tth day 
of July. 18TG, resigned. He now has charge of a 
parish at Bellefontaine. Ohio, The church has been 
open for services on all Sundays since its erection, 
either by clergymen or lay readers, until July, 1878. 
T'here have been one hundred and sixty-four ba]itisms 
since the organization of the church, and fifty-six 
confirmed, several of whom have gone to their final 
account, and many removed to other parishes. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school house was built of logs, on lot 
twenty, second section, at the junction of the Venice 
and Cold creek roads, in tiie fall of 1818, by Captain 
Andrus Parker and some of his neighbors. The first 
school was taught by Thomas McCullough, at (jfteen 
dollars per month, in the winter of 1818-10, and he 
was paid by those who patronized the school. There 
were twenty-five scholars that winter. Schools were 
cnutinued here only about two years. In the fall of 
18"-il, Rev. Alvin Coe, who had previously collected a 
number of Indian children at Greenfield and given 
them instruction in the English language, moved his 



• Comnuinicateil by R H. Hi-ywood. 



school to Venice, because he could get a more suita- 
ble building there, and he continued the school about 
six months, teaching all the children in the vicinity 
that came to him for instruction. 

In 1S2G, a log scimol house was builf one liundred 
rods south of the present school house in suli-district 
numljer two, and a school was taught. in it, generally 
two terms in a year, until one was built on the present 
site in 183.5. 

Some of the best district schools that have evt.r 
been taught in the township were taught in those 
days. The following are a few of the first teachers: 
A. \V. <.). Brion, of .Maine; Jonathan Fuller, James 
F. Wilson, and John W. Falley, the two latter since 
quite successful physicians. 

In districting the township under the first school 
law, the first and second sections were made the first 
district: the third and fourth the second: Venice the 
third, and IMuscash (the northwest corner of the 
township), the fourth. There are now eleven sub- 
districts and four fractional, in ten of which good, 
substantial, commodious, and comfortable school 
buildings have been Iniilt. In one fractional district 
the house is in Groton. Good schools are now tauaht 
nine months in the year. The enumeration in tiie 
township in 1878 was eight hundred and seventeen; 
the attendance five hundred and four. Attendance 
at the high school, forty-eight. In :May, 1872, the 
voters of the townshiii decided by ballot to establish 
a central high school, and use the second story of the 
school building in sub-district number eight (Cas- 
talia) for that purpose. The bo ird of education had 
built this large school building the year before, which 
is a credit to the township, and is universally ap- 
proved of now, though it met with some opposition 
at the time. Four-month sessions *are held every 
winter, which have proved of great benefit to the 
young men and ladies of this place. 

SOCIETIES. 

About the year 1832, a temperance society was or- 
ganized. The meeting was addressed by Revs. E. 
Conger and L. B. Gurley, after which about fifteen 
signed the pledge, and organized the first temjierance 
society in Margaretta. Since then, several other 
temperance organizations have been effected: one in 
18.50, and two others since. 

Much good has been done by the societies, for they 
began with fifteen memljcrs, and now the majority of 
the people in the township are friends of temjieranee. 

Margaretta Grange No. 488, P. of H , was organized 
Januarv 30, 1873, with twenty-seven charter members. 
The following were the first officers: W. W. Miller, 
W. M.; E. D, Graves, 0.; N, E. Prentice, L.; M. F. 
Brown, S. : John White, A. S. ; J. B. Witter, C; E. 
I). White, treasurer; R. F. Fowler, secretary; S. H. 
Rogers, G. K. ; Mrs. K. D. (i raves, Ceres; Ellen 
White, Pomona; Mrs. W. W. Miller, Flora; Mrs. L. 
S. Graves, L. A. S. The Grange is still nourishing 
with till' following members as ofiiccrs: J. B. Wit- 



63 



498 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES. OHIO. 



ter. M.;6. Ray. O. : F. Nelson Prentice, L. : J. C. 
Rogers, S.; w! H. Neill, A. 8.: Mrs. H. Weyraugb. 
C. :0. Ransom, treasurer; J. Atwater, secretary; D. 
Witter, G. K. 

PHYSICIAXS. 

Dr. Hartshorn settled in Margaretta. at Venice, in 
the year 181 T, and died in Sandusky county some 
years since. Dr. Samuel Carpenter settled in Castalia 
in 182-tr, and was the second physician in Margaretta. 
He left the ))lace, and died a few years ago, and his 
body was brought here for interment. M. J. Mors- 
man located at Castalia in 1830. and is now a resident 
of Iowa City, Iowa. James F. Wilson was a very 
popular and successful physician here for many years. 
Dr. R. C. Luce has been here a long time, and has 
had a large practice, and is still here. J. D. Mc-Kim 
was very successful and popular: he died here. W. 
F. Story occupies his old place, and is considered a 
very skillful practitioner, and though reticent, is 
highly esteemed as a citizen. 

VIL1.AGE.S. 

The village of Venice is situated on the south shore 
of Sandusky Bay. one mile west of the east line of 
Margaretta. It was laid out. by Major Fred. Falley, 
and some of its lots sold at a high price in the winter 
of ISIG and "IT. Improvements were immediately 
commenced and pushed forward vigorously. Two 
large warehouses, two commodious public houses, 
stores, shops and dwellings were erected, and, in a 
few months, several hundred inhabitants had col- 
lected from the east and south to participate in the 
building of the village. The most prominent earlv 
settlers of Venice were Major Oliver Barrett, from 
New York: Anthony Banning, from Mt. Vernon. 
Ohio: Charles Lindsley, and a man by the name of 
Smith, were engaged in mercantile business: another 
merchant, by the name of Reed: three brothers Went- 
wurth, two Ackins, and many others. — mechanics, 
transient persons and settlers whose names arc for- 
gotten. 

During the summer of 1817, the place was built 
and the mill race commenced, to bring Cold creek to 
the present site of Venice mills. The summer of 
1818 was quite sickly, and the people, being unac- 
climated, it proved disastrous to the further progress 
of the village. Major Barrett, Dr. Wentworth and 
others died, many left the place as best they could, 
and it became almost a deserted town, and did not 
revive until the building of the mill in 18'2-i. It is 
now widely known from tlie flouring-mills located 
there. 

In 1836, the village of Castalia, at the head of Cold 
creek, was. laid out by Davidson, Iladley & Co., and 
had a gradual growth for about twenty years, after 
which time it retrograded to some extent, and now 
ihere is but one store there but that does a large busi- 
ness. T. C. Adams & Bro. is the firm. In its 
palmiest days, there were four stores, two groceries. 



one drug shop, two churches and a daily mail — now 
there are two mails per day. 

IXDL'STRI.\L PCRSUITiS. 

Cold creek atfords, in some respects, superior water 
power. It is not much affected by floods and drouths, 
being fed by subterraneous fountains. There is a 
fall of fifty-seven feet from its head to the bay, forty- 
nine feet being used by the three mills whicli it 
it propels. In November, 1810, D. P. Snow put a 
corn grist mill in operation near the head of Cold 
Creek, a few rods above where the present upper dam 
is. It ground corn until August, 1812, when the 
settlers were driven away by Hull's surrender, and it 
was not used afterward. This, though a grist mill, 
which secured him his land, by contract with the 
proprietor of the township, would now be called a 
frail structure. It was built of logs, and the burrs 
were made from rocks found near by, by Linus 
Ensign, a citizen of Groton. Mr. Daniel Putnam 
says it would grind from ten to fifteen bushels in 
twenty-four hours. We suppose this to have been 
the first grist mill on the Fire-lands. 

In 1811, Major Frederick Fally raised the frame of 
a saw mill. Its site is now the jiond at the head of 
the Venice mill-race. He was prevented from com- 
pleting it by the war. 

In 181.5, this mill site was purchased by Eli Hunt, 
who put a saw mill in operation, with a run of stone 
in one corner, with an apparatus for bolting. We 
believe this to have been the first saw mill in the 
western part of the Fire-lands, and furnished the first 
lumber for this region. 

In the early part of 1819, .Joshua Pettingill put in 
operation a grist mill on Cold creek three-quarters of 
a mile below its head. This mill was quite aii advance 
upon any that had been started before it. and in verv 
dry seasons it did most of the grinding that was done 
on the Fire-lands. The power was a screw wheel, 
and it had a head of only three feet. It was in oi)e- 
ration about ten years. 

In the fall of 1822, Daniel Mack erected a saw mill 
a few rods below where Snow's mill had been, with 
one run of stone in the corner for grinding. About 
1834, he built a substantial grist mill, with two run 
of stone. Some time after his death, February 12, 
1826, the mill passed into the hands of a German by 
the name of Weber, in or about the year 1827. After 
Mr. Mack built his mill, years of litigation followed, 
between him, and others, and Mr. Pettingill, for the 
latter'.^ damaging them by flowing the back water 
upon them, which was terminated in 1832 by the 
whole mill interest, and five hundred and ten acres of 
land, passing into the hands of Burr Higgins. Mr. 
Higgins, having the entire control of the water power, 
improved his mill, which did the work of a good cus- 
tom mill until about 1848. In 183.3, Higgins sold 
his entire interest to Davidson. Hadley & Company, 
who held it until 1838. whun the whole property 
passed into the hands of Burr Higgins and Marshall 



HT8T0KY OF HURON AND EKIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



409 



Burton, who built a stone mill below tlie lower spring, 
and conducted tJiis water to it. The stone mill was 
built in lSo9. and had four run of stone. It did a 
good business up to the lime Mr. Ho\ t bought it. in 
1864, and changed hands several times. Before tlie 
railroad was built, the flour from this mill was boated 
down the mill race to the bay. 

I'l 1848 and 'i\>, a cotton factory was built at 
Caslalia. and [lut in Kperation for two or three years. 

hi .May or .hiue, 18114. John lloyt bought the mill 
property at C'astalia. suid organized a stock company 
for the numufacture of paj)er. Caslalia Paper Com- 
pany was the name of the company, and .\Ir. lIo3*t 
himself was the chief stockholder and the manager of 
the concern, lie moved the old cotton factory down 
to the stone flouring mill, and built some additions 
to them, and in about a year bad in operation a first 
class mill for the manufacture printing of paper. It 
had a capacity of about a ton per day, and run continu- 
ously, day and night, until. luly. 1874. when it Imrned, 
and was not rebuilt. 

In tlie spring of 18T5. the water power was pur- 
cluised for eight thousand dollars, by some of the lead- 
ing and most enterprising citizens of Margaretta, 
namely: C. Caswell, J. B. Witter, J. 0. Snowden, E. 
I). White, S. H. Hogers, Philip Erbe, T. C. Adams, 
and J. D. Chamberlin (the latter formerly operated 
the old flouring mill), and they incorporated the Cas- 
talia Milling Company, and jtrocwded immediately to 
build a first class flouring mill, on the most modern 
approved plan. The liuilding is a substantial frame, 
built on the foundation of the old stone mill, three 
full stories, besides basement and attic. The capacity 
of the mill is one hundred and twenty-five barrels per 
day. They keep it running night and day, and are 
usually behind in their orders. Since the mill was 
built the company have put up an elevator, with a ca- 
(icicity for storing twenty thousand bushels of wheat, 
and fitted uj) witli all the modern appliances for con- 
venience in handling grain. 

. In February, 1818, Eli Hunt sold his interest in 
the mill west of Venice, to Samuel H. Smith, of 
Knox county, Ohio, aiul in 1821, Smith purchased 
the mill seat at \'enice, with its imjjrovemcnts, and 
built a grist mill there with two run of stone. In 
1822 and 1S2:S, and 1828 and 1820, his whole interest 
was transferred to E. Jesup, who occupied it until 
1831. In the same year H. Fowler built a saw mill 
on Pike creek, which was in operation up to about 
1866, when it was abandoned and the dam torn 
down. 

The old mill at \'enice. with Cold creek from the 
bay to Pettingill's mill, with five liuiulred acres of 
land, was purchased on .June 14, 1831. by llussell H, 
Ileywood, of Buffalo. New York. The winter of 
1831-2 was the coldest known in Northern Ohio, and 
all the mill streams, except ('old creek, were frozen 
up. Southern .Michigan as well as Xorlhern Ohio 
were dependent on mill on the this stream for their 
grinding, lii .Iniiiuirv. 1832. the Venice flouring 



mill was begun, atul completed .lune 1. 1833, with 
three run of F"rench burrs for merchants" and ilircc 
for custom work. The eom|iletion of the mill es- 
tablished the first iienmincnt cash market for wheat 
on the Fin-lands. With [uuch labor from January 
lo .Fune, enough w heat was got together from Huron. 
Richland. Wayne, liolmcs. Kiiov. Seneca and other 
counties, to make <iiie thousand barrels of flour 
before harvest. Tell a farmer in those days that 
sev(uity-five cents cash per Inishel would be paid for 
wheat at Venice, and be would reply with a look of 
incredulity, -'You don't catch me there: if fourh>ads 
of wheat are carried there, the price will be i)utdowu 
to three shillings, payable in goods at whatever price 
the seller chooses to put on them." The first one 
hundred barrels of flour in the merchant work was 
put into extra new barrels painted with (.'hina Ver- 
million, taken on anew scow to a new vessel, shipped 
to Buffalo, and put on a new canal boat, and was all 
the freight the vessel and canal boat bad (at that time 
nearly all the freighting was merchandise and emi- 
grants to the West). It went lo New York as clean 
as when it left the mill. On its arrival in New York, 
hundreds of people went to see it. the first shipment 
of extra Hour from Ohio, and some predicted that, 
in time. Ohio might furnish them with several thou- 
sand barrels of flour a year. The one hundred l)ar- 
rels were distributed to as many different persons, at 
one dollar per barrel above the liest Oenesee flour 
made at Rochester. The harvest was unusually early, 
and the season very dry that year, and the mill was 
put to its utmost capacity for home consumption until 
after the fall rains, many bringing their grists (me 
hundred miles. In one instance, two men left Han- 
cock county on Monday morning, and brought up at 
\'enice the next Sunday, in search of a mill that had 
water to grind. On that day Mr. Heywood had as- 
sembled all his men in the mill to have religious ser- 
vice conducted by a minister from Norwalk, and 
noticed two men come in with whips in their hands, 
travel worn and dusty in appearance, who took part 
in the services. After the conclusion of the service, 
they in<|uired for the proprietor, who was pointed out 
to them, and they told Ibis story: •"We left home last 
Monday morning, leaving all behind us sick and ut- 
terly destitute of flour, and traveled ever since to find 
a mill that had sutlicient water to grind our wheat, 
We have fifteen bushels apiece. How soon can yoii 
grind it forns?" Turning to the (dergyman, Mr. Hey- 
wood said: "What shall 1 do?" he replied: ••(hitnl it 
for Ihcm as soon as possible," which he did, and tiiey 
were soon on their way home rejoicing. For three 
weeks, so greifl was the demand upon him that he 
could not shut down his mills Sundays, which is 
and always has been his custom. 

Much of the flt)ur made in Ohio before 184ii was 
sent West for market. In 1830, Oliver Newbury pur- 
chased live hundred barrels of flour at eight dollars 
per barrel, and took it to Chicago, and sold it for 
wenty dollars per barrel, citizens holding a public 



500 



HISTORY OF HUROK AND ERIE COUNTIES, 'OHIO. 



meeting, thanking him for not asking fifty.' It was 
all the flour they had for the winter. 

The second mill, one and one-half miles west of 
south of Venice, was commenced in 1839 and com- 
pleted in 1841, with eight run of stone, at a cost of 
fifty thousand dolM-s. This was a wooden structure 
and was destroyed by fire in 1848. Another mill, of 
brick and stone, was raised on the same spot in 1852, 
with six run of stone. The eastern part of the Ven- 
ice mill was changed in 1836 for merchant work. The 
capacity of the mills is sufficient to make seventy-five 
thousand barrels of flour during the season of navi- 
gation, consuming hundreds of thousands of dollars 
in the purchase of wheat. This was doubtless, until 
quite recently, the most extensive business enterprise 
on the Fire-lands. The wheat was brought in wagons 
until the completion of the Mud River & Lake Erie 
railroad to Tiffin. Much of it was brought so great 
a distance and over so bad roads as to bi-ing but little 
profit to the owners. But it furnished them with 
money to pay their taxjes. In one instance a man 
came one hundred and fifty miles with a four-horse 
team and twelve bushels of wheat, the balance of his 
. load being feed for his team and himself, he camping 
out every night. When he had sold his wheat at the 
mill he went over to the store with his nine dollars, 
talking thus to himself: "My wheat was worth noth- 
ing at home. If I had lived decently coming here I 
should have spent it: if I live decently going home I 
shall sjiend it: but I must have money to pay my 
taxes and buy a barrel of salt. Wliat is the price of 
this sheeting?" A boy answered: "A sixpence." 
" Yes, my wheat was worth something. I could have 
got a yard of cloth like that for a bushel at home." 
These mills are in operation now, the upper one for 
custom work, however. The lower mill, at Veilice, 
has been during the last year entirely remodeled and 
new machinery put in from tojj to bottom, and every- 
thing of the latest and most approved pattern. Xoth- 
iiig seems to be wanting to make first class flour. 
The improvements were designed by the superintend- 
ent, John Heywood, grandson of R. H., and are a 
model of compactness and mechanical skill in utiliz- 
ing space. The wheat is taken into the mill at a sink 
on one side of the building and elevated directlyto 
the hopper of the scales, and from there to the bins 
above. When wanted for grinding it goes to the 
basement and is run through two fan and sieve clean- 
ers and one wheat duster (all the dust carried out of 
the mill), elevated to the floor above, run through the 
heater, and from there to the stones, where there is 
still another a)>pliance for cleaning as it is fed out of 
the hopper. All the dust from these cleaners is car- 
rieil in air-tight tulies outside the building. There 
are three run of wheat burrs and two of middling: 



eight reels, witli one hundred and foriy-four yards 
(forty inches wide) of bolting cloths, three middling 
purifiers and one bran duster. It seems as if everj-- 
thing tha't human ingenuity could devise to get all 
the flour from the wheat, and make it of the very 
best quality, were here in the least si)ace possible and 
arranged to be easy of access, and perfectly simple in 
construction. Russel H. Heywood is still the propri- 
etor and general manager, and is- now [18T9] eighty- 
two years old. and has operated these mills forty- 
eight years in succession, which speaks more for him 
than this pen can write. 

In the year 1811, Charles Butler liegau tanning 
leather near the Venice mills. In the spring of 1813. 
he removed to the head of Cold creek and occujHed a 
tannery there, built by Major Frederick Falley, that 
year. This tannery was of great seitice to the early 
settlers in furnishing them with an article that was 
indispensable. It was continued with various suc- 
cess until about 1835. Some of the early operators' of 
this establishment were : Charles Butler, Moses 
Nichols, George Crittenden, Henry Cole, Esq., A. 
M. Porter, Esq., and Tiiomas McCuUough. About 
1823, it passed into the hands of Richard Falley, and 
soon after to Elisha Hubbard, who carried it on foi- 
several years. 

lu 1833, a small distillery was started at the heal 
of Cold creek, by Dr. L. B. Carpenter and his brother. 
S. C. Carpenter. It passed into the hands of Chaji- 
man and Amsden, of Bellevue. soon after, and from 
them to J. R. Johnson, and was abandoned about 
1830. 

Wm. P. Mason, of Milan, built a distillery in Venice, 
in or about the year 1824. It was in operation some 
eight years, and passed into the hands of Anson Cor- 
bett, of Sandusky City, and was abandoned at his 
death. It was designed to be an establishment of 
considerable capacity, and in some years a good deal 
was done. The distillation of alcohol was one of the 
merthods employed to bring the surplus produce into 
the Eastern markets, as it was much easier to trans- 
port whisky than corn. 

Large quantities of flour barrels were formerly 
made at Venice and Castalia, for the use of the mills. 

BURIAL PLACES. 

The Castalia cemetery was located on lot thirty- 
three, fourth section, June 14 or 15. 1813. and the 
first interments were those massacred by the Indians. 

Oak Lawn cemetery, one-half mile west of Venice, 
on lot twenty, secoiul section, was located about 1S1>, 

There is a private Ijurying ground of the Grave.< 
familv, located near the southwest corner of lot eight, 
fourth section. 



RUGGLES. 



XAME. 

The tou'iiship received its name in houov of Hoti. 
Almou Raggles, tiie surveyor of tlie Fire-lands, 
associate judge at one time of Huron- county, and a 
niemlrer of botii branches of the State legislature. 
He was also the first recorder of Huron county. 
Judge Ruggles, in 1S15, was the owner of a consid- 
eral)le tract of laud in section two of this township. 

X.-VTrRAL FEATl'RES. 

We quote substantially as follows from Mr. Samuel 
C. Sturtevant's excellent history of Ruggles, pub- 
lished iu the June iiuinber (ISGi) of the Fire-Iunds 
Pioneer: -'The central portions of the tuwnsiiip are 
level, the eastern and southern sligiitly undulating, 
the western and northern considerably broken and 
uneven. It was originally a dense forest, of which 
the beech constituted the greater part, though the 
maple, elm, basswood, hickory, whitewood and ash 
were by no means wanting, while the higher lands 
abounded with the finest oaks, and along the streams 
grew the black walnut, the butternut and the S3"ca- 
more. "' 

In the central portions of tlie township tlie soil is 
clayey, while in other parts it is for the most part a 
gravelly loam, and well adapted to either grazing or 
the raising of trrain. There are two stone quarries, 
one in the north part on Mr. Charles Curtiss' farm; 
the other in the west part, on Wakeman Beach's farm. 
The township is free from marshes or waste lands, 
while it is excellently well drained by the Vermillion 
river and its tributaries. The main stream crosses 
the south line nearly two miles east of the southwest 
corner, and flows northwestwardly, leaving the town- 
ship just south of tlie northwest corner. Its prin- 
cipal tributary. Buck creek, comes from Troy, crosses 
the east line three-fourtiis of a mile south of the cen- 
ter road, and runs northwestwardly to the north part 
of the township, when it receives the waters of an- 
other creek, which drains the southeast corner, and 
then runs westerly to join the Vermillion. In the 
southern part. Whetstone creek runs west to the Ver- 
million. Another creek, west of the river, runs 
northeast till it joins the main stream. 

SETTLEMEXT. 

In l.S"^:J, -Mr. Daniel Beach and Bradford Sturtevanl 
came to Ruggles with a view of purchasing lands, and 
in June of the vear above named. Ijouijht of Messrs. 



*Ashland County, but part of the Fire-lands. 



Jesup and Wakeman, of Connecticut, six hundi-ed 
and forty acres in the southwest corner of section 
three, Mr. Beach taking the western and smaller 
part. ^[r. Beach was the pioneer se'ttler of this 
township. Born in Warren, Litchfield county, Con- 
necticut, in 1T85, at the age of twenty he made the 
journey to Ohio on foot, remaining at Canfield, Ma- 
honing county, for one year. He then returned to 
Connecticut, and on the first day of January, 1810, 
he was united to Miss Lorinda Sacket. He exchanged 
his Connecticut farm of forty acres, which his father 
had given him, for two hundred lying near Talmadge, 
then Portage, but now Summit county, Oliio, whither 
he removed in 1811. In July 28, 1823, he left Tal- 
madge, with his wife and five children, and equipped 
with two yokes of oxen, set out for Ruggles, arriving 
at his place of purchase on Saturday, August 2nd. 
Mr. Beach was accompanied by Eleazar Sackett and 
Ezra Smith. The five children's names were Cyrus 
S., Reuben K., Cordelia M., Harriet Z,, ami Daniel 
B. Upon their arrival Cyrus and Reuben found fire 
at a deserted Indian camp, witii which their first meal 
was cooked. After regaling themselves with sujiper 
the men of the party began the erection of a rude 
cal)in, ten by fifteen square. It was built of poles, 
and was finished that night, but was without a roof. 
This building was but a temporary structure. In a 
few days they built a log house, but when coinjileted 
discovered that it stood in the middle of the road. 
They took it down, but liaving no time to rebuild 
commenced clearing and itreparingfor a crop. They 
soon had five acres sown to wheat, and thereupon 
they rebuilt their house, having lived in tiie log cabin 
for six weeks. The succeeding winter Mr. Beach em- 
ployed hands enough to enable him to chop one hun- 
dred acres which he cleared the next summer. In 
tiie fall he set out a large number of apple trees. Mr. 
Beach was a prosperous farmer, and in his old age 
gave his home of three hundred acres to his sons, 
Wakeman and William, with the stipulation that 
they should pay all his debts, which they were soon 
able to do. Mr. Beach's wife died November 10, 
1850, and in .May. 1858, he married ilrs. Frances 
Peck, with whom he lived uii till his death, May 
21, 18tJ2. This pioneer settler of Ruggles accom- 
plished much towards the rapid settling up of his 
township, and iiis niemory is gratefully cherished Ijy 
the people of Ruggles. 

Of his children, Cyrus S., married Norah Gates, 
and their children were: Cynthia, Marion, ^^orah C, 
and Wakeman. 

(501) 



d02 



HISTOKY OF HUKOX AND ERIE (JOL'NTIKS. OHIO. 



Reuben K. married Faiitiy t'urtiss. Cliildren: 
George, Co]iinibus, William. Ireiia, Mile5 and Mary. 

Harriet Z. married RoUiu A. Ciirtiss. Children: 
Charles (dead), Horace, Frederica. Fanny and Har- 
riet. 

Cordelia M. married Isaac Cowell. Children: Bur- 
ton, Daniel, Lorinda, Betsey, Jane. Norah and \\ il- 
liam. His son. Daniel, died youns. 

Wakeman J. married Phebe Ann Washburn. 
Children: Diora, Wanda, and Mary Alice. 

Bradford Sturdevant was the second pioneer settler 
of Ruggles, coming into the township in. August, 183.3. 
Ms. S. was born in Warren, Connecticut. March UJ. 
1780, and was united in marriage to Sarah Carter. 
January 1, 1809. He removed to Summit county, 
Ohio,, in 181G, where he lived until his removal to 
Ruggles. He built a log house on his purchase, two 
miles west of the center, and in September brought 
thither his family, consisting of his wife and five 
children. He came with ox teams, bringing with him 
twelve head of cattle and twenty sheep. The follow- 
ing January he returned to Summit county, and 
brhught back with him a drove of a dozen hogs, mak- 
ing the journey in one week, without assistance. Mr. 
Sturtevant built the first framed building in the 
township. This was his house, and was twenty- 
one feet s([uare, and is still standing. In 1836 he 
took up a temporary residence in Milan, Erie county, 
whither he removed so as to educate his children. 
He returned to his Ruggles home in 1844. Mr. 
Sturdevant was one of the sterling men of Rug- 
gles, — his life an exemplary one. He lived and died 
universally esteemed and beloved by all who knew 
him. His children were: 1, Carleton H., who mar- 
ried Lydia Peck, and died November 27, 1848; to 
them were born six children. 2, Morcia, who mar- 
ried B. Ashley, of Milan; to them were born seven 
children. 3, Harriet, who died while attending 
school at Hudson, Ohio. 4, Sarah, who married Dr. 
Galpin, of Milan, and is now dead. 5. Isaac, who 
married Adelaide Carter, and to them were born three 
children: William C, James Wilson and Mary L. 6, 
Martha, who was born May 17, 182.5, and was the 
first female child born in the township. She married 
Horace Taylor, at one time a missionary in Southern 
India. They had four children. Of these. William 
B. married Anna Wolcott; they had four children. 

Another early settler was Jacob Roorback, who 
came here in 182-3. and bought four hundred acres of 
land in section two. Mr. Roorback died March 21, 
18-')0, ami his wife about the same time. Tiieir <jiilv 
child, Sarah, became the wife of .\. W. Purdy, whose 
children are: .\le\auder \V.. William. A. C. and 
John H. 

Justus liarues, of Cornwall, Coiinei-lieut. settled in 
Ruggles. in 1824. one mile west of the Center. He 
remained but a few years. His oldest son. Sedsrwick. 
is living in Clarkstielil. 

Reuben Fox came, in 1824. from Warren, Connec- 
ticut, where he iuid married .Mis:s Mina .M. Smith. 



January 1. 1823. He had a very unpleasant journey, 
suffering much from severe weather. They came 
frou) Buffalo to Cleveland in a srhooiicr. anil were 
sixteen davs makii\g the ti-ip. being delayed greatly 
by storms. They arrived in Ruggles November 4. 
1824, and took up their first residence in a log school 
house, the only one the township afforded at this 
time. They made settlement one mile south of Rug- 
gles' Corners. They had one child at that time. 
Caroline, and three were borne to them after they 
came into the township. 

Ezra D. Smith, from Warren, Connectiiiit. settled 
in Ruggles at about the same time Mr. Fox came. 
He resided here with his family until 1837. when he 
removed to Illinois. 

Abraham Ferris, from Vates county, Xew Vork. 
came to Ruggles in 1824. I'he journey was made as 
far as Buffalo ijy wagon, thence by water to Siandusky. 
They embarked on the schooner ■■Union." <'aptain 
Johnson commanding, and were driven bv a stiuin to 




Mr. Philetus Ferris. 

j Detroit, returning to Sandusky after the storm had 

i abated, where thev arrived the last of October, after 

I being on the water for three weeks, reaching New 

\ London the second day of N'oveniber. 1824. and 

! Ruggles on the first day of Deceml)er following. The 

■■ family consisted at this time of .Mr. and Mrs. Ferris. 

and five children: Laura, Philetus. Samuel. Sarah 

; and Lois. A selection was made of lot eighteen, of 

\ section three, the purchase having been made of 

Messrs. Jessu[) & Wakeman. Lois and Laura died 

soon after their arrival in Ruggles, and .Mr. and 

Mrs. Ferris ooth died in the year IS.io. rlie latter in 

August, and the former in September. Two of their 

children, Samuel and Laura, reside in tlit- township of 

Fitehville, Huron county, while Philetus. Israel. Hra.— 

tus, Klias and Klmira are residents of Huggles. The 

last five were born in this township. Jesse ilied in 

1800. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



503 



Andrew Clark and James Jemisou settled in the 
smith |)art of section four in 1824. Isaac Sampson, a 
revoliitionavy soldier, with- his Wd sous, Isaac and 
•John, settled on section three in the spring of 1825. 

Xoniian Carter, from Warren, Connecticut, came 
to Rugjries iu 1824. and bought lot tweutj-six. of 
section four. In 182T. having in the meantime lived 
a ])art of the time iu Ruggles, and the other part in 
Portage county, he returned ti> Connecticut, married 
Loviua Hopkins, and returned to Ohio. After a 
temporary residence in Portage coutity, he removed 
to Ruggles, and added to his former purchase the 
east half of lot seventeen. Their children were: 
{iuldah Adelaide and Surah Loviiiia. The former 
married Isaac Sturtcvaut, ami the latter William 
Gault. 

Aldrich Carver settled on lots ten and eighteen, iu 
section four, iu the year 1825. ^Ir. Carvei- first came 
to Huron county iti 1818. and in the following year 
was one of the party who went to Maumee and cap- 
tured the Indians who were afterward hung at Nor- 
walk. Returning to Cayuga C(niuty. New York, he 
married Amy Knitfen, in 1821. He settled in Green- 
wich, Huron county, in 1822. They have four 
children: Jane, Fanny. Piiiebe and John. 

Harvey Sackett made settlement in Ruggles in 1825. 
He first settled in Tallma<lge, with hisfatiier, iu 1811, 
whence he returned to Connecticut, the place of his 
birth, in' 1810, and married Thalia Eldred, April 2, 
181 T, and brought his bride to Talimadge. In coming 
from this place to Ruggles, in 1.S25, he cousiimed 
eight davs, the journey being made with ox teams. 
The following were the children of Mr. Sackett by 
his first wife: Dimnies M., Erastus T., Erasmus 'SI. 
and Irene C. Mrs. Sackett died in 1843. and Mr. 
Sackett married Mrs. Mary \aii Vrauken. widow of 
(iarrett \'aii X'rauken. April 12. 1844. A son. Justus 
IL. was boru in 1848. .Mr. Sackett resided for two 
years iu Ashland, from 18(J1 to 1863, returning to 
Ruggles in the vear last named. 

Before 183n the settlement had increased so that the 
township had a poj)ulatioii of two hundred and 
seventy-one souls. Ten years later, the township had 
reached a iiojiuJation of one thousand two hundred 
and forty-four. 

Hezekiaii Barber was one of the early settlers. He 
was a Baptist minister, and came iu from Townsend 
townsiii|), settling upon lot tive, section three, where 
he liuilt a log house, and set _out a nice orchard. He 
remained only a few years, and then removed to New 
York State. 

Hzekiel Samson located upon lot nine, section three, 
and after living there for .several years, removed to 
Illinois, wiiere he died. John Samson settled upon 
tile west half of lot ten, section three, and Isaac Sam- 
son on the east half. Isaac Samson, Sr., settled with 
his son, John. He was a revolutionary soldier an<l a 
lirick mason bv occupation. The Samsons all re- 
moved to the West. 

Truman Bates came in from the adjoining township 



of New London, and took up lot twenty-three, sec- 
: tion three. He joined the Mormoiis, as did several 
others from this township, but becoming dissatisfied 
with their principles and practices, left them, and re- 
turned to Ruggles. 

Archibald Bates settled on lot number sixteen, sec- 
tion thi'ee, and for some time operated anashery, and 
manufactured the first pearlash in the township. 

Samuel Monroe came from Springfield, Portage 
county, in 1824. and settled upon lot uiueteen, sec- 
tion — , though he soon after sold out, and removed 
to lot twenty-three, where he lived many years. He is 
now living in Iowa at an advanced age. He was a 
soldier in the war of 1812. His children were: Sarah, 
Polly. Isabella. Hester, Martha, Annabelle, John and 
Samuel. They all removed to Iowa, except Saraii, 
wife of Philetus Ferris, and Martha, who is in Ful- 
ton county of this State. 

Taylor Peck and his wife, Jerusha. came to Ruggles 
from Litchfield county, Connecticut, in 1826, and 
located upon lot seventy-eight, section three. They 
had four children: Lydia, Lucy, Homer and Emily 
J., and a fifth son. Miles J., was born after their ar- 
rival in the township. Mrs. Peck died in 1835, and 
Mr. Peck tool^ as his second wife, Francis Beach, of 
Medina county. Mr. Peck died in 1854. 
Salmon Westou and his wife Mercy emigrated 
j from Connecticut to Ruggles in 1828, and settled 
upon lot nineteen, section one, being the first settlers 
in the eastern part of the township. Salmon Westou 
I died 1864. A son, Phineas, now resides in the town- 
ship. 
i Isaac Hazen came from Warren county. Connecti- 

I cut, in 1829, and located upon lot , section 

' . He died in 1832. A son, Amos, now lives 



in the township. Lewis Crow came in 183o. 

Ill 1832 came Jacob Hirsching and Wm. Potter, 

I both from Genesee county. New Y''ork. They located 
in the northeast part of the township, section two. 

; During the same year came Ackley Knowlton and 
Benjamin Greene from Yates county. New York, 
Thomas Bowman and James Lindsley, from Aber- 
deenshire, Scotland, aud a number of others. 

! Eli Fostcame iu 1833 and located iu section one. 
He died iu 1875. He had twelve children, of whom 

' five now live in the township. Bolser Mather, of 
Peuusylvania, who came iu the same year, is noted 

! as being the father of tweut3'-six children, nineteen 

' of whom are living. 

John Wist came in 1837; died in 1876. Thurou 
Potter, in 183X. Orriu Cogshall, iu 1835, from 
Litchfield, Connecticut, bringing his wife and two 
children, JIary J. and Josephine. Elias Culbertson, 
in ; James T. Carney, in 1835, and Mildad Crit- 
tenden iu 1836. 

The first log house at the Center was built by Eiiocii 
Taylor, of Warren, Connecticut. He was a soldier 
in the war of 1812, and lived until the year 1875. 
Daniel Smith, who came to the township at an 

j early day, was the first shoemaker. 



504 



HISTORY "OF mTRON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Benjiiniin D. Green, iiuw living in Iowa, was the 
fii'st blacksmith. He located at Riiggles' Corners. 
He gave up blacksmithing for the carpenters' trade. 
He was a prominent man in the community, held 
several important offices, and was a major in the 
militia. 

FIKST EVENTS. 

The first birth was that of Wakeman J. Beach, the 
son of Daniel Beach, born January 11, -1835. Mr. 
Beach grew to manhood in Rnggles, and has spent 
most of his life in Ruggles, though he has travelled 
quite extensively. He married Phc^be Ann Wash- 
burn (daughter of James Washburn), of New London, 
December 24, ISSiJ, and now resides on the old home- 
stead. 

The first marriage did not take place until the year 
1832, when, on the 18th day of June, ilr. James 
Poag, widower, was united in marriage to Miss Laura 

C. Smith. The ceremony was performed by Daniel 
Beach, Esq. 

The first death occurred in 1826, in which year 
Mr. Cyi'us Sanders, a single man. and a nephew of 
Mr. B. Sturtevant, died of bilious fever^ 

The first saw mill was built by Daniel Beach in 
1824, on the Vermillion river, one hundred rods 
north of Ruggles' Corners. This mill was of great 
benefit to the early settlers. Mr. Beach built a grist 
mill also, near the site of the saw mill, in 1831 or '33, 
to which steam was subsequently attached. ■ The first 
store in Ruggles was opened by Josiah Botsford at 
Ruggles' Corners, one and one-half miles west of the 
Center, in about the year 1831. The first post-office 
was established one-half .mile south of the Corners in 
, Mr. G. W. Curtiss being postmaster. 

ORfiAXIZATIOX. 

Prior to 1820. Ruggles was attached to New Lon- 
don for civil purposes, but at the date named it was 
detached and organized, the first election occurring 
January 2d of that year. There were just a dozen 
residents who participated in this first election, as 
follows: Perry Durfee, Harvey Sackett, Norman Car- 
ter, Truman Bates, Reuben Fox, B. Sturtevant, Jacob 
Roorback, Abraham Ferris, Justice Barnes, Daniel 
Beach, Ezra I). Smith, and Aldrich Carver. Mr. E. 

D. Smith was chosen clerk: H. Sackett, treasurer; J. 
Roorback, D. Beach, and A. Carver, trustees; B. 
Sturtevant and H. Sackett, overseers of the poor; J. 
Barnes and A. Ferris, fence viewers; Reuben Fox and 
Perry Durfee, appraisers of property; N. Carter, con- 
stable, and T. Bates, supervisor, — thirteen offices 
filled with twelve individuals. Mr. Sackett had tlie 
honor of filling two positions. Another election was 
held .Vju-il 3d, when Mr. Ferris was made treasurer, 
Mr. Bates constable,jind Messrs. Fox and Sturtevant 
supervisors, and Harvey Sackett justice of tJie peace. 
The otlier offices remained filled as aliove. 



KELKtIOUS. 

The first religions services were held at Harvey 
Sackett's house soon after the settlement of the town- 
ship by Lodoyicus Robbins. Not long after a Meth- 
odist class was formed, of ,which there remains no 
record, and in regard to which no authentic informa- 
tion can be obtained. 

The first church organization in the township was 
that of the Congregational in 1827. Upon the lltli 
of .January of that year, eleven persons, all of whom 
had letters from other churches, associated themselves 
under the name of the Congregational church of 
Ruggles. They were Harvey Sackett, Ezra D. 
Smith, Norman Carter, Reuben Fox, Rachel Curtis,' 
Lorinda Beach, Jerusha Peck, Thalia Sackett, Mina 
Fox, Cynthia Smith, and Sarah Sturtevant. The 
meeting was held at Mr. Sackett's house, and the 
ministers were the Revs. Ephraim T. Woodruff and 
Lodovicus Robbins. The church was organized on 
"the plan of union," a system in vogue among the 
Presbyterian and Congregational churches in the early 
settlement of the Western Reserve, and was at first 
connected with the presbytery of Huron, under the 
jurisdiction of which it remained until 1867, when it 
united with tlie Central North Congregational con- 
ference of Ohio. For many years the people of this 
church assembled for worship in the houses of mem- 
bers or in the log school houses, but in 18.55 a church 
was erected (the present town hall), which was for 
the time an amply commodious structure. 

There was for a number of years no minister of the 
gospel resident in Rnggles, but the Congregational 
pulpit was supplied by the Rev. Mr. Robbins and 
others. Rev. E. P. Salmon came as stated supply in 
1830, and remained three years. The piistors and 
supply preacliers of the church since the close of his 
ministry have been as follows: Revs. S. Dunton, 
William L. Buffett. Benjamin B. Judson, W. T. 
Chamberlain, 0. W. Mather, E. P. Sperry, William 

F. Millikin, G. C. Judson, L. G. Clark, James Wil- 
son, John McCntchan, H. L. Howard. Rev. George 

G. Fry, is at present the minister in charge of the 
church. The deacons are: W. C. Sturtevant, Phineas 
Weston, Homer Peck, and W. C. Gault; .Justice H. 
Sackett, Phineas Weston, John Carver, trustees; R. 
Godfrey, clerk; C. W. Sturtevant, treasurer. 

The Methodist Ejtiscopal Cluirch was org;uiized 
as a Protestant Methodist Church, with the follow- 
ing members: Henry H. Daniels and wife, Ira Paine, 
wife and daughter, Orrin Stillson and wife, Orrin 
Cogshall and wife, Electa Weston, Samuel Gault. 
After atiout one year's existence as a Protestant 
Metiiodist Ciiuieh, tlie organization became Meth- 
odist Episcopal and was taken into the Olivesburgh 
circuit. Services were held in the town hall until 
1871, when the present church edifice was built at a 
cost of iibout four thousand dollars. The first jiastor 
was Rev. James Kellam. He was succeeded by the 
Rev. Mr. Roseberry. The pastors sine:' tii?n hav,' 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



505 



l)ee:i Revs. John Kcllam. J. Williams, B. D. Jones, 
A. J. Wells, Geo. McKillip, M. D. Chilson, 0. Law- 
rence and H. G. Dubois. The present incumbent is 
Rev. S. Z. Kaufman. The class leaders are H. H. 
Daniels, John Streeter, Frederick Stillson; Samuel 
f;aiilt, steward: Samuel Oault. Fi-ederick Stillson, 
Jiilm Richards, John Streeter, Frank T. Daniels, 
tnistLcs. The church has a membership of about 
tifty persons. Both the Congregational and Metho- 
dist churches are located at the center. 

There is another — the Lutheran — situated in the 
southeast part of the township. It was organized in 
18.52, and a house of worship was built the same year 
at a cost of three hundred and sixty dollars. 

SCHOOLS. 

In 1S2-1: a school house was built eighty rods east of 
the residence of Daniel Beach, and Betsey Sackett 
taught school there during the summer of that year. 
The second school was upon the north line of the 
township, and was taught by Jacob Roorback. 

• 

PHYSICIANS. 

The earliest were Drs. Babb and Barker. The 
physicians from neighboring townships had most of 
the practice in the early years of Ruggles' existence as a 



settlement. Dr. G. W. Paddock practiced here for a 
short time, and Dr. A. D. Skellenger between two 
and three 3'ears. Dr. 0. L. Andrews, farmer and 
physician, is the only medical man now resident in 
Ruggles. 

RUGGLES CORNERS. 

The only village that ever existed in the township 
was at Ruggles coi-ners, upon the Wooster and Xor- 
walk road. There were several mercantile and me- 
chanical concerns at this point, as well as a tavern 
and quite a cluster of dwelling houses. The place 
was sustained by the tanning interests of the Nor- 
walk road, and when the C, C, C. & I. R. R. was 
established, as it destroyed the wagoning business, 
the little village soon dwindled away, and eventually 
entirely disappeared. The people of Ruggles were 
not sorry for this, because Ruggles corners had al- 
waj's been a reproach to the neighboriiood. a place of 
resort for drinking men and bad characters, sustained 
by the teamsters, who were nearly all tipplers, and 
many of them notoriously desperate characters. A 
double log tavern was built here by one Keeler. It 
was kept open by him and by others for several years, 
and was the principal place for the sale of whisky and 
the resort of whisky drinkers. For the last twenty 
years no liquor has been sold in the township, a fact 
of which the people of Ruggles are justly proud. 



64 



DANBURY/^ 



NAME. 

The to\vn:?hip was named November 9, 1808, by 
Philii5 B. Bradley, of Eidgefield; Taylor Sherman, of 
Xorwalk; Isaac Mills, of Xew Haven: William Eld- 
ridge, of New London; JaViez Fitch, of Greenwich; 
Ebenezei^ Jesup, Jr.. of Fairfield; Guy Richards, of 
New London, and Ebenezer Avery, Jr., of Grotou, 
all in the State of Connecticut, who met as the board 
of directors of "the proprietors of the half million 
acres of land lying south of Lake Erie, called the 
Sufferers" Laud," at the court house in New Haven, 
Connecticut. Among the business transacted that 
day, a resolution was passed naming all the townships 
iu the Fire-lands. In and by that resolution, the 
peninsula north of Sandusky and the island in the 
Bay of Sandusky, was named Danbury, in honor of 
the town of Danlniry, Connecticut, which was a suf- 
ferer by fire and devastation during the incursion of 
the British, in July, 1799. 

Danbury was not organized as a township until some 
years after the war of 181"^. The tract of land 
known as the iieninsula, was owned at an early day, 
by Hon. Zalmon Wildmanand E. \V. Bull. Itorgiu- 
aliy embraced the broad strip of land situated on the 
north of Sandusky Bay to the west of its outlet, and 
was bounded on the east, north and west by Lake 
Erie, and was connected to the main land by a nar- 
row neck on the west near the Portage river. The 
western boundary of the Fire-lands cut off a narrow 
strip of land on the west side of the township, though 
as the township is now organized, the western line is 
that of the Fire-lands survey. The original township 
embraced about seven and one-half miles, extending 
from Marblehead west, and a width of some six miles, 
giving an area of a little less than thirty square miles. 

I'he tract of land containing some six hundred 
acres, and situated west of the harbor, and north of 
the old Portage river bed, was organized as a town- 
ship, with the name of Catawba Island, on the de- 
veloping grape culture at a later date. It is connected 
to the main land by a bridge which stretches over the 
west harbor. 

The eastern portion of the township of Danbury is 
underlain by a strata of limestone rock', filled with 
fossils. Over several hundred acres in the center of 
the east part of the ])en insula, the limestone rock is 
entirely uncovered, or at best covered with a scant 
soil, which produces very little vegetation. With 
this exception the soil is very productive. There are 
<leep grooves cut in this limestone formation, in some 
places wide enough to allow of a wagon being driven 

* Ottawa county, but part of the Fre-lands. 



through them. The gullies were made by the wear- 
ing of heavy masses of ice glaciers, in ari age of which 
man can only conceive, but give no history. This 
limestone is constantly undergoing changes, from the 
effects of frost and the unceasing action of the waves 
on the shore of the lake. 

ANCIEXT MOrXDS. 

There are several mounds of earthwork and stones 
on the peninsula, the most notable of which is situ- 
ated on the northwest side of Catawba island, in the 
original tract named Danbury, but just without the 
boundary of the Fire-lands. The largest of these is 
on a bold promontory, connected by a narrow neck of 
land to the island. On the summit of this rocky 
elevation, near the edge of the promonotory, stands 
the rnins of a circular mound of smallish stone, 
which has the appearance of being thrown together 
loosely, as no masonry is perceptible. It is about 
sixty-five feet through the Ijase, and fifteen feet high. 
In the center was a cone, some thirty feet in diameter. 
Between this cone and the wall is the appearance of a 
walk some twelve feet wide, and extending from the 
entrance on the east entirely around the cone. Old 
settlers say that when first discovered, there was 
another walk around the cone, and aliove the one now 
seen, and that the top was a flat surface. West of 
this mound, and situated on an elevated part of the 
rocky shore, two similar mounds of stone may be seen, 
but no evidences of the walks which appear on the 
first one. These mounds are situated near the old 
camp-meeting gi'ound. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Soon after the close of the revolutionary war, a few 
French Canadians settled on the peninsula, obtaining 
subsistence, after the manner of the Indians, by 
hunting, trapping and fishing. During Wayne's 
campaign toward the ilaumeo, the}' became alarmed, 
and returned to the Canada shore. A 25ortion of them 
afterwards returned to their homes, and purchased 
lands of the legal owners. Others bought lands on 
another section of the Peninsula. At length, most 
of them gathered together and formed a settlement 
at the mouth of All Saints" creek, where some of their 
descendants now live. 

Epaphrnditus W. Bull, of Danlniry, Connecticut, 
in 1808, bought, of the original proprietors of the 
"half millions acres,"" that part of the peninsula sit- 
uated east of Meadow l>niok, and including the island 
in the bay of Sandusky, which was for many years 
known as Bull's Island. It is now the property of 
Mr. Johnson, and is known as Johnson"s Island. 

(500) 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



507 



Mr. Bull arranged with Mr. Benajah Wolcott, a native 
of Danbiirv. Connecticut, but at that time residing in 
New York Cit}-, to come to the westein wilds and 
start a colony on his new purchase. 

Mr. Wulcott and his family, consisting of his wife, 
two daughters and one son, and accoinjjanied by two 
hired men, named Bishoja and Osborn. left Connecti- 
cut, in a sleigh, February 13, 1809. They arrived in 
Cleveland in March, but the lake being ice bound, 
the family were unal)le to proceed farther, and re- 
mained there until aliont the first of May. Mr. AVol- 
cott, accompanied by Bishop and Osijorn, proceeded 
to the peninsula, by land, to prepare a house for those 
left in Cleveland, make garden, and arrange as far as 
possible for a permanent home. In May, Mr. Wol- 
cott returned to Cleveland for his family, and the 
lake being open, secured passage on a small schooner, 
the "Sally"' of Cuyahoga, for their home. A severe 
storm assailed them, while on the vessel, and they 
narrowly escaped shipwreck, but finally were atilc to 
secure safety Ijy running into Klack river, where they 
remauied until the weather became settled, when they 
proceeded on their voyage, arriving in Sandusky bay 
nil the evening of the 8th of May, and the next day 
landed at Avhat was then known as the 'Middle 
Orchard," on the peninsula, near where now stands 
Fox's dock. Wolcott and his family were the first 
settlers in Danbury. At that time there were three 
orchards in the peninsula, planted by the French and 
Indians. The east orchard was owned by an Indian, 
named I>iotawny, but was afterwards bought by Mr. 
Bull. The west orchard was owned by Frendliman. 
named Stacey. 

In the spring of ISUI, a man named Lee settled on 
a place now known as Hartshorn's. Mr. Ball, Mr. 
Saunders and Major Parsons came during the same 
year. 

In April, 1811, Joseph Ramsdell and wife, with 
four s(jns, .John, .Jacolj, Horace and Valentine, and, 
accompanied by Abiathar Sherley and wife, left 
Oswego, New York, in an open boat, arriving at the 
j)eninsula in June. 

Several families moved to Danbury previous to the 
war of 1813, but the precise date of their coming can- 
not now be ascertained. 

The first birth among these settlers was a daughter 
to Abiathar Sherman. She is now Mrs. Atwater, of 
Huron, Erie C(uinty, Ohio. 

Mr. Wolcott died in 1843. His eldest daughter 
married Truman Pettibone (who was the first justice 
of the peace in Danbury) in Cleveland in 1814. They 
settled in Danbury, where he died July 33, 1830. 

When Mr. Wolcott came to Danbury, there were 
two white men there, a Frenchman, named Stacey, 
and a cattle-buyer, named Patterson. In 1811, three 
men settled on Bull's Island. It was contemplated 
to build a town on the island, and. about this time, 
.Mr. Saunders ojiened a small stock of goods. .lames 
Stevens also lived on the island. 

Lxrge numbers of hogs \vere slaughtered on the 



peninsula by B. Thompson. They were driven there 
from the south. 

The custom house was kept on the main land, west 
of the island, by Colonel P. P. Ferry. 

The second daughter of Mr. Wolcott was born at 
Danbury, Connecticut. December 17, 1T08, and was 
married to Joseph Ramsdell in November, 1817. 
They settled on the peninsula in 1811, where they 
resided until 183.!i, when they moved to Blooming- 
ville, where Mr. Ramsdell died. 

Valentine Ramsdell was killed while piloting a 
partv of soldiers on the peninsula, in a skirmish 
with the Indians, some time in September, 1813. 
Horace Ramsdell died at Bloomiugville, January 
39, 1873, at the age of seventy-nine. Mr. Bull died 
in Cleveland, in October, 1813, from the effects of 
exposure in fleeing from the peninsula, and from 
anxiety to protect the frontier. Bishop, who came 
with Mr. Wolcott, was killed by the Indians. Osborn 
settled in Cleveland,^ where he died. 

In 1816, Colonel S. .M. Lockwood came from Al- 
bany, New York, and commenced the laborious work 
of hewing out a home on the peninsula. He erected 
a log house near the present Hartshorn residence, and 
in October of the same year his family, consisting of 
a wife, three sons and a daughter, started from Al- 
bany for Buffalo, New Y'ork, in wagons. Owing to 
severe weather they remained in Buifalo nearly three 
months, when they secured passage in the small 
schooner "Aurora," but were twice driven back by 
storms, which finally ilrove the vessel ashore on the 
sand. Their household goods were removed, and a 
third time they started, this time on the sloop " Nau- 
tilus," but were again driven back by storm. Finally, 
in January, 1817, they started in sleighs, and came 
through to their new home in a two weeks" journey 
from Buffalo. 

At this time the settlers on the peninsula were Ros- 
wald and Ti'uman Pettibone, Abijah Wolcott, Alfred 
and Charles Richards, Harry and Artemadorus Fuller, 
John and Jacob Ramsdell, also their father and un- 
married brother Horace. Ezi'a Lee also resided on the 
peninsula and ran a ferry across the bay to "Ogontz 
Place," now Sandusky. 

In 1839, Talmage Waterbury came to the peninsula 
from eastern New York, with his family, consisting 
of a wife, two sons and three daughters. In 1830 or 
1831, he erected a wind mill in Portage township for 
Colonel Lockwood, which was used for the purpose of 
grinding plaster. It was run a number of years and 
was finally re[)laced by a steam mill. 

FIRST M.VHI{IA(;E. 

Before the war of 1813, a dealer in cattle between 
the south and Maiden, Canada, named Patterson, 
brought from Kentucky an attractive young girl of 
marriageable age, whom he considered as his proper- 
ty. He sold her to a Frenchman, named Stacey, for 
a wife. There was at that time no magistrate or cler- 
gyman nearer than the far east, but this seemed to 



508 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



make no difference to either of the parties, and ar- 
raiigemeuts were made for housekeeping without any 
ceremon}- to bind the parties, and thus the}' lived un- 
til two children were born to them. During the year 
1811, Major Spafford visited the settlers on the pen- 
insula and, on learning the state of affairs, his New 
England sense of j)ropriety was mucli shocked. He 
called on the Staceys for the purpose of arranging 
matters on a sounder basis, for the lionor of the new 
settlement. After some conversation regarding the 
matter, he requested the couple to stand up, and in 
the presence of the toddling children as witnesses, 
])ronounced them man and wife. He was afterwards 
asked if he thought the marriage regular, and replied 
that he did not, as he had no authority to celebrate 
such contracts, but it was the best he could do under 
the circumstances, and perfectly satisfied the parties 
themselves, who seemed to think it all right, and that 
they were legally married. 

EARLY RECORDS. 

There seem to be no records accessible, at least none 
have been found, earlier than 1819. In that year an 
enumeration was made of the male inhabitants of the 
township of Danbury, and the total number was 
found to be sixty-seven. 

The poll book of an election held October 10, 1820, 
contains the names of but eight voters. The candi- 
dates for election were: Ethan A. Brown, governor; 
Lyman Farwell, State representative; Peter Hitch- 
cock, representative in congress; John Boalt, coroner. 
Each of the candidates received a solid vote. No 
great interest seems to have attended this election, 
although at an election for justice of the peace held 
in April of the same year, thirty-one votes were 
polled. 

Before the war of 1812, taxes were paid at Cleve- 
land. The tas collector did not come around to col- 
lect them, but they were sent to him. Mail was car- 
ried by a man named Leach, who made the trip from 
Cleveland, vi(f Huron, to Maumee. 

THE CHOLERA. 

Sandusky had been started previous to 1833, the 
name having been changed from Ogontz Place to 
Portland before 1822, and at a later date to Sandusky. 
Tiiere was quite a settlement, consisting of log and 
fr ime houses, log school house, and corporation log 
jail. In 1832, the schooner Ligure, from Buffalo, 
a-rived. The evening after her arrival one of the 
])assengers, an old lady, was attacked with cholera, 
and died before morning. Captain Wadsworth was 
seized with the same disease and died. From this 
time the disease spread on shore, and a board of 
Iiealth was organized, with Moses Farwell at the head. 
The vessel was condemned, and taken some two miles 
out into the bay, where it was proposed to burn it 
iind thus get rid of the plague, but the owner, Wil- 
liam Townsend. of Sanduskv, made a strong effort to 



save his property which was successful, and the order 
for its destruction was revoked. 

The cholera soon broke out on the peninsula, and 
proved terribly fatal. The first victim was Robert 
Rose, an Englishman, who went to Sandusky, whei-e 
he indulged in a drunken debauch which lasted three 
days. Soon after reaching his home on the jDeninsula 
he was seized with the dread disease, and lived but a 
few hours. The plague spread rapidly, in one case 
sweeping away an entire family — that of the Steeles. 
The wife and daughter of Talmage Waterbury also 
died, and in the fall of that year the b.oken family 
returned to their old home in New York. 

JOHXSOX'S ISLAXD. 

As a part of the original tract of land bought by 
E. W. Bull, in connection with the township of Dan- 
bury, is the island in Sandusky Bay known after his 
purchaje as Bull's Island. It is located about three 
miles north of Sandusky and one mile from the 
Peninsula. This isla&d was settled in 1811, three 
men building cabins there at that time. It was at 
one time thought a desirable situation in which to 
found a town, and steps were taken to lay the surface 
out into village lots, but the needs of the new coun- 
try did not seem to demand a town here, inasmuch 
as Ogontz Place or Sandusky was already becoming 
settled. The island contains some three hundred 
acres, about one hundred and fifty of which was 
leased by the United States Government during the 
war of the rebellion, and was used as a military prison 
for the confinement of prisoners of war. The camp 
was on the south side of the island, looking to\vard 
Sandusky, and was on ground sutHciently rolling to 
admit of free drainage. In the center of the cami) 
was a fine parade ground of some five or si.x acres. 
West of this were the offices, chapel, Jiospital and 
officer's quarters, and on the east side were the bar- 
racks for the prisoners. On the nortli and south 
sides were the barracks for the guard. A strong 
twelve-foot fence was built around this ground, in- 
closing a space of some fifteen acres. Within about 
three feet of the top of this fence was a walk tliree 
feet wide, which was constantly traversed by the 
guard. The barracks and out-houses covered nearly 
or quite one-third the inclosed space, leaving a i)leas- 
ant open grass plat of the remainder. The quarters 
were left clean and orderly, and the grounds did not 
present the appearance of neglect. 

INDIAX .SKIRMI.SHES. 

During the war of 1812, the peninsula was the 
scene of two skirmishes with Indians. The inhul)i- 
tants were obliged to seek safety in fliglit. some going 
toward Cleveland, and others to the block house at 
Mansfield. A regiment was encamped, under eoni- 
mand of Colonel Ricliard Hayes, of Hartford, Trum- 
bull county, Ohio, on the east side of the Huron river, 
and aliout three miles below Milan. A detachment of 
men was sent to Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, 



HISTORY OF HUKON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



509 



where they took possession of the stockade which was 
afterwards named Fort Stephenson. This fort had 
been deserted upon the surrender of General Hull,. at 
Detroit, and was unoccupied until this time. Some 
provisions had been left there, and September 26th, 
Major Frazier sent four small boats and eighteen men 
with a carso of beef and pork, for the use of the sol- 
diers at Camp Averv, near Milan. Owing to the 
prevalence of a severe storm on the lake they landed 
on Bull's Island, and sent six men in one boat to re- 
connoiter on the peninsula. Two of the Ramsdells 
were among them, and they proceeded cautiously to 
their former residence. From a corntiekl they saw a 
party of forty-seven Indians regaling themselves on 
roasting ears of corn and honey. They returned to 
the island, and with their comrades, hastened across 
to Cedar Point, and sent messengers to Camp Avery. 
The soldiers arrived at the camp Sunday evening about 
five o'clock. Volunteers were immediately called for 
arid sixty-four men responded. Thirty minutes was 
allowed for supper, and just at dark the expedition 
moved off. It was near four o'clock in the mornins: 
when the party reached Cedar Point. The boats were 
unloaded and the command eml)arked, steering for 
Middle Orchard. With the addition of the men at 
Cedar Point the total number was seventy-two men. 
The hnits were left under charge of a corporal, who 
was directed to hide with tliem m a clump of rushes 
about half the distance to Bull's Island. The corpo- 
ral and two men s'oon went over to the main land for 
fruit, and accidentally discovered several canoes filled 
with Indians coming down the bay. They immedi- 
diately returned to their comrades, and leaving the 
two larger boats hurried the two small ones across to 
Cedar Point. Tlie large boats were scuttled by the 
Indians. 



The party that had marched to attack the Indians 
at Ramsdell's house, found they had left that place, 
and did not attemjn a pursuit. On their return the 
party was divided into three divisions, and after secur- 
ing some wheat that was left, started on their return 
to the boats. One party was surj)rised bv aml)ushed 
Indians, and \'alcntine Ramsdell was killed by their 
first volley, and one man disabled. The remainder of 
the men. nine in number, took to the trees, and 
adopted the Indian system of warfare. As soon iis 
the first volley was fired, the other twu divisions came 
rapidly to the assistance of their comrades. A retreat 
was made to the orchard, and the dead and wounded 
were carried off the field. Near the middle orchard 
two Indians were seen, wiio ran away as if afraid of 
being pursued. Several men started after them, but 
were called back by their more prudent comrades. 
They had no sooner stopped than a volley was fired 
by a large party of savages, from an ambush behind 
some fallen timber, but fortunately not a man was 
struck. After some irregular skirmishing about 
twenty of the men sought shelter in a log house, and 
the rest passed on to tlie landing place, whence they 
finally managed to reach the point of the peninsula. 
The guard on Cedar Point came with the two small 
boats, and took them across, one boat load at a time. 
They then proceeded to the Huron river, and sent a 
squad of men to Camp Avery for assistance. It was 
not until the first of October that the relief could be 
sent to the party on the peninsula. When it reached 
them, they were found safe in the log house, the Indi- 
ans having retired. Tliey did not seem to have 
noticed the men who passed down the point, or they 
would, undoubtedly, have massacred them. In this 
skirmish five men were killed, and six wounded. 



KELLEY'S ISLAND; 



DESCRIPTIOX. 

The township of Keller's Island is an island in Lake 
Erie, is one of the eleven townships composiuo- the 
county of Erie, and is situated in latitude forty-one 
degrees thirty- -five minutes north, and longitude five 
degrees forty-two minutes west from Washington, the 
north shore of the Island being but one and one-half 
miles from the boundary line, between the United 
States and the Dominion of Canada, and is part of 
the tract of land known as the "Connecticut Western 
Reserve." 

THE ISLAND XOT A PART OF THE FIRE-LAXDS. 

Upon the survey of the Fire-lands, some of the 
grantees claimed that the south shore of Sandusky 
bay should be their north line. But this claim the 
Western Reserve Land Company resisted, and con- 
tended that the said Fire-lands should be bounded on 
the north by the territorial line (the northern boun- 
dary of the Reserve), which was also the line of boun- 
dary between the United States and Canada, and, 
therefore, should include in the Fire-lands the islands 
of Lake Erie lying east of the west line of the West- 
ern Reserve tracts, and south of the territorial line. 

The islands thus situated were Island Xo. 6, also 
known as Cunningham's (now Kelley's) Island and 
the Bass, or Put-in-Bay Islands. The matter wa; 
finally compromised by the parties interested, the 
Fire-land proprietors agreeing to establish, as their 
nortii line, the south shore of Lake Erie, deducting, 
however, tiie waters of Sandusky Bay. 

Tlie Peninsula of Marble Head, in Daubury to wn- 
shij) and a part of. Van Rensulaer township, both 
now in Ottawa county, were, liy this compromise, in- 
cluded in the Fire-lands, although, like the islands, 
were not considered of any particular value. Thus 
the Bass Islands and Cunningham's Islands, though 
lying directly north of the Fire-lands and between 
that tract and the territorial line, were thrown out 
and never became a part of the Fire-lands, but re- 
mained a part of the Western Reserve. Cunning- 
ham's Island, therefore, still remaining a part of the 
Western Reserve, was held by the company, as were 
some other townships, as' an ''equalizing" township 
so-called. The origin of these equali'zing townships 
was, tiiat in dividing the land of the Reserve eom- 
l)any among the different proprietors, the divisions 
were necessarily somewhat uneipial, and these C([ual- 
izing townships were divided pro rata among such as 

•By Wm. S. Webb, 



it was supposed had not received their share in the 
division. 

Thus Cunningham's Island, which at that time 
was supposed to be of little value, was divided in lots 
among the diflerent individuals who were proprietors 
in the Western Reserve Land Company or their heirs, 
to whom, in this division of the Western Reserve 
land, the township of Carlisle, then in Huron, now in 
Lorain county, had been set off, and to which town- 
ship the island had been annexeil for equalizing pur- 
poses. The cedar and mulberry stakes and trees 
marking tiie lines and corners of the lots into which 
the island was divided (thirteen in number) are some 
of them still standing, and one, a mulberry stake 
marking the corners of three lots, bearing the sur- 
veyor's mark and date of March, 1819, plainly legible, 
was in its place a year or two since. 

This survey of the islands was made by Judge 
Jabez Wright, of Huron, and the aggregate number 
of acres in the thirteen lots, into which the islands 
was divided, was twenty-eis;ht hundred and eighty- 
eight. 

The data contained in the foregoing were obtained 
from several sources, but mostly from records of lands 
of the Reserve, preserved in the archives of the State 
of Connecticut, at Hartford. 

We now leave the beaten tracks of recorded history 
and statistics, and emerge upon the fields of personal 
narrative and tradition. 

The following narrative from the personal recollec- 
tions of Mr. Henry Ellithorpe, and the recollections 
and traditions of those who preceded him as inhabit- 
ants of the islands, will be found of interest to many 
of the present day, particularly these who will recog- 
nize the locations named, and is doubtless as authen- 
tic as any information that can be obtained at -this 
late day, in the absence of any manuscript or other 
records. Such of the incidents as are related as_ 
coming under the personal observation of Mr. Elli- 
thorpe can be relied upon; and the discrepancies and 
inaccuracies that may occur will be those iu which 
tradition takes the place of personal observation, and 
perhaps in some of the dates, as we must not look for 
entire accuracy in dates where no written record was 
kept, and when some of the dates, like portions of the 
narrative, are also traditionary. 

CUXNIXGHAM. 

The first white settler upon the island, of whom 
anything is known, was a Frenchman by the name of 
Cunningham. He was an Indian trader, so called, 

(510) 



HISTORY OF HURON AXD ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



511 



buying of the Indians their furs, maple sugar and 
peltry, and furnishing them in exchange such articles 
as they needed or fancied, as lilankets. trinkets, and 
doubtless also whisky, in those days considered a sta- 
ple article in the stock of an Indian trader. This 
Cunningham came to the island about the year ISOR, 
as nearly as can now be ascertained. He made a small 
clearing, and built a cabin, or trading shanty, near the 
southwest corner of the present Estes farm: remained 
here until the year 1812, aboiit the time of the declara- 
tion of war with Great Britain, which was on the 
ISth of June of the year when he left. Tiiere is a 
legend that he became involved in an affray with the 
Indians in which he was badly wounded but escaped 
to the peninsula where he soon after died of his 
wounds. But this was not sustained (according to 
Mr. Ellithorpe) by the accounts of Poschile and Bebo, 
who, it will hereafter be seen, came to the island 
some two years after Cunningham, and "who claimed 
that he left the island at the same time they did, upon 
the breaking out of the war of 1812, and that he was 
killed in some one of the skirmishes with British and 
Indians on the peninsula. 

From this man Cunningham the island took its 
name, not because lie held any claim of ownership, 
but merely to distinguish it from the other islands in 
ti;e vicinity. It, however, retained the name, •'Cun- 
ningham's Island," was known by no other, was so 
put down on the maps of the State and of the United 
States, until it was erected into a township of Erie 
county, and its name changed to the one it now bears, 
by act of the legislature, passed January 21, 18-10, as 
in the course of this history will hereafter appear. 

POSCHILE AXD BKBO. 

In the year 1810. two other Frenchmen (heretofore 
referred to), Poschile and Bebo, settled upon the 
island. Bebo cleared a piece of land, and built a 
cal)in on the southwest point of the island, a little 
to the north of what is now known as Carpenter's 
maple grove. Poschile also made a clearing, which 
extended from the ravine near the residence of '^V. 
S. Webb, to a point near tiie present site of X. 
Kelley & Co's upper wharf. 

The road running along the south shore of the 
island is nortli of the site of his cabin, wiiich has long 
since been washed away by the waters of the lake. 
*Bebo and IV.schile both left the island in 1813. The 
former was taken ]n-isoiier by the Indians, during the 
war, Init made his escape, or was released, and re- 
turned to the peninsula. Both of these persons died 
some years since. At the lime of tlie war, and wiiile 
in command of the "Army of the Xorthwest," General 
Harrison kept a guard stationed on the west point of 
the island, for the purpose of observing the move- 
ments of the British and Indians on tiie lake. The 
camp occupied by this guard was situated upon tlie 
clearing made by Bebo, and in 1828 the cedar tent 
stakes were yet standing, marking the site of the en- 
campment. 



It was in the harbor, on the south side of the 
island, making preparations for the anticipated con- 
flict, wliich followed on the If'th day of September, 
1814, that Perry lay with his fleet for a time previous 
to tliat event. Here he received on board the Thirty- 
six Ohio. Pennsylvania and Kentucky volunteers 
from General Harrison's army; and here he was visited 
by General Harrison, wlm was accompanied by his 
aids, Cass and McArthur. for the purpose of holding 
an interview in relation to the expected naval engage- 
ment, ever afterwards known as tlie "Battle of Lake 
Erie," which resulted so gloriously to the American 
flag, and which, being followed by the victory of 
Harrison, on the Thames, over the British and 
Indians, under Proctor and Tecumseh, virtually 
closed the war. 

KILLAM. 

It is not known that there were any persons resid- 
ing on the island permanently from the time Cun- 
ningliani. Poschile and Bebo left, in 1812, until the 
year 1818, when a man, named Killam, came to the 
island witii his family and one or two men. The 
houses which had been built on the island, by tlie set- 
tlers who preceded him, having been burned during 
the war. Killam built a cabin on the Poschile clearing, 
a short distance northeast from the site of the Poschile 
cabin. The foundation of the chimney, of the Killam 
house, is still visible. 

The steamboat "Walk-in-the- Water," the first ever 
built upon the lakes, was built, or "came out'" this 
year (1818), and Killam was emploj'ed in furnishing 
her witli fuel, which had to be "boated out'' to 
the steamer; the timber was all red cedar, and w^as 
cut, the most of it, from the west half of lot 
six. the present county road, known as "Division 
street," bounding the eastern edge of the "slash," or 
clearing made in cutting the wood. About the time 
that Killam moved to the island (in 1818), a Captain 
Coit also came, with a sail boat, and found partial 
employment in ferrying passengers to and from San- 
dusky and the island for the steamboat, as the latter 
did not go into Sandusky every trip, but sent and re- 
ceived her Sandusky and ^'enice passengers in this 
way, — the latter, it is said, having, at that time, been 
as important a point as the former. 

The " Walk-in-the- Water " was wrecked on the 10th 
of October, 1820, having gone ashore at Point Albino, 
and the trade in cedar wood wa-< ilestroyed, as was also 
the passenger business, at least so far as the foreign 
travel by the steamboat was concerned, and it is not 
proljable that the local trade in that line was very 
heavy or remunerative at that early day. 

Killam and his family left the island in the year 
1820. after the loss of "The Steamljoat," as, being 
the first and only one, she was distinctively called, as 
did also Captain Coit, and it is not known that there 
were any permanent residents here uiiiil the year 
1826. 



512 



HISTOKY OF HUEON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



BARXUM AXD GRfMMETS. 

There were, however, at times, between these dates, 
two men on the island who had been employed by 
Killam in getting out wood, but they could hardly 
be called residents after Killam's departure, as they 
made the island their home only as their necessities 
required, for the purpose of "appropriating" cedar 
and disposing of it in exchange for the necessaries of 
life, one large item of which with them was whisky. 
The names of the parties were Barnum and Grum- 
mets, as the latter was called, though this, it is said, 
was not his true name. 

Barnum, after Killam's departure, built a cabin 
on what has ever since, from that circumstance, been 
called Barnum's Point, on the east end of the island, 
the location being not far from the beach on the J. 
E. Woodford farm. The bottom, ^r foundation logs, 
of red cedar, still mark the site of this cabin, a few 
rods northeast of the former residence of Mr. Wood- 
ford. 

Some difficulty having arisen between these parties 
a bitter antagonism ensued, which resulted in the 
killing of Grummets by Barnum, as the latter stated 
it, by his shooting the former with a rifle at a mo- 
ment when lie (Grummets) was, rifle in hand, watch- 
ing an opportunity to kill Barnum as he made his 
appearance at the door of his cabin. One cause of 
the trouble was stated to be a quarrel over some cedar. 
Another was said to be in relation to a certain female 
who occasionally came to the island, and lived with 
Barnum. It is probable that both had their influ- 
ence. Barnum himself informed authorities of tiie 
killing: an examination was had, and he was dis- 
charged, there being no evidence beside his own 
and he claiming justification in tlie plea of self-de- 
fense. He stated that he disposed of the body of 
Grummets by placing it in a leaky skiff, which, bal- 
lasted with a quantity of stone sufficient to insure its 
sinking when it should reach deep water, he sent 
adrift during the prevalence of a strong southwest 
wind, thus precluding the possibility of Grummets 
troubling him any further. There was also a legend 
that the body of Grummets was found on the island 
at a place privately indicated by Barnum. and that it 
was taken possession of by a, then, prominent San- 
dusky physician for anatomical purposes. The killing 
of Grummets occurred in the latter part of 18"2.5 or 
early in 1826. Barnum was living, a few years since, 
at some place in Connecticut. 

FIRST PERMANENT LETTERS. 

In 1826, Elisha Ellis and Peter Shook obtained from 
Eld red, (one of the original proprietors under the 
Western Reserve Company), contracts for two small 
pieces of land situated in the southwest corner of lot 
ten. These contracts comprised a part of the farm 
now owned by James Estes, — Ellis" lands being lo- 
cated on tlie east part of tiie Estes' farm, and Shooks' 
on the west. Ellis built a house on his lot, and with 



his wife moved into it. The chimney foundations of 
this house were visible a few years since a short dis- 
tance east of Mrs. Estes' former residence. Shook 
never settled upon the island ; in fact, never re- 
turned after ins purchase, made no payments nor 
improvements, thus forfeiting his contract. In 182? 
Mr. Ellis and wife, and Samuel Beardsley and wife, 
(who lived in the house with Ellis), composed the 
total of the inhabitants of tlie island. In February of 
1828 Mrs. Beardsley died, and was buried on the 
banks of the lake, a short distance east of the house. 
In June of 1828, Mr. Henry EUithorpe came to the 
island for the purpose of engaging in the business 
of raising stock, the entire territory being then a 
'•free commons. '' 

During the fall of this year, two young ladies, 
neices of Mrs. Ellis, Mary Kellogg and Abigail 
Brooks (who came to the Islands during the preced- 
ing summer), were taken sick at the house of Mr. 
Ellis. Mary Kellogg died and was buried near Mrs. 
Beardsley. Abigail Brooks was taken to Sandusky 
and died there soon after her removal. The place of 
interment of Mrs. Beardsley and Mary Kellogg has 
long since disappeared, having been washed away by 
the encroachment of the waters of the lake. 

During the winter of 1828-9 Mr. Ellis and wife, 
Mr. Henry EUithorpe, and Frank Saunders, who 
worked for Ellis, were the only inhabitants. 

In the summer of 1829, Ira B. Henderson and 
family moved to the island, remained a short time, 
and left. During the winter of 1829-30 Mr. Ellis 
and wife, Henry EUithorpe and E. T. Smith, (known 
as ••Tinker Smitii,") formed the total population, the 
latter having come here during the preceding sum- 
mer or fall. In June of 1830, Nicholas Ha,skins and 
wife, and eight or nine children, and soon after 
Luther Ladd, wife and four children, and William 
Goodwin, wife and three children, became residents 
of the island. Haskins Iniilt a cabin near the west 
edge of the South Pond, on the site known as the 
"Old Burying Ground" on the farm of Addison 
Kelley. Ladd built near the point where the Hunt- 
ington Quarry Railroad track crosses the road, and 
Goodwin moved into the house built and occupied by 
Killam. 

On the 26th of December, 183o, Henry EUithorpe 
was married, at Sandusky, to Elizabeth Neal. He re- 
tui^ned to the island with his wife in January, 1831. 
crossing on the ice with an span of horses And sleigh, 
and also bringing with him six head of cattle. Mr. 
EUithorpe and wife lived in the same house with Mr. 
Ellis daring the balance of the winter, and in the 
Spring of 1831 he built a .cedar house on the bank of 
the lake, on the south side a few rods west of the 
mouth of the creek known as the "Tiber."' into which 
he moved about the middle of April, 1831. In this 
house was born on the sixth day of October, 1832, 
Cyrus EUithorpe, son of Henry and Elizabeth EUi- 
thorpe, "The first white child born on the Island, "• 
according to the narrative of Mr. EUithorpe. 





Juhgty ^ 




.M^t:^^^:^ -^^m^^ 



Saha Kelley, ilaughter of Samuel and Mary Weller Dean, was born at West- 
fi.'lii, Mass., April 5, 1789 ; removed to Martinsburg, N. Y., while quite young. 
At the age of twenty-two years was married to Datus Kelley, and removed 
directly to Kockport, Ohio, where she lived twenty-five years, one of the fore- 
most women in acts of benevolence, and in giving cheer and assistance to the 
despondent in the trials and privations of their new homes in the wilderness. 
She would often take her baby in her lap and ride, on horseback, six or eight 
miles to a neighbor's to Uike care of the sick, ller example in industry and 
economy had much to do in molding society, and in its culture and advance- 
ment. 

In la3G the family moved to Cunningham's Island (now Kelley's), where she 
again commenced a pioneer life, and was the. only nurse and doctor for many 
years. The number of namesakes she has in various families on the island is 
a testimonial of the high esteem in which she was regarded. She died JIarch 
21, 1804, having survived her golden wedding throe years. 

Daniel Kelley, Jr., w;is a clothier, had some interest in a grist-mill, and was 
in comfortable circumstances for the times in which he lived; but finding him- 
self blessed with a large family of growing boys,— six in number,— to better 
their fortune ho resolved to try life in a new country, and in the winter of 
1799, when Datus was but one year old, ho moved with his family to Lowville, 
N. Y. Here Diitus remained until he was twenty-two years of age, when, be- 
lieving Lowville too frosty a region for prosperous agriculture, he concluded, 
in his turn, to migrate and seek a new and better country ; consequently we 
find that, in the spring of 1810, he took his pack upon his hack and started on 
fuot for the West, prospecting. He arrived in Cleveland, then a mere village 
of three or four hundred souls and containing four frame houses, on July 1, 
1810. He did not, Iiowever, find a place that entirely pleased him, and returned 
to Lowville the same season. He seemed, however, not to have been dis- 
couraged in seeking for a home in the West, for we find him the next spring, 
again on foot, with his pack, at Oswego, from whence he sailed to Lewiston, 
and from there walked to Black Kock, and touk a vessel for Cleveland, where 
he arrived in May. This time he was ;is unsuccessful as before in finding a 
place that suite<l his idea of a home, but was so well pleased with tlie country 
in general that ho concluded to return home, take to himself a wife, and run 
the risk of timling the desired location afterward; trusting, as all sensible 
swains should, in tiie greater wisdom of woman to " guide to the right place." 
Aug. lil, IHII, the family record states: Datus Kelley married Sara Dean, of 
Martiusburg, N. Y. The following year Mr. Kelley and bride, with a Miaa 
Dean, sister of Mrs. Kelley, sailed for Cleveland, in the schooner " Zephyr." 
They anchored off the month of the Cuyahoga, and were latided, together 
with their freight, in small boats, and at once commenced housekeeping in a 
warehouse until the right spot could bo found to locate a farm. This wjia 
found about eight miles west of Cleveland, on 'tho lake shore. Here he pur- 
cha-sed ono hundred and sixty-four acres of land, at %\.\% per acre. The place 
is now known as the "Gov. Wood farm." The family immediately moved 
into a little cabin on an adjoining farm until a house could be built, which 
took juHt ten days. At this time there was no nearer settlement on tlio east 
than t'lcveland, aud on the west tlian Black Uivcr, twenty miles away. Tho 
Indians swiirmod along the shore in summer, but rlisappeared in winter. 

When the great fright which followed Ilnll's surrender swupt along the 
shore of Lake Krie ami depopulated all the sottU-meuts, Mr. Kelley thought 
the Indiatis too friendly to do much harm, and did not leave his home; but 
once ho puUed the latch-string in, and put a nail over the latch for safety, 
but never repeated it; ever after his latch-string hung outside, and friend or 
foe could walk \\\ or out at any time of day or night. 

In.l8i:J, Mr. Kolley was drafted, but hired Chester Dcjin as a suhatituto, 
paying him his wages iniulditiori to his pay from tho governmont. Times were 
hard,— Hour cost $20 per barrel, very poor cotton-cloth 75 cents per yard, and 



everything else in proportion. Mr. Kelley resided here twenty years, during 
which time he converted his fore.'^t home into a beautiful and well-regulated 
farm. During a part of this time he assisted in making surveys of portions 
of the *' Keserve." 

In the year 1833, Datus Kelley, in connection with his brother Irad, bought 
Cunningham's Island (now Kelley's), in Lake Erie, with the view of bringing 
into market the red cedar timber with which much of the island was then 
covered. At this time there wei"e only three or four families (squatters) <)n tho 
island, and only six aci-es of cleared land. His trips from his home, in Uoi'k- 
port, to the island were usually made on foot to the jroint on the main land, 
where he took boats for the island. 

In 183G, Mr. Kelley moved hi^ family to his island home, where lie resided, 
surrounded by his children and children's children, until his death. His 
first efTort, by way of public improvements, was in building docks for a 
steamboat landing, which were commenced in 1833, and much' enlarged in 
1835. 

He always maintained that education and habits of industry and sobriety 
were essential means to success in life, and nmch of the prosperity of the 
island is due to his precepts and examide in these matters. Hence, as soon 
as his docks were made to answer tho purjiose, he turned his attention to the 
erection of a school-house. This was the first frame buildiug on the island, 
and was erected at the expense of the two brothers. The house is still stand- 
ing, north of George Kelley's. His school-days were mostly spent in a new 
country; hence his school-house education was somewhat neglected, but his 
reading was so extensive that few hail a more general knowledge of history 
and geography, or of sciontilic and religious subjects. As an evidence of the 
interest Mr. Kelley felt in nmtters of public education, in its unrestricted sense, 
ho left behind him an enduring testimonial. He erected at his own expense 
a commodious and neatly finished and furnished stone chapel or hall. This 
he gave into keeping of trustees, to he used by the islanders for school pur- 
poses, and for all worthy objects, both religious and sectilar. 

As doer of the faith that was in him, Mr. Kelley was an energetic, pnictieal 
man, and generally worked out his business plans successfully, insomuch that 
for many of the last yeai's of his life he was in easy circumstances. In his 
moral convictions he was strictly honest and upright, and had a great desire 
for the well-being of his fellow-men. Datus Kelley died Jan. 24, 18GC, aged 
seventy-seven yeare and nine months. 

Joseph Kelley married Lydia Lord, and was among the first settlers of 
Norwich, Conn. 

Daniel Kelley, Sr., son of Joseph, was horn in 1724, and married Abigail 
Ileynolds, at Norwich, Conn. 

Daniel, Jr., son of Daniel, Sr., was horn at Norwich, Nov. 27, 175.'>, and mar- 
ried Jemima Stow. He died at Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1831, at tho age of 
seventy -six years. 

Datus Kelley, son of Daniel, Jr., was born at Middletown, Conn., April 24, 
1788. He married Sara Dean, Aug. 21, 1811, at Martinsburg, N. Y. Slie was 
born, April 5, 1789, at Wcstfield, Mass. They had born to them Addison, 
Juno 11, 1812; he married Ann Marilla Millard, Oct. 12, 1837 ; they had born 
to them five children. Julius, born Feb. 3, 1814, and married Mary A. Hitch- 
cock, March 29, 183G; have had four chihiren. Daniel, born Sept. 20, lSln,and 
died Jan. 4, 1830. Samuel, born June;23, 1817, and died Aug. 10, 1818. Kmeline, 
horn June 10,1819; married Georgo C. Huntington, Nov. 9,1837; had four 
children. Caroline, born April 16, 1821 ; married Charles Carpenter, Nov. 
7, 1844; have had four children. Betsey, born Dec. 18,1823; married Wm. 
S. Webb, Sept. 10, 1845 ; have had three chihiren. Alfred S., born Dec. 23, 
1820 ; nmrried Haiiimh Farr, May 21, 1857 ; have one child. William D., born 
Sept. 7, 1828; married Lydia Remington, Aug. 7, 1854, ami (second) married 
Marcella Dean, March 20, 1850 \ have two children. 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



513 



The site of this house, originally six or eight rods 
from the bank of the lake, has disapjieared — the red 
cedar logs, of whicli the house was built, having been 
cut up and sold for fence posts nearly thirty years 
after its ei'ection. It will be observed that in the state- 
ment, that "Cyrus Eilithorpe was the first white 
child born on the Island," tlie narrative of Mr. Eili- 
thorpe has been followed. In tliis connection it is as 
well to state that there was a legend tliat in the fall 
of 1814:, a Mr. Allen with his wife came to the is- 
land, intending to make it their home, tliat during 
the winter Mrs. Allen and her cliild. a day or two 
old. died, and were buried by the husband and father, 
who, by this calamity, was left the only living being 
upon the island: that after performing alone and un- 
assisted the mournful duty of the interment of his 
wife and child he left, and it is not known that lie 
ever returned. Of course, ;is at this late day any 
verification of this statement is impossible, it must be 
treated as a legend, and not as history. 

In April of 1S33, Benjamin A. Napier moved to 
tile island with his family, and bringing with him five 
or six men, who came with the ostensible purpo.se of 
working for him. Napier had, in the summer of 
ISo'i, visited the island, and warned the inhabitants 
that (as he claimed ownership) they were all tres- 
passers upon his property, and that he should treat 
them as such by injecting them from the island at no 
distant day. 

In consequence of the location Ijeing considered 
unhealthy; Mr. Ellis had, in the fall of 1832, vacated 
his own house, moving into the same house with 
Goodwin, and Napier, upon his arrival in the spring 
of 1833, had taken possession of the Ellis house, 
which he occupied until October of the same year, 
when he was ejected therefrom by legal process by 
D. and I. Kelley, who had previously acquired, bv 
purchase, whatever of interest Ellis might have held 
in the property. The land they had [larchased of 
Eldred, and Ellis held only a claim for improvements, 
(U- perhaps that of occupation by contract. This pur- 
chase and transfer of Ellis' right was for the purpose 
of acquiring possession, in order to enable them to 
take legal measures for the ejectment of Napier. But 
we have anticipated somewhat in this matter of the 
ejectment of Napier, and it becomes necessary for the 
preservation of clironologieal order to retrace our 
steps. 

In June of 1833, Burr Iliggins and Ca])tain .Judah 
W. Ransom, of Sandusky, held an interview at Nor- 
waik with the agents of some of tlie principal owners 
of Cunningham's island, with a view to its purchase, 
if satisfactory terms, title, etc., could lie obtained. 
This interview, after some negotiation, was unpro- 
ductive of results, and no purchase was effected. 
Among the agents of the owners present at the inter- 
view at Norwalk was Mr. Allen, son-in-law of General 
Perkins, of Warren, the latter of wliom was one of tlie 
largest owners 6i lands of the island. 

65 



THE ADVENT OF THE KIXI.F.YS. 

Upon Mr. Allen's return home, he introduced the 
subject of the sale of the island to Mr. had Kelley, 
of Cleveland, recommending the purchase as a good 
investment. The latter, it appears, had for some 
time been favorably impressed with the future value 
of the ))roperty. and liad called the attention of his 
brother, Mr. Datiis Kelley, of Rockport, to the mat- 
ter, and upon this application of Mr. Allen they con- 
cluded to, and did, visit the island with reference to 
its purchase. 

The difficulties that followi'd the advent of Napier 
upon the island, that beset the inhabitants consequent 
upon his claim of ownership, the seizure of their 
stock, etc., without legal process, and, as they 
claimed, without the shadow of equitable right, ren- 
dered it imperative that something should l^e done to 
put a stop to this forcible appropriation of their prop- 
erty. They were naturally, therefore, very anxious 
tiiat some one should purchase the island, in order by 
tliis means to have the matter of title definitely set- 
tled. They claimed none themselves, not even that 
of squatters on unoccupied lands, but they did claim 
ownersliil) in the stock wiiich tiiey had raised and 
were pasturing at "free commons'' upon the island. 
Upon the arrival, tlierefore, of the Messrs. Kelley 
upon tlieir visit for examination, it may be readily 
assumed that the interested parties were not backward 
in pointing out the desirability of the iturchase. It 
is probable that they did not require it to be thus im- 
pressed upon them. However that may be, the result 
of the visit of Messrs. Datus and Irad Kelley was 
that they concluded to purchase, provided satisfactory 
terms and titles could be obtained. 

As a result of their investigations, tlie first purchase 
of land* on the islands were effected, as appears by 
date of contract, on tlie twentieth day of August, 
1833, of John A. and Mary Rockwell, and Alfred E. 
Perkins, through Simon Perkins, their attorney, and 
consisted, as detailed in said contracts, of lots num- 
bered " two, three, four, five, six and seven, and the 
west part of lot eight, and containing fourteen hundred 
and forty-four and ninety-two-hundredths acres," or 
almost one half the total area of the island, for 
which they paid two thousand one hundred and sixty- 
seven and thirty-five iiundredths dollars, or one doHar 
and fifty cents per acre. 

Other purchases then followed, until the fee of the 
entire remainder of the islands was obtained (through 
the principals or their attorneys) of the different 
owners, tiiese subse<iuent purchases having been 
effected as fast as the names of the different owners, 
or their agents, could be ascertained, within a short 
time following tlie date of the original purchase. 
Upon obtaining possession of the island, the ilessrs. 
Kelley ])roceeded to effect the expulsion tlierefroni of 
Benjamin A. Napier, by ejectment, from the lands, 
upon which lie. had no legal or e([uital)le claim, the 
possession of wliich he attempted forcibly to retain. 



514 



HISTORY OF HUKOX AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



These proceedings led to a protracted litigation, in 
which the question of title was thoroughly investi- 
gated by the courts, and eventuated in a more full 
and satisfactory confirmation of the same to the 
jnirchasers. Perhaps these would have been obtained 
had no such controversy arisen. Still the claimant 
persisted in his illegal acts until a conviction on a crim- 
inal charge, and narrow escape from the consequences 
thereof, induced his final absence from the neighbor- 
hood. 

During the fall of the year 1833, was erected 
a double log house, for a boarding house, 'which stood 
upon the liank immediately in front of the site of the 
••Island House." Mr. Luther Dodge, with his fam- 
ily, occupied the boarding house upon its completion, 
he having been appointed sniierintendeut of the 
interests of the Messrs. Kelley, and having moved to 
the island a short time previously. During the 
winter of this year, the present wood dock was 
commenced, and enough completed to afiord a landing 
for steamboats, which, in the following sjiring, com- 
menced •■wooding'' therefrom. During the year 
f(jllowing, Mr. Julius Kellev, son of Mr. Datus 
Kelley, was in charge, and was succeeded by his 
brother, Mr. Addison Kelley, wdio, from that date 
until the removal to the island of Mr. Datus Kelley, 
in 183G, remained in charge of the business of the 
firm. 

A short time after the building of the south side 
Wood dock, was Ijuilt the stone dock at the north 
side, and, a few years subsequently, liy Horace Kelley, 
the dock now owned by Mr. C'harles Carpenter. 

ORGAXIZATIOX. 

At this date, and up to the winter of 183T-S, the 
island constituted a portion of the township of Dan- 
bury, and was included within the limits of Huron 
county. During the winter of 1837-8, was created 
the county of Erie, and the island, as a part of Dan- 
bury township, was set off into that county. 

On the '-ilst of January, 1840, in accordance with 
the prayer of a petition to the legislature to that 
effect, it was enacted that "all that tract and terri- 
tory of land known as Cunningham's Island, situated 
on the south side of Lake Erie, within the county of 
Erie, be and the same is, hereby constituted a town- 
ship to be known and distinguished as the township 
of KcUey's Island." 

By section second of the same act, the islands, 
known as the Bass Islands, wove constituted a town- 
ship called Van Rcnsalaer, in the said county of Erie. 

On the Gth of March, 1840, was passed the act 
creating the county of Ottawa, whicli county in- 
chided within its boundaries the new island town- 
sliips of Kelley's Island and \'an Rensalaer. 

The first election for organization as the township 
of Kelley's Island, was held on "the first Monday in 
April,'" 1840. The total number of votes polled was 
fifteen. Chester Stocking, Walter Heardsley and 
Kphraim T. Smith were appointed judges, and George 



C. Huntington and Adilis(jn Kelley, clerks. Addison 
Kelley, Oliver Emory and Walter Beardsley were 
elected trustees; Horace Kelley, treasurer; Datus 
Kelley, clerk; John Titus and Hezekiah Bickford, 
overseers of the poor; Chester Stocking, George Wires 
and Henry Provost, fence viewers; Joseph Willett, 
constable; Henry Harris, supervisor of highways. 
George C. Huntington was elected justice of the 
l)eace, his bonds being filed and accei)ted on the 8th 
of June following. 

In May, 1840, "An election was also held for county 
officers for the new county of Ottawa, and the re- 
turns duly made to the temporary seat of justice at 
Port Clinton." 

As the population of the island increased, and as its 
business connections, from its geographical position, 
were entirely with Sandusky (nothing but legal, 
township, and jury matters calling the inhabitants to 
Port Clinton), its political connection with Ottawa 
county became very irksome, and determination was 
formed to effect a separation therefrom, and its rein- 
statement as a township of Erie county. A petition 
was, therefore, presented to the legislature to that ef- 
ffect, and in February, 1845, was passed by tiiat body, 
an act which " set off that tract and territory of laud 
known as the township of Kelley's Island into the 
county of Erie." Thus, within the space of some 
seven years, or from the w-inter of 1837 and 1S3S to 
that of 1844 and 1845, the island formed a component 
part of two townships and four counties, countuig 
Erie, first and second time as two, and it is remarked, 
"that of four children of Mr. Addison Kelley, Imru 
ill the snitie Itoiise, no two were natives of the same 
township and county." But, as in detailing the his- 
tory of the organization of the township, the natural 
order has been anticipated, return will be made to a 
few events that occurred prior to that date. 

THE I.\[PROVE.MENT AXD IJKOWTH OF THE ISLAXt). 

The ilessrs. Kelley, after perfecting tlieir title to 
the fee of the entire island, and obtaining possession 
of the same, commenced a system of improvements, 
in the Iniilding of wharves, etc., to facilitate tlie sale 
of the products of the island, such as wool'., cedar, 
stone, etc. 

Aware that the encouragement of einigratimi wo.ild 
the more rapidly develop the resources and enhance 
the value of their purchase, they at once proceeile.1 
to place their lands in market, at fair prices, ami upon 
liberal terms of payment, at the same time eudeavor- 
ino' to make judicious discrimination as to cliarac- 
ter for thrift, industry, etc., of such of the settlers as 
might wish to Ijecome iiurchasers. The result of this 
care has ever Ijeen a[)parent. 

The eirliest purch;isers of lauds directly from Dr. 
I. Kelley, were Addison Kelley, John Titus, James 
Hamilton. Julius Kelley, Horace Kelley, J. E. 
Woodford, (i. C. Huntington, Patrick Martin, Ber- 
nard Mc(iettigan, S. S. Duelle and James Estes, 
most of wiiom. or their descendants, are still occupy- 



I 





^^^.^^c^/u^^^''^-^^ 



t^ OA-^r-^^-^^ <yC -^^xy^-e-^--^^^' 



CHARLES CARPENTER. 



Charles Carpenter, a prominent citizen of Kelley's Isl- 
and, where he has resided for over thirty-five years, was 
born at Norwich, Conn., Oct. 19, 1810. His ancestor, 
on his father's side, came to America in the ship Bevis, 
about 1655. 

His father, Gardner Carpenter, a resident of Nor- 
wich, Conn., was for a short time paymaster under 
General Washington ; was postmaster 
of Norwich for fifteen years; was an 
extensive merchant and ship-owner in 
the West India and European trade ; 
but, by disasters at sea during 1812-15, 
lost nearly all his property. He died 
April 26, 1815. 

He married Mary Huntington, Oct. 
29, 1791. This lady, mother of Charles 
Carpenter, was descended from the first 
white male child born in Southeastern 
Connecticut. 

The Carpenter family were heirs to 
the great Carpenter estate in England, 
and the family coat-of-arms is cut upon 
some of the tombstones in Massachu- 
setts. 

Mr. Carpenter was a prominent hor- 
ticulturist, and was appointed by the 
Grape-growers' Association to represent 
to the Ohio Legislature the necessity of 
obtaining and publishing the grape sta- 



to which was also added agricultural 





tistics of the State 
statistics as now taken. He assisted F. R. Elliott in organ- 
izing the fruit and floral department of the first Ohio 
State Fair at Cincinnati, and has since been identified 
more or less with it, — -frequently solicited to superintend 
it. He is an honorary member of the Cincinnati and 
other horticultural societies. 

From an early day he took a deep 
interest in the artificial propagation of 
fish ; was active and prominent in in- 
ducing the State to experiment in the 
propagation of white-fish, and at pres- 
ent has charge of the branch of the 
State Fish Hatchery, on Kelley's Isl- 
and. He was an enthusiastic advocate 
of grape-culture, and the pioneer in 
this portion of Ohio, having planted 
the first acre of grapes on the island ; 
and, perhaps, no person has had a 
greater variety under cultivation at one 
time. 

Charles Carpenter married Caroline 
KcUey, second daughter of Datus and 
Sarah Kelley, at Kelley's Island, Nov. 
7, 1844. Mr. Carpenter resides on the 
farm purchased by him nearly thirty- 
five years ago. Much of the success in 
fruit-culture, to which Kelley's Island 
is largely devoted, is due to him. 



HISTOEY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



515 



iiiir portions of the lunil ]iurcli;ise(l at that early tlay. 
That the possiliilities of tlie future of the islands, 
liish as was the estimate put upon them at that time, 
were not fully apprejiateil, w is iu after years, fully 
iK'veloped. The sales of wood, cedar and stone, 
repaid many times the amount of the entire purchase, 
and the tillable land, a strong limestone soil, proved 
to be of superior ipiility. And though tlie wood and 
cedar, as articles of commerce, have long since 
disap])eared, the stone trade, from the small beginning 
of I), and I. Kelley, with one wharf, has developed 
into proportions of whicli some idea may be formed 
when it is stated, that the par value of the capital 
stock of the stone companies was, at their organiza- 
tion, about two hundred thousand dollars, the business 
furnishing emjiloyment to over one hundred men. 

GKAl'E cfLTlRE. 

But another element, not at that time ajipreciated, 
because unknown, was destined to enter into the ques- 
tion of future values, and effect an entire revolution in 
the agricultural prosp?ets, business and pursuits of 
the people. It had been observed that at many places 
on the island, w-ild grajjc vines were abundant, of 
unusual size and thrifty growth. Acting upon this 
observation. Mr. Datns Kelley, about the year 1S42, 
ju'ocured a number of vines of the Isabella and 
Catawlia variety, from Rockport, his former residence, 
and setting them in his garden, developed in due 
time the adaptabdity of the islands, both as to soil 
and climate, to the culture of the grape. 

Mr. Charles Carpenter, who had purchased the 
farm of Horace Kelley, and who was a jiractical fruit 
ciilturist, becoming impressed v.ith the importance of 
the grape culture, and sanguine of its success on the 
island, set out the first acre of grapes planted as a 
tield crop, and enthusiastically urged his neighbors to 
do likewise. The first wine from the product of 
his vineyard was made in 1850, in the old log house, 
his former residence, with such primitive appliances 
in the shape of press, etc., as were at his command. 

The effect of the demonstration that the grape 
culture would be successful were soon apparent. 
Small vineyards, the nucleus of larger ones, dotted 
the island. Large profits for a time resulted from 
tiie sale of the fruit, packed in boxes for table use. 
Farms divided in five and ten acre lots, were parcelled 
out to ditferent owners, the price of land, under the 
imi)etus thus given it, advanced three to four hun- 
dred per cent., and within a few years there were 
nearly one thousand acres set to vines. The e.\cess 
of supply over demands, for table use, as also in the 
ipiality of the crop for that pur|)ose, directed attention 
to the manufacture of wine, and there were, in course 
of time, erected on the island, cellars, which, includ- 
ing those of the Kelley's Island Wine Company, are 
capable of storing half a million gallons of wine. 

The present average crop of grapes is about seven 
hundred tons, nearly all of which is manufactured 
into wine. In 18GG, was organized, the Kelley's Island 



Wine Company, having a cajiital of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars, and possessing, by the terms of its char- 
ter, the privilege of increasing its capital stock to two 
hundred thousand dollars. The cellar liuilt and 
owned by Mr. Charles Carpenter was rented by the 
company, and the manufacture of wine commenced 
therein in the fall of the al)Ove named year. The 
officers of the company were: Addison Kelley, presi- 
dent; George C. Huntington, secretary; A, S. Kelley, 
treasurer: and C. W, Farciot, superintendent. The 
business proving very successful, it was deemed ad- 
visable by a majority of the stockholders to increase 
the capital stock to the full amount allowed by the 
charter. Accordingly, in 1871, books were opened 
for subscriptions to the new stock. Very nearly the 
full amount was soon taken, and a new and larger 
cellar, in addition, was built, with all the improve- 
ments and aiipurteiiances necessary to the prosecution 
of the business on a large scale,- — ^the cellars, when fin- 
ished, having a storage capacity of some four hun- 
dred thousand gallons, and l)eing, in point of cajiacity 
and completeness of machinery and outfit, the finest 
establishment devoted to the manufacture of wine in 
the State. The officers of the company at the time 
of the increase of capital stock, w-ere: Addison Kelley, 
president: Norman Kelley, rice president: A. 8. 
Kelley, secretary: Erastus Huntington, treasurer, and 
C. W. Fai'ciot. superintendent. 

On the ;)Oth of August, 1876, the upper stories of 
the two cellars, which were adjoining, were destroyed 
by fire, entailing a heavy loss (with no insurance) on 
the company. New roofs were immediately placed 
upon the two buildings, the machinery placed in the 
first one, where the business of pressing was resumed 
and where it has since remained. The lower rooms 
of each cellar being arched, were not injured by the 
fire, and are now used, as before, for the storage of 
wine. 

AnOtUOON.VL .VXTKjriTIICS. 

That the island was a favorite place of residence 
and resort of the aborigonal inhabitants of the coun- 
try is well established, not only by the legends that 
have descended to us from successive generations of 
the past, but in very marked degree by the remains 
of mounds, burial-places, fortificatu)ns, implements, 
which are found at ditferent jKiints upon the island. 
The residence grounds and garden of Mr. Addison 
Kellev were evidently once the site of a populous 
village, as the remains of broken pottery, pi)ies, 
stones indented upon the edges — probably for use as 
sinkers, for fishing lines or nets, of some kind, and 
other articles of rude manufacture for household and 
other puriioses, found there, sullieiently attest. 

On the premises of Mr. Andrew Cameron at the 
west bay, are found similar evidences of occupancy 
by this jirehistoric race. 

On the Huntington farm are still plainly visil)le 
the remains of a circular earth work, which, before 
suffering from the encroachments of the waters of the 



51G 



HISTORY OF HUEOI"^ AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



lake, enclosed some seven acres of land. The family 
residence of the late G. C. Huntington stands very 
uearl}' in the center of this enclosure. 

But the most interesting, because enduring and 
intelligent, evidences of occupation of the island, by 
the predecessors of civilization, are the numerous 
rocks, — "inscriiJtion" and others, — bearing upon the 
surfaces, marks of the rude handiwork, of these peo- 
ple of a past age. 

Of many of these rocks the surfaces, are covered 
with saucer-like depressions, evidently worn there in 
the jirocess of manufacturing, or grinding down with 
the aid of sand, the stone hatchets or ••'fl.eshing 
knives'" used by the natives, of which numbers have 
been found, as the surface of tlie earth in the vicinity 
has been disturbed by the plow in the course of years 
of cultivation. 

If these mute evidences of the patient toil of the 
race, who preceded the whites, as denizens of this 
this region, in tlie preparation of the impleuients 
necessary in the social economy of its existence, are 
a matter of interest to the students of the past, 
much more of interest is the study of the records of 
this people, as graven ujjon the "Inscription Rocks," 
wlien considered in the light of intelligent transla- 
tion. Of these rocks, two have been discovered. 
One, upon the shore of the "North Bay," has cut 
upon its surface, merely one or two figures, smoking 
pipes, andis supposed to have no particular historic 
significance. 

The other, on the south side, standing in tlie water, 
near the shore, on land formerly owned by Mr. Addi- 
son Kelley (and who, in liis transfer of the lands, 
conditioned that "Inscription Rock" should be pre- 
served from all needless injury, and free to all vis- 
itors), is an object of interest sceond to none in the 
field of antiquarian research. 

Tlie following, condensed from a "pen portrait," 
liy Mr. Kelley, is given as conveying an intelligent 
description in a few words. This "Inscription Rock'" 
lies on the south shore of Kelley's Island, in Lake 
Erie, about si.xty rods east of steamboat landing. The 
rock is thirty-two feet in greatest lengtli, twenty-one 
feet in greatest breadth, and its surface eleven feet 
auuve the water in which it sets. It is jjart of the 
same stratification as tlie island, from which it has 
been separated by lake action. The top presents a 
smooth and polished surface, like all the limestone 
of tliis section, when the soil is removed, suggestino- 
the idea of glacial action; upon this surface the in- 
scriptions are cut, the figures and devices are deeply 
graven in the rock. Schoolcraft's "Indian Antiqui- 
ties" says of it: "It is, by far, the most extensive, and 
well sculptured, and best preserved inscription of the 
antiquarian period ever found in America." It is in 
the pictographic character of tlie natives; its leading 
symbols arc readily interpreted. The human figures, 
the pipe-smoking groups, and other figures, denote 
tribes, negotiations, crimes and turmoils, which tell 
a story of thrilling interest connected with the occu- 



pation of this section by the Eries, the coming of the 
Wyandots. of the final triumph of the Iroquois, and 
flight of the people who have left their name on the 
lake. In the year 18.51, drawings of the inscriptions 
were made by Colonel Eastman, United States army, 
who was detailed by government, to examine them 
on the I'epresentatiou of General M. C. Meigs. Copies 
of the inscriptions were made, and submitted to 
Shingvank, an Indian learned in native pictography, 
by whom they were deciphered and a full translation 
was given, which was published in Colonel Eastman's 
work, but which is too long for insertion here. 
These inscriptions were first discovered about the year 
1834, by Charles Omsted, of Connecticut, who ob- 
served them while trailing and studying the glacial 
groves. Since then, the rock has been visited by 
thousands of persons, and has become much worn, 
and some portions of it so nearly obliterated that a 
photograph, taken at this time, would give but an 
imperfect repesentation of it. Still, it is yet. and 
for many years must remain, an object of interest to 
the antiquarian. 

STEAMBOATS. 

The increase of population and business demanding 
better facilities for intercourse with Sandusky than 
that afforded by the sail boat, the passage by which 
was uncertain, uncomfortable, and often dangerous, 
tlie substitution of steam power became not only de- 
sirable but necessary. Accordingly, on the 1st of 
May, 18-16, under the supervision of Captain Dibble, 
of Sandusky, was commenced the building of a 
steamer, appropriately named at the launching the 
" Islander." The "Islander" was built and owned on 
the island. Her topsides, deck beams, and decks 
were of red cedar; her measurement was seventy-two 
tons, with an upriglit high-pressure engine built by 
Camp and Johnson, Sandusky. Her total cost was 
something over six thousand dollars. She made her 
first trip October IG, IS-tC, under command of Captain 
George W. Orr, who commanded her with the excep- 
tion of one season, until, becoming too small for the 
business, she was sold in 18.51. Upon the sale of the 
"Islander," the construction of another boat was soon 
after commenced.- This steamer, like the "Islander." 
was also built on the island by Captain Dibble, her 
model being made by Captain Bates, of ililan. She 
was named the "Island Queen;" cost eighteen thou- 
sand dollars, measured one liuudred and seventy-two 
tons, and made her first trip in June, 1855. Her en- 
gine, similar in plan and construction to that of the 
"Islander," was built by N. G. Olds. The "Island 
Queen'" was also commanded by Captain Orr (witli 
the exception of one season), until sold in 1866. She 
was thought by some at the time of her building to 
be too large for tlie route, but it was demonstrated 
that the contrary was the case. An episode in the 
history of the " Queen"' was her capture and sinking 
by the rebels in September of 1864, and her recovery 
in a comparatively uninjured condition a few days 



I 



r 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



517 



after her attempted destruction. This boat, like her 
predecessor the " Ishiiider." was iii commission as a 
steamboat and barge for over twenty years of contin- 
uous service, thus attesting tlie good quality of the 
material and care used in their construction. 

In September, 1866, a company composed of stock- 
holders in the "Queen." and others, was formed, who 
purchased the steamer "Evening Star," and placed 
her on the Island route. The "Star" was a new boat 
of three hundred and forty-one tons measurement, 
with a beautiful model, a low pressure beam engine, 
and cost forty-five thousand dollars, with an addi- 
tional one thousand dollars expended in fitting her for 
the route. Her speed was fine, and her carrying 
capacitv unequaled, carrying out of Sandusky on 
occasion of excursions, as many as twelve hundred 
passengers at a time. She was commanded, succes- 
sively by Captains Magle, Kirby and Brown, and was, 
with the "Reindeer," belonging to the same company, 
sold in 1872, since which time the islanders have held 
no interest in the steamboat route. 

CHANGES. 

As a commentary on the changes that time has 
effected in the affairs of the island, it is interest- 
ing to point to the five good school buildings that 
have succeeded the single small one, at which, at 
an early day, the youth of the few families resident 
here were instructed in the rudiments of an English 
education; to the fine stone structure, built, and 
with the lot donated to the township by Datus and 
Sara Kelley, and known as Kelley's Hall, (for the 
use of which no charge was to be made unless 
admission was charged for at the door) ; to the four 
houses of public worship, each now supporting a niin- 
ist(;r, which have succeeded the old school house, and 
the discourses in which were pioneered by the reading 
of Blair's sermons as a Sunday exercise, by Mr. Datus 
Kelley, Mr. Huntington and others; to the Island 
House, a fine summer hotel, built in 1874, but de- 
stroyed by fire in 1877, and the two hotels still receiv- 
ing ffuests within their hosiiitable doors: and to the 
tide of travel, that furnishes employment to the several 
fine steamers composing the different island lines. 
All these considerations, unnoticed or unthought of 
bv the casual visitor, who only sees the current of life 
as it flows in present channels, is fully api)reciated by 
the early resident here, who has observed all these 
changes, who now, as at that early day. still makes 
this pleasant locality his home. 



Biographical Sketches. 



GEORGE \V. WIRES. 

whose portrait appears in this work, was born at 
Orangeville, Genesee county, New York, October 5, 
1812. He came to Ohio, and on Kelley's Island was 



married to Susan Fox, May IG. is-t:',. She was born 
at Gosfield, Essex county, Ontario. Canada. To 
them have been boin ten children, as follows: Charles 
Cook, born at Danl)ury. June 11, 1845; JIary J., at 
Danbury, October 0. 184ii, and died at Nortli Bass, 




:^!^>-X^>?-^^" ,<S^~ 



Mr Geo. W. Wires. 



August 7, 18G3; Adaline A., at Kelley's Island. Sep- 
tember, 8, 1848; Lovina E., at Danbury, September 
30, 1850; William Tell, at North Bass, November 30, 
1852: Simon P., at North Bass, September 12, 1854; 
George W., Jr., December 9, 185G: Olive L., April 
30, 1859; Andrew J., March IG, 18G1; Elsie Rose, 
April 17, 18G3. 

Mr. Wires bought one luindred and thirty-seven 
and one-half acres of land on North Bass, of Horace 
Kelley, at five dollars per acre, and moved on to the 
island, with his family, in May, 1840, and conse- 
quently was the second permanent settler on the 
island. They came in a small sail boat, and lande<l 
on the south side of the island. They had no roof to 
cover their heads, but finding some boards and other 
lumljer, which had washed ashore, they soon made 
themselves (juite a comfortable shanty, by jdacing a 
pole into a couple of crotciies, and setting the boards 
endwise against it. They found sufficient lumber to 
make the sides and one end. and thus liveil until a 
more commodious structure, for a home, could be 
built. They brought with them what was then a 
great luxury, "a cook stove." This was set up out- 
side the shanty, and for a table they used a barrel 
with a board across the top. Thus they lived, like 
kings and princes, until their new home should be 
built. Mrs. Wires says, in referring to these early 
times on the island, that they were happy days and 
full of comfort. The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. 
AVires, Charles Cook, married .Mary Hitchcock, No- 
vember 5, 1863. She was born November 1!), 184!l, 
They have born to tiieni: Addie Bell, November 14, 



518 



HISTOEY OF HUEON AND EEIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



1873; Oran, born December 9, 1874, and died in in- 
fancy: George A., born August 16, 1876. 

Loviiia E. Wires married George W. Hallock, No- 
vember 13, 1870, at North Bass. They have one 
child, Edna P., born Angust 2. 1877. They now 
live on the north side of the island. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wires are now living on nearly the 
center of the island, in a beautiful home situated 
amid luxuriant vineyards; and surrounded by their 
children and many friends, they are content and 
happy with their part and lot in life. 



ROSWELL NICHOLS. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of David 
Nichols and Mary Johnson, and was born at Char- 
mount, Franklin county. Massachusetts, December 9, 
1806. Here he lived, battling with the stern realities of 
New England farm life, until he was twenty-eight years 
of age. He was married to Achsah Scott, January 16, 
1831. She was the daughter of James Scott and 
Achsah Dickenson, and was born at Lebanon, New 
Hampshire, Mai'ch 29, 1806. They commenced their 
married life at Charmount, where they lived thi-ee 
years, from which place, in May, 1834, they moved 
to Noi'thfield, Ohio, where they remained ten years, 
and then moved to North Bass, one of the Bass 
islands, in Lake Erie. They arrived here in a sail 
boat, May 22, 1844. The family consisted of Mr. 
and Mrs. Nichols, with one child, and Mrs. Nichols' 
mother. They were the first family who settled upon 
the island, and were the only family for five years. 
Here they commenced actual pioneer life, with all its 
hardships and privations, located as they were on an 
island isolated from the outside world. In the fol- 
lowing September, Mrs. Nichols" mother went back 
to Northfield, and for five months Mrs. Nichols saw 



no woman's face save her own. Thus, almost solitary 
and alone, did they live for five years, until another 
family made its appearance on the island. 

They had remained but a short time on the island 
when Dr. C. D. Townsend, who now lives upon the 
island, then a young man, made his appearance, as 
agent for A. Champion, of Rochester, New York, 
who then owned the island. Of this agent, Mr. 
Nichols leased the whole island, consisting of about 
eight hundred acres, for a term of ten years, the con- 
sideration being that he (Nichols) should pay the 
taxes. 

A few years later, Mr. Nichols bought of Horace 
Kelley, who had purchased the island, one hundred 
and fourteen acres of land, at a little less than five 
dollars per acre. Upon this, he built a residence, 
where they now live. They have had born to them 
two children: David I., born July 4, 1834, at North- 
field, Ohio. He married, April 23, 1855, Catharine 
Becker. To them was born, September, 1857, 
Achsah Violanta. She married William Dell Smith, 
November 6, 1873. They had Angle C, born April 
4, 1874: Roswell N., born February 7, 1876: Rollin 
D., born December 10, 1877. David I. Nichols en- 
listed as a sharpshooter in the war of the rebellion, 
in 1863, and died at Nashville, Tennessee, in August, 
1864. 

Sarah J., tlioonly daughter of Eoswell and Achsah 
Nichols, was married to - Proctor Graham, April 2, 
1844, by whom she had one son, Meuzo W.,' born 
April 20, 1845; second, she married G. W. Cushma, 
in 1850; to them was born Benjamin F., January 7, 
1851; Achsah, born Januaiy 14, 1854; Laura C, 
February 7, 1858; James A., September 21, 1860; 
Erastus D., October 9, 1862. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are living ([uietly in the enjoy- 
ment of their pleasant island home, surrounded by 
many neighbors and friends, as the rich reward of 
their early toil and labor. 



PUT-IN-BAY/'' 



THE WIXE ISLANDS OF LAKE ERIE. 

THE ROMAXtE OF AX ISLAND. 

" And glitters o'er the liquid miles, 
The jeweled ring of verdant isles. 
Where generous Nature holds her court 
Of ripened bloom and sunny smiles." 

To the imagination there is something attractive in 
tlie very name of island. Robinson Crusoe on the 
main land would lose the crown of his glory. It is 
the island, the island, that fills the boyish heart with 
wondering interest. For children of a larger growth, 
Reade takes up the tale, and his hero and heroine 
(but ordinary mortals in London) are invested with a 
strange romance when thrown together upon an is- 
land. Young love reads, young love dreams, and 
young love wishes — 

" For thee and me. 
Alone sweet isle amid the sea." 

The representative Lady, type of the many isolated 
hearts who gave their love to some uiuittainalile ideal, 
lived upon an island. The master, whose exquisite 
words are like chords of music, placed her, knowing 
what he did. 

" Where the lilies blow 
Round an island there below: 
The island of Shalote," 

"Isles of the blesti" sighed the ancients, as they 
looked out over the unknown ocean, seeing in the 
hazy clouds of the horizon the purple shores of ever- 
lasting rest. And who among us, when traveling sad 
and weary over the waters, has not fallen into silence 
at tlie sight of far. blue islands, mingling the Psalm- 
ist's wish: "0 that I had wings like a dove: for then 
would I tly away and be at rest," witii dreams of the 
star islands in the sea of intinite space, whither we 
may l)e going after death, and where our loved ones 
iiiav even now be awaiting us. 

The islands forming the township of Put-in-Bay 
are ten in number, viz: Ross Isle, a/ins South Bass, 
I'h'as Put-in-Bay; Floral Isle, alias Middle Bass Isle; 
Isle St. George. aUns North Bass: Rattlesnake Isle, 
Suffar Isle. Strontian, (dias Green Island; Glacial 
Isle, alias Starve Island: Ballast Isle, Gibraltar and 
Buckeye Island. 

Tlie earliest wiiite inhabitants known to have occu- 
pied these islands were Fi'eiich — si.\ families. They 
lived on Ross, or Put-in-Bay island, i)revious to the war 
of 181-.J, when the British and Indians drove them to 
the main shore. They did not return to the islands. 
Wlien on the islands, they cultivated the soil, and 
raised splendid wheat. One of their wheat fields is 



• By Dr. C, D. K. Towusend. 



now (1879) covered with a second growth of forest 
trees, forty feet high. 

perry's victory. 

In the latter part of August, 1813, Commodore 
Oliver Hasard Perry cast anchor in Put-in-Bay. with his 
fleet consisting of the brig Lawrence, of twenty guns; 
the Niagara. Captain Elliot, of twenty: the Caledonia, 
Lieutenant Turner, three; the schooner Ariel, of four; 
the Scorpion, of two. and two swivels; the sloop 
Trippe, and schooners Tigress and Porcupine, of one 
gun each; making a fleet of nine vessels and fifty-four 
guns. On the morning of the 10th of September, the 
enemy were discovered bearing down upon the Amer- 
ican squardron. which immediately got under weigh, 
and stood out to meet them. The superiority was de- 
cidely on the side of the British. The Americans 
had three more vessels, but that was much more than 
counterbalanced by the size of those of tiie enemy, 
and the number of their guns. Their fleet consisted 
of the Detroit. Captain Barclay, of nineteen guns and 
two howitzers; the Queen Charlotte, of seventeen 
guns. Captain Fennis : Lady Provost, Lieutenant 
Buchan. of thirteen guns, and two howitzers; the 
brig Hunter, of ten guns; the sloop Little Belt, of 
three: and the schooner Chippewa, of one gun and 
two swivels; in all, six vessels and sixty-three guns. 
The Americans stood out of the bay. The British 
fleet had the weather-gage: but the wind soon after 
changed, and brought the American fleet to wind- 
ward. The line of battle was formed at eleven, and 
fifteen minutes before twelve, the enemy's flag-shij), 
the Queen Charlotte, opened her fire upon the Law- 
rence, which she sustained for ten minutes, before she 
could approach near enough for her carronades to re- 
turn. She. therefore, bore up. making signals for 
the other vessels to hasten to her sujjport. and aljout 
twelve, brought her guns to bear upon the enemy. 
The squadron could not be brought up to her as- 
sistance, and she was compelled to fight for two ilOur^, 
witii two ships of equal force. Tlie contest was. not- 
withstanding, kept up with unshaken courage, and 
devotion which deserves admiration. By tiiis time, 
the Lawrence, which liad so long borne the fire of 
the whole British force, had become entirely unman- 
ageable; every gun was dismounted, and. with the e.x- 
cei)tion of four or five, her whole crew either killed or 
wounded. Captain Perry now. witii admirablo presence 
of mind, resolved to shift his llag. He manned liis 
small Ijoat. taking jiis flag, jiassed tlirough tile con- 
centricated fire of tlie enemy, unhurt, to the Niagara. 
At this critical moment, the wind had freshened. 

(519) 



520 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Perry now bore down upon the enemy with a fresh 
sliip, leaving Captain Elliot to bring into action the 
rest of the fleet. Perry passed ahead of the Detroit, 
Queen Charlotte and Lady Provost, poured a de- 
structive broadside into each from his starboard, and 
from his larboard gnns into the Chippewa and the 
Little Belt. In this manner, cutting through the 
line, he was within pistol shot of the Lady Provost, 
and rained so heavy a fire as to compel her men to 
run below. At this moment, the Caledonia came up, 
and opened her fire; several others of the squadron 
were enabled, soon after, to do the same. The issue 
of a campaign, the mastery of tlie sea, the gloiy and 
renown of two rival nations matched for the first 
time in a squadron, were the incentives to the con- 
tests. It was not long before the scale turned in 
favor of Perry. His flag-ship, Lawrence, bearing in 
mind the injunction — •'Don't (jive uji the ship" — the 
remnant of her crew, with bleeding hands, spread her 
flag to the breeze, and with failing breath rejoiced. 

The ■•■ Queen Charlotte," having lost her captain 
and all her principal officers, by some mischance ran 
foul of the ''Detroit." They were compelled to sus- 
tain, in turn, an incessant fire from the "Niagara" 
and the other vessels of the sijuadron. The flag of 
Captain Barclay was soon struck, and those of the 
"Qneen Charlotte," the '• Lady Provost," the "Hun- 
ter" and the "Chippewa" came down in succession. 
The "Little Belt" attempted to escape, but was pur- 
sued by two gunboats and captured. 

Thus, after a contest of three hours, was this im- 
portant naval victory achieved, in which every vessel 
of the enemy was captured. Perry returned to Put- 
in-Bay with the combined fleets, and from there made 
his memorable report to his government: " We have 
met the enemy and they arc ours." We have been 
thus particular in giving this historical event in this 
connection, because it was strictly within the juris- 
diction of, and the waters of, Put-in-Bay township. 
The officers slain in the battle were buried on the shore 
of the bay. Both American and British lie side by 
side in peace. A willow tree, set by their comrades, 
mark their graves; their monument — tlie country. 

Tiie islands now assume the dignity of values. 
Island No. 1 — Ross Isle, alius Snutli Bas.s, alias Put- 
in-Bay. Island No. 2— Floral Isle, alias Middle Bass 
Isle. Island No. 3 — Sugar Islantl. These three islands 
were attached to Avon township, Lorain county, to 
equalize values in the distribution of the sufferers' 
lands by the State of Connecticut, known as the Con- 
necticut Reserve. Pierpoiit Edwards, of the State of 
Connecticut, drew Avon township, and became pos- 
sessed of the three above described islands. His son, 
A. P. Edwards, in the year 1831, first took possession 
of the islands. In 1832, Mr. Edwards built the Put- 
in-Bay dock; 1833, he put in the west dock, and in 
1834 built the first frame house, known as the Manor 
House. The business of the islands for several years 
was agriculture and the manufacture of cord wood. 
In 18.")3, Mr. Edwards sold to tlie United States gov- 



ernment Strontian, alias Green island, for the sum 
of one thousand dollars. In 18.54, the government 
built the first light house on Green island. This 
light house was destroj^ed by fire on the evening of 
1863 and morning of 1864; rebuilt in 1864. 

Phillip Vroman was the first school director, and 
built on South Bass isle the first school house in 1855; ' 
also, on Isle St. George, a frame school house in 1857. 
A. I. .Jones was the first school teacher in Put-in- 
Bay. In 1854, .J. D. Rivera purchased South Bass 
isle. Middle Bass isle. Sugar island. Ballast, and Gib- 
raltar islands, for which he paid forty-five thousand 
five hundred dollars. Mr. Rivera continued to make 
improvements by clearing land and building houses 
for his tenants. 

Now we come to a new era iii the business of the 
group. Actual settlers commenced the purchase of 
the land, until now very little had been done toward 
the improvement of the islands; in fact, it was not 
known what was the best use to put the lands to. 
Farming would not pay — the seasons, as a general 
rule, being too dry. It was not known then that 
such a climate was a perfect paradise for the vine. 
Grapes will not bear wet feet; they love the islands, 
and will make them their permanent home. In 1858, 
Phillip A^roman, Esq., L. Harms, Esq., Lawrence 
Miller, Esq., and J. D. Rivera commenced the culti- 
vation of the vine. Sevei'al acres of vineyard were 
set, and their success was all that could be desired. 
The same vines are in a healthy, flourishing condition 
at the present time. The three or four pioneers com- 
mencing the business as an experiment in 1858 on 
Put-in-Bay isle, have increased to seventy-one grape 
growers, practical and successful, as the result of five 
hundred and fifty acres of vine_yard on the island, and 
the vintage of 1S78 — one million two hundred and 
thirty-one thousand pounds of grapes — gathered on 
Put-in-Bay island alone shows. The varieties on Put- 
in-Bay are: three hundred and ninety-three acres of 
Catawba, fifty-four acres of Delaware, ninety acres of 
Concord, and some twelve acres miscellaneous, — Ives, 
Nortons, Clinton, etc. 

Within the last three years the cultivation of the 
peach has begun to assume the importance it deserves. 
Sixty acres are now set to peach trees, and more will 
be put out annually. All fruits, of whatever kind, 
raised on the islands, possess a superior quality over 
like, and all kinds, grown on the main shore. The 
(juality of the soil, natural drainage, and surrounding 
climatic influence, has settled the fact. 

The first post office was established in 1860, V. 
Dollar, postmaster. 

Put-in-Bay Township was organized at the June 
session, 1861, taken from Van Rensselaer, and com- 
prises ten islands, viz : Ross, alias South Bass, alias 
Put-in-Bay Island, one thousand five hundred acres ; 
Floral Isle, alias Middle Bass, seven hundred and 
fifty acres ; Isle St. George, alias North Bass, seven 
hundred and fifty acres ; Rattlesnake, sixty acres ; 
Sugar Isle, thirtv acres ; Strontian. (^^V(.v Green Isle, 




M 
% 




SIMON FOX. 



John Fox was boni March 20, 1793, and married 
Racliel Stiiard, who was born in February, 1796. 
They had twelve children, as follows: Charles, born 
July 8, 1814; James, born July 12, 1816; Mary 
Ann, born Oct. 9, 1818; Susan, born IMarch 12, 
1821; Simon, born Dec. 13, 1823; Peter, born 
April 7, 1826; Barbara, born June 21, 1828; Julia, 
l)orn Jan. 4, 1831 ; Margaret, born March 4, 1833; 
Jane, born Jan. 31, 1836 ; William, born March 19, 
18.38; Adaline, born Marcli 9, 1841. 

Simon Fox, the subject of this sketch, was the 
third son of John Fox and Rachel Stuard, and was 
born at Gosfield, Essex Co., Ontario, Canada. He 
married, Oct. 11, 1857, Elizabeth Sullivan, who was 
born at North Williamsburg, Dundas Co., Ontario, 
Canada. They have children as follows: Nannie, 
born at Put-in-Bay, July 15, 1858; Diantha F., born 
Jan. 13, 1864, and died Nov. 20, 1875; Frank W., 
born September, 1867 ; Stuard, born Nov. 13, 1873. 

Simon Fox came to North Bass in 1852, and, in 
conjunction with his brother Peter, bought two-thirds 
of the island, from which they sold off from time to 
time to actual settlers. Rimon still retains fifty-five 



acres on the east side of the island for a permanent 
home. Having great fiiitii in the climate and soil 
for grape-culture, he planted out, in 1860, the first 
acre of grapes on the island, and has steadily in- 
creased until he has now twenty acres under cultiva- 
tion. Besides the grapes, he pays considerable atten- 
tion to other fruits, of which he has an abundant 
supply in their proper sca-sons. In addition to his 
farm and vineyards, he carries on a fishing business, 
the annual sales of which are about $2000. 

Mr. Fox's beautiful home is located on the east 
side of the island, his residLMirc standing but a few 
hundred feet from the lake, the land gradually slop- 
ing down to the water's edge. He has a tower which 
overlooks the island and gives a beautiful view of 
the whole group. A windmill throws water to all 
parts of his extensive grounds. These, in connec- 
tion with his wharf, fish- and boat-houses, all models 
of neatness and convenience, make this one of the 
most homelike and desiniblo spot>< on the island. 
Here, amid these beautiful surroundings, lives Simon 
Fox, with his estimable family, dispensing hospitality 
to all who may chance to come within tlicir domain. 



li 



i 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



521 



Simon Fox, Esi[. ; 
Pliilip Vroman, 
E.sij. : supervisor, 
five votes polled. 



twenty acres ; Ballast Isle, ten acres ; Gibraltar, five 
acres ; Buckeye Isle and Glacial, alias Starve Island, 
about two acres each : three thousand one hundred 
and twenty-nine acres in the townshii). 

The first election for township officers was held in 
1861 : Trustees John Stone, Esq., William Rehberg, 
Esq., and Peter Fox, Esq.; justices of the peace, 
clerk, V. Dollar, Esq.: treasurer, 
Esq.; constable, William Axtel, 
George Caldwell, Esq. ; twenty- 
There is at tlie present time. 1879, 
a voting population of two hundred in the township, 
and a po]mlation of one thousand three hundred. 
There is a nice church and i)arsonage on Put-in-Bay. 
Also, the islands are well supplied with first-class 
school-houses and teachers. Put-in-Bay Island Wine 
Company built their cellar in 1871, with a storage 
capacity of one liundred and twenty-five thousand 
gallons. In 187S the company pressed seventy-five 
thousand gallons. The principal private cellars are 
Max Van Doren, eight thousand gallons: Lawrence 
Miller's estate, stone-arched cellar, twenty thousand 
gallons : also. Casper Schraidt's collar, fifteen thous- 
and gallons capacity. 

Hotels.— Put-in-Bay House commenced in 1864. 
Messrs. Moore & West made additions to the Manor 
House in 1868 ; Captain -Moore sold to Dr. Elder. 
The new firm, Messrs, West & Elder, made exten- 
sive improvements; in 1870, Colonel' Sweeney pur- 
chased the interest of Dr. Elder, changing the firm 
•"o ilessrs. West & Sweeney. Shortly after parties 
from Cincinnati purchased an interest, and the new 
firm of Messrs. Sweeney, West & Co. was started. 
The hotel had now grown to the capacity of eight 
hundred guests, with a possibility of one thousand. 
This house was destroj'ed by fire August 31, 1878. 
Beebe House. — Henry Beebe, Esq., purchased of 
Captain Cooper his hotel in 1871, and immediately 
commenced the erection of the present building. It 
is pleasantly located, fronting the bay, and can ac- 
commodate four hundred guests. The Hunker 
Hotel is pleasantly situated, fronting the grove on 
the bay, built in 1871, A. Hunker, proprietor, and 
can accommodate one hundred and fifty guests. 
There are several others of less pretensions, besides 
private boarding houses, where visitors may find a 
•luiet home. In 1864, A. B. Richmond established 
the Putin-Bay Museum, with a collection of ten 
thousand curiosities collected from all parts of the 
world. 

I expected to give the statistics of the fisheries, but 
owing to the dealers failing to furnish the necessary 
figures, as they agreed to, we will not be able to. In 
1854, five pounds were all that was used ; now, in 
1879, fifty-five pounds are annually fished in this 
township. Mr. A. J. Stoll, of Sandusky, sent to me 
the number of pounds of fish handled by him from 
this township in 1878, amounting to one hundred 
and forty-four thousand five hundred and fifteen 
pounds. The five or six other dealers failed to send 

66 



figures. Messrs. Idler & Webster have a very fine 
store, dry goods and ^oceries, crockery, &c. ; Mr. 
Chris. Dollar a shoe store ; Clinton Idler, Esq., Cus- 
tom-House officer. So, you see, Uncle Sam has not 
left us entirely out in the cold. 

Ballast Isle is owned by the Cleveland Club; they 
have a fine club, house, and the island is pretty well 
covered with cottages, where their owners from the 
Forest City go, and while away an idle hour on their 

niCAL'TIFUL ISLE OF TlIK SE.V. 

Floral Isle, alias Middle Bass Isle. — The first land 
purchased by actual settlers on this island, was made 
by Mr. John Lutes and William Rehberg, E,sq., in 
1857. William Rehberg bought fifty acres on the 
west point, and Jolni Lutes purchased one hundred 
acres on the east point of the island, both to secure 
fishings, not knowing then the intrinsic value of the 
land. On the 17th of October, 1859, Andrew Wehrle, 
Esq., Joseph Miller, George Caldwell and William 
Rehberg purchased the balance of the island, six 
hundred acres, for which they paid twelve thousand 
dollars, and immediately commenced improving tlieir 
lands, and selling to actual settlers. All of the above 
named party commenced the cultivation of the vine, 
and each set small vineyards. The pioneers, with 
their small beginnings, did not fully realize the' im- 
portance of their work; the two or three acres set in 
1860, is now, 1879, represented by four hundred and 
fifteen acres of vineyard, viz. : two hundred and sixty- 
one acres of Catawba: Delaware, seventy-two acres; 
Concord, sixty-one acres; balance — Ives, Norton, 
Clinton, etc.; number of pounds of grapes in 1878, 
one million three hundred and thirty-eight thousand. 

In 1863, Andrew Wehrle, Esq., pressed the first 
wine; on New Year eve his neighbors called in to 
sample his wine, and occasionally through the even- 
ing, repeated the course, when, lo, there was left 
none to sample; the experiment ^vo\gA a. stimulant, 
resulting in all hands going into the culture of the 
vine, which has grown to vast proportions above the 
most sanguine expectations of all parties. The first 
barrel sampled is now represented by ihe pressing of 
1878 — three hundred thousand gallons. Andrew 
Wehrle, Esq., commenced the manufacture of wine 
in 1865, in his cellar under his dwelling house. He 
pressed five thousand gallons; his business rapidly 
increasing, made it necessary to build a cellar. In 
1870, ho built a solid arched cellar of thirty thousand 
gallons' capacity; business still increasing. Mr. 
Wehrle took as jiartners M. Werk & Sons, under the 
firm of Wehrle, Werk & Sons. In 1871, the new firm 
built four new arched cellars, and up to the present 
time (1879) three additional cellars, which give a 
storage capacity of over three hundred thousand 
gallons, and no room to spare in; addition to above, 
the firm are now having built in Cincinnati two casks 
of the storage capacity of twenty-five thousand gal- 
lons, which casks will be set up in tiie cellar now be- 
ing prepared for them at the firm's Golden Eagle 



522 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



Wine cellars on Middle Bass Isle. There is located 
on the laud of William Reliberg, Esq., west point of 
Floral Isle, the Toledo and Lake Erie Boating and 
Fishing Association. They have a commodious club 
surrounded by cottages owned by the members, where 
they come and spend the summer with their families. 
Post oflBce established in 1864; Andrew Wehrle, Esq., 
postmaster. 

Isle St. George, alias North Bass, is four miles 
iiorth of Put-in-Bay. one and one half miles north of 
Middle Bass, and lies directly in route of steamers 
plying to and from Detroit and Sandusky. Roswold 
Nichols, Esq., was the first permanent settler on 
the Island. In 1844 he moved to the island. In 1845 
he took a lease of the island. Dr. C. DeKav Town- 
send made his first trip to the islands for that purpose. 
It took a plump week to make the round trip. No 
steamboats in those days. A Mr. Demmon, of Roch- 
ester. New York, owned the island and sold it, includ- 
ing Rattlesnake Isle, to Horace Kelley, for twenty- 
eight hundred dollars. 1849, George W. Wires, 
Es(i., purchased of Mr. Kelley one hundred and thir- 
t3'-two acres, at five dollars an acre. Same year, Ros- 
wold Nichols bought of Kelly one hundred and four- 
teen acres, at five dollars per acre. 1853, Simon Fox 
and Peter Fox purchased the balance of the island, 
five hundred acres, for which they paid three thousand 
dollars. 1858 and 1859. they set the first grapes, 
about one acre, which proved a perfect success. Still 
the island moved slow until 1860, when the interest 
in the fruit business induced Dr. Townsend, J. K. 
Drake, E. Kinney, George H. Smith, W. D. Lindsly, 
Charles K. Minor, Davis Smith, Esq., H. G. Fox, 
Esq., to invest largely, and go to work with the 
earlier inhabitants to develope the latent wealth of 
the island. The result is four hundred and five acres 
of vineyard, viz: two hundred and five acres of Ca- 
tawba; one hundred and thirteen acres of Delaware; 
thirty-four acres of Concord; ten acres of Schraidt's 
seedling; ten acres Norton's Virginia; fifteen acres 
Clintons; ten acres Ives' Seedling, Wilder, Salem and 
lona. In 1878, one million pounds of grapes were 
gathered. In 1859, Captam H. G. Fox purchased 
Rattlesnake Isle, containing sixty acres, for one thous- 
and dollars. He planted one acre of Catawba grapes. 
Afterward he sold the island to David Hammond, 
Esq., who resides on the island — tlie only family. 

Post office established on Isle St. George, in 1873; 
Peter Fox, postmaster. 

In 1871, the people of the -island built a solid, dou- 
ble arched wine cellar, fifty by one hundred feet. In- 
cluding the structure over the cellars, this will store 
one hundred and twenty-five thousand gallons of 
wine. At the present time grape buyers from abroad 
inxrchase all the grapes raised, principally for wine. 
The grapes raised on this island command a better 
price than those raised elsewhere, liecause of their 
superior quality. The perfect drainage, fine elevation 
above the lake, and properties in the soil, gives this 
island a decided advantage over all other localities. 



The educational^ privileges are represented by our 
public school syste i. The first school teacher was 
Miss Marion Dutcher, in 1857. 

Isle St. George is set off by the legislature into a 
separate precinct, some forty votes. The steamboat 
accommodation is perfect. The steamboat "Jay 
Cooke," G. A. Brown, master, makes daily trips 
between Sandusky and the Islands, lying at Put-in- 
Bay nights; steamboat "Alaska," L. B. Goldsmith, 
master, daily trips from Detroit to Sandusky, touch- 
ing at the Islands each way; steamboat " Chief 
Justice Waite," E. McNelley, master, through the 
business season, daily from Toledo to Put-in-Bay. 
We must not slight the "Golden Eagle," Fred. 
Magle, master. She is the early hird, and late, 
always on the wing ; and the steamboat "B. B. 
Ferris, Captain Frej'ensee, from Put-in-Bay, via the 
Peninsula route to Sandusky, daily. 

There is not another rural district in any State, 
or country, that will compare with the improvements 
here, that depends on the product of the soil for a 
business. Put-in-Bay township, as a summer resort, 
take it all in all, has no equal. The sanitary condi- 
tions are very fine. Of one thing there remains no 
doubt, a-nd that is, although there is nothing striking 
or grand in the scenery of these islands, yet, taken 
altogether, they form a scene of surpassing loveliness 
and beauty. "There is always a quiet, dream-like 
stillness resting on the calm water, in the shade of 
the trees and vines, so much in contrast with the 
bustle and excitement of city life, that it comes to the 
excited brain like a sweet rest to the traveler, at the 
close of a long and toilsome journey. 

But here, on this Peninsula shore of Lake Erie, 
and upon its islands, the grape flourishes in unri- 
valed luxuriance, and even the banks of the Ohio, 
the first stronghold of the Catawba, have been forced 
to yield a precedence to its northern rival. Many 
crops are useful, but few, in themselves, beautiful. 
Digging potatoes, for example, can never figure on 
the poet's jjage. But everything connected with a 
vineyard is full of beauty, whether it be the green 
leaves and twining tendrils of the spring, the bunches 
slowly turning in the hot midsummer sun, the first 
picking in early fall, when the long aisles are filled 
with young girls, making merry over their work, or 
the last in-gathering of the Indian summer, when the 
late ripening bunches, hanging on the trellises, shine 
through the vineyards in red-purple gleams, as far as 
the eye can reach. Nothing can be more lovely than 
the islands in this golden season. Dionysius hiniself 
would have loved them. The water is blue and tran- 
quil, for even in a gale the fury does not enter here 
among the land-locked harbors. On all sides stand 
the islets, some large, some small, some vine-clad and 
inhabited, others rocky and wild. The trees glow 
with color, and weeping down to the water's edge, 
send a In-illiant reflection far out from shore. And 
over all is spread the dreamy haze of Indian summer. 



HISTOKY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



523 



more beautiful when resting on th-' water, or deepen- 
ing here and there upon an ishmdV than it ever can be 
upon the level main land. 

Gibraltar island, a rock in the water, the key to 
the bay, where Commodore Perry placed his .sentinel, 
is crowned by a villa, whose tower forms a picturesque 
point in the landscape, and upon its summit is a 
memorial of the immortal Perry, placed there by Jay 



Cooke, Esq., overlooking the scene of the battle of 
Lake Erie. 

" Where the great Lake's sunny smiles, 
Dimple round its hundred isles, 
And Gibi-altar's granite ledge, 
Cleaves the water like a wedge : 
Ringed about with smooth, gray stones. 
Over waters, island strewn. 
Over silver sanded beach. 
Leaf-locked bay and misty reach. 
Watch and ward Gibraltar keeps." 









^'m>^^ ^A^l '/^f J/^^t^2c/i^^^ A. OLA J ^ ifl('j. 



^J'y'i^'-VLu/VU y 11^/-^^ Ary\U}(. 



524 



HISTORY OF HURON AND ERIE COUNTIES, OHIO. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



CHARLES DeKAY TOWNSEND, M. D. 

Born ill the city of Albany, State of New York, 
February 13, 1830; first son of Solomon DeKay 
Townsend, born in New York City, May 35, 1784, and 
Esther Mary Cannon, his wife, born in Norwalk, Con- 
necticut, December 7, 1793; married August 38, 1814, 
to whom four children were born, viz. : Sarah Cannon 
Townsend, first daughter, born July 37, 1815, depart- 
ed this life August 11, 1815, aged sixteen days: Sarah 
Cannon Townsend, second daughter, born June 37, 
1817, departed this life October 39, 1841, aged twen- 
ty-four years and four months; Charles DeKay Town- 
send, first son, born February 13, 1830; Atsalom 
Cannon Townsend, second son, born December 8, 1833. 

Solomon DeKay Townsend, fourth son of Absalom 
Townsend, born November 31, 1743, and Helen De- 
Kay, his wife, born August 33, 1846. Solomon De- 
Kay Townsend died 1834, aged fifty-one years and 
eleven months. Esther Mary Cannon Townsend died 
1853, aged sixty years and ten months. 

The subject of this sketch, having received a fair 
education, commenced the study of medicine and 
surgery under the tuition of his uncle, Charles D. 
Townsend, M. D., at Albany, New York; attended 
lectures at the Albany Medical College, and graduated 
A. D. 1843. While a student he made a trip to Nor- 
walk, Huron county, Ohio, year 1840, for the purpose 
of looking after his mother's estate (Charles L. Boalt, 
Esq., of Norwalk, and George Reber, Esq., of San- 
dusky City, our attorneys), — his mother, in common 
with others, seeking relief by an equal distribution of 
the Fire-lands, as represented in the annexation on 
Sandusky bay. Business all satisfactory, he pur- 
chased a horse, saddle and bridle, and started for his 
eastern home, six Iiundred miles, on horseback. 

1840 — Who, that saw the log cabin in the woods, 
log cabins on wheels, log cabins everywhere, with 
Tippecanoe and Tyler, too, would be likely to forget 
the political crusade to Fort iEeigs. He met them 
on their winding way. Messrs. Boalt and Reber 
made a request of the eastern claimants, to select a 
suitable person and send hini to Ohio to assist them, 
and to attend to outside office work jjcrtaining to their 
law suits. Dr. C. D. K. Townsend was chosen, and 
immediately went west in 1843, with his horse and 



sulky. He drove to Sandusky City, where he re- 
mained nearly two years, when the case was ready for 
a hearing. Sandusky not suiting the Doctor for a 
field of practice, he went, in the year 1844, to the city 
of Rochester, New York, and opened an oflice on 
Exchange street. To attend to his mother's estate, 
the Doctor moved back to Sandusky City in 1846. 
The year 1849 was a memorable one for .Sandusky, 
and all concerned. The first case of cholera in San- 
dusky, July 1st, was Mrs. Allen. Dr. Tilden attend- 
ed and the patient died. The second case was Mrs. 
Hiram Allen's daughter-in-law. Dr. Townsend was 
called and the patient recovered. The cholera be- 
came very bad, and the inhabitants, panic stricken, 
left by every available means and in every direction. 
Doctor Townsend stood at his post of duty and made 
his headquarters at the mayor's office. John M. 
Brown, Esq., was mayor of the city. He stood at his 
post while thousands fled; watched over and cared for 
the stricken city and its inhabitants. Several physi- 
cians left the city, others became exhausted. Dr. 
Townsend waited no longer to be sent for, but sought 
after and attended the afflicted wherever found, until 
relieved by volunteer physicians from abroad. His 
brother, A. C. Townsend, also rendered valuable as- 
sistance. 

On the 3d of July, 1854, Charles DeKay Townsend, 
M. D., and Mrs. Mary Sherman Combes, widow of W. 
W. Combes, M. D., second daughter of John Sher- 
man, Esq., and ^largaret Hinchman, his wife, were 
united in marriage at Ridgeville, Lorain county, 
Ohio. To them were born three children, viz. : Hel- 
ena, first 'daughter, born June 6, 1855; Virginia, sec- 
ond daughter, born February 14, 1857; Orion DeKay, 
first son, born February 3, 1859. 

The Doctor continued in the active duties of his 
profession till the year 1865, when failing health 
caused him to change his business, and with his fam- 
ily he moved to Put-iu-Bay township, Ottawa count}-, 
Ohio, and purchased land on Isle St. George, where 
he may be found, iinless absent on professional busi- 
ness, engaged in the culture of the vine and other 
fruits. 

"I looked: aside the dust cloud rolled: 
The Master seemed the builder, too; 
Up-springing from the ruined old 
I saw the new." 



ERRATUM. 

' instead of ja.SO. 






Page 113— Total for Wheatsborough "Sill, 60,' 
Page ]:;«— First birth was December 13, 1812, 
Page ISS— Read 15th of " Ma}-,";nstead of April. 
Page i:J3— Read ' Dr. John Wood," instead of John McLean. 
Page 137— Read "forty-five times," instead i f forty. 
Page !47— Read Huron Royal Arch Chapter No. "7," instead of 1. 
Page US-Charter returned " 1845." instead of ISIS. 
Page ISO— To children of William Gallup (.'jth) add, after Mrs. Lyttle, 
(Mrs. Frederick Himt), now of Orodelfan, Colorado." 



' Eliza 



ft%^^ 



-C ud 10 



^ 




LORENZ MULLER. 



The subject of this sketch was the son of Lorenz Verena 
MiiJlf- nud was born at Schopfheim, Wiesenthal, Baden, 
Germanj, Sept. 11, 1831. At the age of twenty -one years 
he cam'; to America, and in 1854 located on South Bass 
(Put-in-Bay) Island, where he was married. May 2G, 1860, 
to HenriettCj daughter of Henry and Henriette Foye. She 
was born at 1 lunschweig, German^-, June 30, 1842. She 
came to this country with her parents in 1854, and with 
them to South Bass Island in 1855, where she still resides, 
on the east part of the island, in the beautiful home which 
her husband and herself so industriously built up. They 
had born to them four sons, as follows : 

George Frederick, burn May 2, 1861 ; Frank Joseph, 
born Sept. 1, 1862 ; Henry Tiieodore, born Oct. 11, 1873 ; 
Lorenz, born Oct. 26, 1875. 

We can, perhaps, pay no better tribute to this estimable 
man than to quote a few lines written by one who knew 
hiui Well, and published at the time of his death : 

Put-in-I5ay, Fob. 28. 

It is painful in no small degree to record the death of 
Lorenz Miiller, of this place. He was engaged in hauling 
materials for a new building, and by overwork, it is sup- 
posed, brought on bilious pneumonia, which terminated his 
life in eight days. Had he known the nature of his dis- 
ease, his life might have been saved ; but he mistook it for 
common cold, and thought to work it off as he had often 
done before. This so aggravated the disease that, when he 
gave up, he was past all help, and told his physician tliat 
his case was hopeless. The doctor, Charles 1). Townscnd, 
encouraged him, and soon both entertained hopes of his 



recovery ; but the disease set in again with renewed ene: 
and soon brought him to death. He died on Friday, 1 
26, 1875, and was buried on Sunday, the 28th. His fun 
was attended by over three hundred persons, being 
largest ever seen on these islands. He was comparati' 
a young man, and with high hope and great energy to c 
plcte the schemes of his life. The whole communit 
deeply moved by his death, partly because it was so ui 
pected, but mainly because of the great esteem in whicl 
was held by his friends and neighbors. His whole life 
a practical commentary on the noble virtues of an upr: 
man. lie commenced his course at the bottom rounc 
the ladder, and, by honest industry and fair means, aetju 
a handsome fortune. But the peculiar beauty of his 
is that, while earnestly and eagerly engaged in the pur 
of wealth, he never manifested a sordid selfishness 
common in business-life, but always so dealt that, while 
property increased, others could not but rejoice at his p 
perity, and no man ever said of him that he acquired 
gains by sharp dealing or unfair means. His honesty 
liberality were the remark of all who knew him. No j 
man seeking to rise by his own endeavors ever askec 
him a.ssistance and did not receive it. Indeed, they 
not, in his neighborhood, have to ask assistance ; it 
rendered without. And many owe their success in 
to his helping hand. In his death this community 
lost one of its most loved, most able, and most impor 
men. It does not often fall to the lot of man to h 
deeply and so extensively mourned at his death ;ls is Loi 
Miiller. 



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